Scotland’s picturesque towns and vibrant green hills and valleys create an unforgettable romantic experience. How could any country with the mystical unicorn as its national animal do anything else? In addition to a plethora of castles, Scotland has remote retreats and luxury hotels. For a reason, it is frequently referred to as the most beautiful country in the world. It is no coincidence that Scotland became Queen Victoria’s, and then the late Queen Elizabeth’s, ultimate favorite retreat from the world. A Scotland honeymoon is fit for a queen.
The vibrant green landscape, the quaint villages, the best beaches in the United Kingdom, and the dramatic mountains with their lavender heather are a part of the everyday scenery. Scotland is rugged and at the same time, at peace with itself, and therein lies its true, romantic beauty.
For honeymooners, there is no end to exciting activities. The famed lochs and coastal waters are ideal for boating, swimming, windsurfing, white-water rafting, and paddle boarding. Scotland is a hiker’s dream, with its many hills and mountains. Adventuresome couples can hike Ben Nevis, 4,409 feet above sea level and the country’s tallest mountain. The air here is so pure, it alone is a luxury.
Scotland has many Michelin-rated restaurants and elegant afternoon teas – with champagne. For a couple wishing to indulge in Scotland’s national drink – that would be whiskey – a tour and sampling of a local distillery would be just the thing.
For a romantic detour, Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has a fabulous castle, a palace, incredible history, Georgian architecture, and several museums. For golfers, don’t forget that Scotland is the birthplace of golf and has the best golf courses.
5 Best Hotels and Resorts for a Scottish Honeymoon
Dakota Glasgow
Dakota Glasgow is located in lively Glasgow, where visitors can relish medieval architecture, great art, and vibrant nightlife. Guests of the Dakota have unlimited use of the nearby gym.
All the rooms and suites are comfortable, with the Grand Deluxe Suite offering an air of sophistication and separate living and dining spaces, a Nespresso machine, walk-in closets, and chocolate at turndown. The Dakota Grill prepares great food with a flair, such as a steak seared over hot coals. There are two private dining rooms for a bit of secluded dining.
The Dakota’s Date Night package includes one night’s stay, a romantic dinner, and breakfast at the Dakota Grill.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburg – the Caledonia
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonia has comfortable rooms and suites, many of which come with a view of Edinburgh Castle. The Caledonia also has a sauna and pool and offers a Breakfast Package to all its guests. Afternoon tea is served in style in Peacock Alley, and the Caley Bar has a choice of more than 100 kinds of whiskies. The Caledonia’s restaurant is managed by Chef Mark Greenaway, a top Scottish chef whose cookbook, “Perceptions” was awarded the Best in the World at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa will rejuvenate and massage guests while providing a view of Edinburgh Castle – talk about feeling like royalty.
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Cheval Old Town Chambers consists of 74 luxury apartments in the center of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. Apartments can be booked for any length of time, including one night. The apartments have fully functional kitchens. For dining out, there are restaurants on the first floor of the Chambers. The Royal Mile is lined with eateries and shopping opportunities.
The staff will help with theater and restaurant reservations and take care of same-day dry cleaning. The Chambers’ Romance Package includes a suite for a minimum two-day stay with introductory champagne, chocolates, and a Nespresso machine with pods. The Cheval Edinburgh Grand offers the same luxury apartments situated in Andrew Square.
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh is located on Prince Street, one of Edinburgh’s best addresses with a view of Edinburgh Castle. The elegant rooms offer a view of Prince Street, Old Town, or Edinburgh Castle. Meals are an adventure in seven-course Scottish degustation dining at the Michelin-rated Number One Restaurant, while the Brasserie Prince echoes French dining at its finest.
The spa at the Balmoral, one of Scotland’s best rejuvenation sanctuaries, indulges its guests with five treatment rooms, a special relaxation suite, a Turkish steam room, a Finnish sauna, and a 15-meter swimming pool with a refreshment section.
Dakota Edinburgh
Dakota Edinburgh, quite similar to Dakota Glasgow, is situated 25 minutes out of Edinburgh in the Village of South Queensferry. The quaint village is a launch for a boat trip to the island in the River North with its scenic walking trails. It is also a mere 15-minute drive from Scotland’s national aquarium, Deep Sea World.
The rooms at the Dakota Edinburgh are elegant with subdued colors. The Signature Suite has added space, a walk-in closet, and a lovely view. Guests of the suite receive an introductory bottle of champagne, a stocked fridge, and a rainfall shower. The Grill offers the same food and amenities as the Dakota Glasgow, including private dining. The Dakota Bar serves afternoon tea and delightful cocktails in the evening to be savored by the open fire.
Information and Culture about Scotland
When people think of a Scotland honeymoon, they envision castles, lush greenery, bagpipes, kilts, and whiskey. The essence of the Scottish people, and what brings this vision to life, are the clans.
Each year 50,000 people visit Edinburgh to celebrate the culture of the clans. Each of Scotland’s 500 clans can be recognized by its own colorful tartan design and kilts – no two are alike. During the annual summer and spring Highland Games, the clans meet for games, bagpipe music, kilts, and dancing. The games became popular in the 14th century to sing out the strongest and best fighters in each clan.
When it comes to food, haggis is the national dish of Scotland, a fact that may explain whiskey being the country’s national drink. Actually, haggis has received a bad rep. It is quite delicious, and couples should determine for themselves.
Scotland has certainly embraced England’s fish and chips, but the fried mars bars remain a puzzler; however, they should be tried at last once. One of the best treats in Scotland is their shortbread, a buttery sweet cookie that melts in your mouth.
