If you asked me what country came to mind with the word “writing retreat,” Scotland would have been high up there for me because it’s the country where my favorite book series was written. I’m talking, of course, about Harry Potter. After finally getting the chance to visit Scotland last year, I can say with certainty that J.K. Rowling had a good thing going with all the amazing writing spots you can find there.
Not only are the famously gorgeous Highlands full of breathtakingly beautiful beauty, but the cities and towns are so full of inspiration, from their history to their architecture to their museums.
This Writer’s Travel Guide will be divided into two sections: one with the best cities and towns to visit for a writing retreat, and the other for those places better fitting for a retreat in nature. That’s not to say that you can’t find both the cultural benefits of an urban place and the natural benefits of a more rural place in all of these places; you will find both in almost all of these featured spots.
As with all of my Writer’s Travel Guides, each place will include three things: the best places to be inspired, the best places to write and the best places to stay.
So, without further ado, here are several amazing places to get some writing done while in Scotland.
This was the city I was most excited to visit, since it’s the city where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series. It was my dream to travel to this place and visit the spots where Rowling likely got inspiration for the books that would kickstart my own love for books and writing, and to write in the places she wrote in. I was not disappointed.
Okay, I won’t lie. Many of these places are the ones rumored to have inspired Rowling, because that was all I could think about while there. But there are others, so bear with me if you aren’t the superfan I am!
First up is the cemetery rumored to be the place Rowling got inspiration for names. You’ll notice names like Thomas Riddle, Potter and McGonagall. Coincidence? Maybe. But how cool would it be to find character names in the same cemetery J.K. Rowling got character name ideas? Very.
Make sure you don’t leave without leaving a stick on the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the dog who loyally guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.
Psst. You like getting writing inspiration in old cemeteries? Me too. Check out my post on the coolest old cemeteries around the world.
Perhaps the most iconic part of Edinburgh and most iconic castle in all of Scotland, you will likely find writing inspiration here is you’re writing a medieval inspired novel. The view from the castle in itself is lovely, and there are various different exhibits you can visit within the castle grounds, like the Great Hall, National War Museum and Scottish National War Museum.
The fact that it’s free is a reason in itself to stop by, but the exhibits are world class, which isn’t always the case with free museums. The building is beautiful, and it holds various fascinating exhibits and artifacts. My favorites were the Minerals exhibit, the Kingdom of the Scots gallery and Dolly, the first cloned mammal.
If you leave the National Museum of Scotland without a single writing idea or inspiration, you’re doing something wrong. I could list several story and character ideas right now, several months after visiting this museum, just from memory and without looking at my notes.
Btw, I recommend you take a notebook with you when visiting places like museums during your travels to jot down ideas. Or at least make a note on your phone with these ideas.
For a dose of history and beautiful views, stroll around this hill that was created by volcanic activity and glaciers hundreds of millions of years ago. It’s free to do so!
This public park was founded way back in 1724 and developed during “Scottish Enlightenment,” meant for “public walks or roads for the health and amusement of the inhabitants.” The view was also an inspiration for many poets, so channel that same inspiration while amusing yourself and taking care of your health like in the days of old.
There is also a graveyard if you enjoyed exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard and want similar inspiration for your writing in Edinburgh.
Formed the same way Calton Hill was, this hike makes you feel like you’re somewhere secluded and very far from any city, rather than within walking distance of the city center of Scotland’s capitol.
I made the mistake of thinking it was just a little urban walk of some stairs leading to a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh. Hence, I was wearing a dress. A bad move for two reasons: 1) I looked like an idiot as I panted up the rocky trial in a long dress (luckily I was wearing my Nikes though!) and 2) It was very windy up there. Very. Like, I had to crouch down or else I’d get blown away kind of windy.
Still, it was a pleasant surprise, as was the view, which was better than I expected. Although the top was too windy to sit down and write while I was there, the wind sure made me feel alive! And that’s a good mood to sit down to write with.
This was my biggest dream. To write in the café where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter. And it was amazing.
Weirdly, I wasn’t expecting there to be elephant décor, but there was. It had a cozy, homey vibe, as though you were in the living room of a safari enthusiast.
