Honeymoon in Scotland: itineraries, accommodation and tips

A honeymoon in Scotland It appeals to couples looking for something other than a crowded beach: breathtaking landscapes, castles by the lochs, evenings by the fire, and a true sense of escape. Moreover, the country lends itself equally well to a relaxing holiday or a road trip full of discoveries.

In short: For a honeymoon in Scotland, allow 10 to 14 days. The classic itinerary includes Edinburgh, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, with nights spent in charming hotels, sometimes housed in actual castles. With two weeks, add a more secluded island, such as Mull, Harris, or Orkney. Our suggested itineraries range from 7 to over 14 days.

In this guide, we share our advice on choosing the timing, duration, and itinerary for your honeymoon. Our team, based in Edinburgh, organizes these trips year-round and tailors each itinerary to the pace of the newlyweds.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Honeymoon in Scotland: itineraries, accommodation and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

Your ideal coastal spot?

Cliffs and sweeping panoramasBeaches, harbors and small villages

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You're exploring instead…

On foot along a pathBy car with several stops

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Need a break?

A beautiful viewpointA cafe or pub by the water

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What appeals to you most?

The wild sideThe atmosphere of the villages

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The perfect end to the day?

A sunsetA good local dinner

Why choose a honeymoon in Scotland?

Scotland offers a wide variety of experiences within a compact territory. In just a few hours' drive, you can go from a historic capital to deserted valleys, and then to an island facing the Atlantic.

Above all, the country makes it easy to find privacy. A secluded cottage on an island, a hotel in a castle, or a guesthouse by a loch: every stop can become a special moment for two. For more ideas, also read Why Scotland is ideal for a romantic getaway.

How much time should I allow for a honeymoon in Scotland?

A week allows you to combine Edinburgh with a visit to the Highlands. However, for a honeymoon, we recommend 10 to 14 days. This pace allows time to relax after the wedding, stay several nights in the same place, and enjoy the scenery without having to cover a lot of ground.

If you're getting married in Scotland, your honeymoon can even begin the day after the ceremony. We'll organize both together: check out our page wedding planning in Scotland.

Our honeymoon itineraries in Scotland

Honeymoon in Scotland in 7 days

Start with two nights in Edinburgh, exploring the Old Town, the castle, and the views from Arthur's Seat. Then head to the Highlands via Perthshire, spending two nights near Loch Ness or in the Glencoe Valley. Finally, end your trip at Loch Lomond before returning to the capital.

Honeymoon in Scotland in 10 to 12 days

After Edinburgh, head towards the Highlands, stopping at a charming hotel along the way. Then, spend three nights on the Isle of Skye: this is the heart of the trip, boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Along the way, Eilean Donan Castle offers a particularly photogenic stop. Find all the must-see sites in our guide. must-sees on the Isle of Skye.

The return journey can then take you through Glencoe, Fort William and Loch Lomond. This way, each day offers new scenery without long hours of driving.

Honeymoon in Scotland in 14 days or more

With two weeks, you can add a more secluded island, such as Mull or Harris, or head north to the Orkney Islands. These destinations offer a true sense of being at the ends of the earth, ideal for a honeymoon. Our selection of most beautiful islands of Scotland will help you choose.

Where to stay during your honeymoon?

Accommodation often makes all the difference on a honeymoon. In Scotland, several styles blend together very well:

• hotel in a castle or historic residence, for one or two exceptional nights; ;
• guest house on the edge of a loch, especially for the welcome and the Scottish breakfasts; ;
• independent cottage on an island, in order to enjoy peace and privacy; ;
• Charming hotel in Edinburgh, perfect for exploring the city on foot.

The most sought-after addresses fill up quickly, especially from May to September. It's therefore best to book several months in advance. For inspiration, also discover the most beautiful castles in Scotland.

