The Best Glamping Destinations In Scotland
When you think of a luxury UK glamping holiday, Scotland should be on top of your list. To make things easier for you, we have listed our top ten glamping getaways in Scotland.
It is filled with some amazing glamping getaways that are close to popular tourist destinations. Luxury camping in the Scottish countryside is hard to beat. Whether you want to explore the Highlands, Lowlands, or the Scottish coastline, there are excellent glamping sites near your preferred destination.
Check out these glamping sites to find the one that would match the luxury camping experience you desire.
We highly recommend these glamping getaways for your next holiday in the Scottish countryside.
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping (★★★★★)
Luxury wooden cabins nestled within a five-acre forest. These modern glamping cabins were listed among the best of the new UK sites in 2020 by The Guardian.
Ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Central Scotland. The cabins present a fairytale-like ambience for your glamping getaway.
Glamping Accommodation
The four wooden-tiled cabins nestle quietly into the forest surroundings.
Each has a double bed, ensuite bathroom with a hot shower, sink, and modern toilet. Complete with an outside deck with seats and the tools needed for a quick barbecue.
For an additional fee, you can also soak in a private hot tub outside your cabin.
These lodges come with interesting names such as:
- Drummond Lodge,
- Speirs Lodge,
- Majors Lodge, and
- Horton Lodge.
Dining Options
Other than the barbecue and fire pit outside, there is a kitchenette inside every cabin. The kitchenette is equipped with a toaster, water kettle, and refrigerator. You can buy food and supplies from the small shop within the campsite.
They also offer pre-ordered hampers if you prefer no-fuss meals.
For restaurants and cafés near the camp, Barley Bree, an award-winning restaurant, is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Wider selections can be found in Crieff, though. The top food spots there include The Crieff Food Company and Max & Ben’s Bistro.
Glamping Activities
Since the campsite is within the grounds of the Culdees Castle, guests can explore the trails around it and take photos of this historic place and the occasional wildlife visitors.
Golfers should play a round at the nearby Muthill Golf Club, while those who want to try riding horses could do so at Crieff Hydro.
Howe of Torbeg (★★★★★)
This family-run campsite is relatively tiny compared to other popular glamping sites. But, it does not feel cramped or busy. The open fencing allows guests to enjoy the view of the woodlands, farms, and River Gairn.
Staying at this luxury glamping destination just outside Ballater will help you unwind and feel closer to nature.
image credit: Howe of Torbeg
Glamping Accommodation
Within the one-acre camping site, you will find 4 glamping pods—one of which is an upgraded version known as the “Luxe” glamping pod. For an off-grid stay, opt for the shepherd’s hut, which can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.
Regardless of your choice, all units are given access to the shared amenities facility that includes heated showers, sinks, and flushing toilets.
Dining Options
If you prefer to prepare your own food, the campsite has a shared log cabin that houses a log-burning oven, cookware, dinnerware, and some tables and chairs. There’s no refrigerator, though, so be sure to bring along a cooler box with you.
For meats, produce, and baked goods, drive to Ballater. On the last Saturday of any month you can also experience shopping at the Ballater Farmer’s Market. However, this does not operate from January to March.
Ballater is also home to excellent restaurants, bars, and cafés. The most popular dining spots among locals and tourists include:
- Rothesay Rooms,
- Clachan Grill,
- The Keiller Brasserie & Lounge, and
- The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie.
Glamping Activities
Howe of Torbeg is in close proximity to Cairngorms National Park, the largest of its kind in the UK. This makes it a great base to explore the Cairngorms and spot the local wildlife. Many rare animals reside in the National Park—for example, the Scottish wildcat, black grouse, and golden eagle.
The camping site is surrounded by trails that are great for walking or hiking around the area. The best ones will take you to Lochnagar, Linn O’Dee, and Brown Cow Hills. You can also go swimming in Loch Kinord or River Gairn.
Laggan Glamping (★★★★★)
The best way to explore the Highlands of Scotland is by staying in Laggan Glamping. Named after the beautiful village of Laggan, this camping spot is both incredibly scenic and extra cozy.
