Time Out has named Orkney as Scotland's best place to visit in 2025, praising its unique cultural identity, wind-battered coasts, and archaeological heritage. The archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, will host the Orkney Folk Festival in May and the 2025 International Island Games in July. Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, also made the list at number 15, thanks to its year-long 850th birthday celebrations.
Scotland 's 2025 'best place to visit' has been named by Time Out . While 2025 has just begun, it is never too early to plan a holiday. With Scotland being home to so many incredible cities and breathtaking islands, there is no reason to even leave the country. On Thursday, Time Out published a list of the '15 best places to visit in the UK in 2025'. The highest-placing Scottish destination is Orkney , coming in at number four on the UK-wide roundup.
The archipelago is situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland, and is part of the Northern Isles along with Shetland. It is home to more than 70 islands and islets, of which around 20 are inhabited. Time Out praised Orkney's 'cultural identity' and 'wind-battered coasts'. It also singled out its archaeology and heritage, with the island chain home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. The magazine recommended May as a top time to travel to Orkney, thanks to the relatively lower rainfall. In May, the Orkney Folk Festival will also be taking place across the archipelago — featuring performances from leading artists from around the world. Time Out also suggested that visitors head to the archipelago in July, when it will be hosting the 2025 International Island Games. The multi-sports event will see participants from around the world compete in events such as football, swimming, and gymnastics. Time Out wrote: 'It’s not exactly conveniently located, but this archipelago of 70 islands has a cultural identity so unique it feels like it’s in a world of its own. Hike wind-battered coasts, oggle over neolithic archaeology and feast on a food and drink scene punching well above its weight.' Scottish getaways Elsewhere, the only other Scottish destination to appear on the list is Glasgow. The country's largest city comes in at number 15. In 2025, Glasgow will be celebrating its 850th birthday with a year-long programme of events. Among the highlights are a 'Taste the Place' experience in April celebrating the city's food scene and a Clyde Chorus procession around Pacific Quay in May led by the Lord Provost. Meanwhile, Time Out praised Glasgow's 'major sporting events, world-class concerts, great arts and culture venues'. It also singled out its 'many beautiful parks', with Kelvingrove Park and Pollok Country Park being among the most popular. Elsewhere, topping Time Out's list as the best place in the UK to visit in 2025 is Folkestone in Kent. The coastal town was applauded for its 'ever-growing culinary scene, its balmy, sweeping beach and surrounding areas of natural beauty'. The full list of the 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2025 can be found on the Time Out website. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here
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