Outer Hebrides
On the far western side of Scotland, with the Atlantic Ocean raging against its shorelines, the Outer Hebrides are a remote haven of diverse scenery, unusual wildlife and fascinating history and culture. This cluster of islands offer everything you could want for a real getaway, so if you’re looking for a retreat that feels completely isolated and yet sits within the borders of Britain, a holiday in the Outer Hebrides is for you. Altogether there are around 200 islands, but only 15 of these are currently inhabited, which gives you some idea of the general sense of seclusion. And if you want a quiet diversion from bustling urban life, accommodation in the Outer Hebrides can definitely provide that. The white sand beaches are made for romantic strolls, the waters are full of basking sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and otters which you can spot from the comfort of a boat, and gentle activities like archaeology and bird watching offer great rewards. Click to view all our holiday cottages in Scotland.
On the other hand, the many Sites of Specific Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves make accommodation in the Outer Hebrides the perfect setting for cycling, climbing, fishing, water sports and hiking adventures. The mixture of beaches, moors and mountains is truly unique. And the islands are rich in arts and stories – no holiday in the Outer Hebrides would be complete without a visit to ancient monuments like the Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis and the Barpa Langass on North Uist. Or you could just spend an afternoon wandering around the many craft shops and art galleries. And don’t forget to spend some time savouring regional flavours like locally-distilled whisky, freshly-caught seafood, home-reared lamb and the famous Stornaway Black Pudding. Whatever sort of holiday you want, Outer Hebrides accommodation offers total escapism.