Why Scotland is the perfect place for a ‘slow’ holiday

Have you been thinking about a nice, slow holiday away? It can be just what the doctor ordered when life is burning you out, and Scotland is the best option. The key to why Scotland is the perfect place for a slow holiday starts with its very ingrained culture. The pace of life in Scotland lends itself to a more relaxed, slow-travel experience. Many small towns and rural areas move at a slower speed which allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. This makes it a great idea for anyone who needs to relax while on the move. Not convinced? Take a look at our reasons why you should take a road trip through Scotland to relax.

The scenic landscapes

There is nothing more relaxing than a road trip and Scotland is a great choice for a road trip due to its scenic landscape. Scotland’s compact size means you don’t have to travel far to have a varied trip. You can base yourself in one region like the Cairngorms, and, having made a search online with the search term “motorhome hire Edinburgh” to locate a reputable motorhome hire company, you can take scenic day trips at an easy pace.

If you’re looking for some gems to visit on the way, consider Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It’s home to Scotland’s largest lake, or “loch”, and is a great family friendly option. From this base you can see other lochs and the surrounding mountains, even on a foggy day. Plus, the loch has boating and other water sports, while the shore has boutique shops, restaurants that dot the coast and an aquarium.

If you really want to venture out, you can take a ferry to the Isle of Skye to see the striking rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. It’s known for rugged hiking trails and views.

And then there’s Fingal’s Cave, a dramatic sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa which has hexagonally jointed basalt columns that create a unique acoustic environment.

The little towns

The real appeal of the slow Scottish life is the little towns that are full of life. You are likely to find any given citizen hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a tea in the local café.

A famous example is Tobermory, which can be found on the Isle of Mull. Famed for being the inspiration to the popular children’s show Balamory (you know the song, trust me), it’s known for its rainbow-coloured homes lining the coast.

For something more tropical, consider Plockton. This picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron with a bay dotted with palm trees and colourful houses is a great option for walks, views, and trying your hand at seal spotting.

If the appeal of Scottish culture is the history, consider stopping by Culross. A preserved medieval town with cobbled streets and historic buildings, Culross makes for a scenic stopover between Edinburgh and St Andrews. Additionally, there is Pittenweem, an ancient fishing village on the Fife Coast with winding alleys, charming cottages, and famously excellent fish and chips.

The spas and golf courses

Scotland is known for its golf courses. Comedians make entire skits about them, tournaments come from all around, and celebrities visit or even buy courses. And with golf courses come spas. What started as a way to “keep the Mrs happy while you golf” is a best of both worlds situation today. Enjoy a round of golf in the invigorating fields, then relax with a dram by the fire in a cosy clubhouse, followed by a dip in the spa.

If you are enjoying your little town road trip, you should visit Moffat. A historic spa town with lovely cafes and shops, walking trails, and a revenant high street, it’s a great area to enjoy a truly relaxing staycation.

But the most iconic golf course is the Old Course at St Andrews. The “home of golf” with six courses set on prime North Sea coastline. It offers three dining experiences, including the Tom Morris Bar and Grill, and the Kohler Waters Spa with three pools and a range of treatments.

And then there is Royal Dornoch, which boasts highly rated links course in the Highlands with fast, firm turf and views of sandy beaches. Visiting all these places makes for a great road trip in itself, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the highlands in between rounds of golf and massages. 

Conclusion

Scotland is a great option for a staycation if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Considering 90% of it is rural and nature, you can easily find somewhere to chill out on a Scottish road trip.