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When we think of ‘romantic getaways’, our minds immediately turn to champagne on the Eiffel Tower or dreamy gondola rides through the canals of Venice.
But what if I told you that Scotland is as good as (if not better) than these locations?!
As a wedding photographer, I have spent many days exploring all that Scotland has to offer – both urban and rural – and I can tell you, it is ideal for a couples’ retreat.
Wildling Weddings has put together the ultimate romantic getaways in Scotland guide for your 2024 travels with your special someone.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Scotland Vacation Packages for Couples
Our top 5 Scotland vacation packages include:
The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
Who doesn’t love chocolate, right?!
While Belgium, South America, and Switzerland may be the head honchos of the chocolate world, Scotland isn’t to be underestimated.
Located on Cranston Street in Edinburgh, this chocolate tour is the ultimate destination for couples with a sweet tooth.
What’s included:
- In-person guide
- Chocolate sampling
- Chocolate making
- Your own chocolate bar to take away
The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness
Inverness is arguably one of the most sought-after areas of The Highlands – and for good reason.
This 12-hour tour allows you and your partner to indulge in the rural sights, sounds, and stories of this magical area, and is hosted by an experienced tour guide so no one will get lost in the Scottish wilderness!
What’s included:
- A mini-coach and a driver
- Live commentary onboard
Bruar Canyoning Experience
The one for outdoorsy couples!
Bruar is the ultimate adventure sports location in Scotland and is particularly renowned for canyoning. Featuring stunning waterfalls and archaic volcanic rock formations, this trip allows couples to experience the rural side of Scotland by way of abseiling!
What’s included:
- 1.5 – 2 hours of canyoning
- High-quality canyoning 5mm wetsuits, equipment, and shoes
- 2 highly experienced and certified instructors.
- Free photos/video
- Certification
- Snacks and drinks
Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Edinburgh is one of the oldest, and not to mention, most magical cities in the UK, and oftentimes, a guided tour is your best bet to avoid missing out on certain hidden gems.
Not only that, this 3-hour tour is hosted by local historians, ensuring you don’t miss out on a single thing.
What’s included:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Professional guide
Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery
If whisky isn’t your thing, why not experience one of Scotland’s other famous exports: gin?
Located in Edinburgh’s 56 North Bar – the oldest gin joint in the city – this distillery experience allows you to learn all about gin making in a fun, relaxed environment – and yes, of course, you get to sample some of the good stuff!
What’s included:
- Gin making
- A beverage or two…
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh
It isn’t possible to include all of our favourite romantic hotels in Edinburgh, but our top 5 include these glorious gaffs:
Haymarket Apartments
Located on Torpichen Street, this ultra-glam central hotel is ideal for couples looking for royal treatment and is a mere stone’s throw away from Edinburgh Castle.
Boasting plenty of space, this apartment features a fully equipped kitchenette, as well as a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom (including a shower and free toiletries).
Top features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Views
- Bathtub
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Located on the doorstep of the fabulous Princes Street in Old Town, this lavish hotel and spa boasts upscale suites, a gym, a pool, and a fantastic restaurant.
Old Town is one of the most historical and well-loved areas of the city and has so much to do, all within walking distance. However, the Apex’s snazzy spa will make it hard to leave the hotel!
Top features:
- Spa
- Gym
- Pool
- Restaurant & bar
- Parking
Botanic Garden Apartment
This swanky apartment in the Stockbridge area gives you the suburban charm of quieter streets without being too far from the city centre action.
If you’re planning a couples’ trip with your favourite duo, this 2-bed accommodation is ideal. Featuring high ceilings, marble fireplaces, and original art, your stay will be a beautifully memorable one.
Top features:
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Washing machine
- Linen & towels
- Free Wi-Fi
Le Monde Hotel
Think luxury Victorian townhouse and that sums up this fancy boutique hotel perfectly. Located on George Street, you are in close proximity to many of Edinburgh’s best-loved areas such as Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle.
As for the accommodation itself, enjoy the lavish sensation of room service and all the other perks that come with a 4-star hotel.
Top features:
- Bar & restaurant
- Room service
- 24-hour front desk
- Housekeeping
- Great location
The Bonham
Finally, The Bonham in the Drumsheugh area guarantees celeb treatment with a side order of old-school charm.
Located between the glamorous walls of a Victorian townhouse, The Bonham offers class and cosiness – all within walking distance of Edinburgh’s best-loved areas such as The Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat.
Oh, and room service is available 24/7!
Top features:
- Private parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant & bar
- Room service
- 24-hour front desk
- Facilities for disabled guests
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Luxury Hotels Scotland
Those wanting to stay further afield than Edinburgh can indulge in one of these magnificent accommodation options:
Greshornish House Hotel, Isle of Skye
Heading north to the Hebridean Isles will take you to the glorious Portree in the Isle of Skye, or more specifically, the Greshornish House Hotel in Edinbane.
This stunning white-painted manor gives you all the peace and quiet of the countryside, while still being super coastal for those wanting to pencil in a beach day or two.
Top features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Room service
- Restaurant & bar
Malmaison, Glasgow
Glasgow is vastly becoming a strong rival of Edinburgh as Scotland’s most romantic city – and a slice of that can be sampled right here at the stunning Malmaison Hotel.
This upscale eco-certified hotel is a short walk from the famous Buchanon Street and is a mere 11-minute drive from Glasgow Airport.
Top features:
- Restaurant & bar
- Pet-friendly
- Room service
- 24-hour front desk
Thistle Dubh Bed & Breakfast, Loch Ness
Those with hopes of catching a wee glimpse of Nessie can do so in style and luxury at this stunning lochside B&B, which also features a gym, pool, and hot tub.
As well as overlooking the famous loch itself, this accommodation is close to local hotspots such as Urquhart Castle (21-min drive) Clansman Centre (7-min walk), and Allt na Criche (3-min drive).
Top features:
- Gym & pool
- Hot tub
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Free parking
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Despite being a city, Inverness can be found in the heart of The Highlands, making it ideal for those who want to experience the best of both worlds.
The lovely Kingsmills Hotel is a suburban getaway that features not one but two restaurants, as well as a spa and a pool.
Top features:
- Free parking
- Airport transfer
RiverBeds Luxury Lodges, Glencoe
Did you know that Scotland is a glamping hotspot – and the best place to indulge in this is in the ethereal land of Glencoe in the Highlands?
Don’t be fooled into thinking these lodges are small – on the contrary, each features a balcony and hot tub and is 129 ft² in size.
Top features:
- Entire home
- Free parking
- Restaurant
- Pets allowed
Photography by Wildling Weddings
FAQs
Although there is public transport in Scotland, we recommend hiring a car or exploring by way of a campervan/motorhome for the full freedom and experience of the country.
Oh, totally. It is especially wonderful for couples who love the great outdoors, cultural and historical locations, Gaelic folklore, locally sourced whisky, and some good Scottish comfort food.
Couples wanting a beach getaway have ample choice of puffin-dotted white sandy beaches, but do be mindful that Scottish weather – even in the height of summer – is far from tropical!
Scotland is a great place to celebrate anniversaries or enjoy a romantic honeymoon. There are plenty of bucket list places (such as Loch Ness, Edinburgh City, and The Highlands), as well as an abundance of swanky hotels for a relaxing, glamorous getaway.