6 Reasons to Staycation in Scotland this Autumn

The staycation trend is alive and well. According to a survey by RSM UK, 28% of British families are planning a staycation in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland in 2024.

When you consider that nearly the same amount (33%) have opted for a holiday abroad, it's clear that jetting off on a yearly getaway is no longer a must-do. Most of the pandemic-era travel restrictions have lifted – and yet a healthy proportion of British holidaymakers are swapping international flights for domestic bliss.

And good for them. Choosing a holiday in the UK means saving money, leapfrogging language barriers and cutting out a whole lot of travel-related stress.

That's the why of staycations. But what about the where?

For our money, a staycation in Scotland is worth more than its weight in whisky – especially during the autumn months. Need convincing? Pour yourself a wee dram and get comfortable…

Rock cairn atop a munro with a distant view of a rainbow over the landscape.

1. The Munros are magnificent

Don't get us wrong – the Munros are always magnificent. But on those crisp autumn mornings, their beauty and majesty seem to reach new heights.

And that's saying something. A Munro, in case you're unaware, is any Scottish mountain taller than 3,000 feet. Scale a Munro on a clear autumn day and you'll feel like Scotland has saved its best views just for you.

Our country resort, incidentally, is within easy driving distance of two spectacular Munros: Mayar and Driesh. If you're feeling adventurous, you could tackle both fells in one fell swoop. Just make sure you're properly equipped and you check for adverse weather before you set off.

Stone marker for the 18th hole at the Old Course, with a view of the course in the distance.

2. Golfing in autumn is seriously underrated

Here at Forbes, we love a spot of golf. However. we'd be the first to admit that it isn't everyone's cup of tee.

If you're a seasoned golfer, great. You know the score. But if you haven't tried it before, we'd thoroughly recommend giving it a go this autumn.

Why? Because autumn might just be the best time of year to sharpen your swing.

For one, it's quieter. Most part-time golfers save their clubs for the summer months. But things slow down in autumn, so you'll have more room to stretch out and practice at your pace.

And take it from us: Scottish golf courses look their best between September and December. When the leaves turn gold and the dew settles on the green, every putt is pure bliss.

With scenery like this, who cares if you're over par?

A red squirrel peering around a tree trunk in a wooded area with autumn colors.

3. It's the perfect excuse to warm up and chill out

Don't fancy golf? Not in the mood to climb misty Scottish mountains?

Not a problem. The beauty of a staycation in Scotland is that you can make it as adventurous or as relaxing as you like.

This is especially true during autumn. Summer, for all its perks, has a habit of making us feel guilty if we're not soaking up every ounce of sunshine. But when the weather cools off a little and the days get shorter, the prospect of doing very little becomes very appealing indeed.

If you're staying with us at Forbes, this might mean bubbling your worries away in your own covered hot tub. Or snuggling up in an Escape Pod, embraced by the warmth of a wood-burning stove. Or just going back to bed with a great book. Because you can.

In any case, it's your time to waste – so waste it well.

Father and son fly fishing together by a riverbank surrounded by greenery.

4. Fishing is Caledonian meditation at its finest

We can't mention relaxing activities without nodding to one of our favourite outdoor pastimes.

See, here at Forbes, we have a long history with fishing. Our owner is a former Scottish National Fly Fishing Champion – and our well-stocked pools attract thousands of anglers each year.

If you've always wanted to try fishing for yourself, why not make it an autumn resolution? We offer affordable lessons for anglers of all abilities, so you can cast your first line with confidence.

Reel in a whopper and you'll enjoy a thrill like no other. Go home empty-handed and you'll still go home with a full heart. That's the beauty of fishing at Forbes: it's so peaceful and beautiful here that taking part is reward enough.

Hiker with a dog standing on a rocky hill, overlooking a scenic mountain landscape.

5. There are hiking trails to suit everyone

The Scottish landscape begs to be explored – and many would argue that it's best explored on foot.

Good news. Here in Angus, we're blessed with some of the most varied – and walkable – terrain on this side of the Firth of Forth.

Want to take it easy? You can loop the lake at Monikie Country Park in an hour or less – or simply take a relaxing stroll around our country resort.

Fancy turning your staycation in Scotland into a full-blown hiking holiday? Type 'Cairngorms walking routes' into Google and take your pick from the many beginner, intermediate and expert trails available.

6. You can have it all at our country resort

Going on a staycation in Scotland means enjoying some of the most beautiful natural scenery and most memorable experiences that Britain has to offer.

But Scotland is a big country. It can sometimes be difficult to make time for fun and relaxation when you're zipping from Munro to golf course to hotel.

That's why Forbes of Kingennie is so popular with savvy staycationers. Our country resort is perched by the coast in the beautiful county of Angus. Stay with us and you'll have the best of Scotland on your doorstep.

That includes beaches, such as the award-winning Carnoustie Beach. It includes rolling landscapes like the Sidlaws. And it includes the craggy Cairngorms, with its twin peaks of Mayar and Driesh.

It's well worth getting out there and exploring it all. But you'll find plenty to enjoy here at the resort, too. Along with our famous trout-fishing pools, we have our very own nine-hole golf course, a waterside restaurant and 150 splendid acres of greenery.

Are you in? We can't wait to give you a real Scottish welcome.