6 Holidays In Scotland To Plan Now

Where To Stay

Luxe: The Torridon
The Torridon is a boutique resort set in 58 acres of parkland at the end of a beautiful sea loch. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it’s in one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in Scotland. Whether you’re after adventure in the Highlands, or want to relax in pure luxury, there’s something for everyone. In the main hotel, there are 18 stylish suites, with a further 12 in a converted stable. Guest can also stay in the secluded boathouse which has self-catering facilities and stunning views over the loch. Here, food is at the heart of the hotel where guests can choose from fine dining at the 1887 restaurant or a relaxed meal at Bo & Muc. For a treat, book a special afternoon tea, then sample a selection of Scottish whiskys at the Whisky & Gin bar. The hotel provides year-round activities like clay pigeon shooting, sea kayaking and mountain walks, though if you’d rather have a relaxed lakeside amble, be sure to look out for wild otters.

Rooms from £356 per night.

Visit TheTorridon.com

Luxe for Less: Shieldag Lodge
Located in the village of Gairloch in the north-west Highlands, Shieldag Lodge is a stunning property that offers excellent value. Part of a 26,000-acre estate overlooking the shores of Gairloch, it’s a 90-minute drive from Inverness. The lodge was renovated a few years ago and all 12 bedrooms are filled with unique antiques, traditional Scottish fabrics and luxury furnishings. For a special stay, book the suite which has a four-poster bed, beautiful bay windows with sweeping views of the loch, and roll-top bath. During the summer months, guests can enjoy picnics and croquet on the lawns, while open fires warm the house in the winter. In terms of food, expect hearty and delicious full English and Scottish breakfasts, champagne afternoon teas, and a varied lunch and dinner menu that features special seafood like loch-fresh langoustine and large scallops.

Rooms from £115 per night.

Visit ShieldaigLodge.com

Aberdeenshire

Located on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeenshire has some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, with mile-long rugged cliffs and sandy bays. At the heart of the district is Aberdeen where you’ll find the best galleries and museums, including Aberdeen Art Gallery and Gordon Highlanders Museum, as well as interesting historic houses, many of which date back to ancient times. St Cyrus National Nature Reserve in the east is a particular highlight, as is Dunnottar Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the sea. From there, you can follow a castle trail and stop off at the most beautiful places – it passes over 260 castles, stately homes and ruins, so make sure to plan your route beforehand. Those seeking adventure should also follow the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, comprised of 120 miles of rugged coastline, then take a dip in the Olympic-sized Stonehaven heated outdoor swimming pool. From October to December, visitors can also take a guided tour around the royal Balmoral Castle.

Where To Stay

Luxe: The Fife Arms
If you’re looking for some serious escapism, look no further than the beautiful Fife Arms nestled in the majestic mountains of Cairngorms National Park. Ideal for a couples’ holiday, the property feels incredibly romantic with its open fireplaces, beautiful suites and spa. Inside, the flamboyant interiors are filled with over 14,000 pieces of art and antiques, commissioned by Hauser & Wirth, from artists like Zhang Enli, Richard Jackson and even Picasso. For stunning views of the mountains, book one of the Nature & Poetry rooms inspired by Scottish poets, or opt for one of the Royal Suites which have grand four-poster beds, spacious living areas and copper roll-top baths. The hotel also offers an extensive range of activities, from fishing and nature walks to whisky tasting and foraging for your own dinner. Grandchildren will love the Family Room (filled with boardgames, game consoles and puzzles), while adults will appreciate the treatments at the spa. Enjoy an aperitif at the glamorous bar Elsa’s, then sample delicious Scottish fare at the Flying Stag restaurant.

Rooms from £250 per night.

Visit TheFifeArms.com

Luxe for Less: Douneside House
This beautiful country house retreat is full of style and character. Situated just outside of the small village of Tarland, in a remote corner of Aberdeenshire, guests will feel totally secluded. There are 13 beautiful bedrooms in the main house, plus eight cottages dotted around the estate. Book one of the deluxe rooms which have antique furnishings, a host of luxury amenities and free-standing baths in a spacious ensuite. The interiors have been thoughtfully revamped, while furniture and accessories remain from the original family who lived there in the 1940s. Outside, there are 17 acres of gardens to explore, including a beautiful walled garden and a rock pool, as well as a nine-hole golf course. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a tennis court, and a steam room and sauna. Douneside House is the only restaurant in Aberdeenshire to hold a triple AA Rosette, so you can expect excellent food, from six-course tasting menus to a generous breakfast.

Rooms from £193 per night.

