The transition from spring to summer is an excellent time to explore Scotland before the peak crowds arrive. In June, the landscapes are fresh and green, the weather is warming up, and the days are extra long for enjoying an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and whisky tasting in the Highlands to sea kayaking off the west coast, perhaps with a whale sighting near the Isle of Mull.
It's festival time in Edinburgh when the capital bursts to capacity with several top-notch events featuring books, films, and military bands—and, of course, the world's largest arts fest called Fringe. Nature-seekers, for their part, can find plenty of space elsewhere, from the coasts and islands to the rugged Highlands. Wherever you travel, you'll want to plan your trip far in advance during the peak season.
Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here, expect dazzling skylines of moody mountaintops, emerald-green glens, myriad remote, sand-rimmed islands ideal for escaping or eloping, and a mysterious fortress or three for every horizon. But for vacationing newlyweds, what truly makes this land so romantic are the stories that lace each place you pass through: legacies of great romantic writers like Sir Walter Scott, tales of trysts involving the likes of Mary, Queen of Scots and more. Here are the most romantic destinations in Scotland for honeymooners, with suggestions of what to do in each.
Scotland quiets down this month, letting visitors take advantage of low rates and light crowds in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Better yet, pair your city excursion with a scenic road trip in the Scottish countryside (or isles) for invigorating hikes, whisky tasting, and castle spotting—all capped with cozy autumn evenings, perhaps by the fire.
From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans. At roughly the same size as South Carolina, Scotland is small enough to explore the highlights in one week. However, you'll need at least two weeks to explore the mainland and one or even two extra weeks to take in the major islands.