Boasting dramatic landscapes, romantic castles, rich culture, welcoming people, and fascinating history, the Scottish Highlands are among the world’s best destinations for a luxury holiday. It will delight you with a landscape beautifully carved with serene lochs, rugged mountains, and majestic moors. If you’re planning to go to the Scottish Highlands to indulge in its extravagance, here’s a luxury guide to visiting the Highlands.
1. Luxury Tours In The Highlands
The best way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands is by booking one of the luxury tours, where you’ll discover majestic mountains, sparkling lochs, and rugged glens and moorland. Unlike any other tour, you can customise it according to your preferences. You will be with expert guides who have lived and travelled throughout this beautiful region.
Since you will be with your group and not join other travellers, it’s a more intimate way of discovering the vast area of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. From the comfort of a luxury coach or car, admire the panoramic view of the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired some of the world’s best writers, artists, poets, and filmmakers.
These luxury tours will include a stay at the finest hotels and cottages in the Scottish countryside. You will have enough leisure time to enjoy cultural experiences, such as sampling Scotch whisky at cosy pubs, visiting local villages, and dining at the best restaurants serving excellent cuisines made from local ingredients.
You can also include special interest activities on your luxury tour of the Scottish Highland, such as visiting whisky distilleries and playing golf at the famous St. Andrews golf course. Other activities include cooking classes, bird watching, farm visits, freshwater fishing, and more.
2. Fine Dining In The Highlands
You will also have the opportunity to indulge in exceptional dining experiences when visiting the Scottish Highlands. The region is famous for its quality dishes prepared by award-winning chefs using the freshest local ingredients, from foraged wild berries to seafood and venison. Whether you are looking to experience a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience prepared by world-renowned chefs or you want to tuck into some fresh seafood, the Scottish Highlands offer a luxury dining experience you will never forget.
In the south of the Highlands, you’ll find Inverlochy Castle, a magnificent castle hotel set amongst lush evergreens and tranquil lochs at the foothills of Ben Nevis. The 19th-century Scottish castle is famous for its award-winning restaurant, awarded with 3 AA Red Rosettes and once hosted Queen Victoria. Run by Albert and Michel Roux Jr, a father and son known for their delightful menu consisting of British fares with influences from French cuisines. Some of their most popular dishes include the roasted wild stone bass, peppercorn-crusted duck breast, and smoked Loch Fyne salmon.
3. Where To Stay In The Highlands
When planning a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, you must also research your accommodations. Those looking for luxurious options will find some luxury cottages to rent in Scotland, which are most suitable for a relaxing break. But the question you probably have is which area to stay in. While there are many options for accommodation in Scotland, the region is vast, so deciding where to base yourself can be daunting.
Situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park is a great area to consider when looking for a place to stay. It’s especially suitable for those who want to enjoy some outdoor activities. During the colder months, the area is famous for its winter sports, and in the warmer months, it is a popular spot for hiking. Being a popular tourist destination, Cairngorms offer numerous accommodation options, from cottages to boutique hotels and B&Bs.
Inverness is another popular place to stay for tourists. It’s a true hub of culture, home to a 19th-century sandstone castle overlooking the river Ness. When staying in Inverness, you’ll have easy access to the other popular attractions in the Highlands, such as the Victorian Market, the Inverness Cathedral, and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
4. Top Sights In The Highlands
While much of the Scottish Highlands is uninhabited, offering the perfect setting for hiking and outdoor adventures, it is also home to many lovely attractions. In fact, one of the best ways to explore the Highlands is to go on a scenic road trip, passing along beautiful coastal roads and into picturesque towns and villages.
The tranquil Loch Ness should be on top of your list of places to visit in the Highlands. It’s a gorgeous freshwater lake home to the Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic fortresses.
While in Inverness, check out the Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre, which features first-hand accounts of those who fought in the last great battle in Scotland.
About 16 km away from Culloden, you will find the Cawdor Castle and Gardens. Wander around its scenic nature trails and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this historic estate.
The Seaside Town of Dornoch is a fun place to stroll around, set in a stunning coastal area. It’s also an ideal place to feast on delectable Scottish seafood. Dornoch also boasts some lovely attractions, including the Dornoch Cathedral, an impressive structure built in 1224.
5. When To Go To The Highlands
Summer is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands, from June to August. The warm temperatures make exploring the region more comfortable. August is the warmest month, yet the temperature rarely goes beyond 20°C. Summer is also the perfect time to hike its many scenic trails.
But if you don’t mind exploring under the cold weather, you can come during the colder months in fall and spring, which is the low peak season. It’s a great time to visit if you are on a budget since accommodations and activities are cheaper.
Winters in the Scottish Highlands can be brutal and even worse with the rain, which reaches its peak in the colder months. Winter is a good time to visit to avoid tourist crowds. However, you may not be able to explore the outdoors.