Holiday Cottages in Scotland

Holiday Cottages: Scotland Cottages

All Scottish areas, including the Scottish Highlands, Islands, Royal Deeside and the Angus Glens offer a host of holiday cottages. Amenities do vary from cottage to cottage, so it's worth making a list of your specific requirements, rather than just relying on an attractive photograph when deciding where to stay. Think about issues like accessibility, if it would be possible to bring a pet, if the property going to be suitable for young children, what exactly is included in the price, and if the cottage close to shops, restaurants or pubs. Lastly, for the smokers out there, is smoking permitted? Scotland has a huge selection of holiday cottages, many of which are quite remote and beautifully set.

When booking your Scotland self catering holiday cottage, start by working out what you want from your cottage. Remote, idyllic holiday cottages may be great in the summer, but deserted in the winter. Planning is essential to finding your perfect holiday cottage - conduct some research into the local area and its facilities. Out of peak season some more remote Scotland locations such as the Grampians and Cairngorms, the Scottish Highlands and some of the smaller Scottish islands can get quiet - agreeable if you're looking for a secluded romantic Scotland retreat or if you're a hardened walker, but maybe not for families hoping to enjoy an exciting self catering cottage holiday! Check what local amenities are available. Are there sufficient shops, pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities, not forgetting petrol stations! If you're a family booking holiday cottages out of season, be aware of the changing Scotland weather, and look for a location with ample indoor alternative entertainment if the weather turns!

Scotland Holiday Cottages – Isle of Skye Cottages

Holiday cottages in Scotland range from former one storey crofts sleeping 2-4 people, up to grand hunting lodges and accommodation within castle grounds. You'll find self catering cottages available all over Scotland and the Scottish islands like the Isle of Mull, Skye, the Hebrides and Orkneys. These can be a good choice if you're planning to be out and about exploring the countryside all day and don't want to be tied to meal times or experience what it's like to stay in a historic Scottish building. Self catering choices are available in abundance around the main centres like Luss near Loch Lomond or seaside destinations like the Moray Coast, the Kintyre Peninsula or the Ayrshire coast. Historic buildings in picturesque locations - cottages can be perfect for a romantic break.

There are some unusual self catering options in Scotland: you can rent a Scottish Lighthouse designed by the prolific Stevenson family, or how about staying in former whisky distillery cottages in Fort William - handy for the Great Glen Way and Scotland's outdoor capital at Lochaber. You can even stay in a restored "Blackhouse", a thatched crofter's cottage in the Outer Hebrides.

Holiday Cottages Edinburgh – Scotland Cottages Pricing

Prices for holiday cottages in Scotland vary according to high and low season. When booking ask the owners which weeks they define as low and as high season, remembering that some owners may be open to negotiation. There are some real bargains to be had in Scotland, with prices often below £200 per week for a cottage which accommodates four people. You might find more bargains where there is a lot of self-catering accommodation due to the increased competition.

Low season can vary but normally includes all of the seasons except for the summer, although be aware that prices will increase over prime holiday weeks such as Christmas, Hogmanay (New Year), school half terms, Easter and the May bank holidays. Low season means lower prices, quiet getaways and roads and more affordable prices, meaning that you have the chance to choose a cottage in low season that would be much more expensive in high season. High season can be loosely defined as the summer months, and prices are approximately £100 more than in low season.

Holiday cottage owners may offer discounts for longer stays or during the quieter periods. Check to see if they offer short rentals for long weekends, not all do. Check what's included - usually bed linen and towels are included, but some of the lower priced holiday cottages may not provide them. Extras like firewood or groceries can often be organised for a small fee and will help you settle in when you arrive. Some of the luxury holiday cottages may well welcome you with a bowl of fruit or box of chocolates!

Fort William Cottages; Scotland Cottages Accommodation Grading

Scotland Holiday Cottages, like hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, are graded with the Star system by the Scottish Tourist Board. The same standards apply for the star grade on a holiday cottage, with one star representing fair to good quality accommodation and five stars representing exceptional accommodation.

All Scotland self catering holiday cottages inspected by the STB will offer a good standard of cleanliness, with ample furnishing and furniture and suitable fittings - all in good condition. Watch out for the high scoring holiday cottages in Scotland as these really are luxury in the waiting! Perfect for romantic short or long breaks in Scotland. You can expect superb attention to detail and numerous personal touches in these luxury 4 and 5 star holiday cottages, as well as extensive equipment.

Highland Holiday Cottages, Scotland – A Guide

Whether staying in the Scottish Highlands or at cottages in Wales, cottages are often independently accredited by self-catering associations which are independent of public and private sector tourist institutions. They have their own logos and associations insist that their members offer high standards of comfort, cleanliness, courtesy and efficiency.

If taking your pet to holiday cottages in the Lake District or indeed anywhere else, don't allow them on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice about local amenities and facilities. If you do have any extra needs, queries or problems make sure that you speak to the owner, as these are often easily rectified. Be sure to take out holiday insurance - premiums are low compared to holiday insurance abroad and cover risks such as lost luggage, cancellation due to illness or family bereavement occurring during or just before your holiday.