I had a quiche for lunch, which was delicious even though I learned not to expect good food from touristy places. The scones and tea I had later in the day were also yummy.
And the bathroom. Don’t miss out on the bathroom! I think I can safely say that it is the only bathroom that had ever made me tear up. Every inch of every wall is covered in graffiti, or better put, messages from Harry Potter fans who, like me, completed this fandom pilgrimage to visit the place where the magic was created. The Elephant Room, that is, not its bathroom. But who knows, an important plot point might have popped into Rowling’s head while she was using the bathroom.
Anyway, it was really cool to see how many people from all over the world are connected by just one story that was written in that café. And, even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, perhaps that bathroom will motivate you to create something with that much power, even years and years after you wrote your book.
Located right by the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard, this pub might be a bit touristy but I thought the atmosphere was nice and cozy, on the more upscale side.
I found a cozy corner to jot some thoughts down as I enjoyed a beer after exploring the city, and you’d enjoy it too if you don’t mind chatter around you while you write.
Another pub (I’m not an alcoholic, btw. I got tea at this one!) I really enjoyed was The Doctors, largely for its old-fashioned feel. The building itself has a ton of history, which I love when looking for a writing spot, and the area it’s in was also important to the history of Edinburgh and Scotland.
Although a bit pricier as well, I found it really chill and quiet on the weekday afternoon I visited, perfect for writing.
This bookstore is located a bit outside of Edinburgh’s Old Town, but it is so worth the visit. It just might be the best writing spot I found in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s a lot bigger than it looks with the second floor, and it also has a café from which you can get a hot drink to fuel your writing session. There are lots of little tables tucked in the various rooms that you can sit at to write.
Okay, if you’re a starving artist/ budget backpacker like me, this is probably a distant dream. I did not stay here, but I refuse to die before I do. This is the hotel where J.K. Rowling wrote Deathly Hallows! With lots of stress and pressure from the whole world to finish the last book, she rented out a suite in this luxurious hotel to get it done. That’s just the absolute dream, isn’t it?
For those still working on that dream like me, I quite liked this place. It was a bit rundown, sure, and not super close to the center, sure. But it was within walking distance, and the room did come with a writing desk.
The embodiment of Victorian Glasgow, this massive cemetery holds the graves of the most prominent citizens of the Victorian age. It was also designed as a place for Glaswegians (yep, that’s a word; I double checked) to talk walks in, with a botanic and sculpture garden.
Weird place to get your exercise in, but it was meant to serve as a record of those prominent people’s historical greatness. So, mull that over as you get a workout in there. And, look for writing ideas if you found that inspirational while in the capitol of Scotland (see above). It’s also next to the cathedral, so check that out if it’s open.
There are many, many unconfirmed places around the UK that people claim inspired Rowling. But visiting this university, I immediately thought, “Hogwarts!” Soak in the gorgeous architecture and the student atmosphere; it’s worth visiting even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.
I visited these gardens on a sunny day, and there were a lot of people lounging on the grass and numerous benches basking in the sun. It’s the perfect place to write if you love writing outside! Provided that it’s not raining, that is.
Stop by the Team Room located near the Glasshouses if you need some fuel or hide from the (inevitable) rain.
I loved the vibe of this place because of the history it held. It’s fascinating to think that you’re drinking a pint in a spot where children many generations ago sat learning.
The interior is a combination of rustic, quirky and cozy, with lots of nooks to find your writing spot in. And, of course, they’ve got great tea to fuel your writing spree.
I really enjoyed staying at this hotel. It was clean, modern and had a writing desk I finally caught up with my word count on. Although I didn’t have to enjoy it, it also had a cute little patio out back with tables you can write on too. There’s also a parking lot in the back, which was hard to find in other hotels in Glasgow, and the main reason why I chose this one.
We stopped by this city by accident, not planning to explore, but just wanting to grab some lunch. Aren’t those the best adventures? Perhaps the lack of expectation and surprise is why I enjoyed exploring this city after the aforementioned lunch, but it had such a charming little city center!
Okay, I feel like I’m being morbid and I promise this is the last old cemetery I will recommend for you to find writing inspiration at (in the Writer’s Travel Guide to Scotland, at least).
