6 destinations for a romantic break in Scotland

Scotland is no stranger to a wee bit of romance. With miles of coastline, fairytale castles, magical islands and atmospheric cities, our landscape is the perfect canvas for a love story. Let it be yours and whisk your Valentine away for a romantic break in February!

A couple walking along Portobello Beach

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

The Mull of Kintyre Peninsula at sunset

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Escape it all on the Kintyre Peninsula

The Boathouse Restaurant

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

BEST FOR

Remote romance

THINGS TO DO

The long slither of land that stretches down the west coast is the Kintyre Peninsula, one of Scotland's best kept secrets. A long stretch of deserted coastline, you might feel like you've reached the edge of the world.

  • Make a day trip to the undiscovered Isle of Gigha, just a 20-minute ferry journey from Tayinloan on the Mainland. You might be lucky enough to be the only two people on the isle. Stop for lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant, Isle of Gigha, and try the seafood delights including the Gigha halibut bon bons.
  • Raise a toast with a local gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillery or a classic Campbeltown dram from Springbank, Glen Scotia or Glengyle.
  • Check out the creative space, Crear, at the very north of the peninsula. A luxury wedding venue and art gallery, you can dream up a magical wedding for the future or purchase a piece of local art to commemorate your trip. 
  • Don't leave Kintyre without seeing the Mull of Kintyre from the lighthouse. 

GETAWAY FOR TWO

Stay in hot tub lodge at Point Sands CaraPod or splash out with a castle stay at Stonefield Castle.

Oban, Argyll

Hide away in the Highland village of Onich

Glencoe Lochan

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

BEST FOR

Adventures you'll adore

THINGS TO DO

Just a few miles south of Fort William and west of Glencoe, the village of Onich is a very magical pocket of Scotland, just next door to some of Scotland's most iconic sights including Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glen Coe. There's lots more to discover from this corner of the Highlands.

  • Take a scenic wander to the Inchree Falls. Follow a forest path up a hill to see the cascading falls from above with views for miles at the top.
  • Try a new outdoor activity at Woodlands Glencoe and explore the incredible scenery with your partner. There are segway, archery, laser clay shooting and electric bike experiences on offer.
  • You might mistake the scenes at the Glencoe Lochan for the mountains of North America, in particular Lake Louise in British Columbia! This circular walk is a beautiful stroll, with the towering Pap of Glencoe reflecting in the lochan below like a mirror.
  • From this wee nook of the Highlands, you're also under an hour from Oban by car. Book a table for two at one of the town's seafood restaurants and sample some of the freshest fish you'll ever come across. Try a selection of oysters, the ultimate aphrodisiac! 

GETAWAY FOR TWO

Stay in one of Onich Hotel's three glamping pods and watch the sun go down over the beautiful Loch Linnhe. Some say this is one of the best views in Scotland.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

© VisitScotland

A cultural city break in Aberdeen

Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

BEST FOR

Cultural couples

THINGS TO DO

A city with a truly unique feel, Aberdeen is built on years of nautical heritage, but nowadays is making a name for itself as a cultural hotspot, with its fabulous, newly renovated art museum. The area known as Old Aberdeen is all 17th century charm, whilst the surrounding countryside is dotted with ancient castles, coastal villages and years of fascinating history.

  • Immerse yourself in Queen Victoria & Prince Albert's love story. The royal couple were not only devoted to one another, but also to the region of Aberdeenshire. There's a room dedicated to the couple in the fabulous Aberdeen Art Gallery. Another piece which will fill your heart with joy is Tracy Emin's For You, a short love poem which shines brightly in the shape of a neon heart.
  • Step straight into a fairytale at Craigievar Castle. This spellbinding, pink, Baronial tower is thought to have inspired Disney's Cinderella. Did we mention, it's pink?!
  • Head to the fascinating Peterhead Prison. Now, you might be wondering how a prison could possibly be romantic? Well, the stories here are truly gripping, so hold on tight to your partner's hand and brave the eerie prison together. Listen to tales from former officers in the audio tour and learn of its gory past. Stay close, there's a chill in the air!

