• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-202485565763
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "scotland/central-scotland",
  "destination": "Central-Scotland",
  "title": "central-scotland",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Scotland",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Central Scotland

The country's historic roots are deeply embedded in central Scotland. Key battles around Stirling shaped the nation's fortunes; significant castles from the region's history pepper the landscape; and Perth, the former capital, is where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny.

A silver train rumbles along a section of track with wide green fields located on either side of the track and low mountains in the distance on a sunny day.

©Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock

Book
Scotland Travel Guide
Book

Scotland

Shop $26.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Central Scotland? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Scotland trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Scotland

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more

Top places to visit in Central Scotland

Discover the best attractions in Central Scotland from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-223427448208
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "scotland/central-scotland",
  "destination": "Central-Scotland",
  "title": "central-scotland",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Scotland",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Central Scotland

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Central Scotland and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-113276134294
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "scotland/central-scotland",
  "destination": "Central-Scotland",
  "title": "central-scotland",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Scotland",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}