HomeAway uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more. By continuing, you consent to our use of cookies.
HomeAway uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more. By continuing, you consent to our use of cookies.
Verified Review icon check navigate-up navigate-left navigate-right expand mail svg-lightning svg-24hr svg-house svg-sleeps svg-bedrooms svg-bathrooms svg-stay svg-toilet calendar svg-report-flag pet-dog svg-multiunit Default Owner Icon heart-filled

Make a holiday rental cottage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands your home away from home

It is hard to describe the pure beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands to someone who has not seen the area with their own eyes. It seems that every twist in the road brings you to a new landscape or new little community to explore. Wildlife and nature play a large part in life in the Highlands and Islands, and there are few places in Europe where you can go on holiday in such unspoilt surroundings. Most people looking for self catering accommodation in the Highlands and Islands will already know a huge amount about the area and the possibilities for walking holidays, golfing breaks and fishing trips, but there is always more to see and do in the far north of the UK!

Things to do on holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

Gaelic culture is still strong in the Highlands and Islands, and although the small communities which adorn the landscape have had to adapt to survive, there are still distinct features of Gaelic culture in music, food, arts and sport, which all come together perfectly at the frequent Highland Games competitions which occur throughout the summer. If the local games are on when you are staying in a holiday property in the Highlands and Islands, you are in luck. They provide a wonderful day, brimming with entertainment and Scottish delicacies! Local folklore is hugely regional, and there are some magnificent stories and tales to investigate, which really capture the imagination.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands have had a rough and highly innovative history, resulting in the landscape being covered with fascinating places of interest from huge, humbling castles and ancient monuments to whiskey distilleries and original steam engines.

Walkers, hikers and climbers who fancy a challenge and unrivalled peace will be in their own personal heaven whilst staying in a property in the Scottish Highlands. You could walk and climb for days without having to walk across a road, and there are an enormous variety of marked trails to embark upon, from the dramatic coastal paths to the timelessly secluded forest trails. Riding and mountain biking holidays thrive from Highlands accommodation too.

There are over 40 golf courses to choose from when staying in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Golfers will already know of courses like Nairn, but wherever you decide to take self catering accommodation in the Scottish highlands and Islands, you are sure to be able to find a local course for a round.

The untainted rivers and lochs of the Highlands and Islands teem with fish, and although conditions may vary from the optimum conditions you are used to, finding someone willing to pass on a little local knowledge should not be too hard in the Highlands! Fishing permits are required, but are easily purchased from most towns. The waterways and coast of the Scottish Highlands and Islands are perfect for water sports, although wet suits are strongly advised for much of the year. Sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are among the most popular.

During the winter, the Scottish Highlands and Islands are the best place in the UK for skiing. The skiing in Scotland is highly enjoyable, with rewarding runs for beginners and experts alike. There are three main skiing centres which all provide everything you need for a fun skiing holiday or weekend break. These are to be found in the Nevis Range, (near Ben Nevis, and offering Scotland’s highest pistes), Cairngorm (the most popular) and Glencoe (which offers the longest runs in Scotland).

Anyone staying in a self catering holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands towards the southern region should also concider a quick exploration of the Aberdeen and Grampion region.

Weather in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

The weather in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is famously unpredictable, largely due to their position on the edge of the European landmass. The weather is not as bad as it may appear by the number of jokes made, but it is nonetheless hard to predict! As long as you have a jacket ‘just in case’, there should be no problems!

Travel to the Scottish Highlands and Islands

There are numerous options for reaching self catering accommodation in the Highlands and Islands. Some of the more remote cottages will have specific instructions for arrival, but in general, Inverness Airport (INV) is the main entry point, with flights from London taking just over an hour. Alternatively, road and rail networks are surprisingly good across the region, but having the freedom to explore by car is a real luxury.


