5 romantic getaways in Scotland

Scotland is the perfect back drop for a romantic break away with the one you love

Finding time together during the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be really hard, which is why booking some time off together is really important. This in itself can be tricky, especially when you have kids, but it is worth every effort when you have a destination like Scotland to look forward to.

Rugged landscapes, impressive coastlines, acres of luscious woodland, heathery moorlands and blissful isolation are all in store for you; it’s just a case of booking that cottage! But what kind of cottage and where? This is where we can help…

Whether you are looking for your picturebook stone cottage, an eco-friendly abode or a base that will satisfy your appetite for the outdoors, we will have something to suit you. We have listed some of our favourite cottages for two which are perfectly suited to romantic breaks.

Little Hideaway

Escape together to an idyllic Scottish town, perfect for foodies!

This is a charming and characterful cottage nestled in the peaceful town of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. Having been lovingly converted from an original stone stable, it now offers a comfortable and stylish home from which to explore this great area. As you walk in, you are greeted with a lovely, spacious open-plan living area with a sitting room at one end and a kitchen/dining room at the other. This would be a lovely place for you to relax together, making tasty home-cooked meals and chilling with a book on the sofa. For the warmer months, the garden is a lovely place to sit with a glass of wine, and the superb location lends itself well to outdoor adventurers looking to walk up hills, cycle or explore historic castles.

Romantic touches

• Couples' furniture in the garden for al fresco dining
• King-size bedroom for a luxurious night’s sleep, complete with balcony
• Large leather sofas for cosy nights in together
• Shops, pubs and restaurants within walking distance

Local area: Aberfeldy is settled on the River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, and is a small market town bringing you the best of Scottish craft and retail. Heavily focusing on the environment, the locals work hard to promote organic and environmentally friendly products. There are lots of little places to find a bite to eat, with a lovely range of cafes and pubs - be sure to check out the skilled local chocolatier to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can enjoy loch safaris, water sports, hill walking, cycling and boating amongst many other outdoor activities – this is a must-see area for your list!

Review: “This cottage is absolutely fabulous. Hidden away at the bottom of a beautiful garden of the owner’s own cottage, this is an ideal hideaway for a relaxing holiday or break. Aberfeldy itself is a lovely little town with enough pubs, restaurants, shops and scenery to enjoy your stay.”  Malcolm, 2019

Todholes Shepherds Hut

Experience this beautiful rural setting with a spot of stargazing

This gorgeous crafted shepherd’s lodge makes for the perfect couple’s retreat, with unmatched views of the surrounding countryside. Being set in one room, you can expect a cosy and compact stay but with all the luxuries you’d hope for, including a private wood-fired hot tub outside. At one end of the hut, you have a kitchen complete with electric hob, fridge and microwave, and at the other a generous king-sized bed. We are so impressed with the inventive use of space, including useful storage space under the raised bed. Outside, you can enjoy the enclosed garden and hot tub, the perfect setting for enjoying the area’s dark skies. 

Romantic touches

• Wood-fired hot tub
• Quality crafted wooden kitchen fittings
• Stargaze from the cabin in the dark sky area
• Gretna Green, the UK’s wedding capital is just 7 miles away

Local area: This is a fascinating part of the country, and being set in a private area of a working farm, guests can really make the most of it. Step outside and enjoy the Dumfries countryside by picking up the Annandale Way which takes you along the Annan River and towards the Solway Firth, with its beautiful beaches. Annan is the nearest town, and you are sure to be delighted by its mix of vibrant shops and historic architecture, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat before heading back to unwind in the hot tub. 

Hatton Lodge

Take the chance to stay in a traditional Scottish period lodge and relax in style.

This is a charming, luxurious cottage enjoying a private position within a mile of the sandy beach of East Haven. Inside it is light and airy, providing a cosy and comfortable base enhanced by the quality furnishings and wood burner. Rustle up some scrumptious meals in the kitchen and cuddle up on the sofa with a film or a good book. The fully enclosed garden offers the perfect spot for al fresco dining in the long summer evenings, and also a safe place for the pup to come too!

