Self-Catering Across Scotland

If you want to take a break from the city, and get back to basics in the countryside, there are loads of self-catering options across Scotland. Camping, glamping, crofts or lodges; here are some of our favourites …

Orkney

If you’re visiting the Orkney Islands, the accommodation provided by Orkney Crofts (orkneycrofts.com) allows you to enjoy the traditional feel of the Isles. Orkney’s mainland is filled will historical points of interest like the Neolithic settlement Skara Brae and the stone circle of the Ring of Brodgar.

There are four different crofts to choose from, each of differing size, with their own unique expression of the farmhouse style. All the properties are dog friendly, winning the gold award for Green Tourism and offering 5 star accommodations. Prices range from £325- £895 per week and each home features its own incredible view.

Loch Ness

This beautiful part of the Highlands attracts lots of visitors both for the peaceful surroundings and the chance to chase the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. Inverness, Scotland’s most northern city, is full of history and culture, many of its attractions spanning back to the 18th and 19th century.

Staying at Cougie Lodge1 allows you to make the most of the scenery and fresh air. Nearby you’ve got activities like pony trekking, fishing and a countryside pub. The cabin offers two bedrooms and welcomes dogs for an additional charge. The prices vary depending on the time of year between £300 - £700 for 7 nights.

A larger family may be more comfortable staying in a cottage like Drumbuie View 2. Just a short stroll from Urquhart Castle, the semidetached cottage is nestled in the village of Drumnadrochit and comes complete with a wood burning fire, spacious lounge and fully equipped kitchen. It has everything you need for your home away from home as you explore the nearby sights.

You can book both these holiday locations through holidaycottages.co.uk

The West Coast

If you’re seeking a quiet family holiday where you can get away from everything, Tigh Beg Croft3 is your answer. It is located 6 miles from Oban and right on the coastline looking out at the sea. It’s secluded, with nature as your neighbour where you can cosy up in front of the fire or enjoy your own space in this six-bedroomed holiday home. Weekly prices start from £745 which is well worth it for such spectacular views. After a day of beach walks, hiking or golfing, you can kick back and enjoy the benefits of a fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV and a barbeque (that’s if the weather plays ball).

Callander

Callander, the ‘gateway to the Highlands’, is a picturesque town and popular tourist location and the meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands, and makes for some unforgettable views. It’s close to Loch Lomond and Trossach’s National Park, making it a great base for visiting these famous landmarks and is only an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh.

Scottish Cottages offer a range of ten selfcatering cottages of a variety of sizes. Many of them have cots and highchairs available and are pet friendly and are situated in rural locations, making them ideal for enjoying your own space and time with your family. Prices vary depending on the individual home and the time of year. Book via scottish-cottages.co.uk

Shell Bay at Elie Holiday Park

Greenhillock Glamping

Forfar

Greenhillock Glamping is an eco-tourism business set in five acres of wildflower meadow near Forfar, offering camping and glamping in a tranquil setting close to the attractions of Dundee and Angus. It’s more than a simple campsite; they showcase the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation whilst providing a top quality, unique holiday experience.

Guests can choose to stay in luxury furnished bell tents in the North Paddock with stunning views of the Angus Glens; or those who favour a more traditional experience can bring their own camping gear and pitch in the South Paddock amongst the wildflowers. Campfires are encouraged!

They also offer activities for kids, such as den building, pond dipping, ‘mini-beast hunts’ and bush craft classes. The Field Kitchen housed in converted stable, seats up to 22 and is a great spot to hang out when the weather doesn’t play ball. Monthly family BBQ events give guests the chance to sample locally produced food and drink, showcasing the best produce the region has to offer.

Fife

There are plenty of quaint locations along the Fife coast, St Andrews being the most wellknown thanks to its world-class University which spawned the Royal love story between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Top spots to visit besides this historic town are St Monans and Elie, all three coastal towns boasting awardwinning holiday parks from Abbeyford Leisure (abbeyford.com) who received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Roughly an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, you might pop over for a day-trip and end up staying!

St. Andrews

You’ll find the St Andrews holiday park by Kinkell Braes, an endlessly popular holiday destination, especially for golf enthusiasts. There are water sports, beach walks and access to the Fife Coastal Path and the main town is a short walk away- so plenty for the whole family to do. The holiday lodges themselves start from £277 for 4 nights, each equipped with its own hot tub for that extra edge of luxury.

St. Monans

The idyllic little town of St Monans is the perfect place for a quiet break, the holiday park looking out over the Fife Coastal Path and drinking in the sea views. The historical fishing village boasts lots of walking opportunities, the local kirk being a significant point of interest, having been featured on the big screen in The Railway Man. The fully equipped holiday homes begin at £174 for four nights by the sea.

Book your Fife holiday with abbeyford.com for all three locations, with options for camping and touring caravans - book your spot online for 10% off and get your first night free if you’re there for 5 consecutive nights.

Elie Holiday Park

Elie

Elie Holiday Park is situated right on Shell Bay and has a whole host of family friendly activities available. The Robinson Crusoe Adventure Park is a particular favourite, allowing children to relive castaway adventures, based on the classic novel by Daniel Defoe. Children can climb the rigging, scale the poop deck and crawl along the cage to the Island of Despair.

On-site there’s a top-notch bar, restaurant and the popular Mirador Café serving some of the best barista coffee on the Fife Coastal Path, plus takeaway favourites.

The area has a range of different holiday homes; the Castaway forest homes having glorious meadow views, and only being a short walk from the beach. A four night stay starts at a mere £195 and the homes sleep 6-8 people. Plus they offer free cot and highchair hire. When booking online abbeyford.com you can even select your preferred location of holiday home, touring caravan or tent pitch for free.

In the evening there’s free entertainment; and during the school holidays there’s free football coaching. And as well as being family friendly, Abbeyford is renowned for being dog-friendly too, so the whole family can be together. Dogs are just £30 per holiday, and free dog beds, dog bowls and dog chews are provided.

Written by Donna Foulis