Scotland's prettiest harbour and seaside towns
Take in the beauty of Scotland in these picturesque coastal spots
Scotland is loved around the world for its wild rural beauty, cultural hotspots like Glasgow and Edinburgh, and picturesque harbour and seaside towns.
Its iconic coastline is particularly spectacular, dotted with quaint waterfront villages where the nation’s ancient traditions are kept alive. There’s a reason this ruggedly beautiful coast is high on our list for a UK staycation.
You’ll witness awe-inspiring wildlife, like regal stags, soaring seabirds and perhaps even mysterious minke whales. And as you hop from town to town you’ll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in two of the Scottish coast’s most famous and delicious exports: malt whisky and fresh seafood.
The mesmerising beauty and tranquillity of Scotland’s islands is as inviting as its mainland coast, which is why we’re inviting Good Housekeeping readers on an 11-day cruise around the Scottish Hebrides.
You’ll stop off at several delightful seafront towns, and get to learn about their local history and traditions. There’s a dose of modern fun too, thanks to lovely restaurants and exciting outdoor activities available.
Or you might prefer a four-day Scottish steam-themed trip, where you'll ride an iconic train and visit the seaside town of Mallaig.Another is an exclusive eight-day cruise around the Scottish Highlands and islands, where you'll be joined by TV weather star and Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood. On this holiday, you'll visit the pretty coastal towns of Oban and Tobermory.
Alternatively, you could get to know TV broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark on a five-night cruise on a yacht-style ship that explores various locations including Oban and Tobermory.
To give you a taste of what you can see along the way and inspire you to visit some of Scotland’s most locations, we’ve rounded up some of Scotland's prettiest harbour and seaside towns to visit.
From Oban to Morar, these are the harbour and seaside towns to visit in Scotland.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Probably Scotland’s most famous port thanks to the CBeebies show Balamory, you’ll instantly recognise the bright colours of the charming houses lining the town’s main street by the harbour.
Legend has it a ship from the Spanish Armada sank here in the 1500s while fleeing the English fleet, and that it was full solid gold bullion - but none has ever been found! Nowadays the picturesque port and the island’s romantic feel have made it a trendy spot for weddings.
See the colourful houses of Tobermory on a spring-time cruise with Carol Kirkwood, where you'll meet the weather presenter and visit the Isle of Skye, Isle of Iona and more.
Visit Tobermory during a six-day October cruise, where you'll be joined by broadcaster Kirsty Wark. You'll also visit Loch Ness and Oban on a yacht-style cruise ship.
Spend two nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, which is 30 minutes from Tobermory. With a two-night spa package, you'll enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast, afternoon tea, spa treats and a thermal spa experience.
Mallaig, Scottish Highlands
A picturesque seaside town along Scotland's famous Road to the Isles, Mallaig is a terminus for the West Highland Railway. The Jacobite steam train, made famous by the Harry Potter films, follows the Road to the Isles from Fort William.
Once you arrive in Mallaig, you can wander around the harbour area, hike the town's Circular Walk or go on a wildlife cruise to spot porpoises and seals. Mallaig is also a gateway to the Isle of Skye and visitors can travel there in 45 minutes by ferry.
Good Housekeeping has a four-day Scottish steam trip in June and July, which includes a ride on the legendary Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. You'll then have time to explore the coastal town and stop for a seafood lunch if you wish.
Bowmore, Islay
Bowmore is the capital of ‘whisky isle’ Islay, in the Inner Hebrides. For a little town, Bowmore has a lot to offer, with plenty of cosy pubs and restaurants. It's also probably the only place in the world you can grab a Hebridean pizza - or 'peat-za' - topped with crab and lobster.
Bowmore has a strong crafting heritage, and you'll see potters, quilters and artists in their workshops. Islay Woollen Mill, near Bridgend, made tartan clothes for Mel Gibson in Braveheart, as well as Liam Neeson's kilt in Rob Roy.
Visit Bowmore during Good Housekeeping's 11-day island hopping cruise around the Hebrides, which stops in a dozen of the beautiful isles.
Or, you can visit Bowmore on Good Houskeeping’s cruise of the unique coastline of the British Isles.
Nairn, Scottish Highlands
Another Highland gem, this popular seaside town is one of Scotland’s sunniest spots, and boasts three beautiful beaches which make great places to chill out in summer, or take long walks (with or without your pooch).
