Scotland's most romantic staycation destinations named as one region singled out
Scotland's most romantic staycation destinations have been named, with one region in particular singled out. VisitBritain recently shared a roundup of "Scotland's best 'BAE-cations'" for a romantic getaway.
In particular, the tourism board praised Aberdeenshire. Situated on Scotland's northeast coast and comprised of the area around the city of Aberdeen, it is known for its many castles and its rugged coastal scenery.
According to VisitBritain, the best place to start a romantic Aberdeenshire staycation is Dunnottar Castle. Situated atop a cliff looking out over the North Sea, the ruined medieval fortress dates back hundreds of years.
Dunnottar Castle is known for being used in scenes from the 1990 film Hamlet, while it also served as inspiration for the Pixar movie Brave. The castle was described as a "romance wrapped in drama" by VisitBritain, who recommended walking up to the castle at sunset.
Elsewhere, the tourism board named the Aberdeen Art Gallery as a top attraction for two. The main visual arts exhibition space in Aberdeen, its collection spans seven centuries and features work from both local and international artists.
The experts also praised the gallery for its rooftop viewpoint. According to VisitBritain, it is a place where "one can sip coffee with sweeping views over the city's rooftops".
Another Aberdeenshire attraction included on VisitBritain's 'BAE-cation' roundup is Castle Fraser. Situated near the village of Kemnay, the Z-plan castle is located within 300 acres of landscaped grounds, woods, and farmland.
Castle Fraser was applauded by the tourism board for its walled gardens, which it stated are "made for romantic walks and picnics". Meanwhile, inside the historic tower house, there is an extensive portrait collection to admire.
Meanwhile, in terms of food and drink, the experts named the Royal Whisky and Cheese Tour from Bothies and Bannocks as a highlight.
The private and guided tour will take couples through small distilleries and artisan cheesemakers, and will also feature whisky pairings.
Two accommodation options in Aberdeenshire were named by the experts as being perfect for a 'BAE-cation'. The first is Down on the Farm, which is an off-grid glamping site located near the small town of Rosehearty.
Down on the Farm features hand-built cabins, with highlights singled out by the experts including a "restored railway carriage" and a shepherd's hut. VisitBritain also praised the accommodation for benefitting from occasional dolphin sightings.
On the other hand, The Fife Arms in Braemar is a five-star boutique hotel that features 46 uniquely decorated rooms and suites. It earned praise for its unique blend of Victorian design and contemporary Scottish flourishes.
VisitBritain wrote: "Aberdeenshire serves up wild beauty, rich history, and just the right touch of Highland magic. This corner of Scotland is where drama meets romance—where ruined castles perch above roaring seas, and luxury lodges rub shoulders with off-grid hideaways.
"Whether visitors are after windswept walks, culture with a view, or a cheese and whisky pairing straight from the Highlands, Aberdeenshire delivers a love story that writes itself."
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