And I promise this one is worth it! It’s located right next to the castle, so you can stop by if you’re visiting it.
This is one of the biggest and most important castles in Scotland, so it’s a good alternative to Edinburgh Castle if you’re writing a medieval inspired story. Like Edinburgh Castle, it’s located on an impressive looking hill surrounded by steep cliffs. It’s also really well preserved and holds a lot of historical significance to Scotland, like the place of crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens.
You can see this gigantic tower structure in the distance from Stirling Castle. And if you have the time for a journey over there, you can climb to the top for a view of Stirling in the distance. I don’t know about you, but I often find bird’s eye views to be inspiring. It’s nice to take a step back and look at the big picture, both in the real world and in your writing.
What I loved most about wandering around Stirling’s Old Town is that each building had a sign informing the curious about its history and significance. While wandering around historical places and imagining what all the buildings had seen within their walls throughout the centuries, it’s a lot easier to do if you knew the truth.
I took pictures of a lot of these signs to have on hand if I ever need some writing ideas or research. Highlights include the Church of the Holy Rude, Mar’s Wark, the Tolbooth and Old Town Jail.
Especially good if you’re looking for a nice meal while you write, this cozy place is considered one of the best coffee houses in the city. It’s located in Old Town so the whole area is really historical and quaint.
If you’re looking for a lighter, more modern atmosphere, Mint is a cute little place. Its colorful interior will be especially nice if you’re in Stirling on a rainy day (which let’s face it, Scotland is famous for) to cheer you up while you’re writing!
Housed in a former school from the 18th century, this is now a traditional pub with an interior that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. If you happen upon nice weather, there’s a really nice walled garden where you can lounge in as you sip on your tea and write.
This pub also offers lodging upstairs with beautiful views. It’s located right at the foot of Castle Hill, so you won’t need to wander far from your writing desk to explore the castle and the various surrounding buildings of Old Town.
If you watched The Outlander, you’ll recognize some features of this tiny royal burgh. It was actually a filming site of several movies, likely because it’s the most complete example remaining of a burgh from the 17th and 18th centuries in Scotland. So, if you’re looking to write a historical novel, this village ideal for finding inspiration.
This place is perfect if you’re looking for a small, quiet place packed with history.
Culross is set on the Firth of Forth, and the trail along this waterway is a great place to stretch your legs and take a walk when you’ve had your share of small, cobblestone streets.
These bright yellow buildings of an early 17th century merchant’s residence will stick out immediately. The garden is also really fascinating, and you can view it over the wall even if you don’t go inside the palace.
There is a lot to see in this tiny place. Each building, street and alley is interesting, and so it’s a very nice place to just wander around. You’ll also find really informative signs throughout the burgh.
You might stumble across some familiar places, like Mercat Cross, if you’ve watched Outlander. There are also lots of art galleries, tiny shops and cafes to stop by in. Don’t miss out on the Town Hall (now a photo gallery but once a jail for “witches”), Abbey and the Fife Pilgrim Way for some history.
You may not work up too much of an appetite just from wandering this little village, but writers need fuel. And this inn serves some delicious food. So grab a menu, grab a table either outside or inside the old fashioned interior and get your writing on. Originally a merchant’s house way back in 1570, and it is now the only remaining alehouse in Culross.
For a more chill place to write, check out this café, located above a pottery gallery. It has a light, bright interior and also seating in a peaceful outdoor garden.
As suggested, this accommodation is located in an old schoolhouse. The rooms are beautiful enough to stay in all day writing, and because Culross is so small, you don’t have to worry about the location; everything in this village is super close to everything!
This was the first nature destination we went to in Scotland, and I was immediately inspired by the natural writing spots I found outside of the hustle and bustle of cities. I’m not the only one. The famous writer Sir Walter Scott wrote his epic poem “The Lady of the Lake” after visiting here, and others like Wordsworth and Coleridge found inspiration here too.
If exercise in nature makes your mind open to writing inspiration, grab your hiking boots and hit the trail up. I wasn’t in the worst of shape, but I also wasn’t in the best of shape, so the hike up was a bit of a struggle. A very worthy one, though.
