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Scotland is one of those places that looks good on paper, but it might be hard to believe that it could actually turn into a great honeymoon destination. But it does. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why Scotland is a great choice for a romantic vacation.
The beautiful nature, gorgeous landscapes, friendly locals, and welcoming atmosphere make Scotland a fantastic place to start your journey together. And once you arrive here, you’ll see how the Scottish countryside really lives up to its name. You won’t just see green hills; you’ll see rolling mountains covered in lush greenery, rivers flowing down from the highlands, and even lochs filled with crystal clear water.
But that’s not all. There are still plenty of things to do in Scotland whether you’re looking for adventure activities or simply want to relax in some scenic locations. Here is everything you need to know if you want to enjoy your stay in Scotland.
1. Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and has been voted as the best European tourist attraction by TripAdvisor. This medieval town is full of history and culture, making it a wonderful place to spend your honeymoon.
2. Stay at a Castle Hotel
If you decide to choose a castle hotel, you’ll be able to experience what life must have been like during the Victorian era. These hotels usually come complete with turrets, towers, and other architectural features that give them a unique look.
3. Springkell, Dumfriesshire
Over £2.5 million has been invested into this stunning Scottish castle. Located just outside Gretna Green, it offers guests a truly unique experience. Guests are treated like royalty – there are three luxurious en-suite bedrooms and five deluxe double rooms with private bathrooms to choose form. There’s even room for lunches and dinners on site, and a well stocked bar.
The owners of Springkell Castle have taken great care in furnishing each room to look exactly how they did when they were newly built in 1820. They’ve used the same interior designers who worked on The Goring in London and furnished the whole place with antiques sourced from around Scotland.
4. Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
The Kingsmills Hotel is located in the heart of Inverness, Scotland, within walking distance of the River Ness and the High Street where you’ll find everything you could possibly need including restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and galleries. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy why not head over to the Royal Highland Centre where you’ll find some great shopping opportunities. For those looking for something a little different why not check out the Ness Beachcomber Cinema which offers a variety of films playing throughout the week.
If you’re planning a romantic break why not book yourself into one of our luxury retreat rooms which offer a range of comforts including a king size bed, en-suite bathroom, flat screen TV and Wi-Fi access. Or if you’d prefer to make use of our outdoor facilities why not enjoy a relaxing soak in our indoor heated swimming pool or relax in our sauna.
5. Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The Norton House Hotel & Spa seamlessly combines the traditional and modern to offer guests an unforgettable experience. Situated within 55 acres of stunning parkland, the hotel offers a choice of accommodation styles including suites, apartments and rooms.
Guests can enjoy a range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, gym, tennis courts, golf course, squash court, library, games room and children’s playground.
There’s also a choice of restaurants serving Scottish cuisine and international dishes. Guests can unwind with a drink or meal in the Brasserie Bar or Café Bar, both offering views over the gardens.
Edinburgh is just 20 minutes’ walk away, while the airport is just 10 miles away.
6. Achnagairn Castle, Inverness
The Scottish countryside is beautiful year round, but it really shines during the summer months. With the weather being perfect for outdoor activities, couples looking for a romantic getaway can head to Scotland for some fun in the sun.
One such place is Achnagairn castle, located in the heart of the Highland region. This majestic castle offers everything from luxurious accommodations to great food and plenty of adventure options. Couples can enjoy a romantic weekend together while exploring the area.
This castle is located in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, making it easy to travel to from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Fort William, Oban and many more cities.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, a trip to Achnagairn might be worth considering.
7. Borthwick Castle, Midlothian
Throughout the year you can experience the magical Scottish castle, Borthwick Castle, on one of their specially-designed breaks, which allows you stay at the castle without hiring it. Each break has a different theme and offers fascinating activities, experiences and delicious food so you get the best out of your mini-break.
