Visiting Scotland for two weeks or more

Visiting Scotland for two weeks or more

Thinking of coming to the UK and Scotland for a holiday from far-off locations such as the USA, Canada, China and Australia. Or even if you are coming from our neighbouring countries such as the EU and Scandic, we are here to help. As such, if you are travelling to Scotland for two weeks or more and would like more guidance on your travels, please just get in touch. We are happy to look at options to make your travelling around Scotland simple. And here are a few suggestions for places to visit during your vacation in Scotland after staying with us at Coorie Retreats.

Getting to Scotland from around the world

Scotland is a well-connected country, easy to reach from overseas. We have five international airports with the closest to us being Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick. But if you want to start in the East, fly to Edinburgh. And if starting in the Highlands fly to Inverness or Aberdeen. Many Scottish travellers will also take a flight to London or Amsterdam, before flying to Scotland.

Once here, you can spend several weeks, or even months, exploring our different cultural Scottish cities, historic towns and stunning rural areas from the vast, mountainous landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, to the gentle rolling hills of the Lowlands. You could also extend your trip into neighbouring England, Wales and Ireland. All are easy to get to from Scotland, by train, boat or a short flight.

Exterior of Dariada Den glamping dome at Coorie Retreats
Coorie Retreats is a luxury glamping resort, with 2 domes and 4 cabins set in the Portpatrick countryside.

Start your adventure in the Beautiful Scottish Borders

Here you will find the perfect base to unwind and rest in a fully immersive experience. All before you take to the countryside to explore our historic lands of Scotland.  Coorie Retreats sits in a remote rural area, out in the lush, green wilderness, overlooking beautiful countryside. Surrounded by nature, and yet with all your home comforts and more, in our private glamping cabins with your own private outdoor living experience. You can stay within your secret garden, enjoying your private hot tub, fire pit and outdoor cinema. Or you can take to the countryside and visit our local villages, lighthouses and neighbouring islands.

How to get to Coorie Retreats from abroad

Where better to start than in the magical Scottish Boarders in southern Scotland, in the lands of the lairds. Fly into Glasgow Airport or Glasgow Prestwick Airport and you’re right in the heart of Scotland, just 2 hours drive from our door, ready to begin your adventure. Our luxury glamping village can also be reached by train from Glasgow to Stranraer, where you can catch a taxi to us.

Explore local at Portpatrick

Enjoy the history of our area, with Portpatrick, just 2 minutes drive from our doors. Portpatrick, is an old fishing village set in the historical county of Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway. And if you’re wondering where this is, it’s set in the beautiful rugged southwest of Scotland. A beautiful crescent-shaped harbour remains the focal point of the village. It was once the main port for goods and traffic to Ireland, from the 17th century.

Along our local coastline, we also have many beautiful lighthouses to explore, trails, and cycle paths and you can even catch the ferry to Ireland for a day trip.

Other places to visit in Scotland

We know that many of our international guests enjoy exploring different parts of Scotland after leaving us. And with Scotland being such a rich and varied country, you really should explore more! As Scotland is so small, you can easily explore the country in a week to two weeks’ holiday. We have lots of unique regions to discover, as well as dramatic landscapes, castles, and history. And here are a few suggestions from us:

Explore Glasgow, Loch Lomond And Stirling

Wondering if Glasgow is good for tourists? Glasgow is architecturally a very beautiful place. And it has plenty to offer tourists. We promise you’ll fall in love with its friendly people and Scottish charm! Based just two hours north of Coorie retreats, Glasgow enjoys many stunning Victorian Gardens, museums and glasshouses. Not to mention tall ships, amazing dining and shopping scenes and castles such as Broomhall Castle and Bothwell Castle. There are many castles close to Glasgow for you to explore.

From Glasgow, just a short drive away, you can enjoy some of the best tourist attractions of Scotland, such as the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond. At Loch Lomond you can enjoy boat trips, hikes, walks and trails, Highland Cows, casltes and plenty of Clan History.

Visit Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

And then just 1 hour East of Glasgow, you will find our magnificent Scottish capital, Edinburgh. And it is not just Edinburgh Castle you need to see. Whilst here, you must explore Edunburgh’s historic underground city at the Real Mary King’s Close. One of the best ways to explore the city is via one of the open-top tour buses. From here you can gain your bearings of the city and decide what to explore next. Find out all about Edinburgh and what to do.

A view over the city of Edinburgh on a Summers day.
Edinburgh is the historic capital city of Scotland

Visit the Scottish Highlands & Islands

After exploring the Loch Lomond (the gateway to the Highlands), it’s time to head north. A good base for you to explore the Highlands is somewhere in Inverness or on Loch Ness. There are many spectacular accommodation providers to be found in the North. Here you can see plenty of wild deer, and uncover our Scots Clan history and the Jacobite rebellion. As well as enjoy some magical scenery and Highland hospitality.

A wild stag deer at Eagle Brae in the Scottish Highlands. Photography by Greg Bottle.
Wild deer at Eagle Brae in the Scottish Highlands. Photography by Greg Bottle.

There are many glorious places to visit in the Highlands, such as GlencoeFort William and Glenfinnan. You can travel over to the islands off the west coast of Scotland, including SkyeMullIonaIslayJura and Arran. The islands are well-connected and you can island-hop between them.

A view of Portree Harbour on the Isle of Skye.
Portree is the main village on the Isle of Skye

Visit the rugged North Coast 500

And, one of our most hidden and most beautiful of locations, the North Coast of Scotland and Caithness. A magical road trip or train ride north to the very tip of Scotland. Here you will find our famous North Coast 500 route. But you don’t have to drive the entire NC500 route. By going up to Caithness, you can visit the fishing town of Wick and a short drive further on, the most northerly village in the UK, John O’ Groats. Here you’ll experience rugged and dramatic cliffs, beautiful windswept beaches and amazing seabirds and wildlife. You can also get the ferry up to Orkney from here. In Wick, you can stay at a hotel set on the smallest street in Brittain. A lovely old building overlooking the harbour.

The Duncansby Stacks in the far north of Scotland
See the dramatic Duncansby Stacks in the far north of Scotland by foot or by boat.

Useful resources for exploring Scotland

Skyscanner flights to Scotland – Book your flights to Scotland
VisitScotland Overseas Travel – Guide to travelling to Scotland from overseas.
VisitScotland Road Trip Planner – Useful itineraries and driving routes
Traveline Scotland – Use the journey planner for public transport
VisitScotland Tourist Attractions – Discover the best tourist attractions