Weekend Getaway Ideas in Scotland

Weekend Getaway Ideas

There are few things as exciting as the prospect of a weekend away. The hurried Friday exit, complete with the knowledge that within hours you’ll be somewhere entirely new, is a truly wonderful feeling. With such accessible transport links and an incredibly diverse array of areas, Scotland is one of the best countries in the world for these kinds of mini-breaks. Smaller towns surrounded by remote landscapes are reachable just as easily as the titanic cities that brim with life and culture. This article highlights just a few of the possible places on offer to spend an unforgettable weekend away.

Edinburgh

Draped across its seven rolling peaks, Scotland’s capital city holds countless places ripe for exploring across the whole spectrum of interests. Within the UK, Edinburgh is beaten only by London in terms of annual tourist popularity. This is in no small part due to its celebrated yearly events, such as the Hogmanay Street Party and the legendary Edinburgh Festival, but the city remains active and vibrant outside of these times. From the magnificent castle sitting atop the many interlocking layers of the old town, to the reinvigorated and culturally progressive new town, Edinburgh is one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit.

Photograph by @exploringedinburgh

Aberdeen

Although the long-standing architecture of the Granite City may be characteristically grey, the vibrant city culture is anything but. Aberdeen lies on Scotland’s east coast, gazing across the choppy waters of the North Sea. This makes it a fantastic base for exploring the other nooks and crannies in the north east, but the city itself has more than enough to make up many weekend getaways. For those searching for a touch of history, castles like Dunnottar or Slains are beautiful reminders of Scotland’s storied past. Aberdeen is also a city rich with artistry, as can be glimpsed in the many stunning murals painted across the granite walls.

Inverness

While it is not the largest city in the country, Inverness may be the most unapologetically Scottish. Named the capital of the Highlands for a reason, the city showcases the diverse interests and communities scattered throughout Scotland’s largest area within its own, relatively small space. Every aspect of the city and its surroundings are picturesque – which is not something that can be said for many urban areas – from the exciting venues in the town itself to the overlooking Inverness Castle whose shadow is draped gently across the rooftops.

Glasgow

Glasgow is an enormous city, with four distinct quarters spread throughout its borders. Each one of these highlights a different aspect of the city’s culture and are all bubbling with character. For first-time visitors, the bustling West End features some of Glasgow’s most iconic spaces – the fantasy-esque University building, Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, and Riverside Museum are all within a short walk of one another. Originally making its name in industries like shipbuilding during the war, Glasgow has developed into a vibrantly creative and cultural powerhouse.

Loch Lomond

The idyllic scenery of Loch Lomond makes it one of Scotland’s most popular tourist locations. Surrounded by rolling forests and beautiful pastures, the loch itself is a grand showcase of the country’s natural splendour. Loch Lomond offers visitors the perfect blend of remoteness and comfort, with a variety of accommodation options that ensure any type of weekend getaway is possible. Whether you choose to camp out beneath the stars or retreat to one of the humungous manors-turned-hotels, the Loch offers visitors an incredible assortment of adventures throughout its landscapes.

Photograph by @traveltwo_

Stirling

Some of the most exciting episodes of Scotland’s tumultuous history occurred within the city of Stirling. This is epitomised in the colossal Stirling Castle, where famous figures like William Wallace and Bonnie Prince Charlie spent much of their respective lives. However, the city has far more to offer beyond those walls. The surrounding landscape, especially spaces like Gowan Hill, give visitors an incredible panoramic view across Stirling and the snaking River Forth. Within the city, the community has cultivated an incredibly exciting cultural scene, with various hotbeds springing up for everything from the culinary arts to handmade crafts.

St Andrews

For such a small town, St Andrews has a multitude of accolades to its name. Not only does it hold the oldest university in Scotland (and the 3rd oldest in the English-speaking world), but The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews had absolute control over the game across the world until 2004, earning the town the distinct title of ‘home of golf’. The university and the globally celebrated Old Course may be the two most recognised aspects of St Andrews, yet with a multitude of museums, aquariums, and independent boutiques, there is far more to uncover on a weekend away.