There’s also plenty of things to do since it is located near the Cairngorms National Park and Newtonmore, which is referred to as the “Heart of the Highlands”.
image credit: Laggan Glamping
Glamping Accommodation
Guests stay at a “Posh Pod”, which is an upgraded version of the usual glamping pod. Each unit comes with a pre-made double bed and three sets of bunk beds. An ensuite with a shower, hairdryer, and heated tower rail with soft towels are also provided for every Posh Pod.
For entertainment, you can watch TV shows and movies through the Smart TV with satellite channels. Outside each pod is a private deck with enough seating for five people.
Dining Options
Preparing the food within the Posh Pod is quite easy because every unit has a fitted kitchen with a gas stove, microwave, toaster, water kettle, crockery, and refrigerator. You can also have barbecues out on the deck.
If you need quick meals, the camp would deliver stone-baked pizza or luxurious breakfast sets right to your doorstep.
For dining options outside the camp, many guests like The Letterbox Restaurant in Newtonmore. The restaurant boasts of a menu made of locally sourced produce and meats, as well as seafood from the Scottish shores.
Other great options include:
- Mehmood’s Curry House,
- Café Bistro, and
- Alvie Forest Food.
Glamping Activities
Laggan Glamping has lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking. Depending on the route you would take, these trails can take you to Newtonmore, Cluny Castle, and Spey Dam.
While in Newtonmore, you would also have the opportunity to browse through the Highland Folk Museum and Clan Macpherson Museum. Go to the truffle-making workshops in Alba Chocolate if you have the chance, too.
Loch Shin Luxury Pods (★★★★★)
This retreat is another excellent glamping spot in the Scottish Highlands. Its location near Loch Shin is perfect for anyone—whether you prefer to just relax and admire the views, or to go on adventures on the nearby lake and mountain trails.
image credit: Loch Shin Luxury Pods
Glamping Accommodation
Choose from four luxury pods that are fully powered, heated, and insulated. Each pod is spacious enough for up to four people per night. An ensuite toilet and shower are also provided for every unit.
If you wish to stay within the comforts of the pod, you can spend the day watching TV or lounging on the private patio. All pods face Loch Shin and the surrounding mountains, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the spectacular views.
Dining Options
The best café near Loch Shin is The Pier. Aside from the traditional Scottish cuisine, their menu also includes some Indian and Thai dishes. Several guests also recommend The Whale Tale for their fresh seafood and Crannag Bistro for their dessert selections.
In case you prefer to stay in, each luxury pod is equipped with a kitchenette that has a microwave, refrigerator, and water kettle. You can also pay extra for the barbecue set that includes charcoal and some cooking tools.
Glamping Activities
If you’re up for a short drive, the beautiful Falls of Shin is a must-see during your stay on this glamping site. Don’t forget to drop by the Visitors Centre, too. Aside from being the starting point for walking trails, it is also a great spot to watch salmon jumping on the nearby stream.
The mountain trails in the area can be explored by walking or biking. Expect some points to be challenging to climb, but it’s worth the effort. The sights you’d get once you reach the highest points in Sutherland are quite stunning.
Macbeth’s Hillock(★★★★★)
This is one of the best glamping getaways in Scotland if you love literature. As the name implies, the camp stands on the site where Macbeth, the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s play “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, had met with the three witches whose prophecies centered around his rise and fall as the king of Scotland.
image credit: Macbeth’s Hillock
Glamping Accommodation
Guests get to stay in five glamping pods that combine comfort and luxury. Each pod can fit up to four people at a time.
While beddings can be provided at the campsite for an extra cost, they encourage guests to bring their own set given their new health and safety rules and regulations.
Every glamping pod has an ensuite shower with a flushing toilet and sink, as well as some indoor tables and chairs.
If you prefer to lounge outdoors, you can grab a seat around the fire pit or on the picnic table out in the open area of the camp.
Dining Options
For convenience, a glamping pod has a small kitchen inside where you’d find a refrigerator, toaster, water kettle, dinnerware, and cutleries. The fire pit outside can also be used to cook barbecue or roast marshmallows.
