10 romantic things to do in Scotland for couples

From soaking up sweeping vistas from a seaplane to embarking on an iconic railway journey, to walking hand-in-hand over powder white sands, we’ve sought out the most romantic things to do in Scotland.

City breaks can be the perfect opportunity for treating your better half to the glitz and glam of fine dining and even finer nightlife. Or perhaps you are the kind of couple who want to discover Scotland by getting away from it all and sharing a special moment witnessing the Northern Lights. There are so many options for a trip filled with amour and passion.

So cosy up on the sofa together and choose one of our romantic cottages in Scotland or keep scrolling for more romantic inspiration.

Romantic cottages in Scotland

Take a Seaplane

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an up-close and personal aerial view of the magnificent west coast of Scotland. On the West Coast Explorer flight, Loch Lomond SeaPlanes will fly you and your partner from the pontoon at Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond over the Clyde Estuary at a height of between 500 and 5,000 feet. The journey continues over Rothesay on the Isle of Bute complete with breathtaking views of Arran and The Mull of Kintyre before turning northwards to Loch Fyne. The return leg of this 45-minute journey flies towards Ben Lomond before commencing its low-level cruise down Loch Lomond. To celebrate the accomplishment of your romantic flight over the hills, glens, castles and moorland of the beautiful west coast, you’ll receive a celebratory glass of champagne on the pontoon.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs cottages

Visit romantic castles

If you’re thinking of travelling to Scotland with your loved one, or even if you reside in this fine country and haven’t yet got around to it, you could do much worse than spending an afternoon at one of Scotland’s many romantic castles. A visit to Stirling Castle undoubtedly qualifies as a romantic thing to do in Scotland, given its grand architecture and imposing position sitting high on a bed of volcanic rock. This vantage point gives visitors fantastic views for miles around; perfect for sitting shoulder to shoulder in companionable silence. Once inside, wander around the Great Hall, the Royal Place and the Chapel Royal and take in the grandeur of the structures built for some of the kings of the 16^th century. Then, when you need some more fresh air, take to the Queen Anne Gardens on the sunny south side of the castle and share a moment in the shade beneath the 200-year-old beech tree.

Stirling cottages

Embark on a steam train

Few train journeys in the world are more impressive than the Jacobite Steam Train route from Fort William to Mallaig operated by West Coast Railways Book a voyage on this iconic steam train, then sit back, relax, sip your champagne and watch in awe as some of the most stunning views are possible to see from the comfort of your first class coach. From Arisaig, it’s onwards to Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain followed by the River Morar. The train stops en route to Mallaig in the village of Glenfinnan, where you’ll be able to get out of the carriage and spend a little time taking photos before trailing ablaze across the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, world-renowned for its role in the Harry Potter movies.

Fort William cottages

Stroll hand-in-hand

Named one of the best beaches in the world, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides offers a sublime romantic getaway for those who wish to revel in the natural beauty and exquisite charms of this wild and remote bay. Pack a picnic and a blanket or two and find a deserted bluff where you can drink in the views of 3 miles of white sands lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. For a fleeting moment, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were basking on a beach in the Caribbean. Best of all, this romantic beach in Scotland is well off the tourist trail so you might find you have it all to yourselves! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not bring along a canoe and glide out to the small adjacent island of Taransay?

Outer Hebrides cottages

Dine in private

A hidden private dining room within the elegant confines of Rhubarb in Prestonfield on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this is the perfect place to spend some alone time with the love of your life. Hidden off a stone turret stair, you’ll find a bewitching salon prive, intimately designed to cater for just two people, with the services of a private waiter a mere bell-hop away. Dine on delicacies like home-smoked salmon with salmon mousse and chilled asparagus soup followed by roast rump of lamb and haggis dauphine. Afterwards, you could make the most of the city by taking a walk along the Royal Mile, dipping in and out of chic bars and cosy pubs, and admiring the magnificent architecture towering above, including Edinburgh Castle which at night is festooned in twinkling lights.

Edinburgh cottages

Gaze at the northern lights

The aurora borealis, as it is otherwise known, translates to morning light coming from the north in Latin. Perhaps other, more northerly European countries are better known for their sightings of this natural wonder but there have been many occasions where greens, blues, yellows and purples have flooded the northern mainland and isles of Scotland. Who knew that something as far removed from humanity as solar winds gliding over the magnetosphere would create such a romantic spectacle? Lying closer to the North Pole than any other part of Scotland, the Shetlands is an astounding place to start on your northern lights adventure. Between mid-October and mid-March is the best time to go, and avoid a full moon night if you can. There’s so much open space on the isles that you’re sure to find a vantage point all to yourselves to watch this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Cottages in Northern Scotland

Catch a movie

Not all cinemas are made equal. Elevate your date night by taking in a film at Square Eyes Film Club at Blythswood Square in Glasgow. The most exclusive movie theatre in Glasgow, not only will you begin with an elegant high tea served in The Monte Carlo Suite, you’ll then be offered a glass of prosecco before taking your very comfortable tartan bedecked armchair in the cinema. Sit back and relax together as you watch the film of your choice in splendid surroundings which are filled with Hollywood glamour. There are only 40 seats here, so you can be guaranteed an intimate affair, perfect for special occasions with your loved one. If you’re planning a romantic break in Glasgow, we also recommend a stroll through Glasgow Botanic Gardens, drinks at Baltic Ice Bar: Scotland’s first and only ice bar, or a wander among one of the city’s many exceptional art galleries.

Glasgow cottages

Enjoy a spa day

For great places to visit in Scotland for couples, what better than a spa day where you can relax in each other’s company and get a treatment or two? The Stobo Castle Health Spa provides pampering of the highest order by experienced therapists in luxury spa facilities. With slippers and bathrobes supplied, you’ll find yourselves rejuvenated and relaxed in no time. Choose from the Swedish sauna, steam room, pool, hot tubs, hydro spa or the Relaxation Suite to unwind in either before or after an invigorating treatment that will leave your body and soul refreshed and feeling like new.

Crieff cottages

Explore Edinburgh further

Having already mentioned this city in the dining section, we thought it best to expand our horizons and give you some more romantic things to do in Edinburgh…as there are so many! Whether you’re an established couple and you just want to try something fresh or you’re just getting to know one another and you want to show off your moves, joining a ceilidh could be just the ticket. Traditionally performed at weddings, these Scottish dances bring couples together in a frenzy of fast and fun frolicking where you swing each other around to live music. The venue where you’ll find the best action is the West End’s Ghillie Dhu with its ornate auditorium with oak panelling and high ceilings. Yes, you may smell a little sweaty by the time you’re done, but there aren’t many better ways to have fun with your other half in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh cottages

Snowboarding in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts and boasts nearly 20 miles of trails as well as luxury facilities. The fact that you can hit the slopes and dine extravagantly all in the same trip means that this is certainly one of the fun things to do in Scotland for couples. The season is generally from December to early April with the best powder being found in January and February – perfect for a post-Christmas week away. The big Cairngorms three are: Glenshee Ski Centre, which is the largest resort of its kind in Britain and has some wild off-piste options; Cairngorm Mountain, which has the highest ski slope in Scotland and some out-of-this-world views; and The Lecht Ski Centre, which is often quieter than the other two, however, it is more popular with families, so even though it may be quieter, it might not necessarily be…quieter!

Cairngorms cottages

Stay with us in Scotland

Once you’ve sampled our selection of romantic days out in Scotland, it’s clear to see that date night will never be the same again. Search our romantic cottages in Scotland to find a cosy base for a break with your loved one.

Romantic cottages in Scotland