Scotland Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Scotland Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Scotland offers incredible sightseeing opportunities within easy reach of most hot tub cottages. Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital's skyline and ranks 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor with over 51,000 reviews. The castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Adult tickets cost £18 when booked online.

Loch Ness attracts visitors hoping to spot the famous monster. The Loch Ness Centre (IV63 6TU) recently underwent a £1.5 million renovation and scores 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor. Open daily 10am-5pm, it uses technology to explore the lake's mysteries.

The Isle of Skye's Fairy Pools (IV47 8TA) offer crystal-clear wild swimming spots with mountain backdrops. TripAdvisor rates them 4.5/5 from 2,900+ reviews. The £5 parking charge helps maintain the site. I recommend visiting early morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.

Glencoe (PH49 4HX) provides dramatic mountain scenery featured in James Bond's Skyfall. The visitor centre explains the area's dark history including the infamous 1692 massacre. TripAdvisor users give it 4.7/5 from 3,800+ reviews.

Pet Friendly

Scotland ranks among the UK's most dog-friendly destinations. Many hot tub cottages welcome pets, often providing dog beds, bowls and treats. We've noticed more properties adding secure gardens specifically for four-legged guests.

Scottish beaches typically allow dogs year-round, unlike many English beaches with summer restrictions. Luskentyre Beach on Harris offers miles of white sand for dogs to run free. The Highlands contain countless forest trails where dogs can explore off-lead.

The Dreel Tavern in Anstruther (KY10 3DL) welcomes dogs inside and provides water bowls and treats. Their fish and chips won Scotland's best in 2023. Edinburgh's Caley Sample Room (EH11 1JR) allows dogs in the bar area and serves Sunday roasts that get rave reviews.

Pack extra towels for your dog as Scotland's weather means muddy paws. The midges in summer can irritate dogs, so bring pet-safe repellent between May and September. Most national parks request dogs stay on leads during ground-nesting bird season (April-July).

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Scotland

The Jacobite Steam Train (PH33 7BG) offers an unforgettable 84-mile round trip from Fort William to Mallaig. This journey crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in Harry Potter films. The train runs April to October, with tickets from £52 return. Book months ahead as it sells out quickly. A passenger last month wrote: "Worth every penny for the views alone. The staff shared fascinating historical facts throughout the journey."

Stirling Castle (FK8 1EJ) provides a more authentic Scottish experience than Edinburgh Castle with smaller crowds. The castle offers excellent interactive exhibits explaining Scotland's royal history. The Great Hall restoration used traditional methods and materials. Open daily 9:30am-5pm, adult tickets cost £16. A recent visitor noted: "The costumed interpreters brought history to life for our children in a way textbooks never could."

The Royal Yacht Britannia (EH6 6JJ) in Edinburgh lets you explore the former floating home of the Royal Family. You'll see the Queen's bedroom, the State Dining Room where world leaders were entertained and the engine room kept spotlessly clean. Open daily 10am-4:30pm, adult tickets cost £19. A TripAdvisor review stated: "Fascinating insight into royal life. The audio guide includes personal anecdotes from former crew members."

What's the best time to visit Scotland for a hot tub cottage break?

May and September offer the best balance of decent weather, fewer tourists and lower prices. The hot tub becomes particularly enjoyable in autumn when evenings turn crisp but aren't freezing. Summer brings long daylight hours (until 11pm in northern Scotland) but also peak prices and midges.

Do I need a car for a Scottish hot tub cottage holiday?

For most rural cottages, yes. Public transport serves major towns well but becomes limited in the Highlands and islands. Some remote cottages sit at the end of single-track roads. If you're staying in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you can manage without a car and take organized day trips.

How bad are the midges really?

They can be genuinely problematic between May and September, particularly in the western Highlands and near water. Dawn and dusk see the worst activity. Bring repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. The hot tub is actually a midge-free zone as they can't tolerate the chlorinated water!

Can I see the Northern Lights from Scotland?

Yes, particularly from northern Scotland between September and March. The Shetland Islands, Orkney, Caithness and the Moray Coast offer the best chances. Download the AuroraWatch UK app for alerts. Many hot tub cottages in these areas advertise their dark sky views.

Is wild swimming safe in Scotland?

Scotland offers amazing wild swimming spots, but water temperatures rarely exceed 15°C even in summer. Enter gradually to avoid cold water shock. Check local advice about currents and water quality. The hot tub provides a warmer alternative when conditions aren't suitable!

What Scottish food should I try during my stay?

Beyond haggis, try cullen skink (smoked haddock soup), fresh seafood from west coast villages, Aberdeen Angus beef and tablet (a fudge-like sweet). Many farm shops sell local produce to cook in your cottage. The Peat Inn near St Andrews and The Three Chimneys on Skye offer exceptional Scottish fine dining worth the splurge.

VisitScotland's Official Loch Ness Guide WalkHighlands - Detailed Walking Routes ScotRail's Scenic Railway Journeys Scottish Midge Forecast