Enjoy Summer in Scotland

Please call our Central Reservations Team, who can help tailor your plans on +44 1408 623800.

Spring awakenings give way to bright summer days that stretch into late evenings at our most northerly points. With the long days, warmer temperatures and thriving beautiful greenery there’s no better time than summer in Scotland to explore the Highlands.

There are so many places to visit in the Highlands in summer. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors, explore our luscious lochs, wander along our white sand beaches, conquer hikes and mountains, discover charming coastal villages and try your hand at outdoor sports. With all of this to do and so much more, you can start planning your summer holiday in Scotland today.

Dornoch

Dornoch is the perfect place to explore and play by the sea in summer. Home to the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club, a mere 50 yards away from our hotel, you can take advantage of the long summer days in Scotland and enjoy round after round from dawn till dusk. And if that’s not enough, Dornoch is surrounded by other fantastic courses including Castle Stuart Golf Link and Strathpeffer Golf Club, so you can tee off to your heart’s content.

Other summer adventures not to be missed in Dornoch include exhilarating bike rides through Shin Falls, Loch Fleet and more, paddle boarding along the local beach, day trips to explore ancient caves, archery, and pigeon clay shooting. Or why not embrace local community events such as the Community Markets that showcase the best in homegrown produce, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts. There’s also the sounds of the Dornoch Pipe band that parades around the square on Saturday nights.

Brora

While staying at our Brora Hotel this summer, you can explore some of the best waterside locations that east Sutherland has to offer. A traditional and charming coastal town, Brora is blessed with its own stunning golden beach as well as surrounding lochs and rivers.

You can make the most of your summer holiday in Scotland and enjoy a day at the beach. Whether you’re taking the time to relax, build sandcastles, spot wildlife such as dolphins and whales or wander along the golden coast, Brora is the location to do it from with Brora beach right on your doorstep, where Brora Golf Club is perched above, plus the nearby Dornoch beach or Portmahomack beach.

Or why not enjoy a sunny day of fishing or paddleboarding at the nearby lochs and rivers, guided bike tours inland, leisurely village wanders or even a hike up Ben Bhraggie.

Looking further afield, you can visit the fairytale-esque Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, where you can witness the spectacular daily falconry shows featuring Peregrine, Gyrfalcon and Harris hawks. For even more wildlife watching, take a visit to the Falls of Shin, which is one of the best places to watch salmon leaping in the summer.

Tongue

Located on one of the most northerly points of the Highlands, a summer holiday at the Tongue Hotel offers a magical Scottish escape. A small village flanked by natural beauty including dramatic views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, Tongue is also home to the largest wild habitat in Europe as it holds acres of unique and remarkable heather bog.

Enjoy beautiful walks or cycle rides along the local beaches, trails and mountains or make the most of your summer adventure and journey to the nearby town of Thurso, known as one of the best surfing locations in the UK! You can also visit the nearby town of Durness on the last Friday in July to watch or even take part in the Highland Gathering, a day full of traditional Highland games including tossing the caber and Highland dancing.

Kylesku and Unapool

Nestled in the heart of Assynt, Kylesku and Unapool are full of gorgeous northwest Highland scenery that is thriving during the summer months. Stay at our Kylesku Hotel or Newton Lodge to wake up each morning to stunning loch side views towards the mountains.

Northwest Highland beaches are known for their rugged beauty and with the sun beaming down, they reach their peak in the summer. Explore the nearby Achmelvich beach, Balnakeil beach, Sandwood Bay and more to discover jagged cliffs looming over white sand beaches and crystal clear azure water.

There are plenty of walks including the Coigach Geotrail, routes around Ullapool, Quinag and more. Or why not explore the Highlands by water? With the warm weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a boat trip through the dramatic coastline where you can spot the local wildlife, waterside mountains, beautiful lochs and beaches. Enjoy the Kylesku Boat trip that leaves right from our hotel or explore the islands with the Shearwater Summer Isle Cruises.

Plockton

Plockton is another must visit destination in Scotland during summer. This charming coastal town, often called the Jewel of the Highlands, offers an authentic Highland experience as both the locals and tourists come together to enjoy the sunshine.

There is so much to do while staying at the Plockton Inn. Another great place to explore the area by water, you can take to the sea with a Seal Trip led by local resident, Calum Mackenzie, where you can spot harbour seals, grey seals, and many species of seabirds, porpoise and dolphins basking in the sunlight. Or to enjoy inland wildlife, visit Craig Highland Farm – a great day out for families!

And lastly, no summer holiday in Plockton would be complete without a visit to the legendary Isle of Skye which you can visit on foot or drive to explore more of the island.

With all of this and so many other places to visit in Scotland and the Highlands during summer, it really is the perfect holiday. Visit our hotels by travelling along the NC500 or take the scenic route with our Coast to Coast itinerary. Get in touch with our reservations team on +44 1408 623800 or book today to find out more!