Romantic touches

• Wood burner for cosy nights in
• Pretty garden setting for sunset meals outside
• Large double bedroom with garden view
• Angus coastal path offering romantic walks

Local area: Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the activities available near Hatton Lodge. The East Haven coastline offers scenic coastal walks and there are lots of fishing villages to explore too. If you are one for golf, the championship course at Carnoustie is close by, and the Angus Glens are right on your doorstep – a walker’s dream. Glenshee mountain resort is a short drive away which offers year-round activities - in winter, this is the location for snow sports.

Review: “This is a fantastic cottage and ideal for a couple. There were lots of extra, thoughtful touches included. It was warm, cosy and very comfortable. Perfect!” Christine, 2019.

Birch Croit

A beautiful getaway in the heart of Strathspey, surrounded by wildlife and nature.

Tucked away in the garden of a traditional Scottish farmhouse, Birch Croit enjoys a secluded position in the highland village of Nethy Bridge. The open-plan layout of the living area offers a cosy and sociable space in which you can enjoy each other’s company. Let your partner cook up a storm in the kitchen whilst you chill by the fire after a long day out exploring woodland, mountain and loch. Outside, the garden is splendid with an array of plants and trees, and the seating area offers a nice place to sit with your morning coffee. Nethy Bridge is the perfect centre to enjoy the great outdoors and glorious countryside.

Romantic touches

• King-size bed with en-suite
• Access to the ground's BBQ and summer house
• Wood burner for cosy nights in
• Have a romantic picnic at Loch-an-Eilean, voted Britain’s favourite picnic spot

Local area: Nethy Bridge is in an ideal location to explore all corners of the National Park. Nearby is The Snow Roads, a 90-mile scenic route which tours some of the oldest villages in the Cairngorms and is a great day out. The area of Speyside and Abernethy is a wildlife hotspot, recognised by the BBC which has filmed recent series of Winterwatch and Autumnwatch from there. You are close to Aviemore, the skiing capital, and there is even a vintage steam railway where you can enjoy a spot of lunch or a cup of tea whilst on the move! For more information on this area, read our full guide to the Cairngorms National Park. 

Review: “The cottage was a beautiful old stone cottage - it was comfortable and set in fantastic gardens with a peaceful outlook and very quiet. It is in a fantastic location for touring this fabulous part of Scotland with its outstanding views and wildlife.” Julie, 2019.

The Garden Rooms at Fasque Castle

A magical turreted retreat within a walled garden.

This small fairytale building is the perfect location for a magical getaway in Aberdeenshire. It’s been beautifully decorated to offer a unique and luxurious stay for a couple looking to get away somewhere quiet and relaxed. The photos speak for themselves! The cottage is surrounded by well-kept grounds home to deer, red squirrels, and eagles. Keen walkers will love getting out and about in the countryside to spot all the wildlife and nature. At the end of long days of exploring, whip up a first-class meal in the bijou kitchen and then enjoy a restful night's sleep in the elegant king-size bedroom which overlooks the garden.

Romantic touches

• Surrounded by beautiful flowers and shrubs
• Rich decor reminiscent of a boutique hotel
• En-suite bathroom complete with spa

Local area: Set close to the Cairngorms National Park, there are lots to see and do within the area of this cottage whichever way you travel. Being set near the east coast in the Angus glens you can take a day trip to the beach near Stonehaven or Montrose. The Aberdeenshire coast has some of the biggest beaches in Scotland. These two also have golf courses if you feel so inclined. Head west to the Cairngorms and take on some woodland walks or hillier climbs, try a spot of mountain biking, or visit one of the charming lochs. However, there are lots of walks and adventures from the doorstep too if you just want to stay at ‘home’. 

Review: “A beautiful honeymoon location in a fabulous part of the world. Loved the cottage and the estate was beautiful to walk round spotting deer and wildlife on the lake. Easy reach to St Cyrus beach gorgeous views and Dunnottar castle definitely worth a visit.” - Jayne, 2022.

Experience Scotland with the one you love

We hope you have enjoyed looking through these romantic places to stay. If you want to continue your search, make sure you browse our full list of romantic cottages for two. Scotland is waiting!