As well as the sandy beaches, you can enjoy the romantic backdrop of Culbin Forest, and nature-lovers should keep an eye out for dolphins, minke whales, seals and rare birds along the coast.
Check in to the glorious Golf View Hotel & Spa for a two-night spa break in Nairn. Good Housekeeping has an exclusive hotel package including a stay with dinner, bed and breakfast, afternoon tea, spa gifts and a thermal spa experience.
Oban, Argyll and Bute
Oban means ‘little bay’ in Gaelic, and the harbour looks out towards the wild and rugged Inner Hebrides islands. Panoramic views of magical landscapes, including the ruins of Dunollie Castle, make for amazing pictures, which is probably why Queen Victoria declared Oban "one of the finest spots we have seen" after visiting.
The town is also famous for its amazing seafood and great range of outdoor activities - if you’re feeling adventurous, then head out for a bit of sea kayaking, sailing or a wildlife-spotting boat trip.
Explore Oban on a boutique cruise in the Scottish Highlands and exploring the islands. You'll be joined by TV weather star Carol Kirkwood who give a talk about her life growing up in Scotland and her career, including her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
You can spend six days getting to know the hidden sea lochs, the Caledonian Canal and pretty Oban on a trip with journalist Kirsty Wark and Good Housekeeping this October.
Alternatively, make Oban your base by checking in to the Oban Bay Hotel for a two-night seaside break. You'll have breakfast each morning, freshly made afternoon tea, a thermal spa experience, spa treats and dinner on both nights.
Stornaway, Isle of Lewis
Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis and the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The town grew around the trade brought to the island by its sheltered harbour.
As you stroll along the harbourfront you’ll hear fishermen shouting as the catch of the day comes into the quay, before being delivered to the island’s amazing eateries to be turned into fine seafood dishes. Another of the town’s landmarks is the Victorian Lews Castle, which has a rich history and pretty grounds to be explored.
You can see Stornoway on Good Housekeeping’s cruise around Britain’s coastline, where you'll also visit Fishguard, St Kilda and the Isles of Scilly.
Or explore Stornaway on Good Housekeeping's 11-day Hebrides cruise, which takes you to a dozen Inner and Outer Hebrides islands.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Colourful fishermen’s cottages line the natural harbour at Portree on the Isle of Skye, which you’ll fall in love with straight away for its old-world charm and calm, timeless atmosphere.
Grab fish and chips from The Harbour chippy and settle down for a spot of people watching, then spend the rest of your day exploring the hills and woodland behind you - or simply soaking up the gentle rhythms of this remote Scottish port. Heaven!
Plockton, Scottish Highlands
Known as the ‘Jewel of the Highlands’, Plockton is a lovely little waterside village surrounded by a classic Highland landscape of pine trees and snow-capped mountains.
The glassy waters of Loch Carron are often busy with yachts and small fishing boats, and a handful of great restaurants mean it’s a great destination for foodies too - but it’s just as much a place for simply breathing in some fresh air and re-energising body and soul.
Morar, Scottish Highlands
The Highlands and islands of Scotland are famed for their white beaches which, when the weather is right, look like they could almost pass as the Caribbean. Perhaps the most beautiful among them are the Silver Sands of Morar, a spectacular string of white sandy beaches with panoramic views of Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.
Morar village itself is tiny, with just 200 inhabitants, but it has a large, historic hotel which offers panoramic views across the Silver Sands and the Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg.
Ullapool, Scottish Highlands
Tucked away in the magnificent Scottish Highlands, this historic harbour town is a great place for outdoor adventures, with stunning views of the ancient landscapes in Inverpolly National Nature Reserve.
Unsurprisingly it’s also a great spot for seafood if that’s your thing, and you’ll be well rewarded with a trip here. Try the Seafood Shack for a rustic taste of some of the most delicious fresh fish the UK has to offer.
St Abbs, Scottish Borders
St Abbs is a tiny fishing village on the south east coast of Scotland where you can wander between old fishermen’s cottages to the St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve. Here you can take in the wildly rugged landscapes that surround the village of St Abbs.
The reserve has 200 acres of wild coastline with cliffs rising 300ft above the water that provide a home for thousands of seabirds. Make it to the top of these and you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Berwickshire coast, which is especially dramatic at high tide on stormy days.
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