A trip to Scotland likely conjures up images of bagpipes, kilts, and castles, with craggy cliffs and a jagged coastline providing the backdrop. And undoubtedly, some of the top sightseeing highlights here include Loch Nest, Edinburgh Castle, the Isle of Skye, and the Culzean Castle. This is a place full of interesting cultural experiences, so it only makes sense to stay somewhere unique and authentic as well!
Some of the best places to stay in Scotland are castles, lighthouses, cottages, churches, and brochs. And for a more rustic and outdoorsy experience, visitors can go glamping in the vast countryside or stay on a working farm and learn about how the locals live their lives. This is a perfect place to ditch the chain hotel routine, and these are some of the best places to consider when making plans for your trip to Scotland.
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel – Glasgow
Walk in the steps of Scottish royalty as you enjoy the ultimate luxury experience in the rooms of a historic castle. This castle has been extensively refurbished to transform it into a top-notch hotel. The residential setting will make you feel like you’re in another world, but in reality, you’re just five minutes from Glasgow’s city center and 10 minutes from the airport. It was considered to be a “middle class” castle when it was built in 1896 and has been a hotel since 1945. Onsite guests will find a restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, and a collection of standard rooms, executive rooms, and suites.
Fernie Castle – Fife
Fernie Castle is worth staying at, and it dates back over 450 years in 17 acres of woodlands. This is an ideal pick of golf enthusiasts since there are dozens of courses nearby. The castle has cozy rooms, and there’s a treehouse suite perched up in the sycamore trees. Climb the treehouse stairs to the balcony and enter to find a huge king-sized bed, electricity, plumbing, and all the comforts of home. Three balconies offer lovely views of the countryside – one with a swing!
St. Andrew's Chapel – Inverness-Shire
Another type of unique place to stay in Scotland is a renovated church, and St. Andrew’s Chapel is one of the finest in the Highlands. It’s part of the Highland Club properties, which is a former monastery in Scotland. There’s a furnished two-bedroom apartment in the former chapel, which has elaborate gothic features and stained glass windows depicting saints. It’s located along the shores of Loch Ness, and the Boathouse Restaurant is a great place to try locally-sourced favorite dishes. This is a family-friendly setting with a children’s play area, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and opportunities to go horseback riding and fishing nearby.
Aberdeen Lighthouse Cottages – Aberdeenshire
There’s just something enduringly adventurous and romantic about staying in a lighthouse, and Scotland has a surprising number of lighthouse accommodations to choose from. This one is an original 1833 lighthouse where guests can stay in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. It was refurbished in 2014 and has three bedrooms that have retained many of the original shutters, brass door hinges, and other period features. Enjoy all the comforts of home, like a full kitchen, eating area, sitting area, garden, and parking. The setting is nothing short of dramatic, with lots of birds and dolphins seen along the coast and cliffs. However, the cottages are also close to Aberdeen city center with lots of restaurants, bars, theaters, shops, and public transportation.
Ettrick Valley Yurts – Selkirkshire
Another way to experience the great outdoors in Scotland without sacrificing your comfort is by glamping. Glamorous camping accommodations can be found in the form of yurts, safari tents, tipis, and glamping pods. These particular yurts blend into the natural setting of the Ettrick Valley and offer adventurous guests lovely views of the hills and valley. Inside you’ll find comfortable beds, cooking equipment, a wood-burning stove, and tables & chairs. Hot showers and toilets are just a short walk away from the yurts. Popular activities to try in the area include paddling on Newburgh Burn, hiking through the hills, cycling on the roads, seeing the historic castles and ruins, and listening to live music in the local pubs nearby.
Borve Lodge Estate – Isle of Harris
Brochs are unique to Scotland and are basically prehistoric homes made of stone. You can find brochs in Scotland’s hills, glens, and islands, and some have actually been restored into accommodations you can reserve for your stay. To experience one for yourself, consider staying at this broch or the Rock House, which is ideal for couples looking for a minimalist and peaceful getaway. There are a few dwellings here that have been restored from their original materials and offer modern amenities, like heat, hot water, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi today. The accommodations are located on the Atlantic coastline on the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris. Keep in mind that the broch cannot accommodate children or toddlers.
Lochbay Boathouse – Isle of Skye
Another really unique way to spend your time in Scotland is in a boathouse because the seas and lochs here offer a tranquil environment and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. This Isle of Skye boathouse is on the seashore of the Loch Bay near otter, dolphin, gannet, and eagle habitats. It was built in the late 18th century, and much of the furniture dates back to the early 1900s. This is a great place to find solitude and privacy because you’ll have no neighbors. The house sleeps six people and has a large kitchen and dining room. Take a walk to the nearby village of Stein for some locally-caught fish and malt whiskey.
Chapel Outon Farmhouse - Whithorn
To get a true up-close and authentic Scottish experience, consider staying on a working farm. This one is tucked into the countryside near the Royal Burgh of Whithorn, and the farmhouse has been recently refurbished. This is a great place to stay for travelers with pets because the hosts actually provide complimentary dog treats, a water bowl, and a fluffy rug to sleep on. There are three bedrooms in the house, and baked goods, fruit, coffee, and tea are presented upon arrival. Enjoy home-cooked breakfasts in the mornings and lovely sunsets in the evening. During the day, check out the Wigtown Bay Nature Reserve to see some wildlife or go biking or hiking nearby.
