Romantic Getaways in Scotland
Calling all hopeless romantics and Scotland lovers, this post is for you. I’ve rounded up my favourite romantic places to stay in Scotland, from a boutique hotels in the city to a wee house with no electricity on a private island. Let’s get all loved up over Scotland!
Scotland is the love of my life, and I’ve dedicated my career to finding the cutest, comfiest, cosiest places to stay around the country. Nothing screams romance like a Scottish adventure with the one you love. Planning a trip together is all part of the fun, but surprise getaways are even better!
What does romance mean to you and your partner? Maybe it’s fairy lights and flickering flames in a rural cabin – or perhaps you prefer fine dining and luxury lodgings. Either way, Scotland has something which fits the bill, and these are my top six recommendations for a romantic break.
1) Woodcock Lodge, Argyll
Woodcock Lodge is a uniquely designed luxury abode with a hot tub and a copper bath. It’s also hidden away in a wee glen in one of Scotland’s most beautiful and diverse regions. Safe to say that it ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to romantic appeal, and that’s only the beginning.
Staged upon a hillside on Kirnan Estate in Kilmichael Glen, you can simply pull up the blinds from the comfort of the sumptuous bed to reveal views of the pretty countryside. The bed takes comfort to a whole new level, and the temptation to burrow under the high tog duvet and switch on the wall-mounted ‘Living Flame’ is hard to resist.
When you do decide to rise and shine, the kitchen is fully stocked with high end appliances and everything you need to rustle up a romantic meal for two. There’s a small dining table inside, or a picnic table outside for when the weather permits.
There is so much to explore in the area, or you can simply wander around the 500-acre estate. Why not spent a sunny afternoon in the BBQ Bothy at Loch Torrnaleich? If you plan on having a tipple, I wouldn’t get too boozy, as you still have to negotiate the walk back!
Back at Woodcock Lodge, the outside area has an alfresco pizza oven and a wee BBQ hut for a cosy DIY dinner. The fairy lights and complete silence all add to the romantic effect. After a soak in the hot tub, you can retreat indoors for a snuggle in front of the wood-burning stove.
TOP THINGS TO SEE/DO NEARBY: Crinan Canal, Kilmartin Glen, Inveraray, Corryvreckhan boat trip, Islay, Jura, Gigha
HOW TO GET THERE: A car is essential to get to Woodcock Lodge. The journey takes around 3 hours 15 minutes from Edinburgh and around 2 hours 15 minutes from Glasgow.
- Prices start from £175 per night
- Check out my full review of Woodcock Lodge or book here
2) Aird’s Hotel, Port Appin
Aird’s Hotel is where couples go to relax in luxurious surroundings and indulge in the finest of food. Port Appin is on a pretty wee peninsula on the West Coast, and Aird’s Hotel is reason alone to visit. Now a boutique country house, the hotel began its life began its life as an inn, which opened in 1750 to accommodate passengers who were travelling on the paddle steamers which boarded nearby.
You will feel exceptionally well looked after from the moment you step inside and venture into the delightfully decorated lounge, where you’re welcomed with a generous glass of Prosecco in front of the fire. The treats don’t stop there.
Upstairs, in the plush bedrooms, you’ll find a box of decadent delights, courtesy of Oban Chocolate Company, as well as a decanter filled with complimentary “Whisky Mac”; this whisky and ginger-wine concoction is a traditional drink which was enjoyed by fisherman when they were out at sea. All of the above are best enjoyed from the comfort of your super-soft bed, preferably in one of the bathrobes provided. Just don’t get too settled before dinnertime!
The dining experience at Aird’s Hotel is not your average date night. The restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes, which they have held for an impressive 27 years – and you’ll quickly understand why. The amuse-bouche is served back in the lounge by the fireside, before you’re moved to the elegant dining room, so be sure to arrive early.
Enjoy views of Loch Linnhe, Isle of Shuna and the mountains of Morvern as you await course after course of beautifully crafted, totally delicious food. If food is the way to your partner’s heart, Aird’s Hotel is guaranteed to steal it.
TOP THINGS TO SEE/DO NEARBY: Castle Stalker, Glen Coe, Oban, Lismore, Mull
HOW TO GET THERE: The hotel is best reached by car. The journey takes around 2 hours 45 minutes from Glasgow and 3 hours 20 minutes from Edinburgh.
- Prices start from £325 per night, which includes breakfast and a 5-course dinner
- To check availability and book, visit the Airds Hotel website
3) Craighead Howf, Perthshire
This romantic rural oasis has an impressive selection of quirky accommodation options, all set within enchanting gardens in the middle of the countryside, just outside Dunblane. The properties are spread out across the farm estate, and have all been beautifully designed; each with their own, individual character.
The Summer Howf is bright and airy with a cabin-style bed and a star-gazing window. There is an outside area with a fire pit, gas stove and picnic bench, and a wood-burning stove inside. Perfect for some summer romance! There’s no WiFi (apart from at the main building) which means no distractions from one another.
If you prefer to be by the water, the Wee Howf overlooks the farm’s peaceful lochan and it will feel like you’re hidden away in a wee world of your own. To add to the romance, there’s no electricity, so be sure to light the wood-burner and candles before it gets dark. Failing that, simply lie in bed and look up at the night sky through the star-gazing sky-light.
One of the newest editions to Craighead Howf is the Tree Howf – which is exactly as the name suggests! This idyllic escape is up in the branches of an ash tree, and looks like something from a fairytale. While the other cabins have shared use of the Wash Howf at the main building, the Tree Howf has its own shower and composting toilets.
