There’s plenty to be excited about in Scotland right now; new hotel and restaurant openings, exhibitions dedicated to Grayson Perry and Mary Quant and outdoor adventures included. There’s even a Dior spa opening on board the Royal Scotsman.
From Edinburgh to the Highlands, Scotland is always a wonderful place to visit. Morag Turner, CF’s Citizen Enfant editor – born and bred in Scotland – keeps her finger on the pulse of what to see, do and eat north of the border. Here, she shares the lowdown on everything new and worth exploring in Scotland this summer.
The Hotel: The Hoxton, Edinburgh
Since 2006 the Hoxton Hotel Group has been opening slick, stylish properties around the world. Now they are bringing their cool aesthetic to Scotland with the first UK property outside of London. The Hoxton, Edinburgh arrives in Haymarket later this year with 211 rooms which will be split across two sides of the street, spread across ten beautiful Georgian townhouses. In addition to the hotel’s bedrooms, Edinburgh will feature three ‘Hox Homes’: three-bedroom self-contained apartments that offer guests full flexibility and long-stay accommodation. The new restaurant is sure to become a must visit in the Scottish capital too.
The Spa: Dior Spa on the Royal Scotsman
There could not be a more glamorous way to travel around the lochs and glens of Scotland than on Belmond’s fabulous Royal Scotsman. This historic train whisks passengers through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside in style with thrilling itineraries showcasing the most wonderful parts of Scotland. It boasts several sumptuous cabins, two dining cars and – as of this spring – a Christian Dior Spa. In homage to the designer’s love for Scotland, the new spa will be housed in one of the train’s plush carriages. Completely dedicated to wellness, it will boast two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy Toile de Jouy motif and a bespoke wellbeing menu will feature three tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s wellness experts. This tranquil hideaway will offer guests space to unwind and rejuvenate as the train winds its way through the Scottish hills and valleys.
The Escape: Another Place at The Machrie
If you really want to get away from it all then Scotland is your place. Still retaining a sense of wilderness and the possibility of adventure, the Highlands are an idyllic spot to let children run free on a really magical family holiday. This summer Another Place is striking out from its original home on Ullswater in the Lake District and heading north to create a special island adventure at The Machrie on the Hebridean Islay. With 23 stunning beaches, outstanding wildlife, nine whisky distilleries and a world-class golf course, this tiny island offers more than its fair share of holiday activities. For the month of August 2023, Another Place is ‘staying over’ at the top-notch The Machrie hotel. Just a 25 minute flight from Glasgow, this holiday pop-up is the ideal place to stay with kids. Think endless well-curated outdoor activities and beautifully-appointed family lodges and suites. Rainy day? No problem, the hotel has a cinema room, spa and even an art collection to keep guests of all ages entertained.
The Members' Club: Soho House, Glasgow
Soho House is to open its first Scottish club in Glasgow. Still in the very early stages of development, so far not much more is known about the plans other than that the proposed site for the members’ club will be on vibrant George Street in the heart of the city centre. Launched in London in 1995, Soho House has spread to over 30 locations worldwide, but until now has never made it north of the border – so the prospect of a new club in Scotland’s second largest city is great for locals who, until now, have had to travel to get their fix of cool Soho House vibes through the Cities With Houses membership.
The Shopping: St James Quarter, Edinburgh
The St James Quarter in Edinburgh is now one of the places to shop in Scotland. Packed with well known retailers and luxury stores as well as great restaurants and hotels, this lifestyle hub is a fantastic addition to the city’s New Town. With a recently opened Everyman Cinema and super-cool bowling alley Lane 7 joining eateries such as Duck and Waffle and Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, this is much more than a shopping centre. Later this year it also becomes home to Scotland’s first W Hotel and the much-loved London restaurant Sushi Samba, follows soon after.
The Exhibitions: Across Scotland
This summer sees a plethora of outstanding exhibitions open all over Scotland. First up, the biggest ever exhibition of Grayson Perry’s work, covering his 40-year career, arrives at the National Gallery in Edinburgh. Instead of being presented chronologically, over 80 works by the Turner Prize winner will be displayed as a journey through the main themes of his provocative art, including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity. The Dovecot Gallery in Edinburgh is showing an all-female display from 28 July 2023; its important Scottish Women Artists – 250 Years of Challenging Perception exhibition celebrates the work of women artists who have challenged and shaped the contemporary art scene in Scotland. Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary has just opened at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: this will be the final chance to see the exhibition, which features over 100 garments, accessories, cosmetics and photographs drawn from the V&A’s extensive collections, Dame Mary Quant’s archive and many private collections.
The Adventure: Sea Safari with Glenapp Castle
Scotland isn’t often associated with safari but Glenapp Castle, one of Scotland’s best hotels, is bringing something wonderful to local shores. The new ‘sea safari’ takes guests around the beautiful Hebridean islands and is designed to combine the very best of a five-star hotel experience with four days and nights on stunning secluded locations. Guests will visit uninhabited and sparsely populated islands, enjoy glorious local sea food restaurants and inns, and glimpse both the abundant marine life and vast colonies of guillemot birds alongside puffins and cormorants. The Glenapp concierge team travel ahead of guests preparing the night’s accommodation with luxury glamping – think comfortable beds, rugs laid out, lamps twinkling and hot-water prepared showers. The hotel’s chef travels with you too, so expect outstanding outdoor dining and for breakfast to be ready every morning.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?