The wild and rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands offers the perfect backdrop for a holiday to remember.
From the rural charm of Lochinver to the culture and vibrancy of Inverness, there are plenty of places to visit in the Highlands of Scotland to suit all tastes. If you’re a keen walker or a history buff, or simply love the mystery surrounding iconic places such as Loch Ness, here are some suggestions for the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.
If you’re feeling inspired to discover Scotland and looking for places to stay in the Highlands, why not book yourself a break at one of our Highlands holiday cottages and immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and untamed charm of this wonderful destination?
Highlands holiday cottages
Aviemore: best place to stay for outdoor activities
Sat in the north-west corner of Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is the perfect destination for outdoor activities all year round. During the colder months, snow sports fans flock to Cairngorm Mountain for an adrenalin-fuelled session on the slopes. Those not so confident on skis or a snowboard can get involved on the gentler slopes or in the beginners' zone. When it’s warmer, the kids can have fun in the adventure play and tubing park, and you can explore the breathtaking surroundings on a ranger-guided walk. Aviemore itself has plenty of options for grabbing a bite to eat and shopping. If you’re into your history, check out Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle, dating to around 2400BC and now preserved within a housing estate.
Aviemore is the ideal location for exploring the Cairngorms. You can pick up the Speyside Way or if you’d rather use two wheels than two feet, take advantage of the many cycle trails the area has to offer, Glenlivet Estate being a great place to start. The national park is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, given its two rivers (Spey and Dee) and abundance of lochs. Head to the dedicated centres at Loch Insh and Loch Morlich and get on the water!
Cairngorms cottages
Inverness: best place to stay for culture
Regarded as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a true hub of culture, history and heritage. Of particular note are the 19th-century sandstone castle, standing proudly overlooking the River Ness; the cathedral, which first welcomed worshippers in 1869; and the impressive Town House at the heart of the city centre.
Take time to browse the range of independent shops, cafes and services at The Victorian Market, and marvel at the artefacts and collections which combine to create a true celebration of Highland life at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. You'll soon see why Inverness is one of the most exciting Scottish cities to visit.
Inverness cottages
Loch Ness: best place to stay for nature lovers
On the doorstep of Inverness is Loch Ness, home to the infamous Loch Ness Monster, and one of the most spectacular lochs in Scotland. The beastie remains as elusive as ever, which isn’t surprising seeing as the 23-mile-long stretch of water is up to 230 metres deep in some places! But you can still keep an eye out, and enjoy the spectacular scenery while taking a boat trip along the loch.
On dry land, right on the banks of the loch near Drumnadrochit, how about visiting Urquhart Castle? For some awe-inspiring views of Loch Ness, head to Allt Na Criche near Fort Augustus. During the circular walk, you might be lucky enough to spot a deer, a red squirrel, or maybe catch a glimpse of Nessie herself.
Loch Ness cottages
Ullapool: best place to stay for water sports
The Ullapool we know today dates back to 1788 when Thomas Telford was tasked by the British Fisheries Society with creating a village and port for the herring industry. Guided tours can provide more of an insight into this inspiring place in Scotland, on the east shore of Loch Broom. There are also several ways to see the area from the water, with kayaking, canoeing and seascape expeditions available. From this unique vantage point, you might glimpse sea birds including gannets, gulls and white-tailed sea eagles, as well as seals, dolphins, and porpoises.
Enjoy a round of golf on the course overlooking the loch or take a swim at the leisure centre. Venturing out from the village for a spot of hill walking, you’ll get a real sense of the wild and rugged beauty of the surrounding area. Ardmair Beach, and Rhue with its lighthouse, both less than 4 miles away, are potential day trip locations. Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach are also well worth a visit.
Highlights
- The shack full of daily seafood delights
- Bookworms will love Ullapool’s very own bookshop
- Discover three billion years of geological history at Knockan Crag
Ullapool cottages
Lochinver: best place to stay for delicious pies
Wrapped around the head of Loch Inver, the vibrant fishing village of Lochinver boasts incredible mountain views and tasty pies, and lies just 4 miles from the gorgeous white sands of Achmelvich Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. Feel free to relax, unwind, and bask in the splendour of your glorious Highlands surroundings.
