Many of us are choosing a staycation this year rather than jumping on a plane and flying off somewhere new. Perhaps you have realised that staycations in Scotland have much to offer, after rediscovering places on your own doorstep and seeing more and more options for staying local. Or maybe you don’t feel comfortable heading to other countries just yet. No matter what your reason is, a Scotland staycation is certainly growing in popularity as more people explore this option.
Staycations in Scotland can give you greater flexibility in terms of how you want your holiday to turn out. You are not restricted to hotel accommodation or eating out every night like you can be with some popular holiday destinations abroad, meaning you can plan cheap staycation Scotland ideas to suit your budget.
You could go camping, embark on a road trip, or stay in quirky boutique hotels or cosy cottages. There are more options, and this is certainly appealing to the masses.
Scotland is a fantastic place with so many things for you to see and do. Here are just a few reasons you should consider planning a Scotland staycation:
- Breathtaking highland escapes
- Amazing restaurants focusing on local produce and cuisine
- Scenic walking trails suitable for all ages
- Outdoor adventures
- Fabulous coastlines
- Amazing islands to explore
Whether you want a bustling city or a secluded hideaway, you are likely to find your perfect staycation locations in Scotland. But where to go? With that in mind, here are some suggestions of staycation ideas Scotland has to offer.
The Best Staycations in Scotland
The Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is one of the islands that form part of the Outer Hebrides, and there is one main reason that you might want to consider having a staycation here, and that is the breathtaking views and scenery.
This is the perfect location for couples or families that love to be out in the countryside and seeing things from a different perspective through walking and hiking. There are also two stunning beaches here not to be missed called Scarista and Luskentyre.
There are few hotels and restaurants on the island, but there are excellent options for camping. Staycations on the Isle of Harris are a great option if you’re looking for a real adventure.
The Scottish Highlands
If you are looking for rugged terrain, rolling hills, and mountainous climbs, then a staycation in the Scottish Highlands should be on your list of things to do.
Here, you can take a road trip and explore the main villages, lochs, and towns within them. Check out this itinerary to help you plan your Scotland road trip.
However, one of the best locations to visit would be Loch Ness. Famous for the Loch Ness monster but also so many beautiful sights and things to do while you are here. Taking a boat trip on Loch Ness is a great way to see the vast water and surroundings in all their glory.
While you are there, don’t miss Urquhart Castle. It is surrounded by mystery and the perfect location to get imaginations going for all ages. The Scottish Highlands can offer you fabulous hotels and bed and breakfast options, but there are also some excellent camping sites for people who are looking for adventure.
Dunnottar Castle 
Highlands road trip
Edinburgh
If you were hoping to embrace a city break when it comes to your Scottish staycation then heading to Scotland’s capital could be the ideal place to plan your Scotland staycation.
An Edinburgh staycation is the perfect option for getting the best out of staycations Scotland has to offer, thanks to the great combination of history, sights, walks, restaurants and countryside right on your doorstep.
There are some great sights to see in Edinburgh including Edinburgh Castle where you will find the Scottish crown jewels. The streets are adorned with shops, bars, and restaurants, and even heading outside of the city you can find trendy locations like Leigh where you can enjoy water sports or cycling opportunities around the neighbourhood.
In August, Edinburgh comes alive with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, one of the largest festivals dedicated to The Arts. The perfect location for people who want a bit more going on when it comes to their staycation.
Victoria Street 
The Vennel
Glasgow
Most people instinctively add Edinburgh to their Scottish bucket list, but it would be a mistake not to visit Scotland’s second city.
But Glasgow has so much culture to offer, the Galery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum plus the Botanical Gardens and the beautiful university buildings.
There’s a great independent scene for eateries, restaurants, bars and boutiques.
There are also several surrounding golf clubs, making Glasgow a great base for golfers.
The Isle of Skye
For anyone who is wanting to spend their staycation outside, keeping active and enjoying the countryside then the Isle of Skye could be the ideal location for your Scottish staycation.
Whether you are an avid hiker or someone who wants to get up close to nature and wildlife, Skye is the perfect location for you. For the more active amongst you, there are plenty of opportunities to do activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, or abseiling. It is certainly the place to go if you are looking for something more to do with your days.
Don’t miss iconic hikes like Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing or be brave and go wild swimming in the Fairy Pools!
If you’re short on time or looking to combine the Isle of Skye with a longer staycation, Scotland has plenty to offer and you can use this Isle of Skye day trip itinerary to get the most of your trip.
The scenery and stunning views are what sets this apart from some of the other locations, and Skye has a little more going on in terms of food and accommodation. So it could be the ideal spot for you.
Old Man of Storr 
Fairy Glen 
Mealt Falls 
Portree
Loch Lomond
There is no doubt that if you want a stunning slice of Scotland’s landscape then Loch Lomond is the best staycation Scotland has to offer.
You’ll find a handful of small towns surrounding Loch Lomond, giving you plenty of scope to explore a few different places and do different things. There are even boat tours that circle the loch daily, giving you ample opportunity to explore the surrounding area.
Loch Lomond is also on the doorstep of Trossachs National Park, which is filled with unspoiled natural beauty. You can spend your days hiking in the woods or exploring the glens.
There are a lot of holiday staycation ideas to offer both couples and families here, and plenty of chances to venture further afield from this point. Camping or staying in other forms of accommodation are also widely available here.
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is one of two National Parks in Scotland with endless things to do all year round making it a perfect choice for your staycations in Scotland.
It’s the best place to go if you’re an avid skier, you can take to the slopes in the Cairngorms without having to fly abroad to international ski resorts!
The Cairngorms are also home to the only free-roaming reindeer herd in Britain which you can visit at the Cairngorms Reindeer Centre.
In the warmer months, the mountains become a walker’s paradise, with plenty of hills, rivers and small villages to explore on foot.
Caithness and Sutherland
If you are wanting some of the best coastlines that Scotland can offer then heading North is where to go. Caithness and Sutherland can be explored by driving the North Coast 500 trip, but some of the best beaches would be the natural beauty you will find at Durness.
While you are there, you could take the time to see one of the best sea caverns there is. Perfect for couples or families, this location is one to embrace if you are looking for a British seaside staycation in Scotland.
Inverness
Regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands and located on the northeast Scottish coast.
Many people pass through Inverness on their NC500 road trip but Inverness is well worth a stop for a night or two.
Visit the unique red sandstone Inverness Castle, built in the 19th century with stunning grounds and views. There’s also the Inverness Botanical Gardens and the close proximity to several gold courses makes it a great choice for golfers.
Don’t miss some of the local independent businesses too, Leakey’s Bookshop is a must-visit for book lovers and Inverness is also home to the Scottish brewery, Black Isle Brewery with locally brewed organic beer and great pizza.
Summary: The Best Scotland Staycation
Hopefully this has given you some inspiration for some of the best staycations Scotland has to offer and plenty of holiday ideas for planning the perfect Scotland staycation.
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