Step into storybook scenery: National Parks of Scotland and Wales
Scotland
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Scotland’s first national park, and just under an hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs covers around 720 square miles (1,865 square kilometres). It is home to 22 shimmering lochs (including Britain’s largest – Loch Lomond), 21 mighty Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet / 915 metres), and swathes of tranquil moorland. Here, your clients can cruise across glassy waters, hike the West Highland Way, or wander through ancient oak woodlands teeming with red squirrels and roe deer. It’s a place that offers everything from wild swimming and whisky tasting to treehouse stays and lochside fine dining.
Nearest train station: Balloch station is the main gateway to the park, with direct trains from Glasgow Queen Street taking less than 50 minutes.
Nearest airport: Glasgow Airport is just 40 minutes away by car. Edinburgh Airport is around 90 minutes away.
Getting around: The National Park is well served by local buses and cycle routes. By car, your clients will be able to explore the quieter glens and lochs at their own pace. Waterbuses offer a scenic way to travel between the villages on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Cameron House, Loch Lomond
Set on a 400‑acre wooded estate along Loch Lomond’s southern shores, Cameron House is a restored 17th‑century mansion and features 208 rooms and suites, many with loch views, including 13 Auld House suites with sumptuous decor. Think five-star luxury with a rooftop infinity pool that looks out across the water like something from a Bond film. Guests can sip single‑malts at the Great Scots’ Bar (boasting more than 250 whiskies), indulge in eight‑course tasting menus at LOMA by Michelin-starred chef Graeme Cheevers, or opt for casual fare at The Tavern. A cinema, leisure club with water slide, championship golf course and Wee Demon nine‑hole course can all keep families entertained.
Bonnie Barns from Lennox of Lomond, Luss
Ever wanted a private pod on a Scottish farm, complete with bubbling hot tub and mountain views? The architect-designed lodges at Bonnie Barns from Lennox of Lomond are adults-only and positioned for panoramic views over Loch Lomond. Inside, your clients can enjoy king-size beds, sleek kitchenettes, rainfall showers, and private decks with two-person hot tubs ready for arrival. During the day, guests can join farm tours featuring quad-bike trailer rides, lambing visits in spring and drystone-walling lessons, or explore what life is like on a working sheep farm in Scotland during the ‘A Day in the Life of a Farmer’ experience.
The Old Mill, Killearn
Tucked beneath the Campsie Fells in the heart of Killearn village, The Old Mill is a 240-year-old former grain mill transformed into a rustic-luxe restaurant, café and community hub. It’s all exposed stone walls, roaring log fires and wildflower-filled gardens. Menus are packed with seasonal Scottish produce, from brunches to fine dining, and there’s a sun-drenched terrace for warmer days. Whether your clients are fresh off a West Highland Way walk or road-tripping through the National Park, this is a top spot for refuelling. Menu highlights include Cullen skink, duck leg rillette with spiced carrot marmalade and crispy ham hock with cheese fondu.
The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
Tucked beneath a 500-year-old oak tree and right on the West Highland Way walking trail, the family-run, award-winning Oak Tree Inn is home to a traditional pub, restaurant, café, village shop and on-site brewery. Expect log fires, local ales, Loch Lomond smoked salmon, and rooms ranging from cosy pods to deluxe suites with loch-view balconies. But it’s not just about the food and firesides – this is a hub for Highland adventures. Your clients can book guided hikes, bike hire, paddleboarding, boat tours and even wild swimming experiences. After a day of exploring, they can reward themselves with a whisky (there are more than 50 to choose from) or visit St Mocha next door for homemade ice cream and locally roasted coffee – all just a 40-minute drive from Glasgow.
Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder
Tucked down a winding single-track in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Monachyle Mhor is a family-owned boutique hotel on a 2,000‑acre working estate overlooking Loch Voil and Loch Doine. The restaurant sources from the estate itself. Owner Tom Lewis leads the kitchen, with menus built around the farm’s own lamb, venison, pork, eggs, and wild-foraged gems like chanterelles. Menu highlights include Scotch lamb with pomme dauphine, navet and chimichurri, and North-Sea monkfish with Parma ham, fennel and tomato. Guests can choose from a range of quirky stays – from shepherd’s huts, cabins and a showman’s wagon to chic farmhouse suites. Experiences include wine safaris, drinks masterclasses and farm tours. After dinner, clients can retire to log‑fired sitting rooms or enjoy a dram by the loch.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Clachan, Cairndow
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is a top-stop for seafood lovers cruising the west coast of Scotland. What began as a roadside shack in the late 1970s is now a destination for loch-to-plate dining. Think oysters fresh from the water just metres away, hand-sliced smoked salmon, and langoustines served with lemon and butter – all with views over Loch Fyne and hills beyond. The adjacent deli and fish counter are packed with Scottish produce, from cheeses and charcuterie to artisan treats, ideal for picnic stock-ups.
Lanrick Treehouses, Lanrick
Perched above the River Teith, a one-hour drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Lanrick Treehouses are five hand-crafted, eco-conscious pods. Built from estate-grown larch, each treehouse features a super‑king bed, wood‑burning stove, rope‑bridge access, and a copper outdoor bath ready for moonlit soaks. Wraparound decks were made to experience morning coffee with red squirrels too. This is treehouse life – Scottish style. The estate is conveniently situated just 40 minutes from Glasgow Airport and served by waterbus and local buses.
Cairngorms National Park, The Highlands
Twice the size of the Lake District and stretching across 1,748 square miles (4,528 square kilometres), the Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest National Park. Towering peaks, ancient pine forests, and deep glens form the backdrop, while the trails are patrolled by red squirrels, red deer and the Scottish wildcat. Clients can summit some of Britain’s highest mountains, ride mountain carts down ski slopes in summer, or stay in storybook estates that double as film sets as The Crown was filmed here. Whether it’s pony trekking across moors, stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Europe, or sipping single malt in a Highland lodge – the Cairngorms delivers.
Nearest train station: Aviemore is the main gateway to the National Park and sits on the main Highland rail line. Direct trains run from Inverness (35 mins), Edinburgh and Glasgow (around three hours 30 minutes), and London (on the Caledonian Sleeper overnight service).
Nearest airport:Inverness Airport is around 50 minutes by car, while the drive from Aberdeen Airport takes around one hour 30 minutes.
Getting around: The Cairngorms are best explored by car, although public buses connect key towns including Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, and Ballater.
Ardverikie Estate, Newtonmore, Scottish Highlands
Brooding mountains, mirror-glass lochs, and a mansion your clients might know better as Balmoral from The Crown. Welcome to Ardverikie – a 19th-century estate near Loch Laggan, in the Scottish Highlands. Today, Ardverikie is still privately owned but open for luxurious self-catering stays in its estate cottages. Your clients can walk the trails that snake around the loch, enjoy stargazing without a single streetlamp, or simply soak up the cinematic landscapes.
Cairngorm Mountain Carting
Why walk down a mountain when one can ride down it on three wheels, no engine required? Located just 10 miles from Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain Carting is Scotland’s first and only on-mountain experience of its kind – a gravity-powered descent over 3km of alpine-style track with epic Highland views. Open to anyone aged 10 and up (min. height 135cm), it’s a thrilling way to experience the Cairngorms. Helmets and equipment are provided, and there’s even a ski tow to whisk riders back to the top. An exhilarating alternative to hiking – and much quicker.
Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry
Tucked at the foot of the Grampian Mountains in Pitlochry, Blair Athol is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, with roots stretching back to 1798. Known for its sherried single malts – the signature flavour behind Bell’s blended whisky – this Highland distillery still uses traditional wooden washbacks and copper pot stills. Your clients can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the mash house and still room, before sampling a dram or two in the tasting bar. It offers group tours and the exclusive opportunity to purchase one of their limited-edition bottles.