GETAWAY FOR TWO

Stay in the trendiest hotel in town, The Chester Hotel. It has transparent igloos for socially distanced dining and delicious, ever-changing seasonal menus. 

Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle

© VisitScotland / Grant Paterson

A coastal getaway for foodies in East Lothian

North Berwick Law

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

BEST FOR

Soulmates by the sea

THINGS TO DO

A gem of the south easterly coastline is East Lothian, an area as equally well known amongst golfers as it is with surfers. Or, if you just like pretty beaches, seafood and quirky shops and galleries, it's a lovely place to spend a short break.

  • Hike up the North Berwick Law to see panoramic views of the region, with the Bass Rock and the hills of Edinburgh in the distance. Take some time to reflect together at the 'Live for the moment' cairn at top.
  • Book a spot at the photo-worthy cliff-edge café Drift with floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy cracking coastal views.
  • Catch a fiery sunset at Tantallon Castle.
  • Go for a stroll along the secluded sands at Seacliff Beach or Limetree Walk Beach. 

GETAWAY FOR TWO

Everyone knows that true love and good food go hand-in-hand. The Bonnie Badger in Gullane is Michelin-star chef Tom Kitchin's gastropub, with 13 amazing en-suite rooms on offer for a romantic getaway. Why not surprise your partner with dinner and an overnight stay?

View across Loch Ken towards the Galloway Forest Park

Celebrate romance in Dumfries & Galloway

Sweetheart Abbey

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

BEST FOR

Falling in love with Scottish history

THINGS TO DO

This region is a hopeless romantic. The lowland landscape has lived through its fair share of romance, from the poetry of Robert Burns to the thousands of couples who have fled here to say 'I do' over the centuries. Create your own love affair with the incredible south west corner of Scotland.

  • Visit Sweetheart Abbey and learn about Lady Dervorguilla who founded the abbey in tribute to her beloved husband, John Balliol.
  • Head to Gretna Green to see the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, the place where runaway young couples would elope to tie the knot in secret. This building was the first building couples from England would come across, and thousands would take advantage of the more lenient marriage laws over the border.
  • Cling on to each other as you trek along this thrilling cliff edge walk at Balcary Bay near Castle Douglas. Make sure you take it slowly and carefully and enjoy the magnificent Solway Coast views to the Isle of Man on clear days.
  • With starry eyes, watch the starry skies of the Galloway Forest Park, one of the darkest night skies in Europe, with the Milky Way and lots of constellations visible on clear nights. 

GETAWAY FOR TWO

What could be more romantic than waking up to the sounds of the waves, right beside the ocean? Check out the Seaview Snugs at Laggan near Gatehouse.

Dumyat, Stirling

© © VisitScotland / Discover Clackmannanshire / Damian Shields

A back-to-nature experience in Clackmannanshire

Discover Scottish Gardens / Julie Howden

The Japanese Garden at Cowden

© Discover Scottish Gardens / Julie Howden

BEST FOR

Reconnecting with nature and each other! 

THINGS TO DO

Scotland's smallest county, the area between the Trossachs, Stirling and Perthshire, is a quiet paradise, full of little surprises and scenic spots. Perfect for a romantic escape away from it all, yet so close to Edinburgh and Glasgow!

  • Walk through the magical glens of the Ochil Hills. Explore Alva Glen where you'll pass through a gorge at the foot of the hills and see waterfalls, or climb Dumyat, a hill overlooking Stirling - grab the chance for a new couple photo at the summit!
  • Pick up some special local produce for a romantic meal for two later or stop for a bite to eat beneath the Ochil Hills, at Muircot Farmshop and Café in Tillicoultry.
  • Escape to the Japanese Garden, near Dollar, to steal some peaceful moments in amongst beautiful scenery. This garden is the only one of its type in the world to have been designed by a Japanese woman, Taki Handa.

GETAWAY FOR TWO

Book a stunning lodge at the Dam View Glampsite within the Gartmorn Dam Nature Reserve.

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