A self-catering holiday in Scotland can be exactly what you want it to be – flexible, great value for money, and full of unforgettable moments. One of its greatest joys is having the time and freedom to step outside and connect with nature. That might mean walking barefoot along a sandy west coast beach, spotting a red stag from your cottage window, or simply enjoying the peace of a leafy city park. However, you choose to do it, celebrating the outdoors doesn’t cost a thing, yet it instantly lifts your spirits and makes you feel alive and happy. Nature has a wonderfully simple way of doing that.
From the wild shores of Sutherland in the far north of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, our featured self-catering properties show how Scotland’s landscapes add their own special kind of magic to a holiday. Each season – winter, spring, summer, and autumn, brings something new to discover, offering endless ways to reconnect, recharge, and simply be in the natural world.
Here are some simple but fun ways you can celebrate nature on your self-catering holiday in Scotland:
1. Smell, feel and hear the clean Scottish air
Every season in Scotland has its own natural soundtrack and sensations to celebrate. Breathe in the crisp frosty mornings of winter, enjoy the scent of summer heather drifting over the moors, or listen to the autumn leaves crunching underfoot. Even dipping your toes in a cool loch on a warm day can spark a sense of childlike joy.
2. Rediscover old-fashioned family fun
Switch off the screens and celebrate the simple games that have stood the test of time. Play Pooh Sticks on a country bridge (a Winnie-the-Pooh classic where you drop sticks into the stream and race to see whose appears first on the other side), skim stones across a loch, or get the family to try a daisy-chain contest, a nature treasure hunt, or follow-the-leader through the woods. These fun and free activities create laughter and become the kind of memories families cherish for years.
3. Walk your way to happiness
A gentle stroll hand in hand, a family walk up a hill (or munro!) or simply wandering in silence while listening to the wind in the trees – all are ways to celebrate the magic of slowing down. Each step helps you feel grounded, connected, and part of Scotland’s incredible landscapes.
4. Celebrate life’s special moments in nature
From birthdays and anniversaries to spontaneous “just because” gatherings, nature adds something special to every occasion. A celebration picnic filled with local produce sitting amongst the flora and fauna, stargazing from your cottage garden, or toasting marshmallows under the night sky can turn small celebrations into unforgettable moments of belonging.
5. Go wildlife spotting – Scotland’s Big Five
Celebrating Scotland’s great outdoors also means keeping your eyes peeled for its incredible wildlife. Scotland is home to its very own “Big Five”: the red squirrel, red deer, harbour seal, otter, and golden eagle. Spotting even one of these on your holiday feels like a celebration in itself! Families love turning wildlife-spotting into a fun challenge-who will be the first to see a deer in the glen, a seal popping its head out of the water, or a white-tailed sea eagle soaring overhead? Even the smaller discoveries, like butterflies, hares or busy bees in the heather, bring happiness and remind us of the unique magic Scotland has to offer.
Where to Stay: Cottages That Bring You Closer to Nature
We have asked some of our self-catering members to share how guests can celebrate in nature near their accommodation:
Cottar House, Nairn, near Inverness – Sleeps 2
Nature Tip: From beach walks and river rambles to exploring Culbin Forest, nature is never far away here. Dolphins, basking sharks, and even the aurora can sometimes be spotted from the shore, while Geddes fisheries offers peaceful loch side fishing watched over by resident herons.
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Hendersyde Farm Holiday Cottages, Kelso, Scottish Borders – Sleeps 4
Nature Tip: Slow down and soak up the season. Wander by the River Tweed and Eden Water, enjoy autumn’s colours and wildlife, or simply stargaze in the dark skies. Return to your cosy cottage to relax, recharge, and savour life’s simple pleasures.
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The Stable Bothy, Rogart, Sutherland – Sleeps 2
Nature Tip: Nestled in Strath Fleet, the Bothy is a gateway to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, alive with waders, wildfowl, and harbour seals which bask on the sandbanks each day at low tide. As night falls, step outside to stargaze and, with luck, glimpse the Northern Lights.
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Inchtuthill Coach House, near Dunkeld, Perthshire – Sleeps 4
Nature Tip: From your balcony, watch geese gather in autumn, roe and fallow deer roam year-round, and birds of prey circle overhead. Pause and let the peace of the landscape remind you what it means to be truly wild and free
Each self-catering property offers its own doorway into Scotland’s great outdoors – whether it’s a coastline alive with marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and whales (if you’re lucky), a woodland path glowing with autumn colour, or a balcony view where roe and fallow deer wander freely. Wherever you choose, you’ll find space to pause, breathe, and celebrate the simple joy of nature in Scotland.
Sustainable Stays, Local Impact
At EmbraceScotland, we champion sustainable tourism through self-catering. By booking directly with local owners, staying longer, and supporting nearby businesses, from farm shops and local eateries to outdoor activities – you are helping reduce your carbon footprint and supporting local economies. Self-catering is a low-impact accommodation choice, and our community of operators are working towards eco-friendly practices, from using renewable energy to reducing waste. We also encourage all guests to enjoy Scotland responsibly by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. A self-catering stay isn’t just a great holiday, it’s a step towards more thoughtful, climate-conscious travel.
Image credits in order of appearance: VisitScotland: Lochranza Castle Isle of Arran (Allan Myles), Salisbury Crags – Holyrood Park (KennyLam), Loch Turret (Luigi Di Pasquale), Carn Liath( Luigi Di Pasquale), Walking in The Pentland Hills Regional Park (Kenny Lam), Fishermans Walk Isle of Arran (Allan Myles), Kinnoull Hill (Kenny Lam), Kirroughtree Forest (David N Anderson). All photos under “Where to Stay: Cottages That Bring You Closer to Nature”, are EmbraceScotland Member’s photos.