This mountain, and the gorgeous views, it offers to the ones who brave the summit (I’m exaggerating; it’s only 4-6 hours roundtrip and not too bad if you’re prepared for it) have inspired legends and literature of Scotland, so give it a chance to inspire your own writing.
If you want an easier walk, and one filled with historical finds, this 1-mile trail is made just for you! Among others, one of the sites you’ll find on this trail is a replica cruck-frame building and the remains of lost farming settlements.
This famous 96-mile walking route passes through this area, and you can walk part of it and likely meet some people who are walking the whole route. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to walk this long-distance route too. I’d sure love to one day!
On the other side of the loch from Ben Lommond, you’ll find the historic village of Luss, which is a perfect place to wander in civilization after your hikes. That the Luss Heritage Path to explore and be inspired. The historic buildings farmed by lush green mountains will take your breath away.
There are lots of picnic tables you can write at located near the parking lots found around the loch. I particularly recommend Milarrochy Bay, which is where we parked the van. There’s a little rocky beach there too so you can write there too if you don’t mind sitting on the ground or a fallen tree. Don’t miss the sunset here!
If you’d rather write inside, this cozy coffee shop located in the village of Luss will do the trick. It’s located near the loch and pier, and you can enjoy a yummy soup and cake as you write here.
Wild camping is legal in Scotland; that’s part of why it has so many perfect writing spots for the nature-loving starving writer. I traveled Scotland in a van, and I found great parking spots to sleep the night (like this one) on the Park4Night app. The best, in my opinion, was the parking lot at Milarrochy Bay.
But if you’d rather sleep in a hotel, you’ve got lots of options, provided that you don’t travel there during the busy season. One such option is the Shepard’s House, where you can sleep in a Shepard’s Hut!
Located near the car park for Ben Lomond and right by the loch, this hotel in an ideal location. It’s also got a restaurant and bar, The Clansman Bar, so you don’t have to worry about food in this secluded location.
For a budget stay in an ideal spot if you’re hiking Ben Lomond or the West Highland Way, this hostel is your best choice.
For a place to stay on the other side of the loch in Luss, this hotel has beautiful country-chic rooms and great food.
Another great place for wild camping, this is actually where we left the van for the night and slept in a hammock near a waterfall we hiked to.
Everywhere. It’s so incredibly beautiful in this area. Simply drive along A82, stop somewhere you can park your car, get out and explore. But here are some ideas.
Harry Potter fan? Then check out the Site Where Hagrid’s Hut Was Filmed (type that into Google Maps to find it). Not a Harry Potter fan? Take a walk there anyway; it’s gorgeous.
The town itself isn’t anything super special (the surrounding nature is its gem), but there are some points of interest like this museum. It’s a great place to learn the history and stories of the area, including the Glencoe Massacre. It will make you look at the beautiful landscape with a new perspective.
In nature! If it’s not raining, the wide-open natural beauty of Scotland is full of perfect writing spots.
For a place to write in the town center of Glencoe, Glencoe Café is a good place for a lunch or snack of baked goods.
Located right by where you should park to find the Hargid’s Hut spot, this inn is a great place to stop for a meal and to write after your inspiring walk. And being an inn, you can spend the night here too!
Like I said, you can wild camp in Scotland (it’s legal!), just so long as you don’t leave any trace (i.e. not leaving trash, destroying nature, etc.). So grab your camping gear, pick a direction and head out in search of a nice spot. Then, after setting up camp, spend your day writing in completely secluded nature surrounded by gorgeous mountains. If you’re anything like me, that’s the absolute dream. Just beware of midges!
A ski area in the winter and mountain biking spot in the summer, what really captured my interest was the wide-open beauty of the place. There are campervan spots available for rent, as well as little camping pods that look like the ideal place to sit and write in! Take the chairlift up and hike around for your dose of inspiration.
And if you’re really fancy, this five-star hotel located near the town center of Glencoe. This historic Victorian hotel has gorgeous boutique suites that are absolutely perfect for a luxurious writing retreat. Some suites even have private hot tubs, and all have beautiful views of the surrounding area, which includes mountains and Loch Leven.
Known as the Outdoor Capitol of the UK, this place is the ideal writing spot for writers who came to Scotland to write in nature.