Popular Destinations

Wales Cottage Destinations

Scotland Favourites

English Gems

Search
Filter
Map
Additional service fee may apply.
  View Map Map
Favorite
    Viewed 161 times in the last 48 hours
    Wonderful! 4.9/5
    (75 reviews)
    £93
    avg/night
    75
    Favorite
      Viewed 161 times in the last 48 hours
      Wonderful! 4.9/5
      (20 reviews)
      £69
      avg/night
      20
      Favorite
        Viewed 61 times in the last 48 hours
        Exceptional! 5/5
        (80 reviews)
        £72
        avg/night
        80
        Favorite
          Viewed 48 times in the last 48 hours
          Excellent! 4.7/5
          (9 reviews)
          £70
          avg/night
          9
          Favorite
            Viewed 49 times in the last 48 hours
            Excellent! 4.6/5
            (35 reviews)
            £55
            avg/night
            35
            Favorite
              Viewed 57 times in the last 48 hours
              Wonderful! 4.9/5
              (68 reviews)
              £69
              avg/night
              68
              Favorite
                Viewed 51 times in the last 48 hours
                Wonderful! 4.9/5
                (34 reviews)
                £125
                avg/night
                34
                Favorite
                  Viewed 85 times in the last 48 hours
                  Exceptional! 5/5
                  (46 reviews)
                  £130
                  avg/night
                  46
                  Favorite
                    Viewed 76 times in the last 48 hours
                    Exceptional! 5/5
                    (49 reviews)
                    £88
                    avg/night
                    49
                    Favorite
                      Viewed 66 times in the last 48 hours
                      Wonderful! 4.8/5
                      (58 reviews)
                      £71
                      avg/night
                      58
                      Favorite
                        Viewed 42 times in the last 48 hours
                        Wonderful! 4.8/5
                        (65 reviews)
                        £73
                        avg/night
                        65
                        Favorite
                          Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                          Exceptional! 5/5
                          (29 reviews)
                          £116
                          avg/night
                          29
                          Favorite
                            Viewed 36 times in the last 48 hours
                            Exceptional! 5/5
                            (61 reviews)
                            £97
                            avg/night
                            61
                            Favorite
                              Viewed 41 times in the last 48 hours
                              Exceptional! 5/5
                              (27 reviews)
                              £73
                              avg/night
                              27
                              Favorite
                                Viewed 47 times in the last 48 hours
                                Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                (16 reviews)
                                £132
                                avg/night
                                16
                                Favorite
                                  Viewed 32 times in the last 48 hours
                                  Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                  (22 reviews)
                                  £118
                                  avg/night
                                  22
                                  Favorite
                                    Viewed 54 times in the last 48 hours
                                    Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                    (25 reviews)
                                    £102
                                    avg/night
                                    25
                                    Favorite
                                      Viewed 49 times in the last 48 hours
                                      Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                      (57 reviews)
                                      £72
                                      avg/night
                                      57
                                      Favorite
                                        Viewed 41 times in the last 48 hours
                                        Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                        (48 reviews)
                                        £79
                                        avg/night
                                        48
                                        Favorite
                                          Viewed 17 times in the last 48 hours
                                          Excellent! 4.7/5
                                          (27 reviews)
                                          £78
                                          avg/night
                                          27
                                          Favorite
                                            Viewed 42 times in the last 48 hours
                                            Excellent! 4.3/5
                                            (13 reviews)
                                            £60
                                            avg/night
                                            13
                                            Favorite
                                              Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                              Excellent! 4.4/5
                                              (9 reviews)
                                              £114
                                              avg/night
                                              9
                                              Favorite
                                                Viewed 48 times in the last 48 hours
                                                Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                (12 reviews)
                                                £65
                                                avg/night
                                                12
                                                Favorite
                                                  Viewed 16 times in the last 48 hours
                                                  Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                  (7 reviews)
                                                  £78
                                                  avg/night
                                                  7
                                                  Favorite
                                                    Viewed 39 times in the last 48 hours
                                                    Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                    (40 reviews)
                                                    £113
                                                    avg/night
                                                    40
                                                    Favorite
                                                      Viewed 26 times in the last 48 hours
                                                      Exceptional! 5/5
                                                      (23 reviews)
                                                      £68
                                                      avg/night
                                                      23
                                                      Favorite
                                                        Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                        Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                        (33 reviews)
                                                        £74
                                                        avg/night
                                                        33
                                                        Favorite
                                                          Viewed 43 times in the last 48 hours
                                                          Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                          (33 reviews)
                                                          £204
                                                          avg/night
                                                          33
                                                          Favorite
                                                            Viewed 8 times in the last 48 hours
                                                            Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                            (33 reviews)
                                                            View details for price
                                                            33
                                                            Favorite
                                                              Viewed 19 times in the last 48 hours
                                                              Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                              (8 reviews)
                                                              £67
                                                              avg/night
                                                              8
                                                              Favorite
                                                                Viewed 18 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                                (23 reviews)
                                                                £56
                                                                avg/night
                                                                23
                                                                Favorite
                                                                  Viewed 42 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                  Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                  (33 reviews)
                                                                  £164
                                                                  avg/night
                                                                  33
                                                                  Favorite
                                                                    Viewed 31 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                    Very Good! 4/5
                                                                    (17 reviews)
                                                                    £50
                                                                    avg/night
                                                                    17
                                                                    Favorite
                                                                      Viewed 12 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                      Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                      (25 reviews)
                                                                      £100
                                                                      avg/night
                                                                      25
                                                                      Favorite
                                                                        Viewed 9 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                        Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                        (10 reviews)
                                                                        £83
                                                                        avg/night
                                                                        10
                                                                        Favorite
                                                                          Viewed 52 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                          Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                          (30 reviews)
                                                                          £65
                                                                          avg/night
                                                                          30
                                                                          Favorite
                                                                            Viewed 15 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                            Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                                            (15 reviews)
                                                                            £64
                                                                            avg/night
                                                                            15
                                                                            Favorite
                                                                              Viewed 24 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                              Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                                              (14 reviews)
                                                                              £52
                                                                              avg/night
                                                                              14
                                                                              Favorite
                                                                                Viewed 15 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                Excellent! 4.5/5
                                                                                (23 reviews)
                                                                                £80
                                                                                avg/night
                                                                                23
                                                                                Favorite
                                                                                  Viewed 20 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                  Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                                                  (15 reviews)
                                                                                  £140
                                                                                  avg/night
                                                                                  15
                                                                                  Favorite
                                                                                    Viewed 46 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                    Excellent! 4.6/5
                                                                                    (7 reviews)
                                                                                    £250
                                                                                    avg/night
                                                                                    7
                                                                                    Favorite
                                                                                      Viewed 29 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                      Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                                      (21 reviews)
                                                                                      £99
                                                                                      avg/night
                                                                                      21
                                                                                      Favorite
                                                                                        Viewed 6 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                        Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                                        (6 reviews)
                                                                                        £143
                                                                                        avg/night
                                                                                        6
                                                                                        Favorite
                                                                                          Viewed 20 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                          Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                                          (10 reviews)
                                                                                          £49
                                                                                          avg/night
                                                                                          10
                                                                                          Favorite
                                                                                            Viewed 15 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                            Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                                            (34 reviews)
                                                                                            £116
                                                                                            avg/night
                                                                                            34
                                                                                            Favorite
                                                                                              Viewed 18 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                              Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                                              (25 reviews)
                                                                                              £92
                                                                                              avg/night
                                                                                              25
                                                                                              Favorite
                                                                                                Viewed 27 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                                                (19 reviews)
                                                                                                £86
                                                                                                avg/night
                                                                                                19
                                                                                                Favorite
                                                                                                  Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                  Excellent! 4.6/5
                                                                                                  (39 reviews)
                                                                                                  £62
                                                                                                  avg/night
                                                                                                  39
                                                                                                  Favorite
                                                                                                    Viewed 26 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                    Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                                    (26 reviews)
                                                                                                    £87
                                                                                                    avg/night
                                                                                                    26
                                                                                                    Favorite
                                                                                                      Viewed 18 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                      Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                                      (8 reviews)
                                                                                                      £71
                                                                                                      avg/night
                                                                                                      8

