Coolcationing: The best luxury Scottish hotels for cooler holidays

Ice creams melting before you've even had a chance to enjoy them, constantly seeking shade when out and about, as well as saying no to hikes and activities due to the relentless heat. Enter 'coolcationing', an up-and-coming new trend set to change the way we travel. With temperatures recently exceeding 30C, there has never been a better time to escape the heat for cooler climes.

What is coolcationing? Coolcationing, defined by its focus on seeking out cooler climates, sees travellers opting for more temperate destinations in place of their blazing counterparts. Swapping sunburn for a refreshing breeze, crowded beaches for tranquil lochs, and sunstroke for invigorating hikes, coolcationing ensures that each part of your coolest holidays can be enjoyed to its fullest.

As once-favoured holiday spots warm to uncomfortable levels, travellers are increasingly seeking cooler alternatives. It isn't just about escaping the heat though; it's about discovering off-the-beaten-path experiences, avoiding tourist traps, finding secluded coves, discovering new walks, or leisurely exploring local towns and attractions. Aligning perfectly with responsible tourism, travellers on a coolcation can also support local communities, reduce their carbon footprint by staying closer to home, and avoid contributing to the over-tourism of popular foreign destinations.

Whether you're looking to avoid the UK heatwave or are planning your holiday in the cooler months, Scotland offers an ideal sanctuary. Known for the milder summer in Scotland, it's the perfect climate for those wanting to enjoy a refreshing and comfortable getaway.

Let's explore the top Scottish coolcationing experiences for 2024, paired with cool places to stay in Scotland for the perfect summer escape.

If you’re seeking an active cooler holiday, explore PoB Hotel’s variety of sporting breaks, or head to The Scottish Highlands for a perfect blend of cool weather and exciting activities. Enjoy summer sports like Munro-bagging and hill walking at Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland's largest ski area. For an exclusive wild swimming experience in Stirlingshire, immerse yourself in the pristine waters of the Paradise Pools. Offering an ideal introduction to wild swimming, these secluded pools feature deep water to host multiple swimmers and an adventurous natural rockslide that cascades into the water.

Take to the hills for a hike that rewards you with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment, all while enjoying the natural air conditioning provided by the Highland breezes. For a memorable trek, explore the Lairig Ghru, a famous mountain pass in the Cairngorms that offers challenging terrain and stunning scenery. Alternatively, the Lion's Face and Cromlins trail provides a 5.5 km journey through varied landscapes. Further south, Stirlingshire boasts a diverse array of hiking trails, catering to all levels of adventurers.

Cycling enthusiasts can explore The Deeside Way, a long-distance path that stretches from Aberdeen to Ballater, which is perfect for both casual and experienced cyclists. In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, cycling enthusiasts can explore a variety of stunning trails that showcase the area's natural beauty, from leisurely rides along the loch's western shore to more challenging climbs and descents for adventurous cyclists.

For golf lovers, Braemar Golf Club features some of the finest greens in the area and is the highest 18-hole course in Scotland. If you’re looking to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, consider a match at Cromlix's fabulous outdoor tennis court, owned by two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, complete with professional coaching available for all skill levels.

Stay at: The Fife Arms, a historic hotel nestled within the Cairngorms National Park, offering easy access to hiking trails and mountain biking routes. Or, choose Cromlix, a Victorian Perthshire mansion owned by Andy Murray, with an outstanding tennis offering and other activities including fishing, archery, and falconry.

For those who thrive on the buzz of urban life but want to avoid the summer heat, Scotland's cities offer the perfect coolcation. Edinburgh, one of the best places to visit in Scotland and renowned for its fascinating past and stunning architecture, provides an array of cultural experiences without the swelter. This August, enjoy the prestigious Fringe Festival, watching a variety of different shows and theatre, or meander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where the cool stone buildings and narrow alleys offer a welcome respite from the sun. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on its rocky crag with cool breezes and panoramic views, or relax amidst the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden, where shaded paths and diverse flora create a tranquil escape.

Stay at: Prestonfield House, an opulent hotel offering a tranquil retreat just a stone's throw from Edinburgh's city centre, or board Fingal, a luxurious floating hotel permanently berthed in the historic Port of Leith, that combines nautical charm with sumptuous comfort.

Inverness, often considered the gateway to the Highlands, offers a captivating mix of city life and access to breathtaking natural landscapes for a cooler holiday. Stroll along the serene River Ness, where the gentle flow of the water and tree-lined banks provide a refreshing backdrop. Delve into the history of Urquhart Castle, situated atop a hill that catches the cooling Highland winds, or take a day trip to the enigmatic Loch Ness. Here, the crisp, fresh air and the serene beauty of the lake make for a perfect coolcation destination, where you might even glimpse the legendary Nessie.

Stay at: Ness Walk, an elegant hotel that promises serene views and exquisite dining, situated on the banks of the River Ness.