Wildlife and Nature holidays in Scotland – a country rich in both Nature and Wildlife
Whether you’re interested in seeing the North Coast’s Eagles, Whales, Seals and Storm Petrels, or the Dolphins and Ducks on Harris. A Holiday in Scotland has all the Wildlife and Nature you could possibly wish to see. Choose from wildlife havens, conservation areas, Seal colonies and Otter havens. Visit bird watching paradise, explore Wild Cat forest parks and nature trails.
From John o’ Groats and Cape Wrath to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, Scotland is packed with prime real estate for sea birds. Every spring pairs of guillemots, gannets, razorbills and puffins eagerly snap up a precarious cliff ledge perch from the thousands that line the coast. A temperate climate, dramatic landscapes, and generations of traditional care for the land have shaped Scotland into a wonderful place for wildlife.
It’s a Wildlife haven and birdwatchers paradise with cliffs and islands that are some of the world’s most incredible seabird cities with puffins, gannets and more. Geese gather in astounding winter flocks, and black grouse and capercaillie share ancient pine forests with red squirrels. Our birds of prey are inspiring too with osprey, red kite, and Europe’s largest, the white-tailed sea eagle. Our mountains are home to some truly iconic creatures. Golden eagles nest in some of their highest density in Europe, red grouse flight across heather moors.
Best places to see Puffins Best places to see Sea Eagles Best places to see Oyster Catchers Best places to see Scottish Wild Cats
Scotland’s famous rivers that cut through the land host salmon and trout. Our very own ‘Big 5’ – Scottish wildcat, pine marten, badger, fox and otter are here and there’s nothing more breathtaking than the silhouette of a proud red deer stag in a glen.
Scotland’s wildlife-rich seascape is also the envy of many with over 22 species of whales and dolphins sighted off our coast. Minke whales and bottlenose dolphins are regular if you know where to look, and basking sharks, at up to 11m long the largest shark in the northern hemisphere, are a frequent summer visitor. Unseen by most people, but accessible to all.
Best places to see Whales Best places to see Seals Best place to see Sharks Best place to see Otters Best places to Red Squirrels
Scotland’s ancient Caledonian pinewood forests once spread across thousands of kilometers of the Highlands. They now remain at just 84 sites and cover 180 km2 in the north and west. However, the forests aren’t just Scots pine rich. Juniper, birch, willow, rowan and aspen trees are all native pinewood forest species. The forests are ideal habitat for a vast number of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to Scotland and rely upon the Caledonian forests for their survival. There’s a higher density of otters in some areas than any other in north-west Europe, and seals bask lazily on the shore everywhere. You can explore Scotland’s mountains and forests and spot capercaillie, red kite, pine marten, red squirrel and many more fascinating species !
Best places to see Deer Best places to see Pine Martins Best place to see Dolphins Best place to see Buzzards
The Northern Highlands
For Puffins, Pine Martins, Deer, Golden Eagles, Whales and Seals
Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands
Far North Cottage Dunnet Head Caithness – Far North Cottage sleeps 6. This unique former Croft Cottage with large enclosed garden is the furthest North Detached Cottage on the Scottish mainland, enjoying spectacular open views of the Pentland firth, Scapa flow and Orkney Isles. This Beautiful cottage enjoys many luxuries including optional extra Hot Tub (£100 supplement) en-suite master bedroom, bathroom with observation skylight windows, 2 person Jacuzzi bath, Sauna and Free WIFI. Also front Conservatory for clear Sea, Night Sky and Eagle Watching. Full Electric heating, Coal / Wood Stove, further family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath. All bedrooms all with tv / dvd. This cottage forms the perfect base for exploring Caithness, Sutherland, the North Coast, Cape Wrath and Orkney. Pets Welcome
Sea View Cottage Northern Highlands – Navidale, North East Coast, Sea View detached former croft cottage in the Northern Highlands with a Remote Feel with Conservatory, Outdoor Hot Tub, Jacuzzi bathroom and Sauna, Full Central Heating, Open fire and WIFI. This restored former Croft Cottage has an enclosed garden and easily accessible by car, or public transport even in the winter. Offering spectacular elevated views of the North Sea, Mountains and Night skies. Centrally placed this cottage forms the perfect base for exploring all the Northern Highlands including the Black Isle, Loch Ness Caithness and an Orkney day trip. Sleeps 6 Pets Welcome
Northern Highlands Coastal Hideaway – Enjoying wonderful views over the Cromarty Firth this quaint romantic retreat for two, located near the renowned NC500 route with more than 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery. Situated off the beaten track yet within easy reach of local amenities, this peaceful escape has the best of both worlds!
