With striking landscapes and boutique hotels galore, Scotland is an obvious choice for a romantic getaway. But the only problem is there's just so much to choose from. So, whether you’re opting for a sexy city break in the capital, a cosy retreat on the Isle of Skye or a touch of luxe in the stunning St Andrews, we’ve rounded up six of the best places for a Scotland staycation.
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Edinburgh
For slinky Scotland staycation ideas, Edinburgh's House of Gods is a gorgeous choice.
STAY: House of Gods - Located right near Edinburgh's Royal Mile in the Old Town, this hotel is as quirky and eclectic as they come. Each room features decadent and plush decor in jewel tones, with some even housing four-posters and roll-top tubs. Plus, there's a cocktail lounge with a 'Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon' drinks list and Gucci furnishings, alongside a garden rooftop too.
EAT: Gaucho - For a dinner date to remember, head to city centre restaurant Gaucho. Specialising in all things Argentinian, the menu pays homage to premium cuts of beef, with rich sauces and fine wines to complement.
DRINK: The Raging Bull - No trip here would be complete without a round of cocktails at one of Edinburgh's many West End bars. The Raging Bull is one of our favourites thanks to its incredible espresso martini, boasting gingerbread, mint and berry twists on the classic sip.
DO: From visiting Edinburgh Castle to
whisky tastings, diving into ball pits, hitting up fairground-themed activity bars and climbing
Arthur's Seat, there are plenty of things to do across Scotland's
capital.
Glasgow
If you're looking for the best staycation Scotland has to offer, why not try Glasgow?
STAY: Carlton George Hotel - Found
right in the city centre, north of Merchant City, Carlton George
Hotel is a four star boutique hotel complete with the 7th
floor Windows Restaurant nestled among Glasgow's
rooftops. Showcasing seasonal produce from all across Scotland,
staying here means you won't have to go far for a top evening meal,
breakfast or afternoon tea.
EAT: Cubatas - While Glasgow’s climes may be less than desirable at times, that doesn’t mean you can’t be transported to sunnier shores for an evening. Cubatas is a renowned Spanish restaurant, specialising in tasty tapas dishes. Chow down patatas bravas and seafood paella while sipping on sangria.
DRINK: West On The Green - Nestled in
the East End, West On The Green is a proper place for a pint. With
many of its brews created fresh on-site, plus boasting a mega beer
garden and hearty German cuisine, it's a local favourite for a
reason.
DO: Fill your time in Glasgow with interactive darts bars that boast boozy brunches, walks across 50 acres of leafy parkland in Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and visit the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; your options of what to do in this city are endless.
Aberdeen
The best Highland staycation ideas? A trip to Aberdeen is certainly up there.
STAY: The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa - If you're looking to really relax on your holibobs, The Marcliffe boasts its very own spa with massages, body treatments and facials available. Expect nothing short of luxury, as there are spacious rooms fronting vintage furniture and gorgeous garden views.
EAT: Chaophraya - Toting grand, traditional decor and a lip-smacking menu of Thai treats, Chaophraya is certainly a must-visit. Pop along to wolf down fragrant stir-fries, sizzling curries and the like.
DRINK: BrewDog - The Union Square venue is a fab spot to kick off a getaway. The craft beer mavericks have achieved world domination in recent years while staying true to their roots, as all their signature beers are still created at their Aberdeenshire brewery nearby.
DO: Whisky Distillery Tour - Land of the famous firewater spirit, Scotland has more distilleries than you can shake a stick at. And lucky for you, there are plenty in and around Aberdeen. Our favourite has to be one of the oldest, Glen Garioch. Head on over to enjoy a sumptuous taste of Highland whisky; it's a little bit out of the city, but totally worth the trip.
Isle of Skye
Start the morning right with a stove-cooked coffee looking out over the beautiful landscapes.
