IDEAS FOR HOLIDAYS IN SCOTLAND
Scotland offers such a diverse mix of experiences, so you have a lot to choose from! Whether you’re going on a family holiday, a couple’s break, a getaway with friends or a solo trip, Scotland has so much in store for you.
Read on to discover top tips for your Scotland staycation, including where to go and what to do.
WHY VISIT SCOTLAND ON A HOLIDAY IN THE UK
Mythical scenery, fascinating heritage, and delicious cuisine await you on a trip to Scotland. Here you’ll find a place rich in culture and traditions. It’s where the promise of adventure is never far away. And it’s all on your doorstep.
By visiting Scotland you’d get to experience beautiful views and cultural attractions, without the hassle or worry of leaving the UK. You don't need to factor in flights, airports, passport control or any red tape. Scotland is easy to reach and even easier to fall in love with!
Expect stunning, remote locations in Scotland where you can get away from it all and enjoy a digital detox. Imagine soaring mountains, sandy beaches and shimmering lochs. Discover characterful islands or the legendary Scottish Highlands. Plus, of course, the classic British pubs where you can enjoy hearty meals and try Scotch whisky.
Good to know: If you’re thinking about taking a Scottish road trip from the UK, we can help.
Our Scotland travel experts will design your route, book you into high-quality accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you.
This means you can leave all the hassle of trip-planning to the experts, who are based in Scotland and know the country inside out. What’s more, you get access to our 24/7 helpline during your holiday. Should you need any support, we are only a call away.
Plus, we have Cancellation Protection available so you can cancel or change the dates of your tour if you need to. This gives you flexibility when booking your trip, as well as peace of mind knowing that we'll take care of handling the changes.
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Get in touch to find out about our reduced rates for visitors driving from the UK
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Call us on +44 (0)131 344 4630
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Find out how you can Book With Confidence thanks to our flexible booking terms
BEST THINGS TO DO ON YOUR STAYCATION IN SCOTLAND
There are so many fun things to do on your trip to Scotland, whether you’re interested in nature, culture, history, or a bit of everything! You might want to explore Scottish castles, visit top whisky distilleries, or venture off the beaten path in Scotland.
Here are some of the best things to do:
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Hike or bike through pristine glens and forests
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Admire views of Scottish lochs, rivers and waterfalls
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Explore medieval castles and regal country houses
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Sample Scotch whisky on a guided distillery tour
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Taste freshly caught seafood in top restaurants
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Unwind by the fireplace in a luxury hotel or cosy guesthouse
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Spy local wildlife like the red squirrel, red deer and wildcat
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Drive the best of the North Coast 500 to reach remote corners of the UK
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Climb tall peaks like Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain
This is just a taste of what you can expect in Scotland. You could also attend cultural events and visit fascinating museums. Perhaps soak up the music scene or learn more about Scottish art. Or simply revel in the stunning landscapes and enjoy a relaxing break.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND
Scotland is packed with breathtaking landscapes, lively cities and charming market towns. The great thing about visiting Scotland on holiday is that there is such a wide range of destinations you can experience, each with their own special appeal.
These are the top recommended places to visit on your Scottish staycation, handpicked by our local experts.
Best for… British seaside getaways:
Best for… Outdoor activities:
Best for… Iconic views:
Best for… Cuisine and whisky:
Best for… A Scottish city break:
Speak to your personal travel consultant about where to go in Scotland for peace and quiet. They can help create your dream trip with stops in Scotland's lesser-known gem locations. You can also read more about Scotland staycation ideas on our blog for inspiration.
SCOTLAND COMPARED TO OTHER UK DESTINATIONS
Trying to choose between staycation holidays in the UK? It’s worth bearing in mind how much more space you get in Scotland compared to other holiday destinations. For example, Cairngorms National Park is more than double the size of Snowdonia in North Wales. It’s almost twice as big as the Lake District too.
Or, if you’re looking for an island escape, consider the fact that Scotland has nearly 800 isles. Swap the busy Isle of Wight for one or more hidden gem islands around Scotland instead. Discover beautiful beaches, Gaelic culture, and even Neolithic sites in the Scottish isles.
You could also avoid the crowds of Cornwall by opting for a summer trip to Scotland. You’d get gorgeous coastline, mouth-watering seafood like scallops and mussels, and the chance to go surfing. Did you know that there may even be an Eden Project Scotland coming to Dundee?
PLACES TO STAY IN SCOTLAND
When it comes to accommodation for your British holiday, whatever your tastes may be, you’re sure to find it in Scotland. Think charming B&Bs, sumptuous spa hotels, and secluded guesthouses. You could even stay the night in a castle!
Where you stay is particularly important if you’re on a special romantic break. Perhaps you love the idea of hiding away in a private lodge with a hot tub. Or you want to be pampered in a four- or five-star hotel.
Speak to our knowledgeable travel experts about where to stay in Scotland. They have years of experience working with Scottish accommodation providers and will incorporate the best ones into your itinerary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SCOTLAND
Scotland is a year-round destination, with each season offering something special. You could time your trip to enjoy the long days of summer, winter’s peaceful atmosphere, the pretty flowers of spring, or the fiery colours of autumn.
The best time to visit Scotland depends on what you’d like to do and where you want to go. For an active holiday, we recommend spring, summer or autumn when the weather is milder and there are more daylight hours to explore.
Or if you’d prefer to visit when it’s a bit quieter, then winter is a good time to come to Scotland. Fewer visitors are at top attractions, so it will feel a lot more private for you. Plus you could relax beside roaring fires in cosy accommodation and perhaps even spot the northern lights in Scotland.
For more advice on when to go, read these Scotland guides:
• Scotland in summer: what to do and where to go
• Scotland in winter: what to do and where to go
• Why visit Scotland in the spring or autumn
HOW TO EXPLORE SCOTLAND
The best way to see Scotland depends on your personal preferences. You could travel independently on a self-drive tour, reaching as many beautiful sights in the country as you wish. Or have a local guide show you hidden gems on a private tour or small group adventure in Scotland.
Self-drive in Scotland
If you love the idea of a road trip, choose from an array of scenic routes in Scotland, where the journey is as wonderful as the destinations. You could soak up the ever-changing Highland scenery while driving the North Coast 500. Or perhaps you’d like to explore the Scottish islands, like Skye.
Our Scotland self-drive tour packages include your accommodation, daily breakfast, 24/7 helpline, and car rental. With your vehicle hire you receive a collision damage waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage and the authorisation for 2 drivers.
Get everything arranged and booked on your behalf, including your route and accommodation with daily breakfast. This means you can relax while an expert takes care of all the planning for you.
On a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:
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A dedicated travel consultant who’ll arrange your trip
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A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route
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24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
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Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point
Contact our Scotland travel team to find out about our reduced rates.
Explore with a private guide
An exclusive way to discover Scotland on your staycation is by opting for a private tour. You’ll have a specially chosen expert local guide drive you to handpicked locations and attractions. They’ll share their knowledge with you to provide you with an authentic insight into the places you visit.
You could travel with your own bubble on a private tour through Scotland. This is a great way to explore with your group of friends or family, led by an expert guide.
A private tour of Scotland is particularly appealing if you want to take day trips to the famous whisky distilleries. You’d get to enjoy tastings as someone else will be doing all the driving for you.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
