The best glamping sites in Scotland

Scotland includes some of the wildest parts of the UK making it a fantastic place for camping and glamping holidays. It has long been a favourite destination for hikers, walkers, climbers and people seeking other ways to enjoy the great outdoors and has a camping scene to cater for them. There are lots of fantastic campsites, wild camping is allowed and there are simple shelters called bothies in some of the most remote locations to cater for the hardiest explorers. Thankfully, for those who like a few more home comforts to return to after days of exploring or simply don’t want to have to pitch their own tent, there is an expanding range of glamping opportunities too.

With unpredictable weather and a cooler climate than the rest of the UK, leaving the tent behind and choosing glamping in Scotland makes perfect sense. You still have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Highlands, the wild border country and the beautiful islands and coastline but you have a little more protection from those wild Scottish elements, should you need it – you are on holiday after all!

Glamping accommodation in Scotland

The choice of glamping accommodation in Scotland is vast and varied. You can choose from bell tents that are perfect for summer days in the Scottish sun to shepherd’s huts and log cabins that exude cosiness with log-burners and blankets. Whether you want a yurt, tipi, gypsy caravan or dome, an elaborate tree house or a simple camping pod, you’ll want to take a look at our carefully-chosen list of Scottish glamping hotspots below.

Think about what is important to you before you make your choice as some glamping accommodation is simply designed to keep you close to the outdoors, while others have been carefully thought-out to offer the highest level of luxury. If you’re using glamping as an introduction to camping, you might like to stay under canvas for that classic camping feel but if you want an extra-special treat then look out for places that come with bedding included and en-suite facilities. The Glampingly “Refine Search” feature comes in handy if you have some specifics in mind that you’re not prepared to compromise on.

Scottish Highlands, islands, coast and border country

Scotland’s landscapes could have been designed to take your breath away. It has the UK’s highest peak, its largest stretch of inland water, its biggest national park and most of its forests – not to mention more than 6,000 miles of coast and almost 800 islands off its shores. There are plenty of places to go glamping in Scotland but which of its special landscapes will you choose?

The Scottish Highlands are in the north-west of Scotland and, as the name suggests, make up a mountainous region. It’s here that you’ll find two of Scotland’s biggest natural attractions: Ben Nevis and Loch Ness. But equally good for those who like their glamping with easy access to the outdoors is central Scotland which is home to its two national parks: the Cairngorms and Trossachs.

Scotland’s much-indented west coast has a rugged beauty with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches as well as the islands of the Firth of Clyde and the Inner and Outer Hebrides off shore. The Orkneys and Shetland Isles are more remote, off the north-eastern tip of Scotland – making up the northernmost reaches of the UK. And at the other extreme, the far south of Scotland is border country. The counties of Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders offer rolling countryside with many stately homes and castles which remind of its turbulent past at the forefront of the Anglo-Scots border wards. But you’ll also find a place of union in south-west Scotland: Gretna Green with its blacksmith’s shop which has been famously used as a venue for runaway weddings since 1754.

Things to do when you are glamping in Scotland

Visit a loch

Head for Loch Ness to try and spot Nessie, take a trip to see vastLoch Lomond, the largest inland stretch of water in Britain, or enjoy a bit of time out on the shores of one of Scotland’s less well-known lakes. Wherever you choose for your glamping holiday in Scotland, you won’t be too far from a loch as there are plenty of them! They are havens for wildlife and great places for circular walks – though you may not want to attempt to circumnavigate Loch Lomond as it is 24 miles long!

Climb a mountain – or maybe just a hill

Scotland’s Grampians are home to the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. Whether you are fit enough to try to bag this 1,345-metre peak or would rather take a more leisurely stroll, it’s worth heading for the hills. Both the Cairngorms and Trossachs National Parks offer miles of upland walks and amazing views.

See the Scottish wildlife

The nature reserves, national parks and wild areas of Scotland are home to wildlife that you’d be hard-pushed to see in many other parts of Britain. Red deer, red squirrels, pine martins and eagles are just some of the special species that thrive in the Scottish wilds, while on the coast there are huge protected colonies of breeding sea birds and plenty of marine mammals too.

Go island hopping

There are 790 Scottish islands and if you are not staying on one during your glamping holiday, it might be worth seeing if you can squeeze in a visit to one. The Outer and Inner Hebrides, Orkney and the Shetland Isles are the main island groups with the islands in the Firth of Clyde further south.

Get active outdoors

With so many mountains and so much water, Scotland is a natural base for adventurous activities like climbing and kayaking. There’s plenty of opportunity for serious adventurers and lots of chances to test the water for novices and active families too. And if you’re a golfer, don’t forget your clubs for a round of golf in the country where the game was invented!

Enjoy a wee dram