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A few of the Scottish towns that make for a perfect weekend escape.A few of the Scottish towns that make for a perfect weekend escape.
A few of the Scottish towns that make for a perfect weekend escape.

Staycation Scotland: Here are 10 beautiful Scottish towns perfect for a weekend away

Now that dometic travel restrictions seem to be a thing of the past many of us are looking forward to exploring the gems on our doorstep that we may have taken for granted pre-pandemic.
By David Hepburn
Published 30th Apr 2021, 16:51 GMT
Updated 30th Apr 2021, 22:19 GMT

In this year of the Scottish staycation, we thought we’d look at some of the loveliest Scottish towns that have enough to entertain you for a full weekend away.

Here are 11 perfect destinations for a quick break.

The bustling holiday resort town of Aviemore is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, lochs and forests of the Cairngorms National Park. Skiing in winter means it's a genuine year-round destination with all the high quality shops, accomodation, bars and restaurants you would expect.

5. Aviemore

The bustling holiday resort town of Aviemore is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, lochs and forests of the Cairngorms National Park. Skiing in winter means it's a genuine year-round destination with all the high quality shops, accomodation, bars and restaurants you would expect. Photo: Canva

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The picturesque Borders town of Melrose, at the foot of the Eildon Hills, is perhaps best known for its pretty ruined abbey dating back to 1136 - as well as being the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. There's also Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre, housing the Trimontium Museum which is dedicated to Roman life in Scotland. If that's not enough, there are two National Trust for Scotland gardens to visit and Sir Walter Scott's romantic mansion of Abbotsford is just three miles away.

6. Melrose

The picturesque Borders town of Melrose, at the foot of the Eildon Hills, is perhaps best known for its pretty ruined abbey dating back to 1136 - as well as being the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. There's also Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre, housing the Trimontium Museum which is dedicated to Roman life in Scotland. If that's not enough, there are two National Trust for Scotland gardens to visit and Sir Walter Scott's romantic mansion of Abbotsford is just three miles away. Photo: Canva

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The perfect town from which to explore all the south west of Scotland has to offer, Castle Douglas is a designated Food Town with around 50 businesses serving and selling locally-grown produce, so you wont go hungry. Just outside the town is the beautiful Threave Garden and, on an island in the middle of the River Dee, the spectacular ruins of Threave Castle.

7. Castle Douglas

The perfect town from which to explore all the south west of Scotland has to offer, Castle Douglas is a designated Food Town with around 50 businesses serving and selling locally-grown produce, so you wont go hungry. Just outside the town is the beautiful Threave Garden and, on an island in the middle of the River Dee, the spectacular ruins of Threave Castle. Photo: Canva

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Elgin's photogenic Victorian streets contain an array of independent shops, pubs and cafes, and provides a great base for exploring Moray. Attractions include Moray Cathedral and the wonderfully old-fashioned (in the best way) Yeadons Bookseller and Stationers.

8. Elgin

Elgin's photogenic Victorian streets contain an array of independent shops, pubs and cafes, and provides a great base for exploring Moray. Attractions include Moray Cathedral and the wonderfully old-fashioned (in the best way) Yeadons Bookseller and Stationers. Photo: Canva

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