Finally, if your significant other is a fan J. R. R. Tolkien, a stay in one of the Hobbit Howfs is a must. These adorable wee stone structures are built into the hillside, and while you’re unlikely to bump into Bilbo Baggins himself, you may encounter the resident goats and hairy coos!
TOP THINGS TO SEE/DO NEARBY: The National Wallace Monument, Doune Castle, Callander. Check out my post on things to do in Stirling for more ideas.
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to reach Craighead Howf is by car. It takes around 45 minutes from Glasgow and 1 hour 10 minutes from Edinburgh. You can view the route on a map here. If you don’t drive – don’t worry! You can also take the train to Dunblane and pre-book a local taxi to get you there.
- Prices start from £105 per night (Summer Howf), rising to £125 per night (Wee Howf) and £175 per night (Tree Howf and Hobbit Howfs)
- To check availability and book, visit the Craighead Howf website
4) Coll Hotel, Isle of Coll
If your partner is a foodie who loves Scottish Islands, it’s time to book your ferry and check-into Coll Hotel. Coll is a wee slice of island paradise in the Inner Hebrides, and the perfect place for couples to escape, unwind, and spend time together. Of course, you need to stay somewhere where the staff are effortlessly lovely and attentive, the rooms are cosy and homely, and the food is an absolute delight. Welcome to Coll Hotel.
Coll Hotel is a family-run business with a flair for excellent food and warm hospitality: their consistent efforts have earned them multiple awards and accolades. The hotel overlooks the bay in the island’s main settlement, Arinagour. The rising sun turns the water golden, while cheeky seals bask on the rocks.
Everything you need is right there in the village: the local shops, the community centre, the Post Office and the ferry port. Couples who enjoy a bit of coastal exploration can walk hand in hand along the stunning beaches (Torastan is a dream) then return to Coll Hotel for some of their drool-worthy food.
The kitchen is run by a small team, who perfectly execute every single dish. The breakfast will make you look forward to getting up in the morning – particularly the haggis stack – and the seafood chowder is on another level. Visitors pop over in their own boats, or on the ferry from the neighbouring Isle of Tiree, just so they can dine at Coll Hotel.
Afterwards, retire to the hotel bar for a wee nightcap with the locals or step outside into the hotel garden to see why Coll is a designated Dark Sky Park.
TOP THINGS TO SEE/DO NEARBY: Isle of Tiree, isleGo Sea taxi. Read more about the island in my blog about Coll.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the CalMac ferry from Oban to Coll. If you don’t want to drive, you can get the train from Glasgow to Oban, and explore Coll by bike or book an island tour with one of the locals.
- Prices start from £90 per night including breakfast
- To check availability and book visit the Coll Hotel website
5) Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh
If it’s a romantic city break you’re after, it’s time to check-in to this elegant duo of boutique hotels. The Dunstane Houses are a classy pair of Victorian mansions which sit across the street from one another. If you think the exterior is special, just wait until you see inside.
The gorgeous décor, furnishings and fabrics are a hybrid of modern and classic, with lots of touching wee references to the Orkney Islands; the owners are Orcadians, but moved to Edinburgh over 30 years ago.
These tributes to Orkney are extended into the food and drink offerings; from the single malt whisky and island gin, to the cheese, salmon, scallops and Orkney-fudge cheesecake. The hotel sits just outside the city centre but with such an impressive selection of Scottish beverages, you don’t need to venture further than the hotel’s very own Ba’Bar. That’s if you even want to leave the room!
There are 35 rooms between the two houses; each with individual character and optimum levels style and comfort. If you’re really looking to impress your partner, The Dunstane Suite is the fairest of them all. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the peacock-feather patterned feature wall and the copper bath with views of the Pentland Hills. Just make sure you grab some of the complimentary homemade shortbread before your other half does!
TOP THINGS TO SEE/DO NEARBY: Edinburgh Castle, Stockbridge Market, Seven Hills tour, free museums in Edinburgh
HOW TO GET THERE: Dunstane House is an 8-minute walk from Haymarket Station, and there’s a bus stop directly outside which will have you right in the city centre within 10-minutes.
- Prices start from £125 per night for a Luxury Wee Double or £365 for the Dunstane Suite
- Check out my full review of Dunstane House or book here
6) Isle of Carna, Loch Sunart
If its seclusion you’re after, whisk your other half off to the privately-owned Isle of Carna on Loch Sunart. If that doesn’t earn you a bucket load of brownie points, I don’t know what will! This 600-acre island is accessed via the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, and there are no roads or vehicles: well, apart from the Landrover than sits on the jetty to transport your baggage and food supplies.
On the short crossing on the wee boat over to Carna, all modern-day distractions are left behind. In the house – which was built in the 1920s – there is no phone signal, WiFi or electricity (aside from one plug socket). Perfect for a digital detox and some quality time with the one you love. Even if the other house on the island is occupied by guests, you won’t even know they’re there!
You can take your own wee boat out for a spin, or discover the rarely trodden paths to the beaches, meadows and highest point. Back at the house, you can cook a romantic meal – unless you came armed with a delicious food hamper from Kate at the Ariudel Centre. Afterwards, light the gas lamps, get the fire roaring, and run a nice hot bath for your other half.
TOP THINGS TO DO NEARBY: Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, kayaking with Otter Adventures. Find out more in my blog about the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
HOW TO GET THERE: Ardnamurchan can be accessed by a short ferry from Corran near Fort William, or from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. The journey to Laga (where you get the boat to Carna) takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes from Edinburgh and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Glasgow.
