The Perfect Scottish Honeymoon

31st October 2024

Many authors, filmmakers and poets have romanticised Scotland in their works, and it’s easy to see why. The lush green landscapes with rolling hills, rugged mountains, and lochs serve as a stunning backdrop to a good love story. Scotland’s romantic stories are not all works of fiction, however. There was once a time when young lovers flocked to Gretna Green, just north of the border with England, to a humble blacksmith to be wed. The laws in England at the time prevented people under the age of 21 from being married without their parents’ permission, so in an act of rebellion, these young people would run away to Scotland to declare their union. Many couples elope in this culturally significant location to this day.

Runaways or not, after the wedding of your dreams, Scotland makes a unique and wonderful honeymoon destination. Think castle stays and secluded luxuries, with time and space to enjoy each other’s company as newlyweds. We have curated an example of what a honeymoon to Scotland could look like in this article. To start planning the bespoke honeymoon of your dreams, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary. Leave the planning to us so that all that’s left for you to do is let Scotland sweep you off your feet as you fall in love with this beautiful country. 

Southern Scotland

The Scottish Borders are known for charming market towns, impressive castles, and storied history. With its peaceful countryside and cultural heritage, this region is perfect for those seeking an intimate exploration of Scotland’s past.

With just one bedroom and exclusive use of the entire castle, Neidpath Castle is practically made for honeymooning. The castle feels as though time has stood still for centuries whilst offering all of the modern comforts. It has a star-studded history – Mary Queen of Scots even stayed here once. In your private suite, guests can relax by the log fire, enjoy meals made from locally foraged ingredients cooked by your personal chef, and rest in a four-poster bed. During your stay, you can take a riverside stroll, or go horse riding around the local area.

Sir Walter Scott is often credited for the romanticisation of Scotland to people across the world. While you are in the Scottish Borders, you can take the opportunity to visit his home – Abbotsford House. As one might expect, the library is mesmerising. You can explore Sir Walter Scott’s study, where he wrote his famous novels, as well as many other magnificent rooms in the house. It is not just the interior that is spectacular however, we recommend taking a leisurely walk around the gardens and the estate to take it all in.

Often listed as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Edinburgh is close by. Take a trip to the country’s capital for art, culture and shopping. The city is famous for its characterful architecture that looks like it is straight out of an old storybook, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh has a variety of world-class museums, cosy cafés, and charming streets to explore to your heart’s content.

Perthshire

Right in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire is home to bountiful native woodlands and scenic spots like The Hermitage and Loch Tay. It has picturesque villages with independent shops and galleries which are lovely for a stroll and a spot of lunch.

If you wish to stay in a refined yet rural hotel surrounded by stunning Scottish countryside, we recommend Balintaggart. Known for its exceptional farm-to-table dining experience, the hotel places a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. If you are interested in how these delicious plates are made, you can even enjoy private cooking classes during your stay.

Not far from Ballintaggart is the world-renowned artisan chocolatier, Iain Burnett. Specialising in gourmet chocolates, Iain is particularly famous for his award-winning Velvet Truffles, crafted using the finest natural ingredients and pure, single-origin cocoa from the South Atlantic Islands. Iain’s shop is the perfect stop-off during your honeymoon, where visitors can experience his exquisite chocolates firsthand, with an exclusive tasting of his signature creations.

A visit to Perthshire is not complete without a trip to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. It is a remarkable place, where the same cast plays in a rotation of shows each week, so there is something different to enjoy every day. Each play has its own uniquely crafted sets and costumes. It is a hugely successful production and a lovely place to spend an evening, enjoying dinner and a show.

Ardnamurchan

On the most westerly point of the British mainland, the Ardnamurchan peninsula is pure, undisturbed beauty. With wonderful white sand beaches, rocky outcrops and a whole lot of wilderness, it is a place you can go to be alone together.

Once a stronghold of the Clan MacDonald, Mingary Castle is perched on the coast of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, overlooking the sound of Mull. This medieval fortress that was once on the edge of the known world, has now been lovingly restored and renovated into a stunning castle restaurant with rooms. The castle is a beautiful, quiet retreat where you can enjoy award-winning dinners of fresh, locally sourced ingredients made into decadent dishes, before retiring to the comfort of your chamber in the ramparts. 

Take a boat trip from Kilchoan to Fingal’s Cave and the Treshnish Isles to visit the dramatic scenery and wildlife that inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. In the summer months, colonies of puffins and other rare seabirds nest and raise their young atop these remote island cliffs. Scotland’s coasts and islands are some of the few places across the world where you can see a lot of these amazing species.

See what Scotland’s nature is capable of making at Nc’nean Distillery, which is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in whisky production. As the country’s first fully organic whisky distillery, Nc’nean focuses on using organic Scottish barley and renewable energy to create its unique spirits. The distillery produces light, fruity whiskies and botanical spirits, and follows a ‘no rules’ ethos, meaning it is designed to be drank however you like it. You can tour the distillery to learn about its whisky-making process and enjoy tastings of their award-winning malts. Read more about the founding of Nc’Nean here (link to women in whisky).

To start booking your dream honeymoon, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today. To read more Scotland inspiration, read: