Holiday cottages in Scotland

Croft-style cottages 

For nature seekers who wish to experience life on the farm. 

Cleverly created to keep the family warm, converted croft cottages are a great insight into historic Scottish farming life.

It is an ideal base if you're looking to experience a range of outdoor pursuits, with easy access to walking and cycling routes and the chance to say hello to the animals on a local farm tour.

Scottish croft stays include:

• Cosy sitting areas
• Charming kitchens
• Plenty of outdoor space

Coastal and beach accommodation

Wellness seekers who wish to escape by the seaside with direct access to watersports. 

These areas boast lots of delicious seafood restaurants and the chance to try out a range of watersports, from sailing and surfing to stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, you’ll find scenic coastal walks nearby too.

Types of beach accommodation in Scotland include:

• Cottages
• Apartments
• Boutique hotels

Fishing cottages

For nature enthusiasts who are looking to improve their angling skills.

Found near lakes, rivers and coastal locations, it is the perfect blend of relaxation and for those who have a passion for fishing. Locations popular with anglers for its salmon and trout fishing include the River Dee, Spey, Tay and Tweed.

Facilities included in a fishing cottage:

• Rod rack and secure tackle storage
• On-site fishing or bait shops
• Freezers for storing your catches
• Drying facilities

How do I choose the right location or region for me?

How do you most want to spend your precious holiday time? Maybe walking through the Highlands, or learning the incredible history of Scotland in Stirling? What about day trips to the islands from Oban or a lochside walk in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs? There are holiday cottages right across Scotland, so you’ll definitely find the right accommodation for your trip.

Find the right destination for your holiday to Scotland

What activities can I do near a holiday cottage?

If you’re staying in cottage accommodation, you’ll be surrounded with a plethora of outdoor activities. Here is just a selection of what you can expect: 

• Hiking and nature trails, also perfect for four-legged friends for dog walks.
• Watersports if near water – canoeing, kayaking, surfing etc. 
• Visiting local attractions, gardens and parks 
• Active sports including football and frisbee. Some cottages situated in holiday parks may have on-site tennis courts. 

Are Scottish cottages good for families? 

Yes, cottage accommodation in Scotland is an excellent choice for families. It offers more space and privacy and offers guests separate bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas.

If you’re staying in a holiday park, most will offer shared facilities including play parks and swimming pools.

What should I pack for a cottage holiday?

Self-catering cottages provide most of the key essentials including fresh bedding, basic toiletries and cleaning supplies. Many offer functional kitchens, cooking utensils, TVs, free Wi-Fi access and welcome packs with coffee, teabags and biscuits.

However, you’ll need to bring your own personal belongings including food, personal toiletries and clothing.

Do Scottish cottages offer EV charging points? 

Yes, many Scottish cottages offer EV charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles, giving you peace of mind that it is fully charged and ready to set off on the next day’s adventure. Options typically range from 7kW – 22kW Type 2 chargers to standard outdoor sockets.

We recommend checking with individual accommodation places before you book. Some cottages will offer this free of charge as part of the booking, others may require a small fee.

If your cottage doesn’t offer EV charging points, you can find out where to find your nearest one on the ChargePlace Scotland website.

Are cottage stays in Scotland dog-friendly?

Yes, Scotland has plenty of dog-friendly cottages across the country. Before you book, make sure your accommodation has lots of outdoor spaces suitable for your four-legged friends. You might want to consider your accommodation having an enclosed garden too.

As holiday cottages are self-catering you will need to bring the following items: 

• Meals and bowls 
• Toys and treats 
• A dog bed 
• Old towels – for cleaning up muddy paws 
• Blankets – especially if your dog tries to jump on the sofa

Find out more about bringing your dogs to Scotland