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 its 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 things to do in Scotland, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. From unique experiences steeped in heritage to world-class hospitality and breathtaking landscapes, these are some of the most memorable and luxurious activities in Scotland to inspire your next journey.

Scotland is famous for its 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 riverbank is awe-inspiring. 

Landing a fish in these waters is a special moment in any fisherman or woman’s career and is considered one of the best activities in Scotland. Why not stay with friends or family at the magnificent Gordon Castle, with 8 miles of fishing on the River Spey to offer?

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 for all those staying in Edinburgh. For food and drink lovers, this is one of the best experiences in Scotland. Visit the Timber Yard website to find out more.

These wonderful gardens are some of the finest in Europe and are among the most beautiful activities to do in Scotland. 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. 

Towards the end of the 17th Century, the 4th Earl began four rows of trees from the castle to Perth, 20 miles away. Enjoy the formal gardens, kitchen garden, and glasshouses for a peaceful and historical experience. To find out more, you can visit Drummond Castle Gardens.

Scotland is full of fabulous Championship courses, many of which are challenging links courses. If you are a keen golfer, what could be more exciting than a round at one of these prestigious courses with a celebrity golfer?  The links courses of East Lothian are wild and beautiful. Moving further north, there is the Old Course at St. Andrews and then Carnoustie on the Angus coast. 

This is one of the best things to do in Scotland for golf enthusiasts, and with other championship courses abounding, there is no shortage of places to play.  Why not stay at the glorious Gilmerton House, just a 20-minute drive from the championship course of Muirfield?

The stunning backdrop of the rolling hills of Perthshire, combined with top-quality theatre productions, makes enjoying a play here a completely unique experience in Scotland.  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 and definitely one of the most fun activities to do in Scotland.

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. Visiting this landmark is one of the most historical and immersive experiences in Scotland.

Visiting castles is only part of the story, why not go one step further and stay in one? Renting a castle in Scotland allows you to experience the country like royalty,  combining history, luxury, and comfort in equal measure. Many properties are fully staffed and offer tailored experiences such as private chefs, butlers, and activity planning. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family gathering, or a special celebration, staying in a castle is undoubtedly one of the best luxury things to do in Scotland.

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 breathtaking way to view it and a true luxury thing to do in Scotland. You get to look over the islands with white sandy beaches, and spot dolphins and basking sharks playing in the waves. 

You can also see the coloured 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, and have the best seats in the outdoor arena with excellent views of the Tattoo. This is one of the best experiences in Scotland for those wanting a night to remember and to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in style.

If you’re looking for luxury things to do in Scotland – a truly hidden and 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.

If you’re a whiskey lover, a visit to the smallest traditional whiskey distillery in Scotland is one of the top experiences in Scotland. 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, so 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.

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 stay here is one of the most iconic luxury things to do in Scotland, ideal for unwinding after a day exploring the capital or entertaining friends with delicious food and wine.

Experience dinner at Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and featured in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This magnificent castle, steeped in history, offers fabulous hospitality and is a wonderful opportunity to experience one of the most famous castles in Scotland, as well as supposedly being one of the most haunted Scottish castles!

For those who are brave enough to swim in the cold water, these clear blue fairy pools on the River Brittle on the Isle of Skye attract visitors from all over the world, and for good reason. 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 an invigorating experience and one of the most popular fun activities to do in Scotland.

Scotland’s Highland Games are known throughout the world. They combine skill, culture and music, as well as offering real Scottish hospitality. As much as they are one of the most fun activities to do in Scotland, it’s important to remember that there is still a very competitive element to these games. 

Competitors display great shows of strength tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, the shot put and tug of war. The pipe bands and highland dancing all add to the experience of being part of such a traditional event.

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’s one of the most unforgettable experiences in Scotland and is a wonderful way to cruise the Western Isles and travel further afield to St Kilda, the Orkney Islands and the Shetlands. There is no better way of exploring the remote islands, beautiful lochs and harbours than travelling on this luxurious boat with spacious and elegant cabins.

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 us or call on + 44 (0) 1835 824642.