15 OF THE BEST LUXURY ACTIVITIES IN SCOTLAND

The majesty and magic of Scotland can only be understood by experiencing it first hand.  Scotland is a special place that is held in the heart of it’s many visitors.  Steeped in history, legend and drama, the landscape has seen it all.  If hills, lochs and moorland could talk, they would have many a story to tell.  Battles have been fought, lost and won; blood spilt over the heather, land and animals changed hands and the people of Scotland are fiercely patriotic.  A country with wilderness, beauty and extreme weather as well as the international cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

We have picked 15 of the best luxury activities to do in Scotland and this is only the tip of the iceberg.  If you would like to enjoy a particular experience in Scotland or to find out about any of these unique experiences please email Jonathan on jonathan@ltrcastles.com or call + 44 (0) 1835 824642.

Scotland is famous for it’s magnificent salmon rivers.  For keen fishermen/women there can be nothing better than trying your luck on one of the many well known rivers in Scotland.  The River Spey holds a spell over those who have fished it and the majesty and beauty of the river bank is awe inspiring.  Landing a fish in these waters is a special moment in any fisherman/woman’s career.  Why not stay with friends or family at the magnificent Gordon Castle, with 8 miles of fishing on the River Spey to offer.  Speak to Jonathan on + 44 (0) 1835 824642 or email jonathan@ltrcastles.com to find out more.

Featured in The Times’, ‘Top 20 cool places to eat in the UK’, Timber Yard is a modern, family run, revolutionary restaurant in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.  With plenty of organic and delicious food, served in fabulous surroundings this “best new restaurant in the city” is an absolute must to visit for all those staying in Edinburgh, particularly those food and drink lovers amongst us.  Visit Timber Yard website to find out more.

These wonderful gardens are some of the finest gardens in Europe.  They have all the characteristics of a courtly, 17th Century Scottish Renaissance garden.  John Drummond, the 2nd Earl of Perth, is said to have transformed Drummond Castle and Gardens between 1630-1636 and then towards the end of the 17th Century, the 4th Earl planned and began four row of trees from the castle to Perth, which is 20 miles away.  There are magnificent formal gardens to enjoy as well as the kitchen garden and glasshouses.  To find out more you can visit Drummond Castle Gardens.

Scotland is full of fabulous Championship courses and many of these are challenging links courses.  If you are a keen golfer, what could be more exciting than a round of golf at one of these prestigious courses with a celebrity golfer.  The links courses of East Lothian are wild and beautiful and moving further north there is the Old Course at St. Andrews and then Carnoustie on the Angus coast.  With other championship courses abounding, there is no shortage of places to play.  Why not stay at the glorious Gilmerton House, just 20 minutes drive from the championship course of Muirfield.  Ask Jonathan@ltrcastles.com to help you with this.

The stunning back drop of the picturesque, rolling hills of Perthshire combined with top quality theater productions makes enjoying a play here a completely unique experience.  There is always an exciting and full program of musicals and plays on offer and to top it all off, you can have dinner in the restaurant, which during the summer months, is themed to the various shows.  A visit to The Pitlochry Festival Theatre is not to be missed.

You simply cannot enjoy a vacation in Scotland without learning about the brave and unrelenting William Wallace. The castle is located just a 10-minute drive from the Wallace Monument, and is remembered as the place where English troops were starved into surrendering during the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

The west coast of Scotland has some of the most dramatic and stunning coastal scenery in the whole country.  A helicopter ride along the coast is a breath taking experience looking over to the islands with white sandy beaches, trying to spot dolphins and basking sharks playing in the waves.  You can see the colored houses of Tobermory on the island of Mull and look down on Iona Abbey, built by St Columba in the sixth century and the burial site of the early Scottish kings.  PDG Helicopters can give you a wonderful tour of this historic area of Scotland.

Within the Scotch Whiskey Experience and just seconds away from the Tattoo arena, you can enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner from ‘Taste of Scotland’ with three specially selected Scotch Whiskeys.  You will also receive a short recital from members of the Tattoo cast, be able to view the World’s largest collection of Scotch whiskey along with having the best seats in the outdoor arena with excellent views of the Tattoo.  A night to remember and a wonderful way to enjoy all things Scottish and see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in style.

If you are looking for a truly hidden, idyllic spot, then this is it. Glenapp Castle, set in glorious surroundings on the Ayrshire coast, is a luxury, five star hotel offering a genuine ‘home from home’ feel to it with outstanding service.  It has been renovated to an exceptionally high standard with wonderful period features combined with modern comforts.  The recently decorated Arran Suite is highly recommended and ideal for families or a couple wanting plenty of space, with fabulous views over the gardens and the sea with Ailsa Craig in the distance.  To find out more about Glenapp Castle, one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels, email Andrew@ltrcastles.com.

If you’re a whiskey lover, a visit to the smallest traditional whiskey distillery in Scotland is not to be missed.  The distillery dates back to 1825 and is the last stronghold of handmade single malt whiskey from a farm distillery still in production today.  Edradour is full of history and to experience the whiskey being made first hand with all the sights, smells, sounds and tastes is very special indeed.  Situated in the heart of rural Perthshire, the scenery is spectacular, contributing to the overall experience.  Visit Edradour Distillery to find out more.

The Balmoral Hotel has three delightful suites, Balmoral, Glamis and Scone & Crombie.  With wonderful views over Edinburgh Castle and the city of Edinburgh, these suites offer supreme luxury and in the Balmoral Suite, you will even have your own dining room for 6.  A perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of exploring the capital city or to entertain friends with delicious food and wine.  The service is fabulous and it is a great Scottish experience staying at the Balmoral.  Visit the Balmoral Hotel to find out more.

Dinner in the State dining room of Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.  This magnificent castle, steeped in history, offers fabulous hospitality and a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the magic of the castle and to hear tales of its past.  Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, includes Glamis Castle and Duncan’s Hall, in the oldest and eeriest part of the castle commemorates the killing of King Duncan of Scotland by Macbeth.   To find out more about entertaining at Glamis Castle email Andrew@ltrcastles.com.

For those who are brave enough to swim in the cold water, these clear blue pools on the River Brittle on the Isle of Skye, attract visitors from all over the world.  Situated at the foot of the Black Cuillins, the walk to the pools is about 2 1/2 km and can be done in approximately 40 minutes.  A bracing afternoon that is not for the faint hearted but certainly a refreshing and invigorating experience.  Visit the Fairy Pools to find out more.

Scotland’s Highland Games are known of throughout the world.  They combine skill, culture and music as well as offering real Scottish hospitality.  It is important to remember that there is still a very competitive element to these games with competitors displaying great shows of strength tossing the caber, throwing the hammer & the shot putt and tug of war.  The pipe bands and highland dancing all add to the experience of being part of such a traditional event.  To find out more about the different highland games to visit click here.

The Hebridean Princess has an enviable reputation for its delicious food & fine wine and there is also a crew of 38 to serve the 50 guests on board.  It is a wonderful way to cruise the western isles and travel further afield to St Kilda, the Orkney Islands and Shetlands.  There is no better way of exploring the remote islands, beautiful lochs and harbors than traveling on this luxurious boat with spacious and elegant cabins.  Visit the Hebridean Princess to find out more.

If you would like to find out more about any of these fabulous activities or other ideas of things to do in Scotland, please contact Jonathan on jonathan@ltrcastles.com or call us on + 44 (0) 1835 824642.