With an abundance of natural resources, both surf and turf, Scotland boasts a long list of foodie treats. The autumn heralds a particularly bumper harvest making September the perfect time for short breaks in Scotland with a foodie twist.
To give you some inspiration, in this article we look at the Scottish restaurants with the world’s highest culinary accolade, a Michelin star. And to round off your short break, we suggest large holiday homes in Scotland, with room for everyone, however much they’ve eaten!
The Edinburgh International Festival is ample proof that no other city does festivals quite like Edinburgh. The Scottish capital hosts no less than nine big festival events throughout the year and showcases the best of the world’s talent from literary to jazz, from art to military and from dance to stand-up comedy. You name the art form and Edinburgh has an event celebrating it.
For anyone who’s a fan of arts and culture the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime. The 3-week long bonanza of theatre, performance, comedy, circus, music and dance celebrates the world’s up-and-coming artists. The event also showcases the magnificent city of Edinburgh, transforming it into one vibrant, buzzing stage during August. Read our guide to this amazing event…
On a scorching weekend in June 2018 the world’s media descended on Meikle Wartle. This otherwise peaceful spot of rural Aberdeenshire was playing host to a Game of Thrones wedding. The temporary yet glaring media spotlight honed in on Wardhill Castle.
Planning a get-together with everyone? And fancy staying in one of the prettiest spots in the UK? Then taking a group holiday house in Cornwall ticks all your boxes. Not only do you all get to stay in comfort and space, you can take in some of the most magical scenery in the county and throw a party to remember. Read on to discover six compelling reasons why a group holiday let in the far southwest of the UK is for you.
Mothering Sunday more commonly referred to as Mother’s Day is only a month away. It’s an age old festival born from Christian roots to celebrate mothers and mother figures. The date changes annually as it’s held on the 4th Sunday of Lent and this year it lands on Sunday, 11th March 2018. Whilst the day itself is not a bank holiday, it’s a weekend families typically get together to visit and treat their mothers to a special day of celebration, whether that’s breakfast in bed, the presentation of a posy of flowers, a lunch out or in some cases a special weekend away.
“Say it with flowers” is the advertising slogan to mark the one day in the year you go that extra mile to make your mother feel special. We figured this year why not go that one step further and spoil mum with a weekend (or week long) holiday with everyone she loves. This time of year is considered low season in UK holiday rentals, so booking a short break during one of the most reasonably priced months of the year, makes it a very affordable treat for mum!
Detox doesn’t have to be the buzz word of January alone. We all need a little pamper time every now and then, whether that’s going the whole hog with a spa day or simply submerging into a hot tub with a glass of our favourite tipple surrounded by our favourite people. Enter stage left this selection of large holiday homes with hot tubs. You won’t need another list.
So take a dip or dive in to the idea of a long weekend away with friends. Perhaps you’re planning a multigenerational family holiday this year or next. Maybe there’s a special birthday celebration or anniversary on the cards. You could even be planning a wedding. The added extra of a hot tub in your holiday home of choice will doubtless excite your fellow guests too.
As the most romantic day of the year, it’s unsurprising that Valentine’s Day ranks as the most popular occasion to make a marriage proposal. But before you pop your question – perhaps the most important one of your life – take a moment to consider the setting. None less than the most romantic and stunning of all will do and with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the UK’s most romantic spots for a Valentine’s Day proposal.
The UK’s most romantic spots for…
A totally tropical Valentine’s Day
The Caribbean is too far for just the day and way too expensive in February so let the azure waters and white sands come to you. Pop over to the Isles of Scilly where subtropical temperatures mean spring flowers bloom in winter. Wander the coastal paths and explore the hidden bays before visiting the Abbey Garden at Tresco, famed as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Pop the question… underneath the ruined arches at the 12th century Benedictine Abbey in the Abbey Garden with just the tall Canary Island palms for company.
A wild Valentine’s Day
Another of the UK’s many islands makes a great spot for rugged romantic proposals. The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes with just the right smattering of remote sandy coves, lovely lakes and majestic mountains. You’ll be in good company with the island’s unique wildlife – otters, red deer and the white-tailed sea eagle – all too hoping to find a mate to say “I do”.