The Fife Arms, Turiff, Aberdeenshire
Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is what happens when a traditional Scottish hunting lodge meets world-class art and Scottish eccentricity. Owned by gallerists Hauser and Wirth, the interiors are a treasure hunt featuring Picasso sketches, contemporary sculpture, tartan armchairs, taxidermy and watercolours painted by Queen Victoria herself. Enjoy scenic views over Braemar and the surrounding Highland landscapes from the Victorian suites decorated with antique furniture and period wallpaper. A rich programme of events and experiences will keep clients entertained – from Pony Picnics to the Festival of Fashion and creative writing workshops. In the evening, clients can relax in the glamorous Berties Whisky Bar – think plush red velvet sofas, dimmed lights and dark wood-paneling all round.
Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Britain’s only fully coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is where the land meets the sea with a cinematic flourish. Stretching along 186 miles (300 kilometres) of craggy cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, and smugglers’ coves, this is Wales at its most enchanting. Expect puffins nesting on offshore islands, medieval castles towering above the waves, and colourful harbour towns like Tenby and Solva that seem made for leisurely strolls and fish-and-chip lunches. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path twists and turns through the National Park, there’s coasteering in sea caves, surfing in St Davids, and wild swimming in some of the warmest waters in Britain, thanks to the Gulf Stream. For culture-seekers, Pembroke Castle brings centuries of royal drama, while the local food scene – think foraged sea herbs and artisan Welsh cheese – makes for unexpected culinary finds.
Nearest train station: Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Tenby are all accessible by train, with connections from Swansea and Cardiff. From London Paddington, the journey takes between four and five hours, with one or two changes.
Nearest airport: Cardiff Airport is the closest international airport, around two hours by car from the National Park.
Getting around: A car is the best way to reach the park’s hidden coves and countryside stays. In summer, the Coastal Bus Service links up many points along the Wales Coast Path, ideal for walkers hopping between scenic stretches.
Celtic Quest Coasteering, Abereiddy Beach
If your clients like their thrills wild and wet – Celtic Quest Coasteering delivers. Based on Pembrokeshire’s Abereiddy Beach, this multi-award-winning company lets clients explore the Pembrokeshire coast at sea level in a fun and memorable way. Under expert guidance, participants in full wetsuit gear can leap from sea cliffs, clamber through wave-battered caves, and jump into swirling plunge pools – no experience is needed, just a sense of adventure. It’s all run to the highest safety standards, with all equipment and coaching provided. Suitable for those aged eight and up, all coasteering experiences are tide-dependent.
Pembroke Castle
Built in 1093 and birthplace of King Henry VII – founder of the Tudor dynasty – Pembroke Castle is a massive Norman fortress packed with tales of sieges, kings, and curious legends. Clients can scale its spiral staircases, peer from 23-metre-high towers, or descend into a vast medieval cavern beneath the castle. The site regularly hosts living history events, open-air cinema, falconry displays, and torchlit ghost tours that dive into its darker corners. The castle is open year-round, great for families, and just a short distance from the beaches of South Pembrokeshire.
Grove of Narberth
A country house hotel with a history dating back to the 15th century, the Grove of Narberth also has some serious culinary credentials. Housed within 26 acres of landscaped gardens and wildflower meadows, with views across the Preseli Hills, the building offers a mix of wood panelling, roaring fires and art-filled lounges. Just a short trip from the Pembrokeshire coast, the hotel’s two restaurants – the Michelin-starred Fernery and the more relaxed Artisan Rooms – serve up Welsh produce with flair, including Carmarthen ham and Langoustines fresh from the nearby waters.
St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
Perched above Saundersfoot Harbour, the four-star St Brides Spa Hotel boasts an infinity hydrotherapy pool overlooking the sea and a Marine Spa using local seaweed and salt in everything from massages to body scrubs. Guests can book sea-view rooms with private balconies, dine on Pembrokeshire seafood in the two AA Rosette restaurant, or simply kick back with a gin and tonic accompanied by a panoramic sunset in The Gallery Bar. With sandy beaches just steps away and Tenby within easy reach, it’s a smart base for both pampering and exploring.