Otherwise known as the “Harry Potter train” because it was the train filmed in the movies, you will love this train journey even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.
The train itself is inspiration enough, and you can pretend you’re writing in a different time (as long as you’re not writing on a laptop or tablet) in the luxurious, historic carriages. But to be honest, you’ll probably not get too much writing done since you’ll be mesmerized by some of the finest views Scotland has to offer.
Interested in this train journey, and learning how to do it on a budget? Check out my guide.
If you love writing after a good hike, it doesn’t get better than the tallest mountain not only in Scotland, but the whole UK.
I personally find writing while tired the most productive writing. That’s because I don’t have the energy to obsess over every word. And if you’re not tired by a hike up Ben Nevis, you’re probably some superhuman, in which case you probably don’t need writing help anyway.
For a little break from exploring the great outdoors, take a history lesson from this museum. You’ll learn about regional life and the history of the place you’re in, and hopefully you’ll find some writing inspiration from what you learned!
This small but cheery café is a great place to write in Fort William. The eco-friendly products you can buy there are an added plus!
For the budget travelers like me, Travelodge is a great option. I stayed in a lot of Travelodge’s throughout the UK, and I quite enjoyed them. They’re clean and have all the necessities, including a desk to write on!
Alternatively, for those with a higher budget, the nearby Garrison Hotel offers lovely boutique rooms and has a restaurant where you can enjoy a very nice meal after, or during, a day of writing.
Feeling inspired? Yeah, me too. Looking back on my pictures and writing this guide has made me wish more than ever that I was back in Scotland enjoying all its amazing writing spots.
One day I’ll return. And hopefully as a bestselling author so that I can afford the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and the Glencoe House in Glencoe!
Have you been to Scotland yet, and have a favorite writing spot? Let me know in the comments! Or, let me know which of these writing spots you’d love to visit one day when you travel to Scotland.
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These lakes and landscapes are so picturesque! Scotland wasn't on travel list because of weather but these photos convinced me to buy sweater and put it on my list ;)
We got a fair bit of rain but it still looked so beautiful! I actually thought the fog made the landscape look mysterious and prettier than in sunlight :)
Wow, these are some seriously beautiful places to get inspired by! I hope you're able to check off a stay at the Balmoral Hotel in the future :)
Thank you, me too!! 🤞
Beautiful pictures! I can see why you like to write here. Thanks for all the great information....hope to get there one day!
Love this post! I can already picture myself with my notebook and a soup at the Coach house Coffee Shop in Loch Lomond :)
Omg, maybe my fascination with cemeteries is a writer's thing! People normally think I'm crazy for including them in my travel itineraries! I find them so interesting though! You've got me itching to visit Scotland again! I fell in love with Edinburgh a couple of years ago and managed a very brief day trip to Glasgow, but there is so much more I want to see! I love this writers guide, I can't wait to try these locations out after lockdown!
Haha definitely not crazy; I love visiting cemeteries in my travels!
Scotland has been on my list since ages! Good to know all these spots, It could be great for me to spend time writing in my blog!
This is such an amazing and informative post, wow thank you for putting it together! We have a car which we converted into a camper and have been wanting to vsit Scotland for so long now - I hope we get the chance, it looks like an awesome place to travel in this way and be creative at the same time :)
Omg yes that would be amazing! There are amazing parking spots in Scotland on the Park4Night app, so I'd definitely recommend checking those out when you go there :)
What a fun and interesting article! I have found that since the pandemic its been hard to write since enclosed in my house, and I try to at least move around from room to room - at least a change of scenery! Awesome article with some awesome sites!
Oh same! I actually wrote a blog post on getting writing inspiration when you're stuck at home and can't travel if you want to check out some more ideas :) https://www.voyagescribe.com/how-to-get-writing-inspiration-when-you-cant-travel/
Every time I go to Edinburgh I like to stop at The Elephant Room for a quick snack - such a cool cafe!
It is! I could have spent the whole day there!
Gosh, I absolutely love the concept of this unique post! Although with these gorgeous views, I don't know how much writing I'd get done. Guess that's a good problem to have, haha.
Haha admittedly they were pretty distracting...I didn't mind though :p