Pop the question… at the Fairy Pools, near Glenbrittle where the crystalline pools and waterfalls make a magical backdrop.
A truly romantic bending of the knee
The Lake District lies at the heart of English Romantic poetry, led by the Wordsworth and his immortal “I wander’d lonely as a cloud”. Allow your hearts to be won over by the stunning landscapes of endless lakes, rolling fells and quaint villages, pretty even in a wintry February. This is one of the UK’s favourite spots on Valentine’s Day so don’t expect to be alone, but there are plenty of quiet spots just for you and your loved one.
Pop the question… at Friar’s Crag on Derwentwater where mountain and woodland views stretch for miles over a lake spotted with island retreats. An impeccable backdrop for an engagement selfie. Celebrate afterwards at a cosy pub in Keswick.
An Italian-style Valentine’s Day proposal
Italy might be nearer than the Caribbean but it’s still a challenge for a day so take yourselves to the land of pastel façades, Florentine domes and Venetian turrets at Portmeirion in Wales. Wander the Italian-inspired village streets, marvel at the views of the Welsh coast and lose yourselves in the 70 acres of heavenly woodlands on the doorstep where amore is sure to be in the air.
Pop the question… on the village beach at sunset after the crowds have gone when it’s just you two and the quietly lapping waves.
An olde worlde Valentine’s Day out
Locations don’t come much quainter or more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds where picture-perfect villages in mellow ocre set in rolling green countryside come together to make one of the UK’s most romantic settings. Take a drive round the area and amble through the sleepy villages with their pretty cottages and traditional shops.
Pop the question… at the top of Cleeve Hill, just outside Bishop’s Cleeve, where the magnificent vistas will sweep you both off your feet and mean the only possible answer is yes.
A perfectly framed proposal spot
Head down to the shingle beach at Durdle Door in Dorset for a romantic spot with a unique backdrop. The almost symmetric limestone archway has been carved by the sea over centuries and where better to frame your love. Make your way down the cliffs and settle down for a picnic à deux on the shingle beach as you wait for sundown.
Pop the question… at sunset and don’t forget to immortalise the “I will” in a selfie with the archway behind you.
An urbanite Valentine’s proposal
Busy, busy London might not spring to mind as a place to make a marriage proposal but one of the world’s most happening capitals comes packed with special spots for love. Meander the canals at Little Venice; climb Parliament Hill for breathtaking views of the City skyline; buy the bouquet to go with the ring in Borough Market; take yourselves on a river cruise up to Hampton Court, built by the king with the most wives of all…
Pop the question… over a glass of a little something at dinner at Aqua Shard on the 31st floor or at Darwin Brasserie at Skygarden on the 36th. Who could possibly say no with the bright lights of London at their feet?
The most elegant Valentine’s Day city break
Scotland’s capital does elegance with a capital E and Edinburgh is home to some of the UK’s finest architecture. Take in the medieval marvels on Royal Mile before admiring Georgian finesse in New Town. And if you have forgotten the ring, pop into one of the wee jewelry shops in Grassmarket or on Rose Street.
Pop the question … at the top of Arthur’s Seat with the whole of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth below you before you celebrate the yes with a wee dram in one of the city’s historic pubs.
An incurably romantic wedding proposal
Where better to make your marriage proposal than in the city home to the creator of some of Britain’s greatest romantic heroines? Take yourselves to Bath and follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, and Emma and Mr Knightley, Jane Austen’s most romantic couples. Wander the Royal Crescent and visit the Roman Baths before crossing the Avon via Pulteney Bridge, Bath’s very own Bridge of Sighs.
Pop the question… over afternoon tea and champagne at the Pump Room and then ask the Pump Rooms Trio to play your tune.
A medieval romance
For a proposal with shades of knights in shining armour and damsels in distress, à la Game of Thrones, Tintagel in Cornwall is your venue. Allegedly the birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle ruins are the stuff of medieval romances at its best. Wander the village streets before you descend to the Castle itself whose turrets and towers have commanding views of the sea.
Pop the question … at a remote spot on the cliff top near the castle. Choose your moment and get down on one knee just as the sun slips down over the Atlantic and you might even hear the Knights of Round Table toast your yes.
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