Photograph by @jackxsampson

Dunkeld

Straddling the flows of the River Tay with its Little brother, Dunkeld is one of the many idyllic towns throughout the Perthshire area that carry a genuine brightness with them. Bursting up from the picturesque streets is the iconic Dunkeld Cathedral, construction of which began in 1260 but was completed over 200 years later in 1501. The landmark is one of Dunkeld’s most breathtaking features, however, it is not the only contributor to the town’s beauty. The newly-restored ‘little houses’, first built in the 1700s, are a colourful reminder of Scottish creativity and truly fill the town with brightness.

Photograph by @simonhird

Pitlochry

In the nook where the rugged Highlands become Perthshire lies the cosy town of Pitlochry, a place where an amazingly diverse range of interests collides. Spaces like the Pitlochry Festival Theatre are symbolic of the town’s vibrant community and expressive cultural spirit, while the Blair Athol Brewery connects visitors with Scotland’s ancient tradition of whisky. Outside the town limits, the natural landscape takes over in a beautiful fashion. Landmarks such as the looming Schiehallon, standing a colossal 3,547 feet high, make Pitlochry one of the most wondrous places in the country to explore.

Photograph by @simonhird

Ayr

On the southern end of Scotland’s west coast perches Ayr, a deeply historical seaside town with roots dating back as far as the 13th century. One of Scotland’s most recognised figures – the legendary poet Robert Burns – was born on the town’s hinterlands, and traces of him are scattered throughout Ayr. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum opened its doors to the public recently, adding its name to the expansive list of Ayrshire attractions. Another of these, the 16th century Ayr Racecourse, hosts the Scottish Grand National, making the town an excellent stop for lovers of horse racing.

Dumfries and Galloway

There are few places in the lowlands, or anywhere in Scotland for that matter, with the geographical variance of Dumfries and Galloway. The greenery of its nucleus slowly gives way to the rocks and sand of the coast the further one ventures, with every biome being interrupted occasionally by flowing rivers and lochs. Dumfries and Galloway also overlap with Gretna Green, the parish notorious for the sheer number of locals eloping from northern England to marry beyond the jurisdiction. The area’s culture is just as diverse as its topography, making it a fantastic spot for any weekend getaway.

Photograph by @simonhird

Portree

The rugged, Tolkien-like Isle of Skye contains some of Scotland’s most incredible locations. On its east coast sits the harbour town of Portree, the largest settlement on the island and, consequently, the first place many visitors encounter when venturing off the ferry. Portree makes for a fantastic central hub to explore Skye, although the town itself holds many wonderful spots that are worth your time. The bustling community is the lifeblood of the town, maintaining a dizzying array of shops, cafes, libraries, and anything else you could hope for.

Fife

Fife sits on the opposite bank of the First of Forth to Edinburgh, crossable by the iconic Forth Road and Rail Bridges. The county itself is a large one that stretches from St Andrews on its east coast to the more western towns of Dunfermline, every part of which has fascinating areas to explore and enjoy. In recent years, Falkland has become one of the most popular parts of Fife for tourists to visit, owing primarily to its featuring in the television adaption of Outlander. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds or, for a small fee, take a guided tour of its glamorous interiors.

North Berwick

Thirty minutes from Edinburgh sits the gorgeous seaside town of North Berwick, a gloriously Scottish mix of natural scenery and eccentric local businesses. For those looking to relax on their weekend away, there are few spots better than the crescent-shaped beach, whose golden sands give beachgoers a tremendous view of Bass Rock. The seaside nature of the town also lends itself fantastically to the culinary scene, where young and inventive chefs fantastically transform the fresh seafood caught in the nearby Firth into delicious meals.

Photograph by @simonhird

Weekend Getaway Ideas in Scotland

Edinburgh

Aberdeen

Inverness

Glasgow

Loch Lomond

Stirling

St Andrews

Dunkeld

Pitlochry

Ayr

Dumfries and Galloway

Portree

Fife

North Berwick

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