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How to Explore Scotland From Your Couch

If you’ve always wanted to visit Scotland, or see more of this amazing country, but you are currently unable to do so, I’ve got some good news for you.

You can immerse yourself in the amazing history, cities and landscapes of Scotland from the comfort of your own home.

I’ve put together a list of virtual tours of Scotland, including fascinating documentaries and Scottish museums that offer online tours. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your virtual journey through Scotland.

Virtual Tours of Scotland | The National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Virtual tours of Scottish attractions

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most interesting attractions in the country (I loved popping into this place when I lived Edinburgh!). You can take a virtual stroll through the museum’s galleries, thanks to the Google Arts & Culture’s Museum View experience.

Scottish Maritime Museum

The Scottish Maritime Museum is home to the MV Spartan, the only surviving Scottish-built ‘puffer’, and SY Carola, which is one of the oldest seagoing steam yachts in the world. The museum offers virtual tours of these two vessels as well as areas that are normally off-limits.

Surgeons’ Hall Museum

This museum in Edinburgh houses collections of surgical pathology and bone and tissue specimens, among other things, which you can explore on a virtual tour (not suitable for the faint of heart!).

Scottish Parliament Building | Virtual Tours of Scotland
The Scottish Parliament building. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Scottish Parliament

Love it or hate it, the Scottish Parliament building is one of the most unique of its kind in the world. You can explore the parliament building on virtual 360° tours of public areas, such as the Main Hall, the Members Lobby and the Debating Chamber.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and is one of the most stunning buildings in Edinburgh. The palace offers a virtual tour of three main sites; the Grand Stair, the Morning Drawing Room and the Royal Dining Room.

Blair Castle

Want to explore a beautiful Scottish castle from your own living room? Blair Castle in Pertshire offers a high-quality virtual tour of its beautiful gardens and chambers.

Edinburgh Castle | Virtual Tours of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle grounds. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Edinburgh Castle

Yep, that’s right – you can visit Edinburgh’s star attraction from home. Explore Edinburgh castle on a virtual tour. While you won’t be able to visit the museums and churches in the castle, you can enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh from the ramparts instead.

Scottish Isles

Sail Scotland has created a series of virtual reality videos that allow you to explore some of the most beautiful islands in Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, St. Kilda and the Outer Hebrides. Check out their YouTube channel.

The School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

The School of Divinity looks like (and sounds like) something out of a Harry Potter book. This school is housed within the New College building on the Mound, which you can explore on a virtual tour offered by the University of Edinburgh. Visit the library, stroll around the beautiful quad, and take in the views from the West Tower.

Rosslyn Chapel

If you’ve always wanted to see Rosslyn Chapel, I’ve got some good news for you. You can now take a virtual tour of this fascinating chapel, which achieved stardom after appearing in the Da Vinci Code.

Virtual Tours of Scotland
Castle Moyle on the Isle of Skye. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Documentaries about Scotland

A History of Scotland

In this documentary series, Neil Oliver, a Scottish historian and archaeologist, walks us through the history of Scotland since ancient times.

I’m a big fan of this documentary series – every episode is super engaging and compelling. I also recommend Neil Oliver’s book, A History of Scotland.

Highlands – Scotland’s Wild Heart

Narrated by Ewan McGregor, this documentary series takes you on an immersive trip across the Scottish Highlands and introduces you to the amazing wildlife found in this region, including otters, red squirrels and golden eagles.

Grand Tours of Scotland

In the Grand Tours of Scotland series, Paul Morton explores some of the most fascinating places in Scotland, from beautiful lochs and mountains to remote islands and little-known towns.

Secret Scotland

Susan Calman visits some of the most iconic locations in Scotland, including world-famous castles, and brings these places to life with engaging stories and little-known tales.

Need travel insurance?

SafetyWing provides global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world. You can purchase the insurance even if you’re already abroad!

Get your flight, bus & train tickets from one place!

Omio helps you find and compare flights, as well as bus, train, and ferry tickets.

You can manage your trips on the free app. You’ll also get live journey updates!

This post might contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission on any purchases made through the links in the post, at no extra cost to you.

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2 Responses

  1. Hi Daniela, amazing post, perfect to these times. I own a small tour operator located in Edinburgh, Wee Scotia Tours, and couldn’t resist to share your post with our followers. Many thanks! Very nice blog, congratulations!

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