Free attractions and days out in Scotland

See masterpieces, climb aboard historic vehicles, uncover local stories and encounter everything from cutting-edge contemporary art to science and engineering at Scotland’s free museums and galleries.

Explore:

• Riverside Museum – climb aboard a historic tram, wander down recreated Glasgow streets and explore the cars, locomotives and other vehicles that powered the city’s transport story.
• Aberdeen Art Gallery – explore fine and decorative art – including a rare portrait of Queen Victoria – in an award-winning gallery at the heart of the Granite City.
• National Gallery of Scotland – escape the bustle of Princes Street and marvel at the Bridgewater Collection – the most precious private collection of Old Master paintings on loan to a museum anywhere in the world.
• McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum – take in 400 million years of history inside this striking Gothic Revival building, with collections spanning fossils and Pictish carved stones to Scottish artworks and the city’s whaling heritage.
• Pier Arts Centre – see an inspiring collection of modern and contemporary art overlooking Stromness harbour where local Orcadian art sits alongside major pieces by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, and more.

Follow woodland trails beneath soaring Scots pine trees, wander across wild beaches or escape into a natural tapestry of misty mountains, lochs and open skies. Scotland’s great outdoors is yours to explore – and many of its most memorable experiences won’t cost you a penny.

• St Cyrus National Nature Reserve – follow trails through Aberdeenshire’s dramatic coastal scenery, grasslands and wildflower-strewn dunes.
• Argyll Forest Park – wander through bluebell woodlands and follow easy trails along rivers, sandy beaches, and lochs with dramatic mountain backdrops in Britain’s oldest forest park.
• Camperdown Country Park – Dundee’s largest park boasts an impressive history of rare and exotic species, filled with tree and plant life. 
• Lauriston Castle grounds – savour the tranquillity of the garden with its flowing waters, reflective stones, ornamental bridges, and lovely views over the Firth of Forth.

Go beyond the museums and trace centuries of Scottish history at an array of historic attractions. Step inside ancient churches and castles and unearth tales from Scotland’s past while seeking out hidden ruins and landmarks.

• St Magnus Cathedral – step inside Orkney’s magnificent red sandstone cathedral in Kirkwall, founded in the 12th century.
• Greyfriars Kirkyard – wander among the ornate mausoleums and headstones of one of the Edinburgh’s most atmospheric and storied graveyards.
• Clava Cairns – explore a remarkably well-preserved prehistoric burial complex stretching back around 4,000 years near Inverness.
• Kilchurn Castle – let your imagination take flight at the haunting ruin of the Campbell stronghold on the shores of Loch Awe, surrounded by mist-shrouded Highland scenery of Argyll.

Discover some historic attractions which are free to visit – Historic Environment Scotland

From Hogmanay fire festivities and free Fringe shows to colourful Highland games and glimpses behind the doors of some of Scotland’s most unusual buildings and places, Scotland’s calendar is packed with events you can enjoy for free.

Look out for events throughout the year, including:

• Doors Open Days – peek behind the doors of fascinating buildings ordinarily closed to the public across Scotland during September.
• Stonehaven Fireballs – welcome the New Year as performers swing blazing fireballs above their heads on a procession through the streets of this Aberdeenshire harbour town.
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe – experience the world’s biggest performing arts festival with hundreds of free shows, including comedy, theatre, music and more, on offer each August.
• Nairn Highland Games – every August, listen to the sound of bagpipes, watch the famous caber toss or see Highland dancing in all its glory in this seaside town.