Editor’s Choice

25 of the Best Waterside Scottish Stays

27 November 2020

Loch Ness is famous for its mythical monster, but did you know that Scotland is home to over 25,500 deep, sparkling lochs?

Combined with the country’s rolling heather-strewn hills, whispering pines, and soaring mountains…

…well, let’s just say we don’t recommend leaving your camera at home!

Then there’s rich heritage of Scotland’s dramatic coastline, which stretches out for a glorious 10,000km.

To help you get acquainted with Scotland’s water-wonders, we’ve prepared a list of some of our favourite stays – both lochside and seaside – for you to dip your toes into.

Author: Nina Jervis
Main Image: The Boathouse | Sutherland

Sound of Harris - The Other House

Isle of Harris, Scotland
Deluxe self-catering accommodation on the Isle of Harris with panoramic coastal views and mid-century interior design.
Bedrooms: 1 per property
Sleeps: 2 per property
From
£580/3 nights

Down on the Farm

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Welcome to the unspoiled Aberdeen countryside and a family-run farm; a delightfully off-grid retreat that affords stunning views over sea and farmland from its unique accommodation options.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 2-4 per unit
From
£65 / night

Loch Ken Eco Bothies and Glamping

Loch Ken, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Off-grid lochside eco-retreat featuring beautiful bothies with private hot tubs, Mongolian yurts and more - plus a wide range of exciting on-site activities.
Bedrooms: up to 2 per unit
Sleeps: varies
From
£375 (3 nts)

The Brochs of Coigach

Achiltibuie, Ross-shire, Scotland
The Brochs of Coigach are a pair of internationally acclaimed hideaways, yet still remain some of the best kept secrets of Northwest Scotland. 
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2 per Broch
From
£1,080 (7nt)

Leannan Boathouse

Kingennie, Dundee, Angus, Scotland
When only the very best will do for that romantic break away, escape to the Leannan Boathouse - a beautifully converted former boathouse in the Angus countryside.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£190 / night

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel

Kirkcolm, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel - illuminate your holiday with a stay in a beautifully unique Scottish coastal hotel that doubles up as a charming working lighthouse.
Bedrooms: 11
Sleeps: 2-6 per room
From
£160 / double room

Eagle Brae Log Cabins

Struy, Inverness-shire, Inverness-Shire, Scotland
Take a well-earned break in a master-crafted luxury cabin, surrounded by the very best breathtaking scenery, tranquillity and adventure the Scottish Highlands can provide.
Bedrooms: 1-2 per cabin
Sleeps: Up to 6 per cabin
From
£753 (2 nights)

The Highland Club

Fort Augustus, Inverness-Shire, Scotland
Prepare for a sensational Highland fling at The Highland Club - an exquisite former fort on the shores of Loch Ness, promising Gothic enchantment for romance, adventure or a fairytale wedding.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£505 (1 week low season)

Braidhaugh Park

Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
Your Scottish riverside escape, complete with hot tub-equipped lodges and rustic glamping pods for all to enjoy!
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 4 per unit
From
£50 / night (pod)

The Birdwatchers' Cabin

Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland
Take in the vast natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, from a luxury cabin with wildlife, lake, and mountain views.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
From
£220 /night

The Hillside Hideaway

Carbost, Isle of Skye, Scotland
View the Isle of Skye at its most dramatic and beautiful, from the chic comfort of a private, scenery-showcasing retreat for two.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£695/week

RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges

Ballachulish, The Highlands, Scotland
Luxury Wee Lodges, complete with bubbling private hot tub, nestled at the entrance to the mighty Glencoe Valley.
Bedrooms: 1 per lodge
Sleeps: 2 per lodge
From
£198 / night

Lewis Longhouse

Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
An award-winning, eco-friendly haven that's rich in home comforts and attention to detail, with breathtaking views of the Hebridean Isle of Lewis.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£1800 (week)

Inverlonan

Glenlonan, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Three off-grid, architect-designed bothies, rich in fine Scottish style and luxurious sensory experiences, hidden amongst ancient oaks in an idyllic setting that overlooks Loch Nell.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
From
£200 / night

The Treehouses at Lanrick

Doune, Perthshire, Scotland
Five sumptuous, eco-friendly tree-treats with idyllic riverside views and a woodland sauna, magically nestled on the borders of the Trossachs National Park.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 (+2) per treehouse
From
£240 / night

Neidpath Castle

Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland
A luxuriously romantic royal suite in a medieval castle on the unspoilt Scottish Borders, with the River Tweed rushing gently below.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£350 / night

The Beekeeper's Bothy

Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
A relaxing retreat on the windswept, nature-infused Aberdeenshire coast, with sweeping panoramic views of the Ythan Estuary.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£85 / night

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