Cottages in Scotland

Search for the holiday cottages in Scotland

When planning for your next Scotland getaway, why not take a look at the country’s glorious range of beautiful, cosy holiday cottages to give your stay that really unique and special feel? Holiday cottages in Scotland come in all shapes and sizes, from rustic bothies, perfect for getting your head down during an outdoors adventure, to top-of-the-range, luxury cottages, packed full of mod-cons.

Often set in the heart of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, holiday cottages are ideal for those looking to explore everything from the country’s rugged, mountainous landscapes in the Highlands, to the sweeping, dramatic coastlines of the Hebrides, or one of Scotland’s 30,000 tranquil lochs and lochans. Unlike many hotels, holiday cottages may even welcome four-legged members of the family too, so the whole clan can bask in the natural beauty Scotland has to offer, however many feet or paws they’ve got to explore on.

Alternatively, if you’re more of a culture vulture keen to head into one of Scotland’s historic towns or cities, you can find a wonderful holiday cottage to meet your needs too. Holiday cottages can also cater for everyone from couples – making for a cosy, romantic break, snuggled up beside a crackling log fire – right up to large numbers for big family reunions or even hen and stag parties, complete with hot tub and brick barbeque. Self-catering cottages also allow you the freedom to whip up a culinary delight of your own creation – perhaps using some of Scotland’s delicious fresh, local produce – order in a takeaway for a lazy movie night, or head into a local town or village to sample the area’s cuisine at a pub or restaurant.

Whatever type of getaway you’re after, holiday cottages are the perfect option for exploring at your own pace during the day and having your own space to relax in of an evening. Here are some suggestions for the wonderful range of holiday cottages available for you to consider for your next Scottish escape.

Pet Friendly Cottages in Scotland

Enjoy a holiday with the whole family – four-legged members included – by taking up residence in one of Scotland’s numerous pet-friendly holiday cottages. These are perfect for those who love to explore the natural surroundings with the furriest (we assume!) family member in tow, or who simply want to enjoy the company of their pet away from the daily grind.

Unique Cottages in Scotland

With such an incredible variety of natural landscapes on offer, not to mention the bustling towns and cities steeped in history, it’s little wonder Scotland boasts an impressive array of options for unique escapes. From seafront cabins to handcrafted shepherd’s huts, renovated train cabins to restored castles and luxury spa cottages to picturesque lighthouse cottages, book a unique stay you’ll remember forever.

Romantic Cottages in Scotland

Nothing says ‘romantic break’ more than snuggling up in a cosy cottage, in front of a crackling log fire, or perhaps enjoying a celebratory glass of bubbly while relaxing in a hot tub. Fortunately, Scotland boasts a wealth of holiday cottages which really hit the spot when it comes to planning a romantic getaway.

Cottages For Groups in Scotland

What better way to spend time with family and friends than in one big holiday cottage? A great option for big groups who perhaps don’t get together too often and want plenty of time and space to socialise, without being restricted to hotel rooms. Scotland has plenty of holiday cottages big enough to accommodate a whole range of group sizes under one roof.

Luxury Cottages in Scotland

Now you’re talking! Think hot tubs, Jacuzzis, wood-burning stoves, roll-top baths, four-poster beds, champagne and a whole host of other luxurious touches, to make your getaway truly special. No matter where you stay, spectacular outlooks come as standard.

Thatched Cotages

Book yourself a stay in a picture-perfect thatched cottage for a really quaint getaway, with a lovely village feel. Thatched cottages are becoming increasingly rare so booking one for your getaway will add a special and memorable touch to your escape.

Bothies

A great, cheap – and often free – option for adventurous travellers while exploring the beauty of Scotland’s rugged and wild landscapes. Bothies allow you to pop in as and when the need arises, to escape the weather for a couple of hours or get your head down overnight, before starting the next day’s adventures.

Log Cabins

Bask in a fantastic, back-to-nature experience with a stay in a Scottish log cabin. The perfect way to make you truly feel like you’re enjoying the wilderness but without having to fight to erect a tent on day one, log cabins are the ideal compromise.

Cottages Near the Beach

Not much says ‘paradise’ more than the thought of a gorgeous cottage within a hop, skip and jump of one of Scotland’s beautiful beaches. Open the cottage windows to let the calming sound of the sea lapping against the sand or pebbles wash over you, for a truly tranquil getaway.

