Great staycations in Scotland

Sometimes the best holidays are the ones closest to home. Be a tourist in your own country by swapping out your daily routine for a change of scenery, whether it’s rising to the sight of a dramatic Highland vista, exploring the streets of an unfamiliar city, or hunkering down in a cosy coastal retreat. From family-friendly adventures to delicious cuisine and cultural treasures, find the Scottish staycation of your dreams.

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a great day out in Scotland – even if its chilly or a rainy one. Get up close to fascinating exhibits inside all kinds of world-class museums and step back in time at historic buildings. Whatever your interest, there are so many indoor attractions to explore free of charge.

Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh 

Reawaken your inner child and see a collection of toys, games, dolls and books spanning over 200 years. From teddy bears and Raleigh Chopper bikes to Barbies, Lego and Buzz Lightyear, enjoy a visit filled with nostalgia. For the little ones, let their imaginations take flight at the dress-up zone and puppet theatre.

Take a trip down memory lane at the Museum of Childhood 

Riverside Museum, Glasgow 

Learn about the evolution of Scottish transport all in one fantastic museum. Take a wander along the replica cobbled street showcasing Glasgow from the late 1800s –1930s, where you'll get to experience history first-hand by stepping inside old shops, houses and even a subway station.

Of course, it wouldn't be a transport museum without many different modes of transport on show, ranging from horse-drawn carriages, vintage cars and motorcycles to trains, trams and bicycles.

The fun doesn't stop outside either, hop on board The Tall Ship Glenlee docked next to the museum and learn about life at sea.

Spend the day at Riverside Museum 

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Fife 

Learn about the humble beginnings of Scottish-born businessman Andrew Carnegie who became one of the world's leading global philanthropists in this beautiful building, which oozes with historic charm. Enjoy interactive exhibits, local history and art and discover how Carnegie used his vast wealth to fund thousands of public libraries, support education and promote access to knowledge worldwide.

Visit Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries 

Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick, Scottish Borders

This beautifully restored 16th-century tower tells the story of the Scottish Borders’ famous knitwear and tweed industry. Learn more about how the industry took shape through a range of fascinating displays of clothing, fabrics, photos and films with lots of hands-on activities added into the mix. 

Enjoy a fashionable visit to the Borders Textile Towerhouse 

Perth Museum

New discoveries await you at Perth Museum. Inside you'll find 10,000 years of history all in one place dating back from prehistoric Scotland through to the present day. Book a timeslot to see the Famous Stone of Destiny which was once used to crown Scottish and UK monarchs.

Other cool highlights you'll see during your day at the museum include impressive Pictish stones, a Strathmore meteorite fragment and a 3,000-year-old Carpow Logboat discovered by metal detectorist on the River Tay estuary.

Visit Perth Museum 

Did you know? The Tall Ship Glenlee is one of the few remaining Clyde-built sailing ships still afloat.

Explore outdoors in Scotland without spending too much. From urban adventures and gorgeous botanical gardens to spellbinding waterfalls and winding forest trails, there are many ways to appreciate the beauty of Scotland’s cities and countryside within a budget.

Calton Hill, Edinburgh 

Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline with a climb up Calton Hill. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks including the National Monument, Nelson Monument and the wonderfully photogenic Dugald Stewart Monument, perfect for capturing the most mesmerising sunset pics.

Be sure to check out Café Calton where they serve fresh coffee, breakfast and light lunches and if the weather is nice, make the most of the sunshine by sitting in the outdoor terrace.

Walk up Calton Hill 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

Situated in the city’s West End, enjoy a sense of escapism in this green space utopia. Each season offers something special from spring blooms to autumn colours and winter glasshouse displays, making it a popular choice for relaxing strolls, photography and picnics in the warmer weather. 

Discover nature at its best at Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

Falls of Bruar, near Pitlochry 

This picturesque outdoor setting is a great spot for a short hike with rewarding views. En route you'll find a series of cascading waterfalls and charming bridges which make for another great photo opportunity. With House of Bruar nearby, you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of foodie options.