Visit DounesideHouse.co.uk

Isle of Skye

The second largest of Scotland’s islands, Skye is a 50-mile amalgamation of sea cliffs, jagged mountains, huge lakes and vast moors. A beautiful destination for a summer staycation, the scenery is seriously impressive, and there’s no shortage of activities on offer if you’re travelling with younger family members. From London, it takes between ten and 11 hours to reach the island by car, or via a sleeper train which takes 14 hours, though many travellers choose to spend a few nights in Glasgow first. Once you’ve reached the island, make a beeline for the Quiraing – a huge set of cliffs – and Spar Cave. Corach Beach is one of the prettiest on the island and has several good walking routes, while Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is a must-see. There are several natural wonders to see, too, such as Old Man of Storr and the Cuilli. The area is also excellent for spotting wildlife, including dolphins, red deer and puffins.

Where To Stay

Luxe: Kinloch Lodge
This family-run hotel is in a truly spectacular location. Tucked away on the southern shores of the island, the lodge feels totally remote – you’ll need a car to reach the property, but it’s well worth the journey. Once a 16th-century hunting lodge, the Kinloch is now home to an impressive, stylish hotel that pays homage to its historic roots. Inside, bedrooms have been decorated in colours and textures chosen to reflect Skye's distinctive landscape, while a bar with boardgames awaits in a newly renovated wing. Guests can eat in the restaurant or dine al fresco beside a firepit looking over a nearby loch. Be sure to book a table for Sunday lunch where guests can feast on roast whisky-aged venison, Aberdeen chicken or Highland beef served with all the trimmings.

Rooms from £280 per night.

Visit Kinloch-Lodge.co.uk

Luxe for Less: Mint Croft 
Mint Croft has two beautiful cottages with some of the best views on the island. Set on the Waternish peninsula of Skye overlooking Loch Snizort, each cottage sleeps two, with lovely antiques, custom furniture, local tweeds and designer linens. Ideal for a remote romantic getaway, book The Blackhouse Cottage which has a traditional turf roof and stone walls nearly a metre thick, an open plan living and dining area, a bathroom with a rain shower, and a spacious bedroom with a super-king bed and sitting room. Guests can relax on the outside patio to take in the views, then fire up the indoor wood burner during the evenings. The Loch Bay, Skye’s Michelin-starred restaurant is nearby, as is The Stein Inn, a lovely pub.

From £185 per night.

Visit MintCroftSkye.com

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital has plenty to explore over the course of a long weekend. From London, visitors can reach the city via a direct high-speed train which takes around five hours. It’s a long but scenic journey which passes through the east coast via Northumberland. Once in Edinburgh, there are countless historic sites to visit, from Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat. Although visitors flock there during the Fringe Festival each August, autumn is one of the best times to visit when its tree-lined streets and gothic buildings look particularly beautiful. Once you’ve walked around the city centre, head to the stylish village of Stockbridge, which has several markets and arty boutiques, then explore the narrow and cobbled alleyways in Old Town and the Royal Mile. In terms of food, Edinburgh has some of the best restaurants in Scotland, but The Little Chartroom is a particular highlight, as is Superico. The National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art are also both worth a visit, as are the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens which cover over 70 acres.  

Where To Stay

Luxe: The Witchery
The Witchery is a beautiful, gothic-style hotel in Castlehill. Situated in a collection of historic buildings at the gates to Edinburgh Castle and oozing with atmosphere, it’s strictly adults only, so bookmark it for a weekend away with a partner or friend. The hotel has dark, opulent interiors – rooms are filled with antique furniture and rich fabrics – with nine suites, ranging from spacious boudoirs with rooftop views to rooms tucked away in a turret with their own private staircase. After exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets, guests can relax with a bottle of champagne before enjoying dinner at either the 16th-century candlelit Witchery dining room or the elegant Secret Garden room with a hand-painted ceiling and secluded terrace. Both menus celebrate the best of Scottish produce, with dishes like steak tartare with burnt onion mayo; a seafood platter of lobster, langoustine, oysters, clams, mussels, and crab; and bitter chocolate tart with blood orange sorbet.

Rooms from £365 per night.

Visit TheWitchery.com

Luxe For Less: Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
Located in the middle of the city centre, this hotel is a great spot from which to explore Edinburgh. The rooms are simple yet stylish, and have everything you need for a comfortable stay, from plush linens and fluffy bathrobes to roll-top baths and a tuck box of treats filled with crisps, sweeties and biscuits. If you’re travelling with a friend, the superior twin rooms are particularly stylish, while the King Forth View has a spacious seating area with beautiful views of the New Town. Guests can dine at the relaxed brasserie-style restaurant and unwind at The Printing Press bar with a cocktail or glass of champagne.

Rooms from £137 per night.

