Five Unmissable Escapes to Scotland in 2026

If there’s one valuable lesson I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that you don’t have to travel across oceans and traverse continents in order to uncover the extraordinary. Indeed, the jagged peaks, deep valleys, cultural centres and world-beating restaurants of Scotland’s Highlands, Lowlands, assorted islands and cities reveal no shortage of wondrous treasures awaiting discovery – and there’s been a concerted effort to elevate many of the country’s finest features in recent years to veritable encounters with the sublime. 

True wilderness in Cairngorms National Park

I have no issue with admitting that some of my all-time favourite getaways, dining experiences and moments in touch with true and unfettered wilderness have been during trips above the border. From dining on hand-caught scallops and decadently sweet langoustines (alongside a dram of two of beautifully peated whisky) at Bowmore’s Harbour Inn on Islay to meeting the wildcats at Alladale Wilderness reserve and dancing the night away in Glasgow and Edinburgh, it’s a country that repeatedly steals the heart, takes the breath and soothes the soul. 

With a new tourist season on the horizon and an invigorated travel scene starting to flex some serious muscle, 2026 promises to be a stellar year for some of Scotland’s most coveted attractions. Here’s a rundown of the very best visitor experiences to add to a tartan-bound bucket list, each of which I’ll be leaping at the chance to indulge in myself. 

Seven-day hiking adventure in the Cairngorms National Park, Highland Guiding

Heather forever, the Cairngorms National Park

Nobody knows the expansive beauty like the locals do, neither do any possess that awe-inspiring sense of pride and belonging in quite the same way, either. This new walking tour has been meticulously designed by Cairngorms natives, and offers small groups of intrepid hikers the opportunity to uncover the region’s natural beauty, flora and fauna like never before. 

It’s a chance to get up-close-and-personal with Speyside’s magnificent glens, the towering Caledonian pinewoods, ancient and imposing castles, and wildlife ranging from ospreys to red squirrels and pine martens. Hand-selected accommodation is included for the utmost in comfort and hospitality, and there’s sure to be plenty of hearty meals and some quality local whisky to enjoy, too. 

Mountains to Sea Winter Escape, Cairngorm Bothies

Getting away from it all in style

The notion of the off-grid ‘slowcation’ – the worthy suggestion that we could all benefit from a retreat in the truest sense of the word – has been part of the zeitgeist for some time now, but few offerings are quite as blissfully tempting as that by Cairngorm Bothies. Holding a Gold Green Tourism Award for their tailored and immersive mountain experiences, this particular escape begins with a two-night stay in a stove-heated mountain lodge, before moving onto spectacular Stonehaven for dramatic vistas of North Sea cliffs and the broad skies of the Aberdeenshire Coast. 

Curated for couples looking to leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind (at least for a long weekend), this cosy retreat proves that time, space and silence truly are the new frontier of luxury travel. 

Luxurious sea spa at The Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride

Hydrotherapy beckons, The Waterside Hotel

It’s no secret that time spent in, on or by the sea is time well spent indeed, and The Waterside Hotel (located just 40 minutes from Glasgow) has invested £3 million in the creation of a state-of-the-art sea spa overlooking the dramatic Firth of Clyde and onwards to the Isle of Arran. 

Offering guests a chance to unwind in style, the spa – which opens in Spring 2026 – will feature six treatment rooms, a four-person Rasul experience, indoor thermal area with sauna and steam room, as well as three experience showers. Guests can relax while overlooking the beach, and spend time under the stars with a large hydro pool, outdoor shower, cold bucket, a sheltered firepit and seating area.

Traitors-inspired breaks with Highland Coast Hotels

Who’s feeling treacherous?

If, like me, you were glued to your screen throughout November watching Alan Carr cackle his way through murdering fellow celebrities on BBC’s The Traitors, you surely also fantasised about sweeping through a neo-gothic Scottish castle while dressed to the nines a la Claudia Winkleman.

Highland Coast Hotels has such reveries covered: their new four-night Traitors-inspired breaks in the far north of Scotland offer couples B&B stays in beautiful Brora, and include entry to the suitably dramatic Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey & Gardens.

Culinary and cultural adventures at Links House, Royal Dornoch

Culinary mastery with the finest Scottish fare

Links House prides itself on being the UK’s most northerly luxury destination, which alone makes it worthy of adding to any Scotophile’s wish list of places to visit. In 2026, guest of Links House will enjoy VIP access to an impressive calendar of quarterly events and experiences, which include explorations of ‘The Scottish Colourists’ with a renowned art historian, a fragrance encounter with an expert perfumer, stargazing in the dark skies of Dornoch Firth, whisky tastings and much, much more besides. 

Committed foodies will also enjoy the ‘ultimate gourmet Anteroom Supper Club’, in which 12 guests revel in the talents of head chef Theo Creton’s five-course tasting menu, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and Highland traditions.