Rural Highland Luxury Retreat – Offering a fabulous Luxury Highland retreat for large groups set amidst the rugged beauty of the Highlands, by the eastern shores of Loch Shin. This handsome stone lodge is a wonderful base for a countryside escape. Explore the wild beauty of Sutherland and the Highlands with the lodge as your ideal base. Stay close to home and discover all that Loch Shin has to offer: choose a route to follow either on foot or by bike, or cross the water in a canoe or kayak
Central and Western Highlands
For Red Squirrels, Sea Eagles, Oyster Catchers, Grouse, Buzzards, Red Deer
Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands
Shore Cottage Loch Fyne – St Catherines, Argyll, sleeps 6. Beautiful detached holiday cottage nestling on the banks of Loch Fyne with it’s lovely mature garden extending to the waters edge and it’s own moorings, where visitors can tie up their own boats. Shore cottage is so close to the water you actually feel within it sitting just 20 yards from the waters edge offering clear un-restricted views up, down and across Loch Fyne to Inverary and beyond. Pets Welcome
Self Catering Lodges Loch Eck Argyll – Whistlefield Lodges remore wilderness location (some with Sauna’s and Hot Tubs) enjoying stunning Loch, Forest and Mountain Views with Red Squirrels and lot’s of wildlife as company, walking distance from 14th century Inn – less than 90 minutes drive from Glasgow. Pets Welcome
Shore Cottage West Coast – Argyll West Coast, The old Turbine House sleeps 2. Remote Seaside Holiday Cottage on Argyll’s West Coast. This 1 Bedroom detached Holiday Cottage just a stones throw from a sandy beach and rolling west highland hills offers the Remote Holiday Hideaway. Pets Welcome
Shoreside Holiday Cottage Argyll – Tarbert, Argyll, sleeps 4 this Beautiful Luxury Detached Cottage offers a breath-taking waters edge setting with Wood Stove and un-rivalled peace, tranquility and sheer natural beauty. This is a fantastic retreat for 4 people with one double en-suite bedroom and one Twin Bedroom with separate bathroom. The gardens stretch to the waters edge, your only neighbour’s will be local Grey Seals, Otters, Red Squirrel, Deer and Sea Birds. Pets Welcome
Detached Highland Villa Sea Views – Sleeping up to 8 within four bedrooms this spacious detached Highland Villa enjoys stunning sea views, ideal for large families and groups seeking outdoor adventures as well as tranquil scenery.
Loch Awe Self Catering Lodges Argyll – sleeps 2, 4 and 6 – Choice of 1,2 or 3 bedroom Log Cabin with Sauna on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe. Situated at the only crossing point on Loch Awe. Within walking distance of the famous Loch side Portsonachan Inn. The Lodges are just 90 minutes drive from Glasgow, 60 minutes drive from Oban ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and within walking distance of the Shore side Portsonachan Hotel providing good food and drink. Pets Welcome
Lochside Cottage Loch Fyne – St Catherines, Argyll, Beech Cottage sleeps 6 this Beautiful Remote Detached holiday Holiday Cottage nestles on the banks of Loch Fyne with elevated stunning Loch Views. Comfortably accommodating up to 6 people this cottage has 3 bedrooms. Full oil fired central heating is supplemented by a Homely Open Fire and Free WiFi. Pets Welcome
Moray and Grampian
For Dolphins, Whales, Grouse and Hares
Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands
Log Cabin with private Hot Tub Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire – sleeps 2. Secret retreat Log Cabin sleeping with it’s own Private Hot Tub set in deep countryside, within private grounds of 3/4 acre with stunning 360 degree picturesque views over the Aberdeenshire countryside. This stunning Log Cabin lies within 2 miles of the lovely picturesque coastal village of Gardens town and Pennan made famous for the film with Bert Lancaster The Local Hero. 1 Pet Welcome
Moray Firth Waterside Cottage Hot Tub – Perched on the Shores of the Moray Firth this stylish detached Lodge with private hot tub and BBQ hut with seating area. Enjoys spectacular sea views towards Inverness, Kessock Bridge and the Black Isle, perfect for gatherings of friends and family.