Visit Edinburgh.Intercontinental.com

Shetland Islands

Located between Norway and mainland Scotland, Shetland is made up of around 100 different islands. With an interesting Viking heritage, the islands were made for history buffs who also want to explore miles of coastline, huge clifftops, pristine beaches and crystal-clear shores. However, Shetland is also a cosmopolitan place with an interesting food and art scene that has dramatically improved in recent years. Unst, Yell and Feltar in the north are must-sees, as are St Magnus Bay in the east and Sumburgh to the south. Harmaness Nature Reserve in Unst is home to numerous puffins, while the Isle of Noss has over 1,000 seabirds. For the best museums and galleries, head to Scalloway in the west, also home to Da Haff which serves some of the best seafood on the islands.

Where To Stay

Luxe: Belmont House
Located in Unst, Belmont House is a beautiful Georgian property which sleeps up to 12. Ideal for a large group trip or family holiday, it’s a great base from which to explore the Shetland islands. The property itself dates back to the 18th century and is surrounded by lush gardens. There are five bedrooms with bright and airy interiors and ensuite bathrooms, plus a spacious drawing room, writing room and family room. Guests can venture further north to Orkney, another stunning spot in Scotland, or simply explore the surrounding areas. There are several well-stocked shops and a small supermarket in Unst, as well as Victoria’s, a lovely tearoom, just a short walk away.

From £250 per night.

Visit BelmontUnst.co.uk

Luxe For Less: Burrastow Cottage
Located on the Burrastow peninsula on the west side of Shetland, this lovely cottage is housed in a 19th-century building. A great refuge if you’re looking for some R&R, the cottage provides self-catering accommodation for up to five people on a weekly basis. Inside, there are three bedrooms – a double, a twin and a single – plus a well-stocked kitchen, two bathrooms and a cosy sitting room with an open fireplace. Guests can cook local Shetland produce in the kitchen, then cosy up with a boardgame and a glass of wine during the evenings. Be sure to take a boat or kayak trip to explore the surrounding waters, as well as walk along the scenic coastal path.

From £540 per week. 

Visit BurrastowCottage.com

Perthshire

Located around the city of Perth in the east of Scotland, Perthshire stretches from Drumochter in the north to Aberfoyle in the south. Visitors flock here for the vast woodland areas, mysterious moors and majestic waterfalls, not to mention some of Scotland’s best golf courses. Ideal for a family trip with grandchildren, there are several family-friends activities on offer, from camping to wildlife reserves and adventure parks. Bookmark the area for a week-long trip – the quickest way to get there from London is via a six-hour train to Perth. Kids will love the Highlands Safari & Red Deer Centre, and white water rafting in Aberfeldy, while adults will appreciate the beautiful Perth Cathedral and other historic sites, like Lochleven Castle. If you book one restaurant during a trip, make it 63 Tay Street in Perth, headed up by chef Graeme Pallister. 

Where To Stay

Luxe: Gleneagles
This iconic Scottish hotel is a favourite for good reason. To celebrate its post-pandemic reopening, the five-star resort is hosting a series of foodie pop-ups – from seafood and ice-cream stalls to a specially curated champagne menu in partnership with Moët & Chandon – over the summer months, as well as a new kid’s program from July – ideal for grandchildren. Located in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, there are 233 rooms and 28 luxury suites to choose from, all of which have plush furniture and are decorated in an artful mix of classic and contemporary. The Family Rooms are a great option for little ones, while couples should opt for a cosy Country Room. The hotel has one of the best spas in Scotland, as well as several restaurants for fine and casual dining. Head to the 1920s-inspired cocktail bar for drinks and take afternoon tea at Glendevon. Here, guests are spoilt for choice in terms of activities – think golf, horse riding, falconry, cycling and more.  

Rooms from £485 per night.

Visit Gleneagles.com

Luxe for Less: Cardross House
Set on a private estate near Lake of Mentieth, this B&B has everything you need for a special stay.  Home to Sir Archie and Lady Orr Ewing, Cardross has 4,500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland to explore – a unique and historic setting with five self-catered cottages. The grand house dates back to the 16th century and has been carefully restored with original features and gorgeous antiques, while the cottages are more modern. Be sure to book a room in the main house – the second bedroom, known as the South Bedroom, has a private bathroom overlooking the garden towards the Campsie Hills. Breakfast is a traditional Scottish affair with porridge and kippers, and guest can ask the property to arrange a four-course dinner for a special occasion.

Rooms from £113 per night.

Visit CardrossEstate.com
 
 
*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions in Scotland are subject to change and may vary across each district, so please check the latest government advice before you book anything. If travelling to the Scottish Islands, please check the testing and entry requirements, too. For more information visit Gov.Scot