Scotland offers visitors so much more than heather, hills, and the Hebrides – stunning as these are. It is a country of ancient landscapes, incredible wildlife, vibrant cites and a proud and flourishing cultural identity.
Scotland offers a diverse and unique countryside; high mountains, deep glens, rolling moor, ancient forest and beautiful coastal scenery. Staying in a holiday cottage in the Highlands can be an amazing way to experience Scotland at its very truest. Rent a cottage near the coast and admire the clear, star strewn skies, free of the light pollution of the south.
Scotland boasts two glorious National Parks. Stay in the Cairngorms, and you will be in Scotland's largest national park, covering 4,500 sq km, much of it an unspoilt wilderness and home to a myriad of wildlife. According to Visit Scotland, the park hosts a whopping 25 percent of the UK's threatened wildlife species.
Holiday in or near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for a stunning landscape of lochs, deep forest and mountains. This is 'Rob Roy' country, an area rich in legend and folklore. You will be spoilt for choice of things to do. With 22 larger lochs and countless smaller lochs and lochans, the park is a must for those who enjoy water activities such as water skiing, canoeing, and sailing.
Activity holidays
There are an uncountable number of amazing walks and treks you can undertake whilst staying up in Scotland, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a long-distance hike. With all these fabulous opportunities for walking, don't forget to bring your dog! There is a great choice of pet friendly cottages in Scotland available – it is nice to stay somewhere where your dog is as welcome as you are!
With its coast, rivers and lochs offering world class fishing- angling holidays in Scotland are a perennial favourite. We have a fantastic range of last-minute holiday rentals with access to fishing - be they a cabin in the highlands, or a cottage rental on the West Coast there is something to suit the seasoned angler or the beginner.
Scotland is known as the birth place of golf and boasts six centuries of golfing history. Quite rightly golfing breaks are another popular holiday choice. Although Perthshire is justifiably famous for its golf courses – you will find some great properties across the country. Click here for self catering properties offering access to a golf course.
Cultural breaks
For those of you who like your life with a little less exercise in it, Scotland can also cater for you! The proliferation of historical sites means that you will never be stuck for something to do for a day. Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert the Bruce, and Robert Burns all left their mark, and the Scots are always keen and proud to share their heritage.
To follow in the footsteps of Scotland's most famous monarch, try the Robert the Bruce Trail when staying in a holiday rental in Dumfries & Galloway.
If you are renting a cottage in Speyside or Aberdeenshire, why not try the unique Malt Whiskey Trail? Fascinating behind-the-scenes tours of world-renowned distilleries and a chance to sample the amber nectar itself.
Scotland is home to the most incredible prehistoric sites; Skara Brae, Callanais and Jarlshof in the Islands most immediately spring to mind, but you will find a plethora of wonderful places to visit.
Scotland's cities are Northern hubs of culture and excitement. Glasgow has emerged recently as a modern and vibrant city, reinvigorated by massive investments and an influx of students, for those looking for an amazing night out – look no further. The culture and history of Glasgow is very interesting, the city is a show case for the 'Glasgow style of architecture' and the elegant work of the UK's 'leading exponent of Art Nouveau', Charles Rennie Mackintosh. For cottages with easy access to Glasgow, check out our holiday rentals in Western Scotland.
Stay in the Forth and Borders and you will find that Edinburgh makes a great day trip. Edinburgh is a relatively small city that packs much into its punch. The architecture is glorious - the cityscape of the Old and New Towns is a designated World Heritage site. Climb to the top of St Arthur's seat in Holyrood Park and see the whole of Edinburgh laid out like patchwork. There are some amazing museums and parks. Don't forget the fantastic annual Edinburgh Festival – a cultural event that is not to be missed!
Relaxation
However if you are looking for pure rest and relaxation why not hire one of our lodges in scotland with a hot tub or a swimming pool? For cosy evenings by the fire, choose a property with an open fire or log burner. You can find self catering cottages with easy/disabled or wheelchair access by using our easy to use advanced search.
Guides
Travelling solo in the UK guide: We look at the benefits of going it alone, how to plan for the trip of a lifetime, how to make friends on your travels (if you want to), and the friendliest places in the UK to travel to.