The nearest restaurants and cafés are The Old Mill Inn and Brodie Countryfare Restaurant. For excellent wine and ale, go to One One Two Wine Bar & Deli or Mosset Tavern.
Glamping Activities
For a truly immersive expensive, head to the Brodie Castle, which is just a short drive away from the camp. Spend the day by joining the castle tour and exploring its parks and gardens.
If you want to go know more about the local food, go to Wester Hardmuir for fruit-picking activities, or the Logie Steading, which allows guests to go salmon fishing.
Meanwhile, glampers who love relaxing at the beach can choose between Findhorn Beach or Roseisle Beach.
RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges (★★★★★)
These eco-friendly micro cabins are operated by the Woodlands Glencoe Activities and Experience in Ballachulish. The magic of this glamping site lies in how cozy and spacious the cabins feel, despite having a floor area of only 12 square meters (129 square feet).
image credit: RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges
Glamping Accommodation
RiverBeds offer ten luxurious cabins that are carefully fitted out with essentials for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The walls provide good insulation from the noise outside, so you can feel secluded and at peace even with the other guests at the campsite.
Expect Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed and an ensuite shower room, complete with hot water, luxury soaps, a toilet, and soft towels.
Dining Options
Every morning, each cabin receives a complimentary breakfast of fresh milk, bread, pastries, and granola from the campsite. The small kitchen inside is also equipped for simple meal preparation. RiverBeds boast of a high-end coffee machine in every cabin, so that guests can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee any time of the day.
The café within the campsite is closed at the moment for health and safety reasons. Therefore, you’d have to head out to the nearby restaurants and cafés for a nice meal and excellent service.
Popular picks among tourists include:
- The Laroch Restaurant,
- Glencoe Café, and
- Lochleven Seafood Café.
Glamping Activities
Woodlands Glencoe has a wide variety of activities that glampers are encouraged to try out. They offer Segway tours, e-bike adventures, and guided hikes to solo travelers, couples, and families.
Anyone from ages 6 and up can also go for golfing, archery, or laser clay shooting sessions within the camp. Adults, on the other hand, should try the whisky tasting activity headed by the resident whiskey expert.
Outside the camp, the most popular attractions include the ski and snowboarding areas in Glencoe Mountain. You can also go sightseeing at Ballachulish Slate Quarry and Buachaille Etive Mor.
Roulotte Retreat (★★★★★)
These carefully designed and handcrafted roulottes make glamping in Scotland extra special.
Constructed on a wildflower meadow in Melrose, the stunning and luxurious campsite could be the perfect retreat for those who want to explore the hills and rivers near the Scottish Borders, as popularized by the renowned writer, Sir Walter Scott.
image credit: Roulotte Retreat
Glamping Accommodation
Each roulotte is perfect for couples on a honeymoon or a small group of friends who are looking for an adventure.
Though children are not allowed to stay in the roulottes, some guests are parents who are seeking respite from their day-to-day responsibilities.
For the guests’ convenience, an ensuite shower with a flushing toilet is available in all units. The deck outside each roulette is a great spot to hang out, eat barbecue, and enjoy the view of the Borders.
Dining Options
A cooker and log-burning stove are provided in every unit in case the guests prefer preparing their food during their stay. Breakfast hampers may be ordered in advance when you book a roulotte if you want an effortless holiday.
Dining outside the camp is as simple as heading to the town of Melrose by foot or by car. The Townhouse and Marmions Brasserie are the top two picks to sample the local cuisine. For a bar with over 90 whiskey selections, drop by the bar in Burt’s Hotel.
Glamping Activities
To start your day right, attend the yoga lessons conducted by one of the owners every morning under the shades of the surrounding trees.
Then, go to the hiking trails between the camp and Melrose, and be mesmerized by the scenic views of the area. Head to the village afterward to browse through its many boutique shops.
Melrose is also home to the ruins of an old abbey where the heart of King Robert the Bruce had been buried.
