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Scotland is one of the most bucket-listed places in the world – and for good reason.
As well as the country’s most famous, if not elusive, resident (the Loch Ness Monster), there are SO many other reasons to stop by the land of Gaelic goodness. And as for romantic retreats for couples, Scotland is the gift that keeps on giving.
We have whipped up the ultimate guide of fun things to do in Scotland for couples in 2023. Let’s get cracking.
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Fun Things To Do In Scotland For Couples
It’s darn near impossible to include every single fabulous thing for couples to do in this great country (because there’s so much to choose from), but we’ve put together an itinerary list of things to do in one visit (we mean, you can always come back and tick off anything you didn’t get to do, right?!).
So, here’s what we’ve got.
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Picnic at Arthur’s Seat
When you think of Arthur and his knights around their round table, more southern locations, such as Glastonbury and Stone Henge, may spring to mind. But believe it or not, everyone’s favourite sword-wielding saint has some connections in Edinburgh, Scotland too.
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most famous hills in Scotland (and was formerly a volcano) and can be found in Hollyrood Park, just at the end of the Royal Mile.
Standing at an impressive 250 metres above the city, Arthur’s Seat provides some of the most awe-inspiring views of Edinburgh – and at zero expense of your wallet! It also boasts some of the best sunset spots in town.
So, if you’re wondering how this location pertains to the legend of King Arthur – it is because this specific part of the city is one of the possible locations of Camelot – the castle and court of the man himself!
As for couples, it makes a wonderful location to enjoy a little picnic, watch the sun go down, and talk endless Scottish mythology with your special someone.
Photo by Wildling Weddings
Couples’ Professional Photoshoot
If you want to get some incredible pictures of you and your partner enjoying everything Scotland has to offer – but don’t want to have to rely on awkward iPhone selfies – why not treat yourselves to a couple’s photoshoot?
Scotland is one of the most moody and magical locations for some epic photography and it can make a seriously romantic spot to pop the question (snazzy engagement photoshoot, anyone?!).
Whatever your budget, there will be a package just right for you and your lovebird. What better way to document your Gaelic galavanting than with a professional photoshoot?!
Read More: Destination Wedding in Scotland: Everything You Need To Know
Photo by Wildling Weddings
Hiking Cairngorms National Park
Lovers of all things outdoors would be absolute fools to miss out on everything Cairngorms National Park has to offer.
And the best part? It’s free!
If you guys love camping, hiking, breathing in fresh mountain air, being at one with nature, and hanging out with some of the native wildlife – Cairngorms is the place for you.
As well as hiking and camping and all that good stuff, you can enjoy more adrenaline-inducing activities, such as water sports, snow sports, and even bungee jumping. If that doesn’t appeal, there’s also 12 golf courses to take your pick from. It’s a great spot for keen cyclists too.
Puffin Spotting
Scotland is home to the Atlantic puffin, which has many animal-lovers flocking to the country every year (bad pun intended!). Since puffins are seabirds, to get the best chance of spotting these colourfully-beaked beauties, you’ll need to head to a coastal area.
Some of the best puffin-spotting locations include the Hebridean Isles, such as Skye, Mull, Iona, and Islay, and other spots, such as Shetland, Orkney, and Craigleith.
You’ll need to visit during breeding season (March to late September) to get to see them in all their glory (and nests, cutely named ‘puffinries’), which can be found on grassy areas, clifftops, and hilltops. When they’ve finished breeding and rearing their young, puffins head out to sea.
Puffin tours can be the best way to see these beautiful birds and can be a great way of spotting other native wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, guillemots, seals, and other animal friends.
Rent a Cabin in the Highlands
It’s virtually a cardinal sin to visit Scotland and not make at least a pit stop to the Highlands!
With so much incredible scenery, such as lochs, mountains, glens, rivers, waterfalls, forests, trails, castle ruins, extinct volcanoes, hills, and so much more, the Highlands really are the epitome of Scottish magic.