There are ten unique bedrooms to choose from and each has its own story to show. All have been beautifully refurbished to ensure maximum luxury and comfort while retaining the gorgeous historic features that make the castle such a special place.
8. Atholl Palace, Perthshire
The wedding venue at Atholl Palace offers couples a truly unique experience, with everything from stunning Scottish countryside views to luxurious accommodation and delicious food options.
9. The Glasshouse, Edinburgh
This stylish hotel in Edinburgh started out as a Georgian church, built in 1835, before it became a luxury five star hotel. The building was designed by architect David Bryce, who also worked on Glasgow Cathedral. He was asked to transform the old church into a modern hotel, while preserving the original architecture.
Almost every room at this 77 bedroom boutique hotel has floor-tohiing windows, offering dramatic views over Edinburgh’s skyline. Rooms are decorated in warm tones with natural materials such as wood and stone. Each room features luxurious amenities like free WiFi, flat screen TVs, Bose sound systems and Nespresso coffee machines.
There’s a range of packages to choose from at The glasshouse, including a whisky package and a romance package. You can even opt for a’secret garden’ package, where you’ll receive a bottle of champagne and flowers upon arrival.
10. Barony Castle, Peebles
A Scottish castle hotel is offering guests a chance to experience a mini-moon – without having to travel anywhere else. Barony Castle Hotel in Peebles offers couples the opportunity to enjoy a romantic break away in one of its luxury rooms. Guests are able to choose from three different packages, including a full Scottish breakfast, dinner and overnight accommodation. Each package costs £175 per person.
The hotel’s Spa & Wellness Centre offers treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as massages, body scrubs, wraps and waxing. For those looking for something a little more active, there is also access to a gym with cardio machines, free weights and exercise classes.
In addition to the spa facilities, the hotel has a range of restaurants and bars to suit every taste. There is a bistro serving traditional pub food and a brasserie serving Mediterranean dishes. A cocktail bar serves drinks throughout the day and evening, while a wine bar provides guests with a selection of fine wines.
Guests can also take advantage of the on-site leisure activities, which include fishing, golf, clay pigeon shooting, archery, horse riding, cycling and hiking.
11. Old Course Hotel, Fife
This AA five star-award winning hotel has 144 rooms, many of which are suites. There are also 35 one bedroom suites, each with stunning views over the 18th hole of the world famous Old Course golf course.
The suites include the award-winning Little Luxuries service, offering guests a range of extras like a rose petal turntown to a specific menu, to really add some extra romanticism while enjoying your mini-moon at this luxury Scottish hotel.
12. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Edinburgh
The Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club is located near the centre of Edinburgh, close to the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish Parliament building. It is part of the prestigious Hilton Worldwide group of hotels and caters for both corporate and leisure guests.
With a range of accommodation options including standard rooms, executive suites and apartments, there is something to suit every budget and taste. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi access and flat screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining choices including Brasserie Restaurant, Bar and Grill and The Lounge Bar and Dining Room. A fitness room and sauna are also available for guests to use.
13. Roulotte Retreat, Borders
The only place in the UK where you can stay in a traditional French roulotte, complete wiht silk and velvet decorated bedrooms, en suites, kitchen and retro style barbecue, is at Roulotte Retreat in the Scottish Borders. The retreat offers five roulottes, including three French ones and one Dutch one, along with a Gypsy bowtop caravan named Ruby.
14. Harvest Moon Holidays, East Lothian
If you want to make the most of your holiday, why not go glamping? Glamping is short for glamorous camping and it’s a great alternative to traditional camping where you sleep in a tent. At Harvest Moon Holidays we offer luxury safari tents, treehouses and yurts; each one offering a unique experience. Our treehouses and safari tents are set amongst beautiful Scottish scenery. They are perfect for couples looking for a romantic break away, families wanting to explore Scotland together or those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. We’ve designed our treehouses and safari tented accommodation to provide guests with everything they need for a relaxing break away.