For delicious food and to get to know the Scots, spending time in an ordinary pub is the best way. For something extraordinary, the restaurant at the Ardanaiseig Hotel by Loch Awe (an excellent starting point for the famed Loch Ness and the Highlands) has been voted the most romantic restaurant in Scotland, and its chef has been voted Scottish Chef of the Year – he likes to prepare special five-course degustation courses for his guests.
Top Things to Do in Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle in effect, IS Scotland. It’s one of the best-known castles in existence, and if it is important to Scottish history, the castle was involved. It towers over Edinburgh the way its kings and queens towered over Scotland and provides an incredible view of Edinburg and its surroundings.
It contains the fabulous Great Hall, as well as jewels worn by the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots. The one o’clock gun salute happens every day except Sunday. It used to be a way for ships to keep proper time; now, it still draws a large crowd. Everything within this grand castle is reminiscent of “Game of Thrones.” There are guided tours, or couples can simply stroll around by themselves.
Visiting Loch Ness
Visiting Loch Ness, the world’s most famous lake, along with the world’s most famousyet-to-be-foundd monster, is a must for any visitors to Scotland. Located near the city of Inverness, this lake contains more water than all English and Wales lakes combined. At 22.5 miles in length, it is huge.
Honeymooners can take a scenic and romantic cruise around the lake. It doesn’t matter if anyone spots the infamous Nessie; it’s about the fun of searching for her. And the cruise offers a splendid view of Urquhart Castle, which is definitely worth a visit, as well. After the cruise, couples can take a tour of the Loch Ness Centre for exhibits of all alleged sightings of this mysterious creature.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye qualifies as Scotland’s most gorgeous island and is a mini-Scotland, with its moors, mountains, greenery, lochs, and cliffs. Gaelic is frequently heard in this otherworldly location where time has stood still. There are many trails and places to visit (click above), including beaches, waterfalls, whale watching, and more mysterious lochs.
While on the Isle, feed body and soul at Bog Myrtle Cafe with sinful home-baked pastry and excellent lunches. The Café is also a second-hand bookstore filled with Scottish literary gems.
The Witchery by the Castle
Is it a witch, or is Lady Macbeth whispering in a corner? Edinburgh’s iconic Witchery takes guests back in time and qualifies as the most atmospheric destination in Edinburgh.
The dining room is an elegant baroque-designed institution. Then, there is the secret garden, which is lit solely by candles and has a lovely hand-painted ceiling and theatrical tapestry lining the walls. This garden is enclosed within a secret courtyard and serves a very traditional high tea.
There are nine suites at the Witchery that are close to otherworldly with an overload of mystery. The Vestry suite has a decadent gothic aura with lots of reds and plenty of antiques. To keep the designated atmosphere, the television is out of sight and the lighting is adjustable. Guests can enjoy their breakfast hamper the morning after or have their eggs by candlelight in the dining room.
The Armoury Suite is large with a blood-red four-poster bed and tapestry hung throughout, as well as a paneled dining area. The sitting room is dramatic black and gold. As with the other suites, breakfast can be served in a hamper or enjoyed in the candlelit dining room.
Average Cost of a One-Week Trip to Scotland
An average, midrange weeklong honeymoon to Scotland should cost a couple around $2,566. This includes between $40 and $80 on daily meals and transportation and around $100 nightly for a medium hotel. Flights vary between $660 to $1,734.
For a honeymoon on a budget, a couple can expect to spend between $1,130 to $2,500, which includes $50 to $100 for daily expenses and up to $65 for a hotel room.
For a luxury splurge week in Scotland, a couple can expect to spend between $3,616 to $11,238. That includes $184 to $292 for daily expenses, up to $300 per night in a luxury hotel, and first-class travel.
Best Time to Visit Scotland
Probably the best time to visit Scotland is spring and fall when the weather is at its best and the summer tourists haven’t arrived yet. Of course, the chilly winters and warm summers have a lot to offer, as well.
Summers are a great time for the festivals in Edinburg, a visit to Scotland’s beaches, or the best game of golf ever in St. Andrews. Due to its northern location, Scotland gets approximately 18 hours of daylight during the summer. The days shorten to around 10 hours in October, and it gets quite rainy and windy. This is the best time for sampling Scottish cuisine and visiting its many (up to 1,500) castles. Pack a warm jacket, gloves, and good boots.
Winter is the least expensive time to visit Scotland, but it is a wonderful time to enjoy the festive traditional Christmas markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visitors should pack their waterproof and heavy-duty winter wear.
Springs celebrates the return to warmer weather. What a great time to stroll hand in hand through the romantic gardens in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Weather in Scotland
Scotland is not a country of extreme weather, and fortunately, there is plenty to do at any time of the year. From March through May, the temperature can range between 40 and 54 degrees with approximately 13 hours of daylight. The occasional spring showers help remove the last of the winter chill.
During the summer months of June through August, the temperature fluctuates between 52 and 64 degrees. That is extremely comfortable for exploring the countryside, and visitors have 17 hours of daylight in which to enjoy the scenery.
From September through November, the temperature reaches 45 to 55 degrees with 11 hours of daylight. This is when the foliage turns Instagram-worthy.
December through February are a moderate 36 to 45 degrees with only 8 hours of daylight. Scottish whiskey is sure to keep visitors warm.
Getting to Scotland
Getting to Scotland from the US is pretty easy. The major Scottish airports are Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Edinburgh. Direct flights from the US are available through WestJet, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Air Transat, Delta, and United.
There are direct flights out of New York, Chicago, Orlando, DC, and Atlanta courtesy of United, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.
The fare from the US to Scotland is affordable. The best prices are often into Glasgow rather than into Edinburgh. During the non-busy spring season, a round trip may be as low as $650.
