Central Scotland & Tayside: The Best Things to Do

Central Scotland

Central Scotland encompasses the country’s central belt, sitting north of Edinburgh and Glasgow and including both Lowland and Highland areas.

The geography of Central Scotland is a delightful mix of rolling hills, lush farmlands, and vast lochs. The area is bounded by the Grampian Mountains to the north and the Southern Uplands to the south, offering a variety of terrains for all kinds of adventurers.

The landscape of Central Scotland is nothing short of breathtaking.

The Campsie Fells (north of Glasgow) and Ochil Hills (north of Stirling) offer a combination of rugged beauty and tranquillity, as does the River Forth, a major waterway, which flows through the region and merges with the River Teith a few miles west of Stirling.

Central Scotland also boasts a multitude of cities, towns and villages, each with their own unique charm.

Stirling, known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, is a city steeped in history, just like Falkirk which is another must-visit thanks to the impressive Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal.

Perth, once the capital of Scotland, is a great tourist destination as it features stunning architecture, a friendly community atmosphere, and the beautiful River Tay which separates the city from one of the country’s biggest attractions – Scone Palace, the former crowning place of Scotland’s royalty.

When it comes to attractions, Central Scotland does not disappoint.

Stirling Castle, a beautiful palace-fortress that rivals Edinburgh Castle, is an absolute must-see, just like the National Wallace Monument which commemorates Sir William Wallace and offers an incredible view of the city and the surrounding landscape.

For a unique experience, Helix Park and The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, are just a stone’s throw away while ancient sites like Dunblane Cathedral and Doune Castle (famous for appearing in TV shows such as ‘Outlander’) are an easy drive away.

Tayside

Tayside, a region in eastern Scotland, is a mesmerising combination of gorgeous scenery and rich history, yet it’s one of the least visited areas in Scotland.

Strategically located, Tayside is bordered by the North Sea to the east, the Grampian Mountains to the north, and the Central Lowlands to the south and west.

Its location makes it easily accessible from major Scottish cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as Aberdeen and Perth so it’s a great area to use as a base to explore Scotland.

Geographically, Tayside is a study in contrasts. The landscape varies between rugged mountains, the fertile plains of Strathmore (also known as ‘Scotland’s larder’), an exceptionally pretty coastline from Carnoustie to Montrose, and the 120-mile River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, which flows through the region.

This diverse geography provides a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna and makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts, especially at places like Seaton Cliffs Nature Reserve which is well known for its spectacular red sandstone cliffs.

Tayside also hosts a variety of towns and villages. Dundee, the region’s largest city, is a cultural hub that has become synonymous with innovative design due to the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum.

The city is also home to the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship and the McManus – one of the finest museums in the country.

The picturesque villages of Blairgowrie and Kirriemuir, meanwhile, are renowned for their quaint charm and offer a slower pace of life even though they’re close to major tourist attractions like Glamis Castle which is widely regarded as being one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles.

Additionally, nature lovers can explore the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve or hike into the depths of the Cairngorms National Park, while golfers can test their skills at the world-renowned Carnoustie Golf Links.

Find places to visit and things to do in Central Scotland & Tayside with these visitor guides.

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Craig Neil

Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions. Over the last 15 years he has explored Scotland from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders and he shares his travel experiences in Out About Scotland.