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15 May 2023

Hidden gem holidays in Scotland

A single-storey, long white stone cottage stands on a slight bank, just above a sandy and rocky beach. Trees cover the steep hill behind.
South Segganwell at Culzean | Image: Sykes Holiday Cottages
From cottages right beside the beach to apartments inside grand castles or lodges nestled in walled gardens, we have hidden gems all over Scotland – perfect for a memorable holiday destination.

Enjoy a holiday with a difference and experience some of the less well-known parts of Scotland. Get away from the tourist hotspots and immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes and rich heritage.

Booking a holiday with the National Trust for Scotland helps us to protect these places, now and for the future.

Highlands & Islands

Inverewe House Apartment

Location: Inverewe, near Ullapool
Sleeps: 6 (2 king and 1 twin)

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A colour photograph of Inverewe House, seen from the lawn. A gravel path runs along the edge of the lawn with a group of people walking on it. Several other groups of people either sit on the grass or on the wooden benches in front of the house.
Inverewe House

Getting to Inverewe is an adventure in itself. You will journey through wild and rugged mountain landscapes before reaching this oasis of colour on the edge of the Atlantic.

Enjoying a superb location within the main house at the heart of the wonderful Inverewe Garden, this apartment is a fantastic family-friendly choice for couples or a family of up to six, plus two canine companions. The house was built in 1937 in an Art Deco style and is surrounded by 2,000 acres of wildlife-rich grounds, with stunning views overlooking Loch Ewe.

The garden was begun in 1868 by Osgood Mackenzie from bare rock and scrub willows – it is now filled with a wide array of colourful plants from around the world, resulting in a tropical paradise in the midst of the North-West Highlands. You’ll have the gardens to yourselves to explore once the visitor gates close!

There is also another holiday property at Inverewe. Find out more

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“We loved every minute of our time in the apartment and the surrounding area. So many epic beaches, mountain walks, SUP opportunities ... What a privilege to have the opportunity to spend a week in such a beautiful piece of history. This is a true gem of a holiday location.”
Reviewed by Ben and Nichola
October 2022
A view of a lounge in a holiday cottage, looking towards a slightly curved window at the far end of the room. A curved window seat is just below the window. Comfy looking sofas are arranged on the wooden floor at the side of the room, with a wooden coffee table on the rug in the centre. A large screen tv stands in the corner. A double bed is neatly presented in a holiday cottage, with towels and a hairdryer stacked at the foot of the bed. The room has a wooden floor with a large rug at the end of the bed. A wicker chair stands beside the chest of drawers in the corner. A view looking through a gap in the trees across the shore of Loch Ewe. Mountains can just be made out in the far distance.

Beaton’s Croft House

Location: Isle of Skye, near Uig
Sleeps: 2 (1 double – can be twin on request)

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A white thatched cottage stands in a grassy field, with a smaller thatched outbuilding beside. The cottage has a chimney either end, and a small red front door. Mountains can be seen in the background.
Beaton’s Croft House

There is no better place to explore the enchanting Isle of Skye than an original thatched croft house. Nestled in a landscape of rolling hills and Hebridean views, and A-listed for its historic interest, Beaton’s Croft is a dream getaway from everyday life.

Come home to a wood-burning stove after long walks and soak up the atmosphere of traditional croft life, with modern amenities to hand.

The village of Uig can be found just a short car journey away, boasting two local shops and a pub where you can stop for a tasty meal.

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“The traditional nature of the croft was like walking through a time tunnel into the past. Loved the location and setting.”
Reviewed by Irene
June 2021
The wood-panelled sitting room in a croft house. Red sofas stand either side of a fireplace. The room has a wooden floor but with a chunky rug by the fire. A view looking across a large grassy field towards the sea off the Isle of Skye. The sky is blue with white wispy clouds. The corner of a thatched roof can just be seen in the left foreground. On the right is the corner of a green wooden garden gate.

South West Scotland

South Segganwell

Location: Culzean Country Park, near Maybole
Sleeps: 2 (1 double)

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A long, single-storey white cottage with a grey tiled roof stands above a sandy beach.
The Segganwell cottages at Culzean

Although Culzean is one of the National Trust for Scotland’s most-visited properties, this beachside cottage is tucked away beneath the cliffs and down a flight of over 100 steps! It’s the best of both worlds. It stands adjacent to North Segganwell, also a holiday cottage that sleeps two. The cottages were once home to the estate workers of Culzean Castle – William Kirkland, a shepherd, lived here with his wife and four children.

Today, they offer a beautiful base from which to explore this lovely part of Scotland. Surrounded by 600 acres of stunning woodland and gardens, as well as offering 3 miles of coastline to explore, the Segganwell cottages are the perfect choice for a couple’s escape.

There are seven other holiday properties on the Culzean estate in addition to the Segganwell cottages. Find out more

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“An idyllic stay in what felt like a desert island, with the added advantage of access to the beautiful grounds of a National Trust for Scotland castle.”
Reviewed by Philip
May 2022
A large grey and white patterned rug dominates the lounge in a holiday cottage. A fireplace is on the far wall, with a shelf above holding various maritime ornaments. A sofa faces the fireplace. A table and chairs stand against the back wall, beneath a large framed map of Ayrshire. A view looking out to sea from a grassy shore. A stone path runs in the foreground. Steep cliffs covered in trees rise in the background.

