Holiday rentals and lettings in Scotland

• Choice of accommodation: From cosy log cabins to grand lochside lodges and city apartments, Scotland suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: The Highlands for mountains and lochs, Edinburgh or Glasgow for the cities, or the islands for wild coast.
• What guests love: Castles, lochs and dramatic scenery, whisky and hearty food, and a warm Scottish welcome.
• Best time to visit: Summer for long days and walking, autumn for colour, and cosy winters by the fire.
• Things to do: Roam the Highlands, explore Edinburgh, cruise the lochs, sail to Skye and tour a distillery.

Scotland's holiday lettings span every landscape, from cosy log cabins and stone cottages in the Highlands to lochside lodges and elegant city apartments. Many can be tailored to your needs, with room for the family, a garden and good proximity to restaurants, and there is something for every group and budget. Whether you want a snug retreat for two or a grand house for a gathering, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and heating for cosy nights after the hills
• A garden or terrace with countryside or loch views
• A hot tub at many of the cabins with a hot tub
• A wood burner or open fire for chilly evenings
• Dog-friendly options so the whole family can come along

Wherever you base yourself, a loch, a summit or a castle is never far away. Looking for something special, or a city base? You can also compare luxury rentals across the country, apartments in Glasgow and lochside cabins at Loch Lomond.

What are the best areas to stay in Scotland?

It depends on the trip you have in mind: the Highlands are best for wild scenery, while the cities suit culture. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Scotland through Holidu often highlight the breathtaking scenery, from lochs and mountains to castles and coast, and the comfort of a warm cabin or lodge after a day exploring. Many mention the whisky, the hearty food and the friendly welcome, and return for the sheer variety, whether they come for the wild Highlands, the vibrant cities or the peaceful islands.

Scotland is a nation of dramatic contrasts, from more than 7,000 miles of coastline and hundreds of islands to majestic mountains, glittering lochs and historic cities. It is a land of castles, Highland Games and world-famous whisky, its scenery familiar from films like Harry Potter and Braveheart. With several national parks and a warm welcome throughout, it makes an endlessly rewarding base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Scotland?

Most visitors arrive by train, plane or car, then explore by road. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By train: Fast, scenic services run from London and northern England to Edinburgh and Glasgow in around four to five hours, with the famous West Highland Line continuing into the mountains. It is a relaxed, car-free way to reach the cities before picking up a hire car for the countryside.
• By plane and car: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness airports connect Scotland with the UK and beyond in a short hop. Once here, a car is invaluable for exploring the Highlands, lochs and islands at your own pace, and most holiday lettings offer parking.

🥗Where to eat in Scotland?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Kitchin in Edinburgh is one of the best rated restaurants in Scotland. Below is a table showing top highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers the Wilson family recommend a traditional Highland inn for a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties: the perfect place to try Scotland's national dish after a day in the glens.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the longest days and best walking, while autumn sets the glens ablaze with colour. Winter is dramatic, with snowy peaks, skiing and cosy firesides.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Hiking, islands and city festivals
• Weather: Mild with very long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Lively, especially during Edinburgh's festivals

Autumn (September–October)

• Best for: Golden glens, wildlife and quieter trails
• Weather: Cool and often crisp and clear
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with spectacular colour

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Snowy peaks, skiing, whisky and Hogmanay
• Weather: Cold, with snow on the mountains
• Atmosphere: Peaceful and snug, with roaring fires

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Scotland hosts recommend rising early to catch the Highlands at their most magical, with mist over the lochs and few crowds, then warming up with a dram and a bowl of Cullen skink. Ask your host for their favourite hidden glen and the best local distillery to tour.

1. Roam the Highlands
2. Explore Edinburgh's Old Town
3. Cruise Loch Lomond and the lochs
4. Sail to the Isle of Skye
5. Tour a whisky distillery

1. Roam the Highlands

   The Scottish Highlands are arguably the most beautiful part of the UK, a vast landscape of glorious mountains, glens and lochs. Famous from films like Harry Potter and Braveheart, they offer fascinating history, historic battlefields and a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking Britain's tallest peaks to spotting red deer and eagles. Whether you drive the scenic routes or lace up your boots, the Highlands are utterly unforgettable.

2. Explore Edinburgh's Old Town

   Scotland's handsome capital, Edinburgh, is dominated by its clifftop castle and the medieval closes of the Old Town. Walk the Royal Mile down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, climb Calton Hill for the views, and soak up the atmosphere, especially during the world-famous summer festivals. With its history, museums and lively food scene, the city makes a superb base or a memorable day out.

3. Cruise Loch Lomond and the lochs

   Just north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a gateway to Scotland's famous lochs. Take a cruise across the glassy water, hire a kayak or simply picnic on the shore beneath the surrounding peaks. Beyond it lie countless other lochs, from mysterious Loch Ness to remote Highland waters, each with its own scenery, wildlife and stories to discover.

4. Sail to the Isle of Skye

   The most famous of Scotland's islands, the Isle of Skye is a land of jagged peaks, sea cliffs and otherworldly rock formations. Marvel at the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools, explore pretty Portree and sample fresh island seafood. Reached by a bridge or a scenic ferry, it captures the wild, romantic spirit of the Hebrides and rewards every visitor with spectacular scenery.

5. Tour a whisky distillery

   No trip to Scotland is complete without discovering its national drink. Across the country, from Speyside to Islay and the Highlands, whisky distilleries welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings. Learn how single malt is made, from mash to cask, and sample a dram or two straight from the source. It is a warming, fascinating experience and a delicious insight into a great Scottish tradition.