8 Charming Weekend Getaways In Scotland | Coast to Country

Handpicked
Written By Lesley Stewart

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway in Scotland? We’ve got wonderful suggestions that make for the perfect weekend escape - from city to coast and countryside, including some of Scotland’s most beautiful hotels.

By: Lesley Stewart | 14 January 2025 | Handpicked Scotland

Trying to choose a weekend getaway in Scotland can be a little overwhelming.

With endless choices across the country, there are incredible weekend break options - with an array of stylish, cosy hotels to curl up in and magical experiences on offer, from the Highlands to the Lowlands. Some of my favourite Scottish travels come from weekends away, short breaks that are good for the soul.

But which destination you choose depends on your travel style - countryside retreat, outdoor adventure, city break, or coastal escape? I’ll be honest: I love every type of getaway! Cosy stays by the seaside, lively city breaks, plus weekends spent walking in the countryside.

Depending on how much time you have, you can even take a mini road trip and drive between destinations. For example, I love to combine an idyllic rural retreat with a visit to a historic town or pretty Scottish village - preferably one full of lovely cafes!

During the summer, it’s all about the coast and destinations like Dornoch and Fife’s East Neuk are incredible options with long stretches of golden sands. Autumn is leaf-peeping season, so it has to be Perthshire or the Trossachs. And, if you can handle the cold, Glencoe in winter is utterly magical. And then you have year-round destinations, especially Scotland’s towns and cities, such as Edinburgh, Oban, and Inverness.

If you’re not sure which destination to choose, this list of my top picks for incredible weekend Scotland getaways will inspire you.

Quick guide - My Top Picks for the Best Weekend Getaways in Scotland:

  1. Dornoch (stay at Links House at Royal Dornoch): for the best coastal retreat

  2. Portree (stay at Marmalade Hotel): for the best island getaway

  3. Edinburgh (stay at Righ Residences): for the best city break

Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz and Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

10 Perfect Weekend Getaways in Scotland

1. Dornoch

One Scotland weekend getaway I love the most is the historic town of Dornoch. Located on the tranquil East Coast in the Scottish Highlands, this charming town is most often visited by travellers on an NC500 road trip. However, this royal burgh is equally perfect for a weekend break.

Stay at Links House at Royal Dornoch, a luxury and chic stay overlooking the coast. There is so much to love about this exceptional hotel that it provides a truly unforgettable experience.

But if you want to get out and about, there’s plenty to see and do. Spend a morning walking the breathtaking coastal path; miles and miles of long golden stretches curve around the Dornoch coast with dunes, spectacular grasslands, and incredibly picturesque coves to explore.

The slow pace paired with coastal vibes means Dornoch is very much worth visiting. In town, there are a handful of boutique stores, great restaurants and cafes, and whisky connoisseurs should sample a dram in the Dornoch Castle whisky bar. Golfers have iconic links courses to play, too, all easily walkable from the town.

Dornoch hotel recommendations:

2. Portree

When it comes to the Scottish islands, the most iconic destination is Skye. And its capital, Portree, is perfect for those looking for a long weekend getaway. Known for its colourful harbour and breathtaking views, Portree is often used as a base for travellers’ road-tripping Skye - which means it’s frequently overlooked as a destination in its own right. A lively and vibrant coastal town, Portree has lots to see and do.

The restaurant scene here is exceptional, so if you’re looking for a destination with cafe culture or excellent food, this is it. Stay at Marmalade, a stylish hotel in a peaceful spot on the outskirts of the town. There’s a gorgeous spa onsite, a bar, and a restaurant serving delicious food. Equally stylish and overlooking the harbour is The Bosville, a boutique hotel in the heart of the town.

If you can tear yourself away from your room, take a trip to Skye’s iconic places; The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Talisker Distillery are nearby and worth a visit. While in Portree, there are short walks with scenic viewpoints and gorgeous independent stores like ÒR and Skye Candle Company to visit.

Portree hotel recommendations:

3. Oban

One of my favourite areas in Scotland for a weekend on the West Coast is Oban. This coastal town is best known as a launching point for nearby islands like Mull, but there’s plenty to do, including wildlife boat trips, sea-kayaking, seafood eateries, and scenic walks like the wander to the town’s hilltop tower.

Our favourite afternoon activity, however, is a whisky tour and tasting at the historic Oban Distillery.

Those who love seriously stylish hotels are spoilt for choice in Oban. For a chic stay overlooking the harbour, we recommend the Perle Oban and No17 The Promenade. Summer is the perfect time to visit if you’re looking for a quaint seaside escape, and you’ll find the square and promenade packed with people indulging in seafood, coffee, ice cream and fish & chips.

