10 Amazing Places to Staycation in Scotland
It’s July, and we have all been in lockdown now for over 3 months. With a tentative touch, Scotland is beginning to open its doors to tourism and leisure once more – Whilst taking precautionary measures, we can now all begin to plan our getaways amongst the beautiful lochs, glens and bays that this country has to offer.
Whether you love being amongst soaring mountains, surrounded by the peace and quiet of island life, or surrounded by the hustle and bustle of cities, Scotland has something for every perfect staycation. Hidden gems such as the Isle of Tiree, Cowal and the Moray coastline offer jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring scenery. Quiet communities like Dumfriesshire have plenty a castle for the history lovers – and amongst all that is a good dose of Scottish culture and hospitality, a proud reminder of everything that makes this country special.
Here are, we think, 10 amazing places for a Scottish staycation. Each one holds its own unique charm, offers different activities and atmospheres to quench the soul, and provides wondrous environments that will have you counting down the days until you can return. In no particular order, they represent some of the best Scotland has to offer, from its rugged coastline to its rolling hills. If I have not already been to them, they are on our list of ‘must-visits’ staycations, and we highly recommend a trip to see them for yourself.
10 amazing places for a Scottish staycation
In no particular order, our 10 amazing places recommended for a Scottish staycation are:
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Tiree
Berwickshire
Cowal Peninsula
Dumfriesshire
Fort William
Loch Ness
Moray Coastline
Edinburgh
Glasgow
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a rugged and rough island dream connected to the north-west coast of Scotland by bridge. The largest island of the Inner Hebrides Archipelago, it is home to the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, and hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities aplenty.
The island has become increasingly popular in recent years, as its towering rocky peaks and picturesque coastal towns finally receive the appreciation and attraction that they deserve. The Fairy Pools are a landmark spot, and we don’t think any trip to Skye would be complete without experiencing them. Vibrant blue in colour, and with dancing white-water’s tumbling over the rocky sides, it is easy to see how they got their name – the distinction between fact and fiction, truth and magic, seems to blur a little here.
Skye is incredibly easy to visit, and a week passes by in a flash. There is so much to see and do, it is more often the case that you won’t be able to fit it all in. If you want to visit, you can check out the Isle of Skye website for accommodation information.
The Isle of Tiree
The ‘Hawaii of the North’, Tiree is a postcard-esque representation of the very heart and soul of Scotland. Sweeping beaches border an Atlantic-facing, sapphire blue ocean, and the number of hours of sunshine is incomparable to that of anywhere else in the UK.
The Isle of Tiree is a small island community, with everything you need for the perfect staycation in Scotland. Accessible by ferry, through Cal Mac, or by plane from Glasgow or Oban, the peace created by being separated from the mainland is difficult to emulate. The light is different here too, and mornings can be spent watching shards of sunshine bounce off sparkling emerald waves.
With surf hire, bike hire, and multiple friendly cafes and restaurants to get lost in, we are big believers that you couldn’t find better abroad for your staycation. The quiet found on an empty Tiree beach is something I dearly miss whenever I am away, and the freedom of waking up not 10 minutes from the coast and being able to walk barefoot down to the shoreline is one of my favourite feelings in the world.
“Throughout the summer, the pearly white beaches and sparkling clear waters of Tiree really come into their own as a tropical paradise.” – Visit Tiree.
Being located in the Gulf Stream with its mild climate, Tiree is a true year-round destination. If you would like to know more about how to get to the Isle of Tiree, where you can stay, and what there is to do here then we have a full page of information that you can find here.
Berwickshire
Stretching from the east Scottish Border, up to Cove, Berwickshire is home to some of Scotlands very best coastlines for a staycation. Built on the fishing industry, the coastal towns that dot this county offer a deep look into Scottish culture and sense of community.
St Abbs is a truly wonderful part of Berwickshire, with hidden colourful coral reefs and beautiful marine life. On a quiet and still day, snorkelling and spear fishing alike can prove to be quite the adventure. Alternatively, if you prefer to be on top of the water, you can visit surf beaches like Coldingham sands or Spittal beach for a fun and exciting day spent lounging in the sun.
Berwickshire is just over the Scottish border too, so is quick and accessible if it is a short staycation you are after and, if you’re like me and love to fill every minute of your holiday, offers a whole host of activities to keep you busy. VisitScotland has a good list of these.
Cowal Peninsula
Cowal is a Peninsula also in Argyll and Bute (like the Isle of Tiree), so it should come as no surprise that this part of Scotland is as breath-taking as its neighbour.
Some of Cowal’s best attractions are of a natural nature, and so the ideal time to experience them is through the warmer summer months. Day hikes will give you the opportunity to explore Scotland’s secret coastline, and untouched hidden beauty, and the Alt Robuic Waterfall is a fantastic day out through dark woodland and a roaring gorge.