Lochside Cottages

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of one of Scotland’s 30,000 lochs and lochans, by staying in a Lochside holiday cottage during your next getaway. A perfect way to experience Scotland and its spectacular landscapes, you could be forgiven for extending your stay indefinitely.

Cottages with Hot Tubs

Put the cherry on the top of your little slice of Scottish heaven by treating yourself to a stay in a holiday cottage, complete with hot tub. A great way to relax (and maybe even enjoy a glass of bubbly, because why not!) and make your break feel extra special, cottages with hot tubs can be found in all your dream locations across the country.

Remote Cottages

With so many nooks and crannies of Scotland to explore, remote cottages are the perfect base to enjoy some outdoors adventures. Escape the daily hustle and bustle for some real ‘you time’, surrounded by nothing but nature, birdsong and maybe the distant sound of relaxing water. Bliss.

Cottages for Family Getaways

Family getaways are the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a gorgeous holiday cottage, ideal for some valuable family time. Holiday cottages come in a whole range of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect match for your clan, whether just parents and kids, a big extended family get-together or even with four-legged family members in tow.

Find a Cottage by Area

The diversity of Scotland’s beauty is what sets it apart and makes the country such an alluring proposition, regardless of what type of holiday you’re after.

From breath-taking natural landscapes, to towns and cities steeped in fascinating history, romantic chocolate box villages and dramatic coastlines, Scotland and its islands really do have it all.

So, whether you fancy relaxing in pure tranquillity, taking on an adrenaline-fuelled challenge, exploring beautiful scenery on an active break, learning about ancient history, tucking into sumptuous cuisine or enjoying family fun on the beach – or maybe even a little of everything – Scotland’s got you covered.

The only challenge is narrowing down your options and deciding not only what your next getaway will entail, but which stunning part of Scotland you’ll head to first. But the real beauty is, whatever you settle on, you can’t really go wrong.

Aberdeenshire

Located on Scotland’s east coast, Aberdeenshire is a glorious destination boasting historic castles, royal heritage, the rugged beauty of the Cairngorms and of course, the bustling city of Aberdeen.

Argyll & Bute

Home to jaw-dropping scenery, including Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Mull of Kintyre, Ganavan Sands and Fingal’s Cave, plus a host of wonderful distilleries, ancient ruins, castles, the picturesque resort town of Oban, and the chance to spot spectacular wildlife, Argyll and Bute makes for a perfect getaway.

Ayrshire

Ayrshire’s spectacular scenery is a big draw for visitors, but it’s only half the story. The historic county in the south-west of Scotland was the birthplace of Robert Burns, and boasts plenty of attractions dedicated to the National Bard. Its coastal location means there’s ample sumptuous seafood to sample, while its links courses are a must for keen golfers.

Cairngorms

One of Scotland’s most visited areas, Cairngorms National Park is a giant adventure playground. Scale mountains, trek though forests, gaze across tranquil lochs, canoe down rivers, spot wildlife, explore picturesque villages, have a tipple in a local distillery and even go skiing. The only danger is wanting to extend your stay indefinitely.

Caithness

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands and looking out across the Atlantic Ocean, Caithness is perched on the extreme edge of Europe, giving rise to dramatic and spectacular scenery such as Duncansby Head.

Dumfries & Galloway

Bordering England, just north of Carlisle, and stretching out to the very south-west corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway really packs a punch. Stroll across a sandy beach, cycle through forests or head out to sea on a yacht, if adventure is your thing. Alternatively, time your visit with one of the region’s lively music festivals or bustling cultural events for which it is famous.

Dundee & Angus

Located on Scotland’s east coast between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and spilling slightly into Cairngorms National Park, Dundee and Angus combines city escapes with stunning scenery for the ideal break.

Edinburgh & Lothians

Scotland’s capital attracts around 4.3million visitors per year to its historic, cobbled streets, making it the second most visited city in the UK. With so much to see and do in Edinburgh itself, be careful not to neglect the surrounding areas and all the beautiful countryside and hidden gems tucked away in the Lothians.

Fife

Taking in Dunfermline, St Andrews and Kirkcaldy, Fife is the ideal escape for golf lovers, history buffs, outdoors adventurers, culture vultures, foodies – in fact, pretty much everyone. The 117-mile long Fife Coastal Path provides spectacular scenery, while the regions quaint towns and villages are ideal for rest and relaxation.