Our treehouses and safari tent accommodation come complete with wooden stoves, en suite bathrooms with shower facilities and hot water, bedding, towels and toiletries. Each treehouse and safari tent offers a stunning view over the surrounding countryside and coastline. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a treehouse or safari tent rather than a regular caravan.
We’ve got something special just waiting for you…
15. Ardanaiseig Hotel, Argyll
The Ardanaiseig Hotel in Argyll, Scotland, combines history with modern design and comfort. Located on the shores of beautiful Loch Awe, it offers guests a unique experience in the Scottish countryside.
The Grade II listed building dates back to 1824 and was once home to a wealthy landowner. Today, the hotel retains many original features, including the grand staircase and oak beams throughout. Guests are greeted by warm hospitality and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glens.
Guests can use the nearby airport to travel around the UK or even further afield. There are regular flights from Glasgow Airport and Prestwick Airport, both just 30 minutes away.
The hotel has nine rooms, each offering a different view over the lake. Each room is decorated in a classic style, with antique furniture and rich fabrics. Some rooms offer a balcony, while others overlook the garden.
In addition to the main hotel, there are four self-catering cottages on site. They are located near the gardens, and offer plenty of space for families, friends or couples looking to relax and unwind.
The Boatshed, the exclusive honeymoon suite, is situated directly next to the hotel pool. Built in the shape of a boat, the Boatshed is decked out with luxurious furnishings and a large bathroom. The bed sits atop a floating floor, allowing guests to wake up to the sound of rushing waters.
The hotel serves delicious food prepared by the award-winning chefs at the Loch Awe Restaurant. Enjoy dishes such as smoked salmon with horseradish cream, local langoustines, or a traditional Sunday lunch. In the evening, dine under twinkling lights in the hotel’s lounge bar.
16. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Glasgow
The Mar Hall Golf & Spa Hotel offers guests a truly unique experience. Located just 10 minutes from Glasgow City Centre, it offers something special for everyone, whatever their age or interest. This beautiful Scottish country house hotel offers luxurious accommodation and stunning views across rolling parkland.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities during their stay, including golfing, horse riding, fishing and much more. There are plenty of places to eat too, such as the restaurant, bar and bistro, where you can sample some delicious local produce. For those looking for relaxation, there are a variety of spa treatments and therapies available, including massages, facials, body wraps and aromatherapy.
17. Blair Castle, Perthshire
Stay in the shadows of the stunning Blair Castle, one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture. Located within an extensive 145,000 acres estate, you’ll find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy during your stay.
There are several different types of accommodation available to suit every budget and taste; there are even some luxury lodges for those looking to treat themselves. If you’re looking for something low key, why not opt for one of our woodland lodges? These offer seclusion and privacy, while still being close enough to enjoy the amenities of the castle itself.
If you fancy heading out into the great outdoors, why not try out one of our Land Rover safaris? We’ve got everything covered – from full day trips to multi-day excursions. Our experienced guides will take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything except having fun.
You could also head off on a hike around the estate, cycle along the banks of the River Tay or fish in the loch. Whatever you do, we guarantee you won’t be bored during your stay at Blair Castle.
18. Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William
The castle is located amidst the glens, loghs and mountains of the west highlands of Scotland. It sits beside Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are plenty of activities nearby including golf courses, walking trails, fishing, horse riding, canoeing and cycling.
Albert and Michel Roux jr, the famous French chefs behind Le Gavroche and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, have created a menu full of classic British dishes, including beef Wellington, venison, lamb shank and pheasant.
There are three restaurants at the hotel; the main dining room where guests dine al fresco overlooking the gardens; the bar area, serving light snacks throughout the day; and the award winning restaurant, Albert & Michel Roux Junior.
Guests can choose from a range of rooms, from standard doubles to family suites and junior suites. All rooms come complete with en suite bathroom, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, satellite TV and broadband internet access. Some rooms offer views over the grounds and the loch.
