Proudly boasting castles and lochs,Scotland is a country of stunning landscapes and diverse culture. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh, to the rolling hills of the Highlands, Scotland has many cities and sights that make it an ideal destination for a first date.
1. Scotland parks and places for a walk on a first date
If you are looking for a romantic walk on your first date, Scotland has numerous parks and places to explore. The Glencoe Valley in the Highland is filled with rugged scenery and is the perfect spot for a romantic walk among the mountains. If a city park is more to your taste, Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh offers an oasis of green in the centre of the city, complete with the city's famous castle as a backdrop. A walk around the pond and gardens of Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire provides a more peaceful spot to get to know each other while enjoying the views of the countryside.
2. Places for a coffee date in Scotland
A classic first date is a coffee and Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is home to a wealth of cafés and coffee shops. Bear & Cave Café, near the city's Grassmarket, is inspired by its historic surroundings and offers delicious home-roasted coffee. Or for a more unique experience, why not visit The Heaven's Above Café in Glasgow, where patrons can enjoy a coffee in a tower surrounded by the city's skyline?
3. Scotland galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
A great way to break the ice on a first date is to visit a museum or gallery. Glasgow is a great place to start, with the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showcasing over 8,000 works of art. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is another great option, with a mix of history and science to explore. Edinburgh also has its own Castle, which is an impressive fortress that people can visit and take in the city views.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Scotland
Music is an enjoyable way to spend time together and Scotland has an abundance of live music and entertainment to choose from. The Edinburgh Festival is a great place to start, with comedy, theatre, music and cabaret all on offer. For a quieter night out, why not visit a local pub and listen to traditional folk music? Glasgow also offers plenty of nightlife, from pubs and bars to live music venues like The Garage and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
5. Scotland pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a more relaxed first date, why not grab a drink or something to eat together? Edinburgh has a variety of pubs and bars, from traditional Scottish pubs like the Sheep Heid Inn to modern bars like The Voodoo Rooms. Glasgow also has pubs, sports bars, and gastropubs like the popular The Counting House that serve delicious food and drinks. If something more romantic is preferred, then Aberdeen has The Silver Darling, a seafood restaurant serving up fresh fish dishes.
6. Other date ideas to try in Scotland
Scotland has many other options for a first date. Take a whisky tasting tour in Speyside, where visitors can sample single malt Scotch whiskies in the very distilleries they were made. Or why not try a Scottish country dance class in Glasgow, which is a fun way to get to know each other and learn some traditional Scottish dances. If nature is more your thing, take a bike ride on the flat terrain of St. Andrews beach or go horseback riding in the Highlands.
