Why does Scotland feel like a romance novel?
You may already be assuming why Scotland for romance readers is a thing and why it feels like a romance novel. Scotland embodies a romance novel because it delivers that moody drama, historic depth, and those cinematic vistas (not to mention the cozy, quaint corners). This combo creates an atmosphere so palpable that a simple stroll feels like a total shift in your life’s plot and maybe causes you to hold that breath you didn’t know you had 😉
Beautiful heathered Hills, castles, the whole Highland princess aesthetic featured in things like Outlander (which, by the way, I wasn’t able to finish; however, I may end up reading the series, but I digress). But I think there’s more to the story, pun intended. To me, Scotland feels like a romance novel because your heart flutters as soon as you land in Edinburgh. You feel that quaint, friendly, Stay-a-While energy everywhere. I think there’s something deeper, too. Maybe it’s just me, especially since I have ancestry here; maybe it’s my DNA and past life feeling that sense of reincarnation when I step on Scotland’s land. Still, I truly believe almost anyone would feel the same sense of peace and the simultaneous longing… the angst… the wrecked beauty. If you’re a romance reader and an avid smut connoisseur, I think you can appreciate how difficult it is to put into words, since I am not a romance writer! But it has a vibe!
What makes Scotland a great destination for romance readers?
And so with this said, the setting, the emotionality, the people and community, I think it’s such a great destination to be a little wild, to be a little reckless, to be a little whimsical—the three W’s, if you will. Twice on my last travels, I had an epiphany and thought, “This is why Scotland is so great for romance readers.” The first was when I was walking the adorable streets in the Town Center of Inverness and just felt that sense of coziness, and felt like I was literally walking through one of the settings of the books I’ve read. The other time was when I visited Edinburgh Castle and thought about the history associated with this iconic castle. Yes, there are better, probably more authentic castles to visit in Scotland, but even visiting the most popular, most visited one, I still felt that very regal feeling that made me feel special, and honestly, isn’t that what the main characters in our favorite romance novels do for each other? Make each other feel incredibly special? Seen even. I think that’s why this genre is growing btw. We want…no, we crave that feeling of recognition.
Especially for us women who have had to reconfigure ourselves and our personalities and our interests and our dreams and our visions our entire lives, and now we’re heading into our 40s and 50s, and we are saying fuck that. And maybe this reflects the same reason you started reading romance novels…the same reason I did.
I just feel like Scotland is the perfect place with its moody backdrop, its friendly people who will stop to hand over their spare umbrella, and its plethora of stunning beauty. It grabs the woman who dreams and who has been longing to fall in love with her life and herself unapologetically. She has felt like she hasn’t had permission to do so. Maybe it’s because you’ve been taking care of everybody else for the last 20 years; you feel like you constantly have to teach people how to treat you, and because of that, you’ve never been the main character in your life. Again, the words fail me, but I feel Scotland is that backdrop. It’s just enough wild and whimsical for you to let go and say, “Okay, this plot in my life is about me right here, right now.
Edinburgh or the Highlands: which setting fits your reading mood?
- Edinburgh is for the reader who wants stone streets, royal history, bookstores, cafés, dramatic architecture, and a city that has lots of underground, centuries-old ghost secrets.
- The Highlands are for the reader who wants open space, untamed scenery, little-village coziness, wildness, and the vastness that gives you an appreciation for even getting to see it.
My answer is still “why choose” lol, because many travelers will enjoy both. The key is not trying to race through all of Scotland in one breath.
If you know me personally, you know why choose is my favorite genre, but alas. In all seriousness, both are fantastic. If you want to go to more historical with royalty and princesses, then the city of Edinburgh is wonderful. This is especially true if you maybe have some mobility limitations or aren’t that into nature (however, I beg you to become more into nature when visiting Scotland!). Edinburgh has wonderful cafes to sit and read, historical tours, and, in general, is one of the most unique cities I have ever seen and had the pleasure of visiting. However, to get that sense of wildness and absolute freedom, the Scottish Highlands are where it’s at. It fits so well if you want that cozy, small-village feel often found in cozy contemporary romances. Both Edinburgh or the deep mountains of the Highlands evoke that dark romance vibe. This is just me rambling at this point about the merits of specific localities for your romance reading mood; of course, you can come to your own conclusions!
Do I need a detailed itinerary to enjoy Scotland?
For any Scotland trip I plan, whether it is a custom vacation, a group experience, or the Courted retreat, I build in both structure and breathing room. You should know what is happening. You should also have time to wander into a shop, linger over a drink, read by a window, or say yes when someone mentions a local café or gig you did not know existed yesterday.
Book your true non-negotiables in advance, especially popular Edinburgh restaurants, timed-entry attractions, and tours. Edinburgh Castle itself encourages advance online booking to guarantee entry. Then protect unscheduled time like it is part of the itinerary, because it is!
There were so many times where I was desperate to share my experience, my thoughts, my opinions, just my awe with someone else who inherently felt we were in our own novel. That is why Scotland for romance readers immediately became an obsession of mine and why I wanted to plan this inaugural international retreat for this destination specifically.
What should a romance reader pack for Scotland?
If you are a romance reader, especially traveling to Scotland, you’re going to want to pack your favorite books, of course, or load them on your Kindle for easier transport 😉 My favorite books and Courted: Wooed by Your Own Damn Life reading list is here. Other must-haves in your suitcase to Scotland:
- Layers and waterproof outer layer.
- Comfortable, grippy, weather-ready shoes.
- Day bag and/or book sleeve.
- E-reader or selected physical books.
- Pretty dress, makeup, scarves, beanies, boot socks.
As cheesy as it sounds, you might want to pack a pretty dress that makes you feel gorgeous, some light makeup, and feminine layering accessories, such as cute scarves, pastel beanies, and even lacy boot socks. If you are planning to visit places featured in your favorite romance books or movies, you’ll want to bring proper footwear, as most of Scotland’s streets are cobblestone and can be quite muddy for much of the year due to the climate. Other than that, your packing list won’t look too different from a normal packing list for Scotland, which you can find here. If you will be joining me on the Courted retreat, you will get a very specific packing list based on the activities we will be doing together and what is on the final itinerary. It is just one more way I want you to feel seen and cared for. I want to ensure you are not dealing with any decision fatigue.
Want the Scotland version where you don’t have to plan a thing? Let’s talk.
FAQ: Scotland for romance readers
Is Scotland a good destination for romance readers?
Yes. Scotland pairs atmospheric cities, historic architecture, dramatic landscapes, cozy pubs, literary culture, and storybook settings in a way that naturally appeals to readers who love romance, fantasy, historical fiction, and emotionally immersive travel.
Should romance readers visit Edinburgh or the Highlands?
Edinburgh is ideal for city atmosphere, history, cafés, bookshops, and dramatic architecture. The Highlands are better for wide-open scenery, quiet, village charm, and a wilder sense of escape. If your schedule allows, combining both often creates the most satisfying first Scotland trip.
What should I read before visiting Scotland?
Choose based on your mood: Highland historical romance, contemporary Scottish romance, Edinburgh-set fiction, fantasy romance, or Scottish history.
What should I pack for a Scotland bookish trip?
Bring adaptable layers, a weather-resistant jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a day bag, reading options, and one outfit that makes you feel gorgeous. Weather and terrain can vary, so practical pieces matter, but there is no rule against packing the dress.
Is there a Scotland retreat for romance readers?
Heather Sparklestar is creating a small-group Scotland retreat for romance readers for Fall 2027. Dates and pricing have not been announced. Join the waitlist for first access.