STAY: Bothan Beileag Shepherds Hut - Connected to the mainland via a 500m bridge, the Isle of Skye is home to rugged landscapes, cosy lodges and historic castles. Top of our list when it comes to romantic getaways, the small island is home to the charming shepherd hut Bothan Beileag. The quirky accommodation offers uninterrupted views, a roaring fire pit for those chillier evenings, and even some friendly donkey neigh-bours.
EAT: Kinloch Lodge - Formerly a 16th-century hunting lodge, Kinloch is now one of the island’s most prestigious restaurants. Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Marcello Tully, the kitchen offers a selection of tasting menus, lighter bites and afternoon teas, perfect for warming the cockles after a day of exploring the nearby Loch na Dal.
DRINK: Seumas’ Bar - A popular pub among Skye’s climbing community, Seumas’ Bar is the ideal place to rest your weary legs and warm up with a dram of something fiery. It’s home to a collection of over 400 malts, alongside a selection of real ales on tap produced by the adjacent Cuillin Brewery.
DO: Take A Dip In The Fairy Pools - No trip to this charming Scottish isle would be complete without a morning at its mystical Fairy Pools. Found close to Glenbrittle and easily identified thanks to their aqua-blue colour, these natural ponds are a must for any wild swimmer. Just be sure to pack your wetsuit, as the 6°C temperatures are not for the faint of heart.
Fort William
Stay in this gorgeous cabin near Ben Nevis before exploring all that Fort William has to offer.
STAY: Wild Nurture Luxury Off Grid Log Cabin - If you’re on the hunt for luxury holiday lodges, then Fort William is a great place to start. Available to book via Airbnb, the Wild Nurture Offgrid Eco Cabin is perfect for escaping the stress of everyday life. Suitable for groups of up to five, it truly disappears into its surroundings, allowing you to curl up by the fire while watching the sun set behind Ben Nevis.
EAT: Crannog Seafood Restaurant - Somewhat precariously balanced at the end of Fort William Town Pier, Crannog is the quaint restaurant that allows you to get just about as close to the sea as possible without getting your toes wet. Serving the very best in Scottish seafood, from Lochaber mussels to Ardshealach smoked salmon, it's a cracking spot for a casual dinner.
DRINK: Grog and Gruel - Found on Fort William’s
high street, The Grog & Gruel is something of an institution. Pop
by for a pint and spend your evening meeting friendly locals and
listening to West Highland tales while sampling a lush lineup of
craft brews.
DO: See The Glenfinnan Viaduct - Drive 30 minutes out of Fort William and you’ll find a very familiar-looking bridge. The Glenfinnan Viaduct has a starring role in the Harry Potter films, and fans come from near and far to see the iconic Jacobean train (AKA the Hogwarts Express) chug along the grand structure.
St Andrews
If it's luxury staycation in Scotland that you're after, The Fairmont Hotel is a great choice.
STAY: The Fairmont Hotel - St Andrews is a charming seaside town northeast of Edinburgh. While popular for its rich golfing heritage, it's also famed as one of the most romantic getaway destinations. If you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland with a hot tub, then we recommend booking a room at five-star hotel The Fairmont. Expect roaring fires, grand dining rooms and a spa set to the stunning backdrop of the bay.
EAT: Seafood Ristorante - The team of
chefs at Seafood Ristorante use locally sourced sustainable produce
to create a daily changing menu of classic dishes with an Italian
twist. Book a table at this seashore eatery as the sun goes down to
enjoy a dinner setting unlike any
other.
DRINK: The Keys Bar - A favourite among the town’s locals and students (and perhaps even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), The Keys Bar is a homely, family-run boozer. Offering bags of charm and character, this is a gorgeous haunt to call in for a wee dram, with staff always happy to lend an ear.
DO: St Andrews Ghost Tours - An award-winning
walking tour of the town, the St Andrews Ghost Tour is renowned as
one of the best in the world. Not only will you get a unique guide
to the area's most famous landmarks, but also the chance to see
some ghouls...
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for more staycation inspiration? Check out our guide to the best
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