Scotland may not be the first place you think of as a honeymoon or romantic travel destination, but it has a lot to offer couples.
Are you traveling to Scotland for the first time? Fly into Edinburgh (airport code EDI). Or, better yet, take the slow train from London, the Caledonian Sleeper. A private compartment is an extraordinarily cozy place on the way to Scotland.
Wake up early in the morning, remove the shade from your compartment, and gaze out over fields of Scottish heather. As far as the eye can see, the lavender-tinged foliage flutters in the breeze.
After the train arrives in town, it’s a short taxi ride to an Edinburgh hotel. Options range from casual and modern to traditional with opulent tea services.
Visiting Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is a walkable city with many cobbled streets. From many places there is a clear view of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill. A part of the fortress dates from the 12th century, while most of the structure is from the 16th century. Tour buses cluster around its perimeter. You will find your way up; just be prepared for a steep climb.
Spend as much time as you want exploring and imagining the romance of holding court in the castle, and don’t miss seeing the crown jewels on display. However, unless you’re starving, delay eating here; Cafe food is not recommended.
Then if you’re hungry, head to a local restaurant (some of the hotels in town have excellent ones), pick up a can of Walker’s Shortbread, or indulge in delicious smoked Scottish salmon from room service.
After touring, you may want to spend time shopping for tartan clothing along Princes Street (resist buying a kilt, unless you’re sure you’ll be wearing it when you get home, too) and cashmere (come to the price and in style; you can find less expensive and more up-to-date ones in the United States).
Edinburgh Penguin Parade
Children and adults alike are fans of the world famous Penguin Parade at Edinburgh Zoo. It’s a ten minute bus ride from the city center to the zoo. The king penguins, followed by the smallest, represent their parade protected by the zookeepers.
It is remarkable how orderly they are, lining up one behind the other, patiently following a leader in one direction. Then, as if it were a choreography, everyone turns and marches as far as they can go in the opposite direction, the last penguin becomes the new leader. And then they all turn and do it over and over again, until the zookeeper shows up with his suspicious bounty.
Cultural edinburgh
Edinburgh’s cultural festivals are world famous. Every summer the Edinburgh International Festival attracts new and established artists from around the world and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival, attracts up-and-coming talent.
For couples, a great treat of many of the city’s festivals, including the ones shown below, is that they are geared towards adults, so your fun is unlikely to be diminished by yelling or misbehaving.
- Edinburgh Film Festival
- Edinburgh International Television Festival
- Edinburgh art festival
- Edinburgh Book Festival
- Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
Beyond Edinburgh
If you only see Edinburgh, you will miss Scotland of lakes and legend. In the vast countryside, where sheep outnumber people, they are inns and cabins made for couples on a honeymoon or romantic getaway. The best belong to the Scottish connoisseurs. And the best way to experience the Scottish countryside is from the back seat of a chauffeured car.
Taste more than salmon extracted from the freshest waters in the world. Dine on hearty Scottish lamb, cooked to order. Wash it off with a single malt or exquisitely blended Scotch whiskey.
Active and adventurous couples have great open spaces to walk, many alongside incredibly scenic lakes.
Then there are the country’s food festivals: In spring and summer, regional foods are highlighted through contests, cooking demonstrations, and exhibits.
Music and dancing are often part of the fun, with a ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) being held at least one night during a festival. Traditional dishes are presented to your delight: Arbroath smokie (wood-smoked haddock); Forfar bridies (meat pies); empanadillas (a potato garnish); black bun (a rich, dark-colored fruit cake); and haggis, the county’s best-known delicacy, are among them.
Pleasures for Golf and Whiskey Fans
When planning your romantic visit to Scotland, keep in mind that this country is the home of golf. Your hotel can help you organize a game in one of the most treasured courses in the country. Many, like Gleneagles and The Turnberry Resort, are affiliated with the greens.
Whiskey drinkers will find themselves in a festive mood if they can attend a gathering like the Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival. This lively event celebrates Scotland’s whiskey-making heritage at locations along the River Spey. Enthusiasts can participate in tours and tastings at distilleries that are rarely open to the public, and meet master mixers and distillery managers who share their passion. Visitors may have the opportunity to turn barley into traditional floor malts or even attempt to ‘lift’ a keg.
And if you pay close attention, you will learn how the same water used in the production of malt whiskeys produces the best cashmere in the world.
Watch? There is something for both of you on a honeymoon in romantic Scotland.
