In 2019, Scotland welcomed almost 3.5 million inbound visitors who spent approximately £2.5 billion in the country. This has resulted in the UK Government earmarking £19 million to promote destinations across Scotland. The influx of visitors has helped secure the UK’s position in the top five countries globally when it comes to inbound visitor spending.
Thanks to this new tourism campaign, every luxury traveller hoping to travel the country in style is guaranteed to experience the very best of what Britain and, more importantly, Scotland can offer. So, if you’re unfamiliar with Scotland’s vibrant cities and spectacular scenery, here’s where to start.
Getting There In Style
There are multiple options for you to consider when travelling to Scotland in style. If you want to get there on your own steam, you can hire a luxury vehicle; travellers looking for better performance, comfort, quality, and status than a regular car can therefore take advantage of the many rental car companies that operate in Scotland. These include Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and SIXT, providing vehicles from premium brands like Jaguar, Audi, BMW, and many more.
To make the journey smoother, you can even hire a professional chauffeur to drive you around. You could even plan an extended luxury road trip – there is one that Luxury London reveals offers a seven-night Highland adventure of epic proportions, which will take travellers from the bustling Scottish capital of Edinburgh to the peaks of the Cairngorms, via Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, all aboard a Range Rover.
However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, then you could travel by ferry to reach one of the Highlands’ many island clusters. You can enjoy much of Scotland from the sea; aboard Explora, travellers can enjoy a luxury ocean journey complete with 461 oceanfront suites and generous outdoor decks. This means experiencing the rugged and sometimes unforgiving Scottish coastline but knowing you’ve got the full luxury of your own familiar cabin waiting for you at the end of the day.
If you prefer, you could even take a train tour and enjoy the landscape from the comfort of your cabin. One of the journeys in Scotland offers the luxury of a different kind, not exclusive cabins or fine dining, but the luxury of being in a Hollywood set. The West Highland Line is described by The Metro as one of the most scenic routes in Europe and will be instantly recognisable as the route the Hogwarts Express takes in the hit films.
As with any journey, getting there might well be part of the fun, but the destination is important. Whether you travel by land or sea, once you arrive in Scotland, there is plenty for you to see and do. You’ll find the appeal of visiting the rolling Scottish Highlands, exploring historic castles, and enjoying haggis irresistible and a wonderful way to cap off a truly memorable journey.
Upon Arrival
Lodgings options
Scotland is home to many cosy bed-and-breakfasts, holiday parks, and cottages. However, what is luxury travel in the land of the Scots without a night in a Scottish castle?
Kilbryde Castle has been home to the Campbell family since 1659, and the Torridon Estate along the shores of Loch Torridon had its mansion house built in 1875. These estates have opened their doors to clients looking to appreciate Scotland’s rich history from the elegance of their grounds. They’re by no means the only options; Scotland is home to more than a thousand castles, according to the Scotsman, although only a percentage can be rented for your stay.
You could also seek refuge in one of the luxury hotels in the country. The Gleneagles Hotel is one that stands out, but others, such as The Crinan Hotel, Cameron House Hotel and Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa, will also see you enjoying lavish surroundings whilst north of the border.
Local cuisine
Scottish dishes from haggis, neeps, and tatties to full Scottish breakfasts are sure to delight every taste bud from around the world. Thanks to incredible produce and extraordinary culinary talent, Scotland has also produced several Michelin starred restaurants, from Cail Bruich in Glasgow to Condita in Edinburgh.
If you’re adventurous but also looking for comfort, consider Taste of Scotland, Sleigh’s latest luxury food and drink tour. Complete with a private chauffeur, a distillery tasting session, and a food and drink pairing workshop, Taste of Scotland offers an authentic taste of the coast and countryside that doesn’t have to sacrifice either excitement, convenience, or luxury.
The Scottish border is just six hours from London, with the Highlands an estimated nine hours on a good day. It’s almost a luxury simply to have such a varied and interesting landscape within driving distance, but be sure to add layer upon layer of luxury to your Scottish break with this guide.
If you enjoyed this piece, check out our other posts on Essential London for more inspiration for top sights and hidden gems in London and across the world.