North East Scotland

Steading Cottage

Location: Craigievar Castle, near Alford
Sleeps: 4 (1 double and 1 twin)

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An aerial view of the scaffolding-covered Craigievar Castle. The scaffolding is wrapped in a pink banner that bears the web address: www.nts.org.uk/pinkagain. A line of white vans and work vehicles are parked along the narrow road leading to the castle.
Craigievar Castle | Image: Michal Wachucik, Abermedia

A major conservation project is taking place at Craigievar Castle this year as we work to restore the iconic pink colour to the castle walls. The castle itself is surrounded by scaffolding and remains closed for the whole year.

However, its delightful grounds remain open, as do the charming holiday cottages nestled just up from the castle.

A little stone cottage enveloped with climbing roses, Steading Cottage was once the home for the castle’s estate workers. It is built around a quaint cobbled courtyard and faces Craigievar Castle’s famous pink turrets. It now offers four guests a tranquil retreat.

Surrounded by extensive parkland, guests at Steading Cottage can enjoy free rein of this magnificent landscape. Explore the waymarked woodland trails and catch sight of red squirrels, roe deer and perhaps even the elusive wildcats that roam the area.

In addition, there are two other holiday properties on the Craigievar estate. Find out more

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“The cottage was perfect for our needs and had everything necessary for our week’s stay.”
Reviewed by Anthony
August 2022
A stone cottage with a gravelled driveway and green lawn in front. The front door and shutters are painted dark green. Tall trees surround the cottage. A lounge and dining area inside a holiday cottage. A large exposed stone pillar stands in the centre of the space. Armchairs and a television are at the far end of the room. A dining table is in the foreground.

Macdui

Location: Mar Lodge Estate, near Braemar
Sleeps: 4 (1 double and 1 twin)

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A view of the grand Mar Lodge building with its distinctive red tiled roof. A long gravel drive leads to the entrance across a grass lawn. Pine trees and heather-covered hillside can be seen in the background.
Mar Lodge

Resting within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is Mar Lodge, a beautiful Victorian sporting lodge that has been carefully restored by the National Trust for Scotland to offer wonderful holiday accommodation amidst one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. The picturesque lodge has been split into five luxuriously furnished apartments. Macdui sits on the first floor, offering stunning views across the ancient pine forest.

If you’re seeking a holiday rich in breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures, then Mar Lodge Estate is a superb choice. Take walks through wooded glens, stroll alongside crystal-clear burns and soak up the marvellous mountain scenery, with the estate being home to four of Britain’s five highest mountains. Across 29,000 hectares, you’ll be sure to find your own hidden gem.

In addition, there are six other holiday properties at Mar Lodge Estate. Find out more

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“The flat was extremely comfortable, beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. We were lucky enough to have good weather so were able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, walking round the estate and spotting wildlife (including a golden eagle sighting).”
Reviewed by Patricia
May 2022
A grand-looking lounge in a holiday apartment. A green sofa faces a green-tiled fireplace at the other end of the room. Two easy chairs sit either side of the fireplace. A modern portrait of a woman hangs on the wall. A large window is on the left, with long curtains either side. A grand-looking bathroom in a holiday apartment. A roll-top bath is surrounded by a white shower curtain. The wooden parquet floor leads towards windows with views across a vast lawn area. A marble-topped dressing table stands on the left in the foreground.

North Wing

Location: Pitmedden Garden, near Ellon
Sleeps: 7 (2 double, 1 twin and 1 single)

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A bird's eye view of the great garden at Pitmedden. A large lawn is split into sections, with manicured hedges and trees surrounding designed beds of flowers and plants.
Pitmedden Garden | Image: Michal Wachucik

Resting at the heart of the National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden is North Wing, part of the large 17th-century manor house that lies within these scenic grounds.

North Wing provides a fabulous holiday base for those seeking the delights of rural north-east Scotland, whilst still being within easy reach of ‘The Granite City’ and the coast.

Open your front door and marvel at the beauty of 5 miles of immaculate hedging, creating intricate patterns that weave through the grounds. Over 80 varieties of apple are grown here, accompanied by elegant fountains offering the tranquil sounds of flowing water – this is a truly idyllic place. The village of Pitmedden itself has all you need for a self-catered stay, with a handful of amenities including a local shop and pub.

There is another holiday property at Pitmedden. Find out more

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“This must rank as the best National Trust property in the country. The accommodation is simply superb. Spacious, comfortable, in period ... The biggest bonus of all must be the private access to the simply glorious Pitmedden Garden with an open-all-hours policy allowing one to stroll around the garden after the visitors have gone.”
Reviewed by Richard
June 2022
Floral patterned easy chairs and a sofa are arranged in a lounge in a holiday apartment. A tall wooden bookcase stands behind the sofa. Large windows offer views across a grand garden. A square wooden dining table is set for dinner in a holiday apartment, with red-cushioned chairs around it. A glass-fronted wooden dresser is at the far end of the room.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Holidays

Take a well-earned break with us, and enjoy Scotland at its glorious, vibrant and tranquil best!

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Featured Places

Looking towards Culzean Castle, with the Fountain Court garden in the foreground.
Place

Culzean Castle

Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks

Ayrshire & Arran
Place

Inverewe

Rare species thrive in this heritage garden as the effects of the Gulf Stream meet the Highlands.

The Highlands
Place

Mar Lodge Estate

Britain’s largest National Nature Reserve – a wildlife wonderland in the heart of the Cairngorms

Aberdeen City & Shire

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Holiday accommodation

Every stay at a National Trust for Scotland holiday property contributes towards our vital conservation work across the country.

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