Top reasons to visit Scottish Highlands
- Stunning Scenery: The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, featuring rugged coastlines, magnificent waterfalls, and picturesque parks.
- Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling activities like skiing, hiking, and scenic drives that cater to all adventure levels.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Discover local whisky distilleries, historic villages, and ancient sites that showcase Scotland's heritage.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious castle hotels for a memorable stay.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy family-oriented experiences amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Highlands.
Find great hotels near Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer a diverse selection of accommodations, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Whether you're seeking adventure, a pet-friendly stay, or a family vacation experience, you'll find a range of options to suit your needs. Explore unique castle hotels, or consider a cozy stay at the Bettyhill Hotel for a memorable Highland experience. Discover the best hotels in the Highlands and immerse yourself in this stunning region.
- The Cluanie Inn: This 3.5-star hotel offers a cozy retreat just 18km from the Scottish Highlands. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, The Cluanie Inn is ideal for travelers seeking a pet-friendly environment. The property welcomes pets with amenities such as food and water bowls, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your furry friend. The inn's charming atmosphere, paired with its rustic setting, makes it a lovely choice for those looking to unwind in the heart of nature.
- Kintail Lodge Hotel: Rated 9.4 out of 10, this budget-friendly hotel is located 19km from the Scottish Highlands. Kintail Lodge Hotel caters to adventure enthusiasts, providing various recreational activities nearby, including birdwatching, horse riding, and hiking. Its pet-friendly policy allows for a hassle-free stay with your dog, making it a great choice for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. The warm, inviting ambiance complements its focus on adventure, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.
- The wooden floors, vintage furniture, and tartan accents create a comfy room: This charming bed and breakfast, situated 18km from the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, the accommodation boasts an array of adventure sports nearby, such as mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing. The stylish wooden flooring and vintage furnishings enhance the cozy atmosphere, making it a delightful home base for your explorations in Scotland.
Where to stay near Scottish Highlands
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Scottish Highlands, where outdoor adventures await. Explore the rugged coastlines and secluded landscapes, or indulge in luxury within the charming towns of Speyside. Discover the essence of Scottish culture as you traverse ancient sites and take in stunning views. Whether you're seeking thrilling excursions or a peaceful retreat, the Highlands offer a perfect blend of adventure and friendly hospitality.
- Kyle: Nestled just 16km from the stunning Scottish Highlands, Kyle is a charming city that draws travelers seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. The city sees a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peaks in April and from June to July. Here, you can explore popular hiking trails, shop at local stores, or even hit the nearby ski fields. Kyle is surrounded by impressive landmarks, including historic sites, majestic castles, and a national park, making it a fantastic base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
- Strathcarron: Located 21km from the Scottish Highlands, Strathcarron is a picturesque city perfect for romantic getaways and scenic explorations. Like Kyle, it enjoys a consistent stream of visitors throughout the year, with busiest times in April and during the summer months from June to July. Strathcarron offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and ski access, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Nearby, you can visit beautiful lakes, historic sites, and charming villages, providing a blend of adventure and cultural experiences.
- Camban: A quaint village situated only 13km from the Scottish Highlands, Camban is ideal for families and eco-friendly travelers. This village experiences moderate seasonal tourism, with peak visits from July to September. Camban is famous for its inviting hiking trails, perfect for exploring the surrounding landscapes. The area is adorned with parks and tranquil water features, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with nature. It's a wonderful spot for families and nature lovers to enjoy some quality time together in a serene setting.
Things to do in Scottish Highlands
Shopping
In the Scottish Highlands, explore the charming shops in Inverness. For unique gifts, visit the Victorian Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts. The Eastgate Shopping Centre offers a variety of retailers, perfect for picking up souvenirs and enjoying a cozy shopping atmosphere.
Recreation
Experience the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands at The Cranleigh, where you can unwind with holistic therapies and enjoy scenic nature walks. For adventure, partake in guided hikes through the stunning landscapes or explore tranquil lochs with kayaking, immersing yourself in the region's natural beauty.
Adventure
The Scottish Highlands offer thrilling mountain biking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, including rugged hills and serene lochs. For a unique experience, try white-water rafting on the River Findhorn, where adrenaline meets stunning scenery in exhilarating rapids and calm stretches.
Nightlife
The Scottish Highlands offer a cozy nightlife experience. Enjoy a whisky tasting at The Highlander Inn in Aberfeldy, or unwind at The Clachaig Inn in Glencoe, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional music sessions. Each venue offers a unique glimpse into Scottish culture and camaraderie.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Scottish Highlands
To save money on your trip to the Scottish Highlands, consider traveling between January and March for lower prices, and book your hotel about a month in advance. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Wednesdays, as Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter hotels by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. For additional savings, consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Enjoy free outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Scottish Highlands are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Scottish Highlands is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Scottish Highlands is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Scottish Highlands is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Scottish Highlands with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions near Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer a breathtaking outdoor adventure, perfect for tourists seeking stunning scenery and family-friendly experiences. Explore historic villages, magnificent waterfalls, and beautiful parks that highlight the region's natural beauty. For a comfortable stay, consider various hotels in the Scottish Highlands to enhance your visit and make the most of your time in this enchanting area.
- Glen Affric: A stunning national park located 11km from the Scottish Highlands, Glen Affric offers eco-friendly outdoor activities perfect for families. Hike through ancient Caledonian pine forests and enjoy the breathtaking views of mountains and glens, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
- Loch Carron: Situated 21km away, Loch Carron is a charming historic village that immerses visitors in local culture. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, visit traditional Scottish shops, and appreciate the picturesque landscapes that have inspired artists for generations.
- Plodda Falls: Located 18km from the Highlands, Plodda Falls features a spectacular waterfall that cascades dramatically into a wooded gorge. Perfect for those seeking adventure and romance, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and the thrill of exploring the trails nearby.
Best time to go to Scottish Highlands
The best time to visit Scottish Highlands can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Scottish Highlands falls in July and August. August has high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Scottish Highlands falls in February, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Scottish Highlands
Flying into the Scottish Highlands is convenient with several major airports. EDInburgh Airport (EDI) is 187km away, with nearby hotels like the 5.5-star Crescent House and the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both 11km from the airport. GLAsgow International Airport (GLA) is 167km away, offering luxurious accommodations such as the 5-star JA Mar Hall Scotland, located 6km away. Belfast City Airport (BHD) is farther at 304km, with options like the 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel just 5km from the airport. Each airport provides various transportation services, making access to the Highlands seamless for travelers.