Oban hotel recommendations:

4. Edinburgh

One Scotland getaway we always gravitate to is Edinburgh. While we love the coast and countryside, sometimes a city break, with its museums, restaurants, and buzzing nightlife, is a must. As you can imagine, there’s lots to see and do in Scotland’s capital!

That means a peaceful and calming stay is a must, and for us, that means either Righ Residences (an aparthotel with mod cons and kitchen facilities, photos from our stay below) or The Edinburgh Grand (a stunning hotel in the heart of the city).

From the Castle to walking through the historic Old Town to the cafe culture and top-notch dining experiences, there are so many iconic things to check off your bucket list in Edinburgh.

A weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend, but if you can, add an extra day to visit the city’s charming neighbourhoods - quaint Stockbridge, Dean Village, and Bruntsfield are idyllic spots to spend an afternoon in, with cafes, boutique stores, green spaces, and nature walks.

Edinburgh hotel recommendations:

5. Fife’s East Neuk

Fife's East Neuk is an excellent option for your Scotland getaway if you want to blend history with the coast and countryside, plus luxury stays. And the postcard-perfect villages all along the coast make for a wonderfully relaxing, low-key coastal retreat.

We love The Shoregate at Crail for a hotel stay, The Old Stable in Pittenweem for a self-catering stay, and The Ship Inn at Elie for a small hotel stay.

Crail and Pittenweem are charming; beach lovers will adore the golden sands at Elie. You’ll love the slow pace of life here - wander the picturesque coastal trail, indulge in local seafood, and watch the sunset from the harbour.

Fife hotel recommendations:

6. St Andrews

Staying in Fife, but if you’re looking for something altogether livlier, St Andrews is one of my absolute favourite weekend breaks and a town I’ve visited countless times. Stay at gorgeous No1 Apartments, The Arran, or Rusacks - all stylish spots to base yourself from.

Explore the castle, university buildings, cathedral, and pristine beaches before choosing from one of the town’s many great restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you want to get out and about, the coastal walk is a gorgeously scenic trail that meanders along the clifftops, visiting sea stacks and hidden beaches. At the same time, nearby Tentsmuir is home to quiet forest trails and dunes, plus the delicious Salt & Pine Creperie.

St Andrews hotel recommendations:

7. Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway is one of the most tranquil (and somewhat underrated) parts of Scotland. From beautiful historic castles to countryside walks and delicious eateries, it truly has something for everyone - and is a perfect option for a weekend getaway.

Amongst the picturesque glens and rolling hills are chocolate box villages and charming towns, with plenty of traditional pubs and cafes offering a hearty lunch. There’s history here, too, with places like Caerlaverock Castle, centuries-old cairns, and stone circles to explore.

The best thing about Dumfries & Galloway, though, is the opportunity to slow down, soak in the fresh air, and get outdoors. Choose an easy forest trail or challenging hike in the Kells Range, go wild swimming, mountain biking, or stargazing in the dark skies park.

It’s a fantastic destination for families or groups of friends, with accommodation generally geared towards self-catering breaks. We love The Holm Galloway, a beautifully renovated farmhouse with gorgeous countryside views and roaring fires; it’s a real rural retreat.

Dumfries & Galloway hotel recommendations:

8. Perthshire

If you’re looking for scenic walks, leafy forest trails, stylish hotels, and good food, you’ll find yourself at home on a Perthshire getaway. There’s lots to see and do, with charming and scenic towns, cafes, boutique stores, and woodland walks.

Foodies will love Perthshire’s restaurant scene; this region is known for its independent and delicious eateries serving local produce and seasonal menus.

Plus, Perthshire is one of Scotland’s leafiest places and the forests are stunning, with several walking trails great for soaking in nature. More adventurous travellers can choose more challenging hikes on nearby Schiehallion, a beginner-friendly Munro.

Perthshire hotel recommendations:

PS - are you booking a Scotland trip soon? We can help!

Plan the perfect Scotland itinerary with our travel planning services & custom itineraries. Using our decades of experience, we’ll carefully craft a route based on your interests, recommend hotels, and find activities, tours, and attractions you’ll love. Find out more here.

Lesley Stewart

Lesley is a travel writer, content creator, and blogger from Scotland. She specialises in slow travel stories, champions remarkable stays, eateries, and activities, and showcases small, independent businesses wherever possible.

https://www.wandersomewhere.com/
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