Close to coast: six sea breeze places to stay in Scotland
Scotland, including her scattering of myriad islands, can lay claim to a whopping 11,602 miles (18,672 km) of wild and rugged coastline. Home to vast habitats filled with birds and sea life, the Scottish coast opens up endless possibilities for boat trips, kayaking, swimming in loch and sea, and mighty hikes along salty coastal trails. Come to gaze in awe at sea eagles, puffins, osprey, dolphins, seals and otters from this collection of coastal places to stay in bonny Scotland.
Arrowdale, Highland
For walkers, dreamers, nature lovers and adventurers: a delightful harled stone and wood house just yards from the sea with glorious hills behind. Wander through a meadow to a rocky beach with two kayaks provided for wonderful adventures and, if you’re lucky, otter spotting. Inside is lovely, light and warm with a big window seat for gazing towards the water.
Downstairs is warmed by underfloor heating from an air source heat pump and there’s a wood fire to cheer you up on really foul-weather days, when the dramatic skies will be fun to watch from the inside. The master bedroom is downstairs and has garden views, two twins up in the eaves have sloping ceilings but proper windows. Clare is a cook so the kitchen has gadgets galore, decent knives and cookery books. She can also provide delicious home cooked meals.
“This really is the perfect cottage in the perfect location with stunning views from a huge picture window over a beautiful garden, Loch Gairloch and the hills.” – Guest, Jane
The Ship Inn, Fife
This heavenly inn on Fife’s south coast with a terrace overlooking the beach. On sunny days, you decant here for lunch in the sun and gaze across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. The food is top-notch – fish and seafood from local waters, lamb and beef from nearby farms, sinful puddings you can’t resist; there are regular barbecues on the terrace, too. Inside, contemporary rustic design mixes with roaring fires and the odd stone wall.
Find a sofa or armchair and get cosy. Smart rooms have seaside colours, crisp linen, coffee machines, fancy bathrooms with walk-in showers; those at the front have sea views. If you’re lucky, you might catch a game of cricket on the beach below.
“I’d been for dinner here before but never stayed. Now I’ll never go for dinner and NOT stay. Friendly staff, great food, a beautiful room and breakfast overlooking the bay.” – Guest, Christopher
Winterton, Argyll & Bute
A remote and rugged setting at this house looking over Kilmartin Glen. Stephanie and Adrian are a creative, well-travelled pair and their house is packed with warmth and interest, including local art for sale. Be welcomed by home cooking, sink into the views from the sun lounge, sleep soundly in luxurious, very quiet bedrooms. Breakfasts with a delicious twist will set you up for a wonderful day walking in the footsteps of the first Scots through this fascinating history-steeped landscape.
Explore the beach, sea loch and woods, discover ‘Britain’s most beautiful short cut by sea’ and from there sail to the Corryvreckan. You won’t have to go out again in the evening, as the house is licensed and Stephanie and Adrian’s dinners are well worth arranging too.
“Absolutely wonderful stay with Stephanie and Adrian in their beautiful home. We were made so welcome, our bedroom was extremely comfortable with lovely views.” – Guest, Alison
Coruisk House, Isle of Skye
A wonderful drive down the glen, past tiny cottages and wandering sheep, around the loch and over the mountain to the wild side of Skye with its moody lochs, heather-covered hills and this restaurant with rooms. Arrive at a converted croft house where a glass of prosecco greets you on arrival and Belgian hot chocolate is offered before bed. Enjoy breakfast with a view then strike out: wild hill walks start from the door, and the bay of Camasunary is close.
Drop down to Elgol harbour, where Bonnie Prince Charlie fled for his life, and gaze upon the mighty Cuillin rising from the sea – you might also glimpse seals and puffins. The restaurant in the fire-warmed conservatory serves exceptional food. Sleep in simple, stylish bedrooms.
“My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Coruisk House and it was truly fabulous. We have very special memories of warm and inviting hosts Claire and Iain, wonderful food and beautiful accommodation.” – Guest, Claire
The Net Store, Highland
Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house, perched 10 feet from the shores of Loch Beag, has a dazzle of windows designed to make the most of the views: across the Minch to the Hebrides, to the mountains on the far side of Loch Torridon, plus non-stop sealife and birdlife. Prepare to stare. While outside is wild nature, inside is calm, crisp minimalism softened with deerskin rugs, leather sofas and wool headboards.
Choose between the downstairs bedroom with patio doors to the loch and the larger upstairs room with huge velux to capture the hills and night sky. Drive 20 minutes around the coast to Cuaig, a secluded sandy beach for a picnic and a swim if you’re feeling brave! Return to cosiness in front of the wood-burner, sunset drinks on the patio and dinner in the high-tech kitchen with loch-view dining.
“For our first ever trip to Scotland we decided to stay at The Net Store and it made our experience truly special.” – Guest, Kerry
Knoydart Hide, Highland
On Scotland’s west coast with sea and mountains all around, this stylish bolthole is a dream escape for two. Walls of glass open onto a decked terrace, where you can soak in a hot tub while screened from the world by pine trees. Inside, there’s a wood-burner in the sitting room, a kitchen with ample cooking stuff, a lovely big bed that looks out to sea, then a bathroom with a double-ended bath, a walk-in shower and an infrared sauna.
Pad about in bath robes, open your arrival bottle of prosecco, snuggle in front of movie. If you don’t want to cook, a chef can do it for you – lazy breakfasts, afternoon tea, seafood barbecues. Spot wild orchids and sea eagles; climb mountains, cruise the sea loch, gaze at star-studded night skies.
“Our trip to Knoydart was an epic experience from start to finish and was made all the more incredible by being able to stay in the heart of the village at Knoydart Hide.” – Guest, Vin
