Following the start of June, Scotland's 'can't-miss' staycation destinations have been named by travel experts. Among the locations singled out is an idyllic coastal village previously used as a filming location for the historical drama series Outlander.
Culross: A Step Back in Time
On Monday, June 8, WorldAtlas shared a list of the '11 can't-miss' places in Scotland this summer, featuring iconic and picturesque locations across the country. One destination that cannot be missed, according to the travel experts, is the historic village of Culross in Fife.
Culross is considered the most complete example of a 17th and 18th century burgh in Scotland, with charming, peaceful streets lined with cobblestones and rustic cottages. Walking around, it feels like you have been transported back hundreds of years.
The most notable feature of the village is the ochre-coloured Culross Palace, built between 1597 and 1611. It features original painted woodwork and carefully restored 17th and 18th century interiors. One highlight is the kitchen garden, which perfectly recreates a 17th century garden.
Another must-visit in Culross is the Lockit Well, marked by a large blue plaque. Fed by a stream from the mountains, it was once the only water supply for Culross, with its name derived from the locking mechanism that controlled the water flow.
Outlander Filming Location
Culross has been used as a filming location for Outlander many times, appearing in seasons one, two, four, and seven, filmed between late 2013 and 2022. Culross Palace can be seen in various episodes, with its garden featuring as the fictional herb garden of Castle Leoch.
The village was praised by WorldAtlas for its many secluded streets, alleyways, and historic homes. The experts singled out Culross Palace as a highlight, along with Bessie's Cafe, which serves homemade soups, cakes, and scones.
WorldAtlas wrote: 'Cobblestone streets, hidden alleys, and preserved 17th-century houses await intrepid travellers looking to step back in time. It's no wonder that the historical TV show Outlander filmed here. The highlight is the ochre-coloured Culross Palace, which a wealthy merchant built in 1597. Antique furniture and interconnected passageways create a sense of mystery around every corner.'
'After visiting the palace, travellers can wander through its gardens before exploring the Royal Burgh of Culross, a beautifully preserved village where whitewashed and ochre homes are punctuated by flashes of red-tiled roofs. Bessie's Cafe is a great place to wind down, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.'
Melrose: A Historic Market Town
Another 'can't-miss' town in Scotland is Melrose in the Scottish Borders, situated next to the River Tweed at the foot of the picturesque Eildon Hills. This market town has a long history and is best known for the partly ruined Melrose Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.
As well as the Eildon Hills and Melrose Abbey, other highlights according to WorldAtlas include Priorwood Garden and Marmions Brasserie. Priorwood is a rustic walled garden historically dedicated to producing flowers for drying, while Marmions Brasserie is a neighbourhood bistro serving freshly cooked meals throughout the day.
The experts stated: 'The town of Melrose, which lies near the border of Scotland and England, has everything you need in a Scottish vacation. Wanderers can enjoy a network of paths around the gently sloping Eildon Hills. Local superstition shrouds these hills, and some even believe that King Arthur and his knights lie asleep beneath their mantle, victims of a spell.'
'Many visitors also visit the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey, which towers over the adjacent Priorwood Garden. Stop by the garden shop to pick up a bouquet of dried flowers, a longer-lasting souvenir that travels better than fresh blooms. For dinner, Melrose has plenty of options, including the French bistro Marmions Brasserie and the traditional Scottish Hoebridge.'
For the full list of 11 can't-miss towns in Scotland, visit the WorldAtlas website.
