The 5 Best Places To Stay in Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland? Read on to find out the absolute best places to stay in Scotland…

Scotland can make for a wonderful addition to your travel bucket list. Some places in the country look like they are taken straight out of a fairy-tale. But given the sheer number of picturesque places waiting for you to explore in Scotland, planning a trip to this country can be quite tricky, especially if you have limited time.

Thankfully, we’ve put together this list of the best places to stay in Scotland. From the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the charming seaside town of St Andrews, these are the places that can make your Scottish holiday a trip to remember.

The Best Places To Stay in Scotland

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is a must-visit in Scotland, especially its quaint medieval Old Town. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with Scottish pubs and centuries-old buildings. Meanwhile, in the New Town, you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere with plenty of shopping and dining options, fantastic museums, and charming Georgian houses. 

Edinburgh has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times. Wander through the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress perched on an extinct volcano known as Castle Rock.

Get inside the castle and explore the different rooms to learn more about Edinburgh’s fascinating history. And as you stroll the Old Town alleys, you’ll come across a variety of beautiful buildings with interesting architectural styles.

While Edinburgh is medieval and historic, there’s another side of the city buzzing with nightlife. At night, the city comes alive as traditional Scottish pubs, cool underground bars, and cozy whisky bars start opening up. Check out some great Scottish Theaters here too.

Discover the secret bars where locals hang out and treat yourself to some quirky cocktails. Make your Scottish holiday even more relaxing by staying at a boutique hotel in Edinburgh, with comfy beds and modern amenities.

Oban

Also known as the gateway to the isles, Oban is a popular base for tourists visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides islands. But if you take time to explore the town, you’ll discover some hidden gems, including the ruins of Dunollie Castle, which occupy a stunning location overlooking the entrance to the bay. 

The Victorian harbor town of Oban was built around a famous distillery. Thus, one of the first things to do in Oban is to visit this distillery. Established in 1794, the Oban Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and produces over a million bottles of malt whisky each year.

Another attraction to check out in Oban is the unfinished replica of Rome’s Colosseum called the McCaig’s Tower. There’s also Pulpit Hill, where you can enjoy amazing views of the town and its harbor.

With so many great places to discover in Oban and the surrounding area, it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Scotland and it’s worth spending the night in the region. Consider staying in a beautiful log cabin in the Highlands, surrounded by rugged landscapes and with easy access to the region’s most scenic trails.

St Andrews

St Andrews is a charming Scottish town located on the coast of Fife. It’s famous for its university, world-class golf course, and absolutely stunning landscape. Offering a wealth of exciting things to see and do, St Andrews is a great place to visit in Scotland, whether as a day trip or on a weekend getaway.

Once the largest church in Scotland, the St Andrews Cathedral is a must-see. Explore its museum, which holds a fantastic collection of relics and medieval sculptures, most of which were discovered on the site. Climb the St. Rules Tower, a 12th-century tower that opens to the most amazing views of St Andrews and Fife.

If you’re visiting with the kids, take them to the St Andrews Spy Mission Treasure Trail. Follow the guided trails and solve clues along the way.

The Old Course at St Andrew’s is a must-visit for every golf fanatic. It’s one of the world’s most popular golf courses and hosts a number of golf tournaments, including The Open Championship. Hire an expert guide to take you around the course, where you’ll walk through the footsteps of golfing legends.

Loch Lomond

Set in one of Scotland’s most famous National Parks, Loch Lomond attracts many visitors each year. You can visit the loch as a day trip, a weekend getaway, or part of a multi-day trip to Trossachs National Park. It’s only a short drive from Glasgow, making it an ideal destination for tourists in Scotland. 

Covering an area of 71 km2 and a length of 36 km, Loch Lomond is the largest loch in the UK. It is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, adventure seekers, and all kinds of tourists.

For those who love to explore the outdoors, conquer the West Highland Way walk, a scenic trail that’s about 154 km and connects Milngavie to Fort William. Make a stop at Balmaha, a small village along the loch’s eastern shore and a popular spot for picnickers and day-trippers.

There are many beautiful waterfalls throughout the area, but the most popular one is the Bracklinn Falls. Tucked just below the Bracklinn bridge, the falls are easily accessible with enough space for some buggies to fit on the walk towards the falls.

If you plan to spend the night in Loch Lomond, consider booking one of the best luxury villas near the Loch with Oliver’s Travels, especially recommended for families traveling with kids.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skype is famous for its medieval castles, rugged landscapes, and picturesque fishing villages, and it is definitely one of the best places to stay in Scotland. As the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, it’s connected to the northwest coast of Scotland through the Sky Bridge and the ferry that sails from Mallaig to Armadale.

If you’re here to hike, you’ll find that the Isle of Skye offers endless opportunities for scenic hikes. Some of the best ones include the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang, a large pinnacle featuring captivating rocks dominating from miles around.

Wildlife spotting is also popular on Skye, as the island is home to interesting wildlife species like sea eagles, red deer, and hairy coos. 

Make sure you check out the Fairy Pools, one of the most famous attractions in the area. It’s a series of pools with crystal clear water surrounded by The Cuillin, a range of rocky mountains.