Manor Wildlife Park, Tenby
Set in 52 acres near Tenby, this walk-through safari park gives clients the chance to hand-feed wallabies, stroll with lemurs, and meet endangered species like red pandas and Sumatran tigers. Manor Wildlife Park champions sustainable practices, ethical enclosures, and education-led experiences, all designed to inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers. There are also indoor play domes, including an undercover bouncy castle, eco-friendly café, and regular keeper talks. It’s big enough for adventure but compact enough for young families.
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Welcome to Wales’ stargazing hotspot – an International Dark Sky Reserve and one of two in the country. Spread across 519 square miles (1,344 square kilometres) of rugged peaks, mirror-like lakes, and rolling moorland, it’s a place where your clients can feel a million miles from modern life. Here, they can hike Pen y Fan – the highest peak in southern Britain – or discover hidden waterfalls in wooded gorges. Wild ponies graze along ancient trails, and remote valleys host foraging walks, glamping domes and wood-fired saunas. At night, it’s all about the stars: the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is one of the best places in Europe to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Nearest train station: Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery are gateways to the National Park, with connections from Cardiff and London Paddington (three to four hours depending on destination).
Nearest airport: Cardiff Airport is just over an hour’s drive from the park. Bristol Airport is around one hour 30 minutes away.
Getting around: Car hire is the most flexible way to explore the hills and hidden glensof the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). Local bus routes connect main towns, and walking or cycling is a scenic way to slow down and take it all in.
The Walnut Tree, near Abergavenny
Don’t be fooled by the rural setting – this unassuming country pub holds a Michelin star and a foodie legacy dating back to the 1960s. Under the expert eye of veteran chef Shaun Hill, The Walnut Tree serves unfussy dishes made with top-quality Welsh ingredients: think everything from local beef and game to British seafood. The à la carte menu and set menus change every day (for lunch and dinner), depending on the availability of ingredients, especially fish and shellfish. The restaurant’s vibe is relaxed, but as the food is the star of the show, advance booking is essential. And if your clients are not ready to head home after dinner, there’s an on-site cottage offering cosy, self-contained accommodation just steps from the table.
By the Wye Treetop Glamping, Hay-on-Wye
Hidden in riverside woodland near Hay-on-Wye, these off-grid safari tents add a touch of luxury to outdoor adventure. Raised off the ground, each tent at By the Wye Treetop Glamping comes with its own deck, firepit, kitchen area, bedding and a private bathroom. Some of the tents have a cedar barrel wood-fired sauna installed on the lower decking. Additional bookable experiences include forest bathing and woodland adventures for little campers. It’s the kind of place where one can forage for dinner, stargaze with a mug of hot chocolate, and nod off to the sound of the babbling river. It’s eco-conscious, peaceful and packed with thoughtful details – from Welsh wool blankets to sustainably sourced toiletries.
Brecon Beacons Foraging, Abergavenny/Brecon
Join expert forager and food writer Adele on a guided walk through woodlands, meadows and hedgerows – learning to spot, identify and sample (if safe!) wild edibles such as mushrooms, wild garlic, rosehips and sorrel. These foraging experiences blend hands-on nature knowledge with folklore, cooking tips and sustainability insights. Whether clients are budding botanists or just like the idea of finding their lunch in the wild, it’s a wholesome way to connect with the landscape. Starting from Abergavenny or Brecon, depending on the type of course, your clients can get a general introduction to foraging or join bespoke tours. These include a three-hour Botanical Gin Foraging Tour, where clients learn to spot ingredients that can be used as a flavour or garnish for the popular spirit.
Penderyn Distillery, Penderyn
Wales’ most famous whisky comes from the foothills of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), where natural spring water meets age-old distilling craft. At Penderyn Distillery – the brand’s original location – visitors can tour the stillhouse, learn about the distillation process, and sample award-winning single malts – including limited editions and cask-strength specials. The visitor centre includes a shop stocked with whisky, gin and merchandise, plus interactive displays that reveal how this once-small operation put Welsh whisky back on the global map.
