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12 of the best winter getaways in Scotland

Edinburgh at Christmas
Edinburgh at Christmas

With only five weeks until Christmas, the stress levels will be rising, so you will be in great need of a winter getaway – before it begins or once it’s all over.  To take the hassle out of trawling the internet for the best deals in Scotland for winter escapes, we have compiled an essential list of 11 of the best…

1)  Bringing you the finest holiday cottages in Scotland

Wilderness Cottages provide a wide selection of high quality holiday cottages and apartments that suit all tastes, including holidays in remote crofts and stays in luxury apartments, including some that are pet friendly.

A variety of self-catering holiday properties are available to rent, which range in size from small and cosy cottages for two, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, to larger holiday cottages that sleep from six to 10 people.

If you are looking for a short break, some of Wilderness Cottages offer weekend or midweek stays, which can also be useful if you wish to discover a variety of what Scotland has to offer.

All properties are located in some of the best locations throughout Scotland, including Loch Ness, the West Coast (including Wester Ross & Easter Ross), The Cairngorms National Park and a great selection of cottages and houses on the Isle of Skye.

Have fun choosing, as the cottage that most suits you will undoubtedly turn out to be an endearing memory of your holiday in Scotland. At Wilderness Cottages, they are happy to help you with that choice.

If you would like to discuss a cottage click here.

 

2)  Ballogie Estate is the home of Scottish hospitality in the heart of Royal Deeside!

Ballogie Estate is a place of stunning natural beauty lying on the south side of the River Dee, near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire. Whether you’re looking to stay at one of their luxury self-catering properties, enjoy a meal at Potarch Café and Restaurant, which serves estate produce, or take part in their field sports or salmon fishing, their aim is to ensure that you have a memorable and special experience.

The Estate has a selection of beautiful self-catering holiday properties which are suitable for couples, families and larger groups.

East Balnacriag is a recently refurbished luxury, self-catering property and sleeps six. It has a cosy open-plan kitchen, dining and seating area with a wood burning stove and is situated in a tranquil rural location. Ballogie House and Potarch Lodge, both sleep 14 in seven en-suite bedrooms and have recently been awarded 5* by Visit Scotland. Ford Cottage has large glass windows and overlooks the River Dee, sleeping seven and finally Greenlands, a cosy converted steading which sleeps four.

Potarch, the Estate’s café and restaurant, has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and consistently offers a wholesome menu using local, fresh and seasonal produce. They have outside seating with a children’s play area and is perfectly positioned to enjoy a variety of walking and cycling routes.

Please contact the Estate office or click here for more details on availability and booking.

 

3)  Winter Breaks from £145 at Atholl Palace

Atholl Palace Hotel is perfect for a winter escape and a warm welcome awaits. Banish those Winter Blues and beat the cold days by warming yourself at one of the hotel’s many log fires.

Stay at Atholl Palace and enjoy a sumptuous three-course candlelit dinner in the evening with a complimentary carafe of house wine. Fill up with the hotel’s famous Scottish breakfast, served each morning in its Verandah Restaurant, boasting stunning views of the Tummel Valley, before exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.

  • £145 – one night for two people – Sunday – Thursday
  •  £169 – one night for two people – Friday and Saturday Night
  • £278 – two nights for two people – Sunday – Thursday
  • £318 – two nights for two people – Friday and Saturday Night

This is also available as a Gift Voucher, the ideal gift this festive season.

Available for stays from until April 30, 2019 (excluding Christmas and New Year)

Single rooms are £109 per night (minimum two-night stay) Sunday to Thursday, and includes a glass of house wine with dinner and single rooms on Fridays and Saturdays are £119 per night (minimum two-night stay), and includes a glass of house wine with dinner.

Click here to book today.

 

4)  Enjoy a short stay in a fabulous Log Cabin to unwind after the hectic Festive Season at Braemar Lodges

The luxury log cabins at Braemar Lodges are conveniently situated in the hotel grounds, and combine the practicality and comfort of self-catering accommodation with the option of hotel dining. Furnished to a high standard, they have a spacious open plan lounge/dining kitchen area, with large French windows and a covered veranda. All are double-glazed and fully insulated for year-round use.

Within the hotel grounds are several extremely comfortable one and three bedroom log cabins which have been awarded a Scottish Tourist Board 3* rating. These are perfect for families, or for those who want the independence of self-catering, but with the option to dine in the hotel if you feel like time off from cooking.

One of our cabins is fully equipped for disabled guests who require wheelchair access.

There are nine modern cabins with one or three bedrooms to choose from. All linen and towels provided, on a self-catering or bed and breakfast basis.

Click here to book.

 

5)  Welcome to Perkhill Holiday Cottages based in the Aberdeenshire countryside

At Perkhill Holiday Cottages there are three exclusive properties for you to enjoy for your holiday getaway break in Scotland. Simply put, the cottages here offer a quality rural experience where pride is in every acre.

A welcoming atmosphere with accommodation that exceeds the expectations of value, privacy and comfort guaranteed. Utilising bio-mass and wind power, the site is a point of interest for sustainability in the future.

The holiday cottages are located on a family farm home of the award winning Perkhill Aberdeen Angus Herd, near the historic village of Lumphanan, best known for its links to Macbeth. The idyllic location in the heart of Royal Deeside offers a range countryside activities such as shooting, fishing and walking as well as access to both the Scottish highlands and the Granite City.

The cottages are also dog friendly and owners would be delighted for your four-legged companion to accompany you during your stay with them.

King Duncan’s View

This is a two-storey steading conversion containing spacious rooms, three bedrooms and stunning views. It has disability friendly access, a ground floor bedroom and wet room, and can sleep eight people.

Lady Macbeth’s Rest

This is a high-roofed two-bed granite steading conversion cottage which includes under floor heating and a wood burning stove. It can sleep four people.

Macbeth’s Retreat

This is a two-bedroom cottage nestling by Lumphanan burn with private parking, underfloor heating, wood burning stove and sleeps up to six people.

Click here to book now.

 

6)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Ayr

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Ayr.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

7)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Dumfries

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Dumfries.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

8)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Edinburgh

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Edinburgh.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

9)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Glasgow

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Glasgow.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

10)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Perth

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Perth.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

11)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Inverness

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Inverness.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.

 

12)  Save up to 25% on 2 night breaks at Mercure Livingston

Enjoy an inspiring break in the UK this winter at Mercure Livingstone.

From £129 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings PLUS dinner on one night.

FREE high speed WiFi available throughout the hotel.

Complimentary use of the Feel Good Health Club during your stay (selected hotels).

Book up until 27th February 2019 for stays until 28th February 2019.

Upgrade to a privilege room from £20 per night and enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

Check availability for this offer by clicking here.