This charming, stone-built seaside cottage is perfect for families or friends seeking a peaceful base from which to explore and enjoy Burghead and Moray, its glorious sandy beaches, Area’s of Outstanding Natural Beauty and outdoor pursuits. Sleeps 6 sorry no Pets
Self Catering Holiday Cottage Banff Whitehills – This Charming cosy romantic self catering retreat is close to the sea shore. Close to Cullen near Whitehills the cottage nestled in a peaceful private setting benefiting from sea views from the side garden, within a short stroll to a beautiful sandy beach
North Coast Hot Tub Hideaway – Just for two this quirky Country Hot Tub Hideaway Lodge offers a lovely relaxing North Aberdeenshire coastal Holiday experience near Gardenstown on the Moray Firth Coast
Holiday Cottage Sea Views – Close to Gardenstown and Crovie on the Moray Coast this bright and spacious cottage occupies the ground-floor of the traditional house dating back to the 19th century has been beautifully modernised, close to the magnificent coastline, beach and harbour.
The West Coast and Hebrides Islands
For Sea Eagles, Deer, Otters, Seals, Whales and Buzzards
Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands
Isle of Skye Self Catering Crofters Cottage – Waternish Loch Bay, Isle of Skye, sleeps a maximum 4 Adults, 2 Children. Detached former croft cottage on North West Isle of Skye “accessed by toll free road bridge” on the spectacular Waterish peninsular. This cottage enjoys many Luxuries including optional extra private Hot Tub (with supplement) Jacuzzi bathroom, Full Electric Heating, Supplementary Wood burner and free WiFi. Its North West facing Conservatory enjoys breathtaking unrestricted views. This a great location to see Eagles and Buzzards, plus its remote location makes it great for Night sky watching and a chance to see the Northern lights. Sleeps 5 Pets Welcome
Isle of Harris Holiday Cottage – Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, 19 Kintulavaig sleeps 6. Luxury detached Cottage in Leverburgh, Isle of Harris sleeping up to 6 people with Open Fire and Wood Burner. Offering you cosy accommodation and spectacular open views of the North Uist Islands, the Sound of Harris and Skye. Pets Welcome
Isle skye remote hideaway cottage – Just for two this Romantic hideaway Cottage on the Isle of Skye enjoys a superbly unique location in one of the most scenic and peaceful areas of Skye, the cottage, close to the River Brittle with rewarding stunning views of the towering Cuillins, rising steeply from the shore, also seen from the garden and conservatory.
Stornoway Isle of Lewis – This stunning waterside Lodge is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and rugged countryside and overlooks a beautiful local beach. Nestled into the coastline of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, this amazingly refurbished property offers the perfect getaway for a family or group of adults, its private Hot Tub a fabulous addition.
Ideal for those looking for a seriously remote Holiday Cottage Retreat in the Northern Highlands, this remote wilderness three-bedroom cottage as seen in the blockbuster movie ‘Stardust”, is perfect for families seeking an isolated escape into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Sleeps 6, Pets Welcome
Remote Sea View Cottage Applecross – Situated on the stunning Applecross Peninsula with stunning sea views this secluded stone cottage offers accommodation for a romantic break with your loved one. Discover varied wildlife and explore the Scottish countryside by foot or by bike before settling down for a restful night’s sleep.
Loch View Holiday Cottage Lochinver – Nestling in an idyllic secluded location with wonderful views over the Loch to the surrounding mountains, this charming detached holiday cottage makes a delightful family holiday or peaceful romantic getaway. The picturesque village of Lochinver lies at the centre of Assynt, an Area of Outstanding Beauty where spectacular coastal roads lead past cliffs, inlets, sandy beaches and quaint crofting villages