Boasting Loch Ness, Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK), and the wild and mysterious village of Glencoe, the Highlands is nature at its most serene – and it makes the perfect peaceful retreat for couples.
For the ultimate quiet and romantic getaway, why not book a cabin in the Highlands to truly enjoy each other’s company without the hustle and bustle of modern life? Whether you want something 5-star and contemporary, or would prefer a traditional log cabin tucked away somewhere – there are so many options to choose from.
Go on a Ghost Tour Through Edinburgh’s Old Town
If you prefer the energetic hum of the city streets over the Highland quietness, we recommend getting to know the fabulous city of Edinburgh in the most gloriously gothic way possible – a ghost tour!
While Scotland is known for its many Harry Potter tours, those who love exploring historical cities (and all things macabre) will absolutely relish one of the numerous city ghost tours on offer.
Did you know that Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in Europe?! Find out why while cosying up with your spouse on a nighttime city ghost tour. We recommend stopping by one of Old Town’s kooky bars for a dram of whisky to warm those chilled bones afterwards!
Photo by Wildling Weddings during Glencoe Adventure Photoshoot
Visit Loch Lomond
Okay, so while there’s another loch in Scotland that draws many a tourist each year (mostly owing to its resident, Nessie!), Loch Lomond is well worth a visit too – and we’re about 90% sure there are no monsters in there!
Scotland is known for its dramatic landscapes and fanciful mythology, and Loch Lomond is one of the many places you can let your imagination run wild.
Loch Lomond is part of the Trossachs National Park in southern Scotland and the loch itself is the largest in the UK (per its surface area) and is second by volume only to Loch Ness. It also contains over 30 little islands to explore.
A great spot for water sports, you can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, and more.
Read More: Romantic Getaways in Scotland: A 2024 Guide
Visit a Whisky or Gin Distillery
So, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably well aware that one of Scotland’s best-loved exports is whisky!
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But did you know the Scots are also partial to a nip or two of gin? So much so that there are approximately 90 distilleries to choose from to spend an afternoon.
Not a gin fan and would prefer to stick to the native bevvie? No problem. As of 2023, Scotland has a whopping 140 whisky distilleries – all waiting for you and your sweetheart to come and try some of their delicious produce!
Celebrate Hogmanay - Edinburgh Style!
Hogmanay parties are like no other, and there’s no better way to ring in the new year than celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland.
And the Scots don’t mess around! Typical hogmanay celebrations can (and often do) go on for days and you’ll be encouraged to don your finest kilt and splash your finest whisky well into January!
Edinburgh is perhaps the biggest Hogmanay hotspot and there are festivals, street parties, fireworks, live music, and so much more. There’s literally no better way to indulge in Scottish hospitality than celebrating Hogmanay.
For those not fully in the know, Hogmanay is the Gaelic celebration of the last day of the year and is closely associated with New Year’s Eve and such celebrations. The origin of the festivity is so old that historians can’t agree on its genesis, but what we do know is that it’s one of the best shindigs in the country – and the Scots take it very seriously!
Read More: Edinburgh Hogmanay: What You Need to Know
Fun Things To Do In Scotland For Couples: FAQs
What is the most romantic place in Scotland?
It’s honestly impossible to pick one option as the most romantic place in Scotland. Whether you’re a nature lover or city slicker, romance is everywhere in this country and it’s one of the most scenic locations to tie the knot in… just FYI.
What are three tourist attractions in Scotland?
Again, there are so many to choose from, but a handful of our favourites include:
- Edinburgh Castle
- National Museum of Scotland
- Riverside Museum Glasgow
- Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions
- St. Giles’ Cathedral
- The Royal Mile
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Victoria Street, Edinburgh (which the infamous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter is said to be based on).
- Royal Yacht Britannia
In short, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Scotland for couples!
PIN Fun Things To Do In Scotland For Couples
