Staycation Ideas

Staycation ideas Scotland: Whether you want to go on an adventure and connect with nature, treat yourself to a luxury escape, or have a beach holiday a bit closer to home, Scotland staycations have something to offer for everyone.

A staycation to somewhere in Scotland allows you to go on holiday without leaving the UK and gives you the opportunity to discover some of the hidden gems of your home country and experience the very best of Scotland.

With less travel time needed, you can add lots to your bucket list and have a fun-filled itinerary no matter the length of your stay. Whether you are going on a short weekend break or two week adventure holiday, there is so much to experience when you go on a Scottish staycation.

Summer Staycation Ideas in Scotland

With longer days and warmer air, there are so many things to do on staycation in Scotland and this summer is the perfect time to do so. We’ve listed some of our favourite staycation ideas around some of the best destinations across the west coast and Highlands of Scotland. If you add these to your itinerary, be sure to show us by tagging us in your adventures on social media @CrerarHotels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we’d love to see!

1. Go Whale Watching off the Isle of Mull

From commonly spotted humpback and minke whales to impressive visitors such as the fin whale, there’s always an opportunity to see these incredible wild creatures in their natural habitat around Mull - the best way to do so! With the Hebrides as the number one whale watching destination in the UK; the rugged coast of Mull is filled with bays and rocky caves which offer the ideal environment for whale species, dolphins and porpoises to be found.

We definitely think this is one for the top of your staycation bucket list, and our newly renovated Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa is the perfect retreat after a busy day on the water.

2. Explore Famous Filming Locations near Glencoe

From James Bond to Harry Potter, over the years, the spectacular scenery of Glencoe has played a starring role in many famous films. As part of Scotland’s Movie Trail, this is an exciting adventure to embark on when visiting Scotland. Look out for the road through Glen Etive where James Bond drove his famous Aston Martin through the glen in Skyfall, or visit the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct which is known for taking Harry Potter to Hogwarts from Platform 9 ¾.

Sheltered amongst picturesque lochs and munros, our hotel in Glencoe acts as the perfect highland hub for an authentic Scotland staycation.

3. Adventure Around Inveraray Castle

Overlooking Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is one of our favourite Scottish castles, and is a must-see attraction when visiting Inveraray and the west of Scotland. As the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray Castle has a rich and colourful history, both inside and out. Discover the fascinating interior that dates back to the 1700s before exploring the beautiful gardens and estate that is kept immaculate all year round.

Inveraray Castle is just a short walk away from our Inveraray spa hotel by Loch Fyne. Stay with us and learn about the great history of one of Scotland’s most enchanting castles

4. Discover Golden Beaches near Inverness

The beaches that surround Inverness and the Moray Firth are adored by locals and tourists alike. From clean golden sands to unspoilt pebble beaches, it is the ideal location for a relaxing beach getaway, closer to home. We believe that the beaches in and around Inverness are some of its greatest treasures, including Nairn Beach, Culbin Sands and more.

If you are visiting the area, our Nairn spa hotel near Inverness has direct access to the golden sands of Nairn Beach, offering the perfect staycation destination for the entire family, including your four-legged companions.

5. Follow Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail

From historic castles to impressive stately homes, there are 19 attractions to see on Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail that runs from Stonehaven to Craigievar. Known as Scotland’s ‘Castle Country’, there are more castles per acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in the UK. We think this trip is definitely worth taking as it combines, history, scenery and adventure all into one.

Close to two stops on the route, Castle Fraser and Fyvie Castle, our Inverurie spa hotel near Aberdeen acts as a relaxing stop off point on your six day adventure across Aberdeenshire.

6. Discover the West Coast on Water

Known as the ‘gateway to the isles’ Oban links the mainland to the islands for explorers looking for exciting sea life tours, boat trips, and island-hopping adventures on their Scottish staycation. Oban itself is a fantastic place to visit, so it’s a bonus that there are so many other destinations to explore on water, as an extension to your stay. 

Our hotel in Oban, Scotland is a great base to discover the west coast of Scotland and the islands beyond, and welcomes those seeking a gateway and a getaway in one.

7. Explore Britain’s Largest National Park

Discover some of Aberdeenshire’s countryside jewels and ancient forests when exploring the Cairngorms National Park. From mountains, lochs and wildlife, to woodlands, moorlands and more, there’s something to see and do for everyone. The park is well-known for its walking trails that have been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Whether you want to stay meander around low-level paths or adventure through the mountain peaks, there will be a trail suitable for you regardless of where you are in the park.

Our hotel in Ballater, Aberdeenshire is a welcoming retreat for relaxing in Aberdeenshire and a great base to explore all that the Cairngorms National Park has to offer - a must see destination on your Scottish adventure.

Best of Scotland Destinations

Each of our seven locations offer guests the opportunity to experience the Spirit of Scotland with our warm, authentic hospitality. Every hotel and inn is dog friendly and welcomes the entire family for a Scottish escape. Whether you choose to go on an adrenaline-pumping adventure and discover some of Scotland’s hidden gems, or choose to rediscover me-time with a relaxing retreat in an idyllic Scottish hotel spa, at Crerar Hotels, you have the freedom to choose.

Discover our idyllic hotel locations across Scotland and start planning the ultimate Scotland staycation visiting some of the best destinations in Scotland.