Culag Woods on the edge of the village offer some wonderful walks. You can set off from the village or use the woodland car park. It’s well worth the effort for the astounding views of the iconic Suilven in the distance. At 731m high, ‘Pillar Mountain’ is legendary for its unique shape and the way it stands proud over the surrounding landscape. For a taste of Highland life 2,000 years ago, take a trip to Clachtoll Broch, which was home to an Iron Age farming family until a fire destroyed it.
Lochinver cottages
Fort William: best place to stay for walking
Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, provides the dramatic backdrop to Fort William, the second largest settlement in the Highlands after Inverness, and one of the most famous Scottish Highland towns. The endpoint for the West Highland Way and the starting point for the Great Glen Way, the town is popular with walkers, climbers, and mountain bikers.
You can get the full benefit of that life-affirming mountain air with a trip up Aonach Mòr on the Nevis Range gondola. If you’re more inclined towards a round of golf, the Lochaber area has you covered; why not head along to Fort William Golf Club at the base of ‘the Ben’? Whisky connoisseurs might be interested in visiting Ben Nevis Distillery, to learn more about one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries – and sample some of the produce! For couples, Fort William is among the best places to visit in Scotland for a romantic retreat.
Fort William cottages
Glencoe: best place to stay for history buffs
The name Glencoe is shared by a valley, a village, and the surrounding area. Steeped in history, Glencoe will be forever linked to the infamous massacre which took place in 1692. There are so many walks to choose from that no matter whether you’re looking for an afternoon family stroll or a more challenging hike, you’ll find something to fit the bill. The Clachaig Inn offers weary walkers a warm welcome. Enjoy a well-earned pint while taking in the grandeur of the gorgeous glen.
The area boasts many links to the film industry, with moviemakers drawn to the area for its spectacular scenery. It was used as a location in several of the Harry Potter films, as well as appearing in Braveheart, the James Bond blockbuster Skyfall, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail – to name but a few.
Glencoe cottages
Gairloch: best place to stay for beach fun with the family
Sat on the shores of Loch Gairloch, surrounded by the wild and wonderful scenery of Wester Ross, is the village of Gairloch. The name comes from the Gaelic “ghearr loch”, meaning short loch. The beach on the outskirts of the village is a prime spot to enjoy spectacular Scottish sunsets and have some family fun on the sandy shore.
If beaches are your thing, check out Red Point and Big Sand, offering amazing views across to the mountains of Skye and Torridon. Be sure to keep your eyes open for some of the ‘locals’, including dolphins, basking sharks, seals – and even whales. Gairloch is also on the route of the world-renowned North Coast 500 drive, which takes in just over 500 miles of some of Scotland’s finest coastal scenery.
Gairloch cottages
Applecross: best place to stay for a remote retreat
Looking to get away from it all? The Applecross peninsula in Wester Ross is the place for you. Wild and remote, you’ll get the feeling you’re at the edge of the world. The journey to get to Applecross is an adventure in itself: come in via the Bealach na Ba (from the Scottish Gaelic for 'pass of the cattle'), the single-track mountain pass which rises to 626 metres above sea level and is packed with the kind of hairpin bends you’d find in the Alps.
Be sure to keep your eyes on the road, because the scenery will take your breath away. Alternatively, you can take the wonderful, winding coastal road from Shieldaig. Either way, you’re in for a spectacular trip.
Applecross cottages
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Head to the Scottish Highlands
Finding holiday accommodation in the best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands is easy, just click the button below to browse our fantastic range to suit families, groups and couples – and with our dog-friendly cottages, you can bring your four-legged friend along too! Here's a map of our best places to stay in the Highlands. There is so much to discover north of the border, that you might want to read up on some of the best places to stay in Scotland as well.
Highlands holiday cottages