Experiences to share as a couple

Beyond the scenery, certain experiences also give a special flavor to a honeymoon:

• cruise on a loch, for example on Loch Lomond or Loch Ness; ;
• tasting at a distillery, particularly on Skye or Speyside, on the whisky route ;
• hiking to a viewpoint, such as the Old Man of Storr; ;
• evening of traditional music in a pub; ;
• stargazing in Galloway Forest Park, the UK's first dark sky park.

In autumn and winter, on clear nights, northern Scotland sometimes even offers glimpses of the Northern Lights. For other walking ideas, see also the most beautiful lochs in Scotland.

When is the best time to go on a honeymoon to Scotland?

May, June, and September often offer the best balance. The days are long, nature is beautiful, and the sites are less crowded than in the height of summer. In June, the light lingers late into the evening, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery after dinner.

July and August, on the other hand, are busier, and midges can be present in some areas of the Highlands. Autumn is captivating with its colours, while winter offers a more intimate atmosphere, with shorter days. Our guide when to go to Scotland detailed each month.

Our tips for a successful honeymoon

• Stay at least two nights in each location to avoid having to repack your bags every morning.
• Also pack warm and waterproof clothing, even in summer.
• Remember that they drive on the left: so choose a comfortable car and short stages.
• Also keep some days free, without a program, to simply enjoy a place.
• Finally, mention your honeymoon when making reservations, as some accommodations provide special attention.

For the road, see our tips for rent a car in Scotland. And to choose your steps, browse The 20 most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Price of a honeymoon in Scotland

What budget should you plan for a honeymoon in Scotland? Generally, expect to spend between €1,500 and €3,000 per person for 7 to 10 days, excluding flights. The price depends mainly on the accommodation: a night in a castle hotel costs considerably more than a charming guesthouse. Here are a few of our trips, easily adaptable for a honeymoon:

Duration	Travel	From
6 days	Secret Gardens of Scotland	€1,850 per person
6 days	Following in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire (Outlander)	€1,800 per person
8 days	Scotland in all its natural glory: The Highlands and the Isle of Skye	€1,500 per person
10 days	Orkney and Skye	€2,000 per person

For a honeymoon, we often add one or two nights in a castle, a gourmet dinner, or a private cruise on a loch. Also discover our ideas for sleep in a castle in Scotland, as well as all our formulas of tailor-made trip to Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scotland a good honeymoon destination?

Yes, especially for couples who love wide open spaces, heritage, and tranquility. Castles, lochs, islands, and charming accommodations make it a very romantic destination.

How many days is needed for a honeymoon in Scotland?

A week is enough for Edinburgh and part of the Highlands. However, we recommend 10 to 14 days to include the Isle of Skye and travel at a leisurely pace.

What is the best time for a honeymoon in Scotland?

May, June and September offer long days. In addition, the crowds are less intense than in July and August.

Is it possible to sleep in a castle in Scotland?

Yes, several castles and historic residences have been converted into hotels. We present our favorite addresses for sleep in a castle in Scotland. As they are in high demand, book several months in advance.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland?

Sometimes, in the north of the country, in autumn and winter, on a clear night and far from the lights. A winter stay can also end beautifully, during’Hogmanay in Edinburgh. However, they remain unpredictable.

Is it possible to combine a wedding and honeymoon in Scotland?

Yes. We do indeed organize the ceremony, the guests' stay and the honeymoon in a single project, from our base in Edinburgh.

Peut-on combiner Écosse et Irlande pour un voyage de noces ?

Oui, c’est même une très belle option pour une lune de miel de deux semaines. Découvrez aussi notre guide du honeymoon in Ireland pour composer votre itinéraire.

Plan your honeymoon in Scotland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we design completely bespoke honeymoons. We carefully select accommodations, create a pace that suits your relationship, and add experiences that reflect your unique style.

Our team remains available throughout your stay. This allows you to enjoy your honeymoon without worrying about the arrangements. Discover our tailor-made holidays in Scotland, and for more tourist information, the official website of VisitScotland.

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