Glasgow

Nestled on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow is famed for being Scotland’s culture capital. With a thriving music scene and world-class museums, alongside being home to the Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and the National Theatre of Scotland, visitors are spoiled for choice.

Inner Hebrides

The archipelago, located off the west coast of Scotland, encompasses spectacular island destinations such as Mull, Islay and Skye. For nature enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors, these islands are nothing short of heaven – but there’s no scarcity of history and culture either.

Inverness

Perched on the Moray Firth in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the region’s largest city and is simply bursting with history and culture to explore, plus no lack of mystery and intrigue, with Loch Ness just a few minutes down the road.

Isle of Arran

Located off the west coast of Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran is a tasty proposition for Scottish getaways. The island is chock full of delicious, local produce such as oatcakes, cheeses, beers, malt whiskey and its jewel in the crown, Arran Gold – a gorgeous creamy liqueur. Beyond culinary delights, there’s beautiful wildlife to spot and even a Corbett – Goatfell – to tackle

Isle of Skye

The largest island in the Inner Hebrides, Skye packs a lot of alluring opportunities into its 1,600 square-kilometres. From breath-taking rugged landscapes, to dramatic coastlines, gorgeous harbourside bars and restaurants, medieval castles and the magical ‘Garden of Skye’, there’s so much to be enjoyed on this island.

Loch Lomond

A true postcard-perfect location, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is bursting at the seams with natural wonders. Here you can discover Ben Lomond mountain, Beinn Ime, Conic Hill, Luss Heritage Pass, footpaths, cycle trails and, of course, Loch Lomond itself.

Lochaber

Fairly marketed as the ‘Outdoor capital of the UK’, Lochaber – part of the west Highlands – is most famous for its piece de resistance, Ben Nevis. While the UK’s tallest mountain is the highlight, it sets the tone for what to expect from this glorious region of outdoors adventures.

Morayshire

Bordering Aberdeenshire in the north-east of Scotland, Morayshire is a wonderful part of the country, boasting castles, cathedrals, ancient ruins, cycling and walking routes, distilleries, and even a snippet of Cairngorms National Park to explore.

Orkney Islands

One of several Scotland archipelagos, the Orkney Islands can be found off the north-east coast and, much like the other island groups, the spectacular, jaw-dropping scenery is the ultimate selling point. Ancient sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, idyllic beaches and mesmerising wildlife are all part of the attraction.

Outer Hebrides

With spectacular beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean, dramatic coastlines, outdoor adventures and stargazing in the picture-perfect night skies, the Outer Hebrides archipelago – comprising the likes of Harris, Lewis and Barra – provide the most memorable and dreamy of Scottish escapes.

Perthshire

‘Big Tree Country’ is a haven for relaxed, outdoor exploration. Think tranquil forest walks among red deer and ospreys, leisurely bike rides, garden strolls and even, for those after a bit more of a challenge, climbs up Ben Lawers or Schiehallion.

Ross and Cromarty

Up in the north-west of Scotland, Ross and Cromarty is known for the gorgeous lochs and peninsulas which dominate the region. With so much breath-taking scenery at hand, it’s little wonder the area is also a haven for spectacular wildlife, including dolphins and kites.

Scottish Borders

Bordering Cumbria and Northumbria in England, as well as Edinburgh and several other Scottish regions, the Scottish Borders are the perfect gateway to explore the area and beyond. Rolling hills and historic castles dominate, but there are a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene coastal escapes to enjoy too.

Shetland Islands

Nestled equidistant from Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Norway, the Shetland Islands are Scotland’s last outpost. Fascinating Viking heritage and out-of-this-world scenery are the order of the day here, while you may even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.

Stirlingshire

Just north of Glasgow, Stirlingshire presents a mesmerising combination of the bustling, historic city of Stirling and the breath-taking scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Stroll the West Highland Way, climb Ben Lomond, or explore Stirling Castle, it’s all at your fingertips.

Sutherland

Right up in the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland offers peace and tranquillity unlikely to be equalled. Pristine white sands will draw you in and the glistening lochans, reflecting dramatic mountain ranges, will keep you rooted to the spot in awe. The beauty here is simply unsurpassed.

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