A trip to Scotland is likely to conjure up images of bagpipes, kilts and castles, with craggy cliffs and a rugged coastline as a backdrop. And undoubtedly, some of the main tourist attractions here include Loch Nest, Edinburgh Castle, the Isle of Skye and Culzean Castle. This is a place full of interesting cultural experiences, so it only makes sense to stay somewhere unique and authentic!
Some of the best places to stay in Scotland are castles, lighthouses, cottages, churches and brochs. And for a rustic, outdoor experience, visitors can go glamping in the vast countryside or stay on a farm and learn how the locals live. This is a perfect place to get away from the hotel chain routine, and these are some of the best places to consider when making plans for your trip to Scotland.
Credit: sherbrookecastlehotel.com Sherbro Castle Hotel - Glasgow Sherbro Castle Hotel - Glasgow
Sherbrook Castle Hotel - Glasgow (Prices and photos)
Walk the steps of Scottish royalty while enjoying the ultimate luxury experience in the rooms of a historic castle. This castle has been extensively renovated into a top hotel. The residential setting will make you feel as if you are in another world, but in reality you are only five minutes from Glasgow city centre and 10 minutes from the airport. It was considered a 'middle class' castle when it was built in 1896 and has been a hotel since 1945. Hotel guests will find a restaurant, a bar, a garden, a terrace and a collection of standard rooms, executive rooms and suites.
Credit: ferniecastle.co.ukFernie Castle Hotel & Treehouse SuiteFernie Castle Hotel & Treehouse Suite
Fernie Castle Hotel & Treehouse Suite - Fife (Prices and photos)
This is another castle worth staying in, dating back over 450 years in 17 acres of woodland. This is an ideal choice for golf enthusiasts as there are dozens of courses nearby. The castle has 20 rooms, and there is a suite in the tree house perched in the sycamore trees. Climb the tree house stairs to the balcony and enter to find a huge king-size bed, electricity, plumbing and all the comforts of home. Three balconies offer stunning views of the countryside - one with a swing!
Credit: highlandclubdirect.comSt. Andrew's Chapel
St. Andrew's Chapel - Invernessshire (Prices and photos)
Another unique kind of place to stay in Scotland is a renovated church, and St Andrew's Chapel is one of the most beautiful in the Highlands. It is part of the Highland Club properties, which is a former monastery in Scotland. There is a furnished two-bedroom flat in the former chapel, which has elaborate Gothic elements and stained glass windows depicting saints. It is located along the shores of Loch Ness and the Boathouse Restaurant is a great place to try locally sourced favourites. It is a family-friendly environment with a children's play area, tennis courts, swimming pool and opportunities for horse riding and fishing nearby.
Credit: http://northernlightsapartmentsaberdeen.co.uk/Aberdeen Lighthouse CottagesAberdeen Lighthouse Cottages
Aberdeen Lighthouse Cottages - Aberdeenshire (Prices and photos)
There is something utterly adventurous and romantic about staying in a lighthouse, and Scotland has a surprising number of lighthouse accommodation to choose from. This is an original 1833 lighthouse where guests can stay in the lighthouse keeper's cottage. It was renovated 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, such as a full kitchen, dining area, seating area, garden and parking. The setting is nothing short of spectacular, with many birds and dolphins seen along the coast and cliffs. However, the cottages are also close to Aberdeen city centre with many restaurants, bars, theatres, shops and public transport.
Credit: facebook.com Ettrick Valley YurtsEtrick Valley Yurts
Ettrick Valley Yurts - Selkirkshire (Prices and photos)
Another way to experience the outdoors in Scotland without sacrificing comfort is glamping. Glamorous camping accommodation can be found in the form of yurts, safari tents, tipis and glamping pods. These distinctive yurts blend in with the natural environment of the Ettrick Valley and offer adventurous guests splendid views of the hills and valley. Inside you will find comfortable beds, cooking facilities, a wood-burning stove and tables and chairs. Hot showers and toilets are just a few steps away from the yurts. Popular activities to try in the area include paddling on the Newburgh Burn, hiking through the hills, cycling on the roads, seeing castles and historic ruins, and listening to live music in local pubs nearby.
Credit: uplandshepherdhuts.co.uk Upland Shepherd Huts
Upland Shepherd Huts - Abbey St Bathans (Prices and photos)
Another great glamping option is the Upland Shepherd Huts, which is inexpensive and sustainably built from reclaimed materials. The huts are located near North Northumberland and about an hour from Edinburgh. They have solar panel lighting, a wood stove and are insulated with sheep wool. This is a very rural and remote area, and guests can choose either the gardener's hut or the logger's hut.
Credit: borvelodge.com The Broch & Rock HouseThe Broch & Rock House
The Broch & Rock House - Isle of Harris
Brochs are unique to Scotland and are basically prehistoric stone houses.You can find brochs in the hills, valleys and islands of Scotland, and some have actually been restored into accommodation that you can book for your stay. To experience one for yourself, consider staying in this broch or Rock House, which is ideal for couples looking for a minimalist, quiet holiday. There are a few dwellings here that have been restored from their original materials and offer modern amenities, such as heat, hot water, satellite TV and Wi-Fi today. The accommodations are located on the Atlantic coast of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris. Please note that the broch cannot accommodate babies or children.
Credit: http://www.lochbayboathouse.co.uk/Lochbay BoathouseLochbay Boathouse
Lochbay Boathouse - Isle of Skye (Prices and photos)
Another truly unique way to spend time in Scotland is in a boathouse because the seas and lochs here offer a tranquil environment and plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. This Isle of Skye boathouse is located on the seashore in Loch Bay near otters, dolphins, gannets and eagle habitats. It was built in the late 18th century, and much of the furniture dates from the early 1900s. This is a great place to find solitude and privacy because you will have no neighbours. 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 whisky.
Acknowledgement: chapelouton.co.ukSt Dwarves Chapel
Chapel Outon Farmhouse B&B
For an up-close and authentic Scottish experience, consider staying at a farmhouse. This one is tucked away in the countryside near the Royal Burgh of Whithorn, and the farmhouse has been recently renovated. This is a great place to stay for travellers with pets because the hosts actually offer free biscuits, a bowl of water and a soft rug to sleep on. There are three bedrooms in the house, and baked goods, fruit, coffee and tea are presented on arrival. Enjoy homemade breakfasts in the morning and beautiful sunsets in the evening. During the day, check out the Wigtown Bay Nature Reserve to see some wildlife or go cycling or hiking nearby.