“Whilst the western bank of Loch Fyne is much visited by those travelling to the popular Kintyre Peninsula and Islay and the southern Hebrides, the eastern bank of the loch is still mostly untouched by tourism.”- Love, From Scotland
Much like Tiree, the quiet of Cowal can only be found in the more isolated areas of Scotland, and offers the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and recover from busy everyday life. A trip here would give you the chance to rest, and experience a mindfulness that is hard to find elsewhere.
Dumfriesshire
Home to some of Scotland’s most established castles, including Caeverlock and Drumlanrig, nestled between rolling green hills and soft sloping valleys, Dumfriesshire has a very well earned place on this top ten list.
The scenery alone deserves a mention as one of the best places to staycation in Scotland, and in the South West of the country it is very easily accessible from anywhere in the UK.
Dumfriesshire plays host to some fantastic tourist attractions, ideal for a summer getaway for the whole family. Cream O’ Galloway is one that I have made many happy memories exploring, there is nothing quite like a home-made elderflower ice cream on a sweltering august afternoon, and in this county they only make the best.
We all look for different things in our summer holiday; some of us want a break from the everyday, others want an adventure. For those wanting to keep active, Dumfriesshire is incredibly close to some of Scotland’s best mountain biking in Innerleithen. What better way to spend a Scottish Staycation than by hitting the trails? Family friendly, or gnarly downhill, there is something for everyone.
Fort William
With the nearby Nevis Range ski resort, Fort William is better known for its winter staycation opportunities, but in the summer the towering mountains and vast and isolated moorland that surrounds this highland town is a fantastic way to recuperate and relax.
Set on the shore of Loch Linnhe, in the western Scottish Highlands, Fort William is a fantastic place for all your summer staycation needs. With a bustling nightlife, a vast variety of music venues and restaurants, and the same inspiring scenery that made Scotland famous, from Ben Nevis to Glencoe, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Whilst here, you can also take a ride on the west highland railway, a trip that will take you across the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Also known as the Hogwarts Bridge). Whilst I confess I have yet to experience this particular highlight of the area, it is on our list for the next visit to Fort William; A picnic lunch, a comfy seat, and views across the waters of Loch Shiel.
Loch Ness
A classic on the Scotland trip list at any time of year, Loch Ness is a must see if you are visiting our beautiful nation. Considered one of the best holiday destinations, and with good reason, the tourist attractions and natural scenery alike make for an award-worthy destination.
“With depths reaching 700 feet and a length of more than 20 miles, Loch Ness provides plenty of hiding places for its legendary monster” - Tripadvisor
I can’t claim to have seen the monster myself, but it is always worth keeping a lookout for the bizarre and magical whilst here.
If you would like to find out more about visiting Inverness, you can on the Visit Loch Ness website.
Moray Coastline
Whilst it is possible to see dolphins from many of Scotlands beaches (Particularly the islands, such as Skye and Tiree), Moray is very well known for its marine life and spotting opportunities.
Less dramatic in its scenery than the west coast, the Moray Firth can still steal hearts with its charming coastal villages and ocean-battered sea cliffs. Scotland’s largest firth, the range of beaches and activities available are too numerous to put into words.
“From Spey Bay, where the river slips in to the sea, to Fraserburgh in the north-east, this is some of Scotland’s best coastal scenery, with villages in cliff and cove settings: no rush, no traffic, no noise except sea and birds.” – The Guardian
An alternative to staying on the Moray Firth would be to travel along it, as large swathes make up sections of the North Coast 500 and the North East Coast 250. There are so many beautiful parts of Scotland, it would be difficult to see them all in one holiday – but I am a big believer in trying, and this is a hell of an exciting way to do it.
Edinburgh and Glasgow
No list of the 10 best places to staycation in Scotland would be complete without our city break classics. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have their own charms, and together they share some of Scotlands best architecture, history and hospitality.
If the hustle and bustle of city life is how you recover during your getaway, then a quick break in the heart of our country is the answer. With castles to visit, and a vast variety of attractions to explore, you will be guaranteed not a single dull moment, at any time of year.
At the peak of summer, Edinburgh (usually) hosts the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Picture a week of comedy, live performances, street shows and artistry to quench every cultural thirst you could possibly have. Once of my fondest memories as a child was being allowed to stay up late to watch a Mark Watson gig, followed by a walk through bright streets with hot chocolate and lemon crepe in hand. It is a party, a celebration, fun for anyone of any age. If there is one thing you should experience of the cities of Scotland, this should be it.
Scotland is the place to be for a staycation. Whilst my heart will always be with Tiree and the peace it brings to any holiday, as a country we have a vast variety of wonderful locations and attractions for you to make the best of your holiday in the UK. 2020 is the year of being at home, and exploring the adventures you can have from your doorstep – what better way to spend this summer than in the beautiful north?