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As we approach the warmer summer months, many of us will be dreaming of a coastal break. Scotland’s stunning 6000-mile coastline provides some fantastic staycation options, from luxurious bothies to beach houses, and is a haven for sea lovers. Whether it’s white sandy beaches, rich marine life, water sport activities or dramatic cliffs that tickles your fancy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy no matter what you love about the coast. All of us at Meander love a good getaway, so we’ve gathered some of Scotland’s most wonderful coastal staycations for you to sit back, relax, and soak in Scotland’s natural beauty.
Terrace overlooking West Bay beach
The Lobster Shack
This airy, spacious beach house sits on one of East Lothian’s most beautiful beaches, with the most incredible views of Bass Rock and West Bay. I am a huge fan of this house, so much so that I have stayed in it twice in the last year!
This fully-equipped two-bedroom home is perfect for a getaway and is beautifully designed. It comprises an open plan kitchen/dining/living area, with large French windows opening onto a wide terrace overlooking West Bay beach, and with the bonus of a wooden gate leading directly onto a sandy path to the beach. The terrace houses a BBQ, and four quirky iron bar stools and counter, perfect for some sundowners while watching sailboats and fishing boats make their way out to sea and back. There is also an outdoor shower at the side of the house, and what’s better is that it is heated - so if you’re brave enough to have a dip in the sea, you’ll be rewarded with a nice warm shower only a stone’s throw away, on the comfort of your own private terrace.
Whether you’re staying with friends or family, this house perfectly caters for both situations. The downstairs bedroom has two bunk beds (total 4 beds), which are spacious enough for both adults and children. There are also plenty of games and books to keep everyone entertained, no matter what age. Upstairs is the master bedroom, with a king-size bed, en-suite WC, and awe-inspiring views overlooking the bay.
This beach house is perfectly located, with an abundance of top-quality restaurants and bars just minutes away. I highly recommend dining at the Michelin-Guide recommended Osteria, an award-winning fine-dining Italian restaurant – but make sure to book well in advance as it’s the hottest ticket in town! The Lobster Shack at the harbour side is also well worth a visit. It is only open Friday – Sunday and there’s often a long line, but the quality of their seafood makes it all worth a few minutes wait. For something a little sweeter, Alandas Gelato offers the most amazing ice cream and sorbets, and it’s all made fresh every day on site. There are also plenty of active or passive activities and great days out in the area. Just one minute away from the beach house is the Scottish Seabird Centre, and the 12th-century quaint harbour, where you can book boat trips out to the seabird sanctuary on Bass Rock, where you can see the puffins and gannets whirling above.
Find out more about and book the Beach House here.
Bedroom Overlooking Bay
Sea View Snug
Hot Tub Overlooking Bay
Set overlooking the beautiful coastline of southwest Scotland, these eighteen individually crafted cabins are situated on a private 1000-acre estate steeped in 250-years of history. Most of the cabins sleep two people, however, a few of them sleep up to four people and five of them have hot tubs. Each snug has it’s own theme, and are furnished in a way which celebrates elements of the natural landscape surrounding them. For example, there’s The Shore snug which boasts a coastal theme, paying homage to the extensive sea views. The Burrow snug is named after all the pheasants and bunnies that roam the surrounding hillsides.
Each snug features a lavish king-size bed and sliding patio doors leading out to your own private terrace. The rural location and thus lack of light pollution means you can stargaze from the comfort of the terrace or hot tub with a glass of bubbly in hand for an evening to remember. No matter what snug you decide to go for, they are equipped with modern en-suites and tea and coffee facilities and a fridge. The larger snugs have an extra bedroom to sleep up to four guests.
Whether you’re seeking a couples retreat or looking for a place to stay for a big event, these snugs provide the perfect venue no matter the occasion. There is a stylish contemporary bistro on-site with panoramic sea views serving the most bountiful local produce. On the doorstep, you may discover the 15th-century Cardoness Castle, a botanic garden, distilleries where you can enjoy some whisky tasting, and various beaches in the wider Dumfries and Galloway area.
Find out more about Sea View Snugs here.
Balcony Overlooking Coldingham Bay
Living Room with Sea View
The Bay Seaside Apartments
If you’re a lover of beaches and Scandi design, then these apartments are for you! These sleek contemporary pads offer stylish interiors inspired by Coldingham Bay's deep blue waters and golden sands. The horseshoe-shaped bay is dotted with beach huts and extensive wildlife-rich grasslands and dunes – no wonder it’s one of the most picturesque beaches in Southern Scotland!
Each apartment is far enough from the beach enabling undisrupted views of the coastline and the sea beyond it while being well placed for a hassle-free stroll along the beach. One apartment, particularly in demand, is number 7, boasting a large, secluded balcony. The sliding doors and full-height windows connecting the balcony to the modern interior ensure a perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living. This apartment has two chic minimalist double bedrooms, both with views across open fields.
When you aren’t relaxing on the balcony taking in the spectacular views of Coldingham Bay, the surrounding areas have plenty to offer so you won’t be short of things to do. Make your way down to the beach to enjoy kayaking, diving and surfing, and whether you’re a pro or just starting out, professional instruction in all three activities is available at the Surf Shop nearby. There are also a lot of walking routes close by, including a lovely walk along the coast that takes you through the quaint fishing village of St. Abbs, a wonderful spot for a delicious crab baguette or seafood chowder. If a day trip is something you’re looking for, both Berwick-upon-Tweed and even Edinburgh aren’t too far away.
Find out more about The Bay Seaside Apartments here.
Although the bothy is small, it is expertly designed. The open plan living area provides a lovely space for you to soak in the bay and marvel at the sunsets as you enjoy your meals. It comfortably sleeps two people and is fully equipped, so you could easily spend your days in the comfort of the bothy. However, if you fancy venturing out into the local vicinity, local shops and the village pub are only a mile away. On your way, stop by the Balnakeil Craft village, and buy some delicious chocolate at the famous Cocoa Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Balnakeil is a haven for bird watchers, and there is some great fishing nearby. For golfers, the Durness golf course is close by and if you’d like to climb a Munro, mountains like Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and Foinaven proudly stand over the surrounding landscape.
Find out more about Balnakeil Beach Bothy here.
The Larch Yurt
Bedroom inside Larch Yurt
Ross-Shire Beach
Dispersed amongst Scottish woodland above a beach, these off-grid hand-built yurts - based on traditional designs from Central Asia - are located on Scotland’s sunnier north-east coast. They’re incredibly cosy - each yurt has its own wood burner and solar-powered lighting, and there’s a central Hub with high quality, modern facilities including of course toilets and showers. The yurts are situated on an eco-sensitive site providing for an awesome exclusive self-catered glamping experience and ensuring utter tranquillity and privacy. There are eight yurts in total, each one individually finished therefore no two yurts are the same. They all have windows which enable you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and natural light.
If you’re a wildlife lover, then this is the place is for you - the surrounding areas are home to Hebridean sheep, Highland cows, and pigs. Not far from the yurts site is a path down to an undisturbed beach, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll spot otters and bottlenose dolphins. A short distance away is the old lighthouse at Chanonry Point which is one of the best places to scour for Moray Firth dolphins.
These yurts provide for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. They’re truly off-grid, so they are each free from water supply and mains power. Instead, you’ll be provided with candles, a rechargeable lantern, and a refillable freshwater container.
Find out more about Black Isle Yurts here.
We hope you have been inspired by these wonderful retreats. We know there are so many more out there so if you’ve got any fabulous coastal staycation spots to recommend, we would love to hear about them!
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