Six of Scotland's free attractions have been named among the UK's top-rated, according to Go Outdoors.
As we approach the Spring Bank Holiday and hopefully some more promising weather over the summer holidays, many of us are looking for cost-effective activities to enjoy with our friends and family in our downtime.
Thousand of people flock to our shores every year to immerse themselves in Scotland's stunning scenery through our countless cycling routes and hiking trails.
From St Kilda to Goatfell, it seems our worst-kept secret is out with Go Outdoors naming six of these free tourist spots among the top attractions to visit in the UK.
The outdoor gear specialists have collated data from the popular travel review website Tripadvisor to produce a comprehensive list.
By analysing the overall ratings out of five on Tripadvisor as well as the percentage of 'excellent' visitor reviews of each attraction, it has produced a top 10 ranking.
Here are the 10 top-rated free attractions from across the UK and which Scotland's spots made the cut.
St Kilda named as the UK's top-rated free attraction by Go Outdoors
Here is the full top 10, according to Go Outdoors's research:
- St Kilda - The Hebrides - 5.0 rating - 93% excellent reviews
- Staffa Natural Nature Reserve - Isle of Staffa - 5.0 rating - 88% excellent reviews
- Goatfell - Isle of Arran - 5.0 rating - 86% reviews
- St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve - St Abb's - 5.0 rating - 84% excellent reviews
- Grey Mare's Tail - Moffat - 5.0 rating - 81% excellent reviews
- RAF Museum Cosford - Shifnal, Shropshire - 5.0 rating - 81% excellent reviews
- Ben Lomond - Rowardennan, Stirlingshire - 4.5 rating - 79% excellent reviews
- Durham Cathedral - Durham, Country Durham - 4.5 rating - 78% excellent reviews
- Kettle's Yard - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - 4.5 rating - 76% excellent reviews
- Lady Lever Art Gallery - Birkenhead, Merseyside - 4.5 rating - 75% excellent reviews
Wedged in the Hebrides on the West Coast of Scotland, St Kilda takes first place as the UK’s top-rated free attraction.
The isolated archipelago is internationally recognised for its magnificent birdlife and is just as famous for its human history.
With a 5.0 Tripadvisor rating overall, St Kilda has also received an impressive 93% 'excellent' reviews.
One Tripadvisor user shared their experience alongside a 5.0 rating, writing: "Felt very privileged to visit this amazing place."It is beautiful in terms of scenery and wildlife and very poignant to see the places where people eeked out a living for so long but who eventually had to ask for evacuation.
"Warm and informative welcome from the island's warden."
Scotland's breathtaking landscapes dominate the top spots with Staffa National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Staffa coming in second.
The nature reserve has scored 88% of excellent reviews and five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
Go Outdoors describes Staffas as a "beautiful island" that is "filled with distinctive rocks, enchanting caves and seabirds" which makes it a perfect location for a free day out filled with family fun and adventure.
Rounding up the top three is the Isle of Arran's Goatfell Mountain with 86% excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
Go Outdoors commented: "Goatfell is a top destination for hillwalkers and climbers, offering spectacular views and is perfect for gazing across the island."
Visitors on Tripadvisor agreed, with one person sharing:"Even in high winds and rain.... fantastic experience. Well marked paths and lots of nature We saw red squirrels and all manner of birds and fungi. Smell of the leather workshop qt the base also lovely."
