A romantic weekend away can mean completely different things to different couples; some might enjoy an action packed walking holiday along the coastline, some might prefer to be tucked up beside a fire in a self-serviced cottage for the weekend and others might like an all inclusive city spa break. Why not experience it all? Scotland can offer all the above, and more.
Romantic city break
Edinburgh is considered to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and is the perfect destination for couples looking to have an action packed weekend. Accommodation in the city isn’t hard to come by and caters for all budgets and styles; spend the night in a luxurious boutique hotel on the Royal Mile or stay at one of Edinburgh’s many B&Bs and be greeted by enthusiast and knowledgeable hosts. Visiting Edinburgh’s many eateries is a must for couples staying in the city; our favourites include The Dogs, Chop Chop and Urban Angel Cafe. A romantic trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t explore the cities’ fascinating history – visit the Edinburgh Castle for all things Scottish followed by a wee dram at the Edinburgh Whisky Experience and scare yourself silly with a nighttime ghost tour.
Your romantic getaway in Edinburgh doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, there are plenty of cheap and free activities for you to enjoy. There are various public gardens and parks you can enjoy walking around including Inverleith Park (which has fantastic views of the castle), Carlton Hill (which has fantastic views of the whole city) and the Botanic Gardens which has a beautiful collection of rare plants, flowers and shrubbery. There are various greasy spoon cafes that offer up Scottish cuisine at a low price – don’t leave Edinburgh without trying a Scottish fry-up, haggis, and of course, a fried Mars bar!
Self-catered romance
Scotland is the perfect location for a romantic stay at a self-catered cottage – think log fires, stunning walks and luxurious home comforts. Staying in self-catered accommodation gives you the freedom to explore whilst giving you the option of privacy and the ability to cook your own meals. Romantic cottages in Scotland can really offer couples something special and can cater to your individual needs. There are loads of options available including secluded lodges and chalets, quaint cottages located in Scotland’s beautiful wilderness (more often than not close to a Loch), or more modern options such as apartments and studios.
The Scottish Highlands are the ideal location for a self-catered romantic getaway. Loch Lomond, Speyside Hills and historic Stirling all have a variety of properties suitable for romantic getaways.
Luxury spa visits
The ultimate way to indulge and relax with your partner; a spa visit. Whether you’re just popping into a city spa for a couple of hours or planning your entire romantic weekend around a spa stay, you’ll feel rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards. Stobo Castle is hidden away in Scotland’s beautiful borders and is the perfect destination for couples looking for a luxurious weekend away. Stobo Castle has outdoor hot tubs, a crystal steam room, experience showers and various treatments you can enjoy together with your partner. The Spa’s iconic outdoor hot tubs are everything you’ll ever need for a romantic weekend away – think torch-lit, underwater lighting, built-in headrests and powerful water jets.
This is just a small fraction of the types of romantic getaways you can enjoy around Scotland. The cities aren’t overcrowded (unless you visit over the Edinburgh Festival in August) and countryside is never more than 30 minutes away. What would be your deal romantic getaway in Scotland? Let us know in the comment section below!
Fantastic article, it would be even better to travel there during the comedy festival!