This remote part of Scotland has been crowned one of the world’s best places to visit in 2025

If you love to travel, you’ve probably been to Paris. And Rome, and Vienna, and all the other ‘must-see’ places easily accessed from the UK. You’re probably bored of the regular suggestions, and in the mood for something a bit different for your next trip. That’s where National Geographic comes in.

The travel publication has dived into all this planet’s nooks and crannies, all the weird and wonderful spots you might not have thought of. National Geographic has specially curated a list of all the best places on Earth to visit in 2025, complete with hidden gems from Idaho to India. Although all of the choices are excellent (if we say so ourselves), some are harder for the average Brit to get to than others – which is what makes the Outer Hebrides so special.

Off Scotland’s west coast, this string of islands has finally made it big-time. The Outer Hebrides is 150 miles of mostly untouched Scottish scenery, complete with dramatic hills and cliffs, sandy beaches, and loads of wildlife. The chain of islands are all connected by bridges and ferries, so you can make your way from one end to another if you’ve got the time, patience, and weather-proof clothing.

National Geographic specifies that you should try the ‘ancient archipelago along the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route,’ which sounds like a pretty magical way to spend your next holiday. The mag also recommends timing your trip so that you don’t miss the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival, which takes place every July, and celebrates the local heritage and the Gaelic language. 

If you’re lucky you might even spot the northern lights, as skies tend to be clearer on the islands thanks to a lack of light pollution from major cities. You can find out more about when the best times are for viewing the aurora borealis here.

Scotland wasn’t the only spot nearby to make the list – Cork in Ireland was also given a mention. You can find the full list here so that you can begin planning your next big adventure now – happy travels!

Fancy a beach walk?

You don’t need to go as far as the Hebrides to find gorgeous beaches – on Time Out we’ve got our very own ranking of the best beaches in Scotland. If none of those take your fancy, plan a trip to one of Time Out’s pick of the best beaches in the country. If you’d rather go a bit more off the beaten track, we’ve got a list of the most beautiful hidden beaches too. 

Did you see that the UK is one of the world’s safest places to travel?

Plus: Scotland’s most remote club night is returning to the Highlands next month

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.