                                                                                                      Highland Holiday Cottages & Homes (300+)

                                                                                                      1.  >
                                                                                                      2.  >
                                                                                                      3.  >
                                                                                                       

                                                                                                      Recent Reviews

                                                                                                      View property

                                                                                                      Great location and fresh well appointed accommodation- ideal place to come to

                                                                                                      5 of 5
                                                                                                      Everything was thought of and the house is nice and bright with lovely views - perfect house in ideal location
                                                                                                      ... continue reading
                                                                                                      • Review Submitted: Oct 21, 2017
                                                                                                      • Date of Stay: Oct 2017
                                                                                                      View property

                                                                                                      Perfect place to stay in!

                                                                                                      5 of 5
                                                                                                      We arrived late in the evening and it was already getting dark but instructions were spot on and we found the house easily. We were very nicely surprised the heating was on and house was nicely warm with a fire place ready to be lit. We really appreciated it as it was a cold evening. The cottage was warm, cosy... simply perfect. Kitchen was very well equipped and even a bottle of wine was waiting for us there. Instructions left in the house were clear and helpful. View was absolutely amazing and the house had very pleasant garden. We travelled around Scotland for a week and we all agreed this was the best place we stayed in!
                                                                                                      ... continue reading
                                                                                                      • Review Submitted: Oct 19, 2017
                                                                                                      • Date of Stay: Oct 2017