United Kingdom Animal, Castles & palaces, Mountain + Nature pictures

• Europe
• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

Surrounding the northern tip of the United Kingdom are nearly 800 individual islands, some inhabited, some not, but all beautiful. 

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this spacious sandy haven flanked by a miniature railway and an aquarium with Humboldt penguins.

Hike amid stunning natural scenery in one of Scotland’s most famous glens, famous for its beauty and infamous for its history.

Stroll along this spectacular bay and admire its turquoise waters, white sand and intriguing rock formations, including a precariously balanced stone.

Enjoy the impressive views from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse on the edge of a headland jutting into the Pentland Firth.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

Watch battle re-enactments among evocative medieval ruins and learn about the role this fort played in the English Civil War.

Hike amid stunning natural scenery in one of Scotland’s most famous glens, famous for its beauty and infamous for its history.

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Hike amid stunning natural scenery in one of Scotland’s most famous glens, famous for its beauty and infamous for its history.

Beloved by hikers, this unusual landscape is dotted with fractured rock formations, shimmering lochs and a hidden grassy plateau.

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Gaze out over this beautiful series of waterfalls, a popular tourist attraction for over a hundred years.

Tour a fascinating collection of Scottish islands to marvel at dramatic landscapes, explore ancient historical sites and see memorable wildlife.

A setting in one of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedies, this crenellated castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Beloved by hikers, this unusual landscape is dotted with fractured rock formations, shimmering lochs and a hidden grassy plateau.

The quaint, winding streets of Stromness are home to captivating museums and galleries, compelling historic landmarks and stunning natural views.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.