Stargazing at the Observatory, Brecon
At the heart of Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve, this two-hour observatory-led stargazing experience gives your clients a front-row seat to the cosmos. Run by expert astronomers, these group stargazing events come with high-powered telescopes, constellation tours, and cosmic storytelling. On a clear night, expect to see planets, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way, often visible with the naked eye. Wrap up warm and prepare to be starstruck.
Snowdonia (Eryri)
With slate-stacked valleys, glacier-carved peaks and lakes that mirror the sky, Snowdonia (Eryri) covers 827 square miles (2,142 square kilometres). Think mountaintop sunrises, wild swims beneath waterfalls, and ancient paths walked by Celtic kings and modern-day adventurers alike. Home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres, Eryri is a natural playground for hikers and climbers. But it’s not all rugged wilderness, either. Clients can sleep in stargazing domes or cosy shepherd’s huts, zipline across old slate quarries, or tuck into Michelin-starred meals at places like Ynyshir – one of Britain’s most exciting fine dining spots. Storybook villages like Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed make good bases, and there’s history at every turn – from the tales of Welsh Prince Owain Glyndŵr to the World Heritage-listed slate landscapes.
Nearest train station: North Wales is well connected by rail. Major stations include Bangor, Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, with services available from Manchester, Birmingham and London (taking from three to four-and-a-half hours, depending on the route).
Nearest airport:Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport are the closest international gateways – both around two hours by car.
Getting around: Driving gives the greatest flexibility for exploring the region’s remote valleys and trails. Scenic heritage railways – including the Snowdon Mountain Railway – offer memorable views.
Ynyshir, Eglwys Fach
Tucked between the Cambrian Mountains and the Dyfi Estuary, Ynyshir is more than just a restaurant, offering an intimate immersive dining experience with the choice of an overnight stay (or arrival by helicopter). Set in a former country house on the edge of the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, this award-winning, two-Michelin-starred destination is helmed by chef Gareth Ward, who delivers a 30-course tasting menu that takes around five hours to enjoy. Diners can expect highlights such as dry-aged Welsh Wagyu, Dyfi Lobster and Kaluga Caviar. All are served by the chefs themselves, giving an insight into the cooking techniques and ingredients. Every dish uses local Welsh produce, including seafood straight from the coast and foraged ingredients from the surrounding hills.
Snowdonia Glamping Holidays
Wake up to birdsong and mountain views on a Snowdonia Glamping Holiday, a boutique glamping escape in southern Snowdonia (Eryri). Choose from shepherd’s huts and converted barns, all kitted out with wood-burning stoves, Welsh wool blankets and kitchens. There’s wild swimming nearby, hiking routes straight from the door, a woodfired sauna, and even private firepits for alfresco marshmallow feasts. This is glamping for those who want a little luxury with their lichen. It’s family-run, eco-friendly and dogs are welcome too.
Wave Garden Spa, Conwy, north Wales
Tucked into the Conwy Valley, a 50-minute drive from Chester, the luxury Wave Garden Spa is a well-deserved reward after a mountain hike or castle crawl. With steam rooms, a Tyrolean sauna, outdoor hydrotherapy pools and treatments inspired by Welsh botanicals, it’s a place where time slows and relaxation takes over. Your clients can even enjoy scenic views of Snowdonia (Eryri) while soaking – a uniquely Welsh twist on the spa day.
Palé Hall Hotel and Restaurant, Bala
If your clients dream of aristocratic splendour with Michelin green star finesse, Palé Hall delivers. This AA award-winning Victorian mansion in the Dee Valley was once graced by Queen Victoria. Today, it’s a five-star retreat with lavish rooms, landscaped gardens and gourmet dining at the Henry Robertson Dining Room. Guests can explore Snowdonia (Eryri) by day and feast like nobility by night. Menu highlights include hogget with asparagus and black garlic, and cod with smoked pike roe.
Snowdon Sunrise Hike
Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) by head torch might sound extreme, but the reward is worth it. This guided Snowdon sunrise hike sets off in darkness from the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, following the Llanberis Path to the summit just in time for sunrise over Snowdonia’s peaks and valleys. At 1,085 metres, it’s the highest point in Wales – and the views stretch all the way to the island of Anglesey on a clear day.
