Who says you need to hop on a plane to have a dream vacation? You could have the perfect staycation in Scotland.
Staycations have become increasingly popular and once you realise just how many amazing vacations are just an exciting road trip away, it’s easy to see why everyone is doing it.
To help you book the perfect staycation in Scotland, we have listed some great destinations which you may wish to explore once restrictions ease.
Where to Staycation in Scotland
Dumfries and Galloway – Enjoy Some Small-Village Charm in Kippford
Let’s start with one of our favourite places in the world, Kippford. This picturesque seaside village has everything you need for some quality time away with your family. During your staycation in Kippford, you can look forward to pretty white-washed houses, quaint cafe, dog-friendly pubs, and the sea. If you love the outdoors, there is so much to do here, including walking, golfing, sailing, cycling, and fishing; all within easy reach of our holiday park, Coastal Kippford.
Some of the must-see attractions in Dumfries and Galloway include, family days out, wildlife attractions, castles and gardens. There really is something to suit all interests and ages. You can see our full list of things to do and see here.
Over and above the must see places we’ve mentioned, just a short drive from Kippford is home to the first Dark Sky in Europe. With some of the clearest night skies it is the perfect place to star gaze and catch sight of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
Isle of Skye – Book a boat trip to Loch Coruisk
If you have never been to the Isle of Skye, it’s definitely one for your bucket list! It’s another great choice for anyone who appreciates nature and the outdoors. Even though Isle of Skye is beautiful on its own, it’s highly recommended that you take a ferry to Loch Coruisk. The ferry leaves from Elgol on the Isle of Skye, with the trip taking about 3 hours in total. From the ferry you can take in the view of the Cullin Hills and enjoy the playful seals in the water.
Moray Speyside – Explore the Malt Whisky Trail
If you are a whisky fan, you can’t miss Moray Speyside. Since it’s roughly 3 hours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, this is the ideal weekend staycation destination. This unique trail gives you access to a dozen distilleries where you can learn how whisky is made and try samples. The beautiful coastline and restaurant scene are an added bonus.
Glen Affric – Discover all things nature
If you really want to immerse yourself in the wilderness and spend time hiking and mountain biking, book your staycation in Glen Affric. If you want to spot some interesting wildlife, head to Strathfarrar. Hiking to Dog Falls and Plodda Waterfalls is also highly recommended. If you want to head out of Glen Affric, Cannich, Tomich and Beauly are popular with travellers.
The West Highlands – See it all via train
One of the best ways to explore Scotland is by train, especially if you combine some of the rail trips in a loop, starting at Edinburgh. The West Highlands offers some breathtaking views, including Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. From there, head to Mallaig where you can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, before catching a ferry to the Isle of Skye. To get back to the train station, you will need to take a bus. From Isle of Skye, travel to Inverness, where you can head back to Edinburgh on one of several routes. Aim to travel for about a week if you want to see the best parts of Scotland.
Edinburgh – Explore hidden gems in the capital of Scotland
There is more to do in Edinburgh than the guidebooks might tell you. If you haven’t yet, do a few hikes. Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid are just two of the must-try hiking spots. If you prefer water instead of footpaths, a kayak trip along the Union Canal is highly recommended. As for tourist sites, don’t miss Craigmillar Castle.
Isle of Muck – Take a ferry
If you love the outdoors and want to spend time away from modern conveniences, the Isle of Muck is a fun staycation destination. The island is 1,500 acres and is located on Scotland’s west coast. You can hop on a ferry from either Arisaig or Mallaig. Once there, you can enjoy the white-sand beaches and wildlife, and really unplug. There are only about 80 people living on the Isle of Muck so don’t expect any restaurants or pubs.
The West Highland Way – Hike the country’s best loved long distance walking route
The West Highland Way is a popular destination amongst long-distance hikers. The trail is a total of 96 miles and starts in Milngavie and finishes in Fort William. The scenery is something you won’t soon forget but you will need about a week to complete the entire trail. Spring and Autumn are some of the best seasons for this hike, but this destination is beautiful all year round.
With so many staycation options available, there is no need to worry about travelling too far from home or flying abroad any time soon.
