You MUST Visit These Snug Cafés On Your Visit To Scotland This Winter

Finally, summer has come to an end, and it’s time to move on from ice cream and sun cream. But have no fear. The Scottish Highlands at this time of year offer a wide variety of activities; take fresh mountain walks and relax with a hot chocolate at a charming café by a roaring fire! There are an assortment of friendly establishments scattered across Scotland, so here are a few of our favourites. Obviously, there can be quite a distance between each, and with train times few and far between during the winter months, it could be worth enquiring about car hire at Edinburgh Waverley upon your arrival to give you and the family the freedom to explore Scotland without any hardship.

The Cocoa Tree Café, Pittenweem

One of the most picturesque regions in Scotland accompanies this café, situated just off the coast of The East Neuk of Fife. Pittenweem combines charming fishing ports and old-fashioned inns with a brisk sea breeze that can become rather bitter in the harsher months, so why not reward yourself with a beverage at this establishment after a frosty coastal gander?

A favourite of customers here is the handmade hot chocolate made with oranges, hazelnuts, and white chocolate. If you don’t feel like treating yourself to a hot chocolate, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of value to be had with their freshly baked scones.

9 High Street, Pittenweem, East Neuk of Fife

Tuesday-Sunday, 10am – 4pm

01333 311495

Palmerston’s Café, Dunkeld

As far as scones are concerned, Palmerston’s in Perthshire produce some of the best! The scones here might not be the lowest priced, but the jams and chutneys they prepare and offer are superb, and you can even take some home with their unique takeaway service.

The owners take substantial pride in brewing coffee from humanely harvested beans in their small, cosy space. They prepare their beans on their grounds with a blend of earth-friendly Ora.

27 Atholl St, Dunkeld

Monday – Saturday 10am-4.pm

Sunday – 11am – 4pm

01350 727231

Lowdown Coffee, Edinburgh

The freshest tea and coffee in the city can be found in this intimate contemporary café tucked underground. Lowdown is all about innovation and efficiency, and this is put into practice with their innovative single-serve coffee maker. This modest shop features a small selection of local bites and confections, making it an ideal pit stop for sightseeing.

40 George St, Edinburgh

Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 5:30pm

Sunday 10am – 5:30pm

Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe, Fordoun

Situated between Dundee and Aberdeen, visitors can enjoy strawberry and raspberry fields, as well as a cherry orchard, perfect for taking pictures!

A complete menu featuring mouthwatering family cuisine, indoor seating, and even a play area for the children are accessible at Castleton. In addition to its fruity aesthetics, the store offers local treats.

Castleton Farm Cottage, Fordoun, Laurencekirk

Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm

01561 321 155

Darnley Coffee House, Stirling

The opulent windows and arched stonework of the Darnley Coffee House make it a haven of calm in the adverse winter weather. The Darnley Coffee House is inside one of Stirling’s oldest buildings, but it still appears wonderfully welcoming inside, with the regal styling and interior setting the tone for an aura that’s inimitable. Perfect for vegetarians and vegan, as well as meat eaters, the Darnely Coffee House offers a historical sit-down with the family or your partner, and is the perfect place for a quick rest on your way to the next destination.

18 Bow St, Stirling

Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm

01786 474 468

Cragies Farm, Queensferry

The farm shop is located just a few minutes from Edinburgh and boasts breathtaking views and locally cultivated fresh food. Local red meats are offered at Cragie’s specialist butchery counter. Offering a play area for children and a wide selection of food and drink on their extensive menu, this farm café is the ideal sit down before (or after) your voyage to the capital.

West Cragie Farm, Queensferry

Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm

0131 319 1048

Ronzio Coffee House, Hamilton

Find the tastiest coffee in Hamilton at Ronzio Coffee House, a casual café that serves only the freshest food and drinks to its customers. With their courteous waiters and charming surroundings, they present authentic, savory food in a comfortable ambiance, all priced to assure exceptional value for money. You can hear mellow music playing in the background, effectively pumping serotonin into your brain. Whether they use Spotify for their business or any other music app which can allow licensing to use music in commercial settings (find more info here), I’m not sure, but either way, it is likely to put you in the best mood. The food there is fantastic too. In addition to offering a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options, the mini-restaurant offers a selection of fresh baked goods every day and accepts bookings. The menu accommodates kids, so drop by today for some newly, home-baked recipes and complimentary Wi-Fi.

117 Quarry St, Hamilton

Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm

Sunday, 10am – 5pm

01698 328 778

Dandelion Café, Glasgow

Sometimes it can feel like you’re stepping into a spoof of the urban jungle when you enter this extremely stylish coffee shop. The farmer-to-consumer coffee is sourced directly from growers, chosen based on seasonal taste, roasted in-house twice or three times weekly with meticulous precision and attention, and served in a no-nonsense style to outdo the franchises. Just pick your preference of coffee and how many shots of espresso, and you’re good to go.

26 Lubnaig Rd, Newlands, Glasgow

Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm

Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm

07593 874 848

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Kelly Tate

Kelly is a full-time supermum, caring for two kids and a hardworking husband. A cook, a cleaner, a carer and all round hard worker, striving for the perfect family life (with a few bumps along the way!) Eternally honest and sometimes brutally forward, no topics are off limits with Kelly.