Harvest Moon Holidays (★★★★☆)
This beachside glamping spot is less than an hour away from the capital of Scotland. Guests still feel relaxed and at peace during their stay. It is an ideal base for those who want to explore the most popular tourist spots in Scotland. It also provides the option to just spend the day in the camp for an true off-grid experience.
image credit: Harvest Moon Holidays
Glamping Accommodation
Your choice of accommodation is either a pre-erected safari tent or a treehouse. Each type has a separate camping area that is located half a mile from one another. Inside, you may find two double beds, a bunk bed, or two sofa beds. For those with children, guests may request a cupboard bed that is perfectly sized for kids.
Though there is no electricity, provisions for each unit include an ensuite toilet with a hot shower.
All units also have a deck with ample seating, which makes it a good spot to admire the surrounding woodlands and fields.
Dining Options
The camp has shared campfire facilities where you can cook a barbecue. An honesty store also sells basic supplies and products from local farms. To chill your food and beverage, a cooler box with an ice pack is provide for each group of guests.
If you prefer dining out, head to the nearby Lobster Shack for fresh lobster with chips and cider. For more options, The Linton Hotel serves great meals and a good selection of Scottish ales and whiskies.
Glamping Activities
Harvest Moon is adjacent to a farm that offers pony trekking. You can also challenge yourself by riding the local biking trails. Although, you will need to remember to bring your bike during the trip.
North Berwick is a few minutes away from the camp. While you’re there, explore the beaches or maybe go on a boating trip. For more adrenaline-packed activities, go to the nearby Foxlake Adventures, where you can try extreme watersports like wakeboarding.
Wheems Organic Farm (★★★★☆)
This sustainable but stylish glamping site is located in the Orkney Islands. Though the area had undergone development over the years, the isles remain to be ethereal and picturesque.
image credit: Wheems Organic Farm
Glamping Accommodation
Four wooden bothies overlook the scenic bay. Each one has beddings, a space heater, a rechargeable lamp, and a water kettle. For a more stylish option, go for the Mongolian-inspired yurt or the bell tents. For those who prefer a rustic experience, the owners allow campers and caravans to be pitched in the meadows.
All guests may use the shared facilities, which feature showers, toilets, and a small but well-equipped kitchen.
Dining Options
The farm sells its harvest and eggs in an onsite shop. You may cook meals using the shared kitchen if you want to eat without leaving the camp.
Seafood lovers should head out to the south of the island and dine at Skerries Bistro. For excellent wines and beer, try the selections at The Orkney Wine Company and Robertsons.
Glamping Activities
For a bit of history, visit the small chapel on the island which was built by Italian prisoners-of-war. The interiors would remind you of grand Italian churches.
Afterward, head to the beach and take the hiking trail to check out the sceneries in the area. If you want to go shopping for souvenirs, drive to Kirkwall and check out St. Margaret’s Hope for local crafts.
North Rhinns Camping (★★★)
One of the hidden camping gems in the UK can be found in a small pocket of forest in Dumfries and Galloway.
Staying there is reminiscent of the quintessential camping trip out in the wild since you would be surrounded by thick forests and some indigenous animals like barn owls and deer.
image credit: North Rhinns Camping
Glamping Accommodation
The campsite has around 10 tent pitches, 3 campervan pitches, and a camping pod. You need to take a short walk to the facilities building, where the showers, toilets, and sinks are located.
Dining Options
While at the camp, you may cook barbecue in the shared pit, and have your meal on the nearby picnic tables.
If you’re looking for excellent tea and scones, head to the hotel in Corsewell Point. For filling meals with a lively crowd, your best option is The Crown at Portpatrick.
Glamping Activities
Two miles from the camp, you would find beaches that are perfect for lounging or fishing. You can also head to the coastlines to see the Killingtrangin lighthouse.
For history buffs, the grounds and gardens of Castle Kenney are open for tourists to explore.
Choosing Your Scottish Glamping Destination
What do you think of our suggestions for the best glamping getaways in Scotland? Did any of these unique tourist spots pique your interest?
If you have other Scottish glamping ideas that should have been part of this list, please share with us and your fellow glampers in the comments section below.