Admire the beauty of Falls of Bruar

Tentsmuir Forest, near St Andrews, Fife 

There’s nothing better than a relaxing day out while soaking up Scotland’s natural beauty. A visit to Tentsmuir Forest is just the tonic, combining peaceful woodland walks and a stunning stretch of sandy beach. Take a wander along the pine forests, cycle scenic routes or embrace the fresh sea air by walking along the coastline. It’s a great day out for all the family and four-legged friends with plenty of outdoor spaces for picnics, dog walks and the chance to see wildlife up close. 

Plan a trip to Tentsmuir Forest 

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 

Enjoy the simple things in life by taking a leisurely stroll through the forest or venture out on two wheels along scenic cycle routes. During the warmer weather, Loch Ard is a great pit stop for a picnic while admiring the peaceful views. For wildlife enthusiasts, take in the classic Trossachs scenery where you might spot red squirrels or deer along the way. If that's not enough, you'll also find a series of sculpture trails hidden in the woods with plenty of short hikes.

Explore the outdoors at Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Looking for a place to stay for your upcoming trip to Scotland? We’ve got plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained with a fantastic range of amenities.

Lomond Woods Holiday Park, Loch Lomond 

With its spacious lodges sleeping up to 6-8 people, Lomond Woods Holiday Park is a great way to spend quality time with the family. It offers a good mix of on-site activities and easy access outdoor adventures from family-friendly walking trails and wildlife spotting to kayaking and paddleboarding.

You’ll also find some fantastic attractions just a short distance away including SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, Balloch Castle Country Park and Loch Lomond Shores. 

Book a family getaway at Lomond Woods Holiday Park

Comrie Croft, Perthshire 

Calling all adventure seekers, this one’s for you. Set on a 230-acre rewilded farm, book an eco-stay or enjoy a night under the stars while camping in ‘Nordic Katas’. 

For the kids, playtime is set to become a whole lot more fun with rope swings, woodlands and fairy houses galore. Older children and adults can hone their skills at the mountain bike trails or skills park and enjoy taking part in bushcraft activities. 

At night, gather round the campfire and toast some marshmallows or round off the evening with a BBQ feast. 

Make yourself feel at home at Comrie Croft

The Cuddies, Loch Lomond 

Relax and unwind with a glamping stay on a working farm. With its well-equipped pods sleeping up to 4-6 people, it's a great introduction for the kids to learn more about farm life. They'll get to meet lots of four-legged residents including sheep, calves and goats. When you book a pod, you can expect a private hot tub, fire pit and outdoor seating, the perfect space for chilling out during the day or at night.

Discover the best of the Scottish countryside at The Cuddies

Coorie Retreats, Dumfries & Galloway 

Enjoy luxury glamping at its best. Upon arrival, you'll receive your very own welcome hamper with each cabin or dome offering everything from fully equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, private hot tubs, fire pits, a BBQ and even your very own cinema, perfect for family movie nights.

If you're looking to pamper yourself, head to the on-site spa facilities where you can relax in the sauna, dip into an Epsom salt bath or awaken your senses with a cold plunge. It's the perfect escape for those who want nature plus comfort.

Stay cosy at Coorie Retreats

Glenshee Glamping, near the Cairngorms 

Enjoy a home away from home on a cosy glamping retreat. You'll be spoilt for choice with affordable pods, huts and tents available to book, kitted out with heating and fire pits – some even come with wood-fired hot tubs. Kids will be in their element with plenty of opportunities to roam outdoors safely while playing hide and seek in the natural play area, petting cute farm animals or improving their aim with a game of archery.

Feel pampered at Glenshee Glamping 

Sauchope Links Park, Crail, Fife 

Take it easy with a stay at Sauchope Links Park. You'll find a good mix of comfortable and luxury accommodation options from lodges to holiday caravans and a range of glamping options including pods, domes and shepherd's huts. They have a great family-friendly offering that will keep the kids entertained for hours with an outdoor play area, an outdoor pool in the summer, and a games room. The seaside location also means you can get involved in beach activities like rockpooling right on your doorstep.

With its proximity to the golf courses of St Andrews and the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk, you'll have lots to keep you busy.

Stay in coastal accommodation at Sauchope Links Park