If you are someone like me who prefers quiet relaxing holidays then you will enjoy this post. I am not an adventurous person. I would rather sit on my sofa next to the fireplace and not do anything. For me, not doing anything and shutting down for a few days is relaxing and helps me charge my batteries. So keeping in line with my holiday ethos, I went on a quaint cottage holiday in Scotland during the recent Easter break.
If you are planning a cottage holiday to Scotland then the following details will help in organising your trip. Also, spring could be a good time to visit Scotland. While we were there, we were able to spot few icy peaks and enjoyed spring sunshine as well.
Location
We stayed in a small village called Laggan in Newtonmore. The location allows visitors to explore the quiet countryside away from big towns and cities. The location is also perfect for hill walking and treks.
Estate near our cottage
How to get there
We were a group of 4 adults and 2 kids so we decided to rent a car from London and drive all the way up. We wanted to travel together hence chose driving as our travel option. But with expected bank holiday traffic on the way out, we decided to break our journey at Lake District and stayed at Glenridding Hotel. While coming back to London we left early in the morning and completed the journey in 12 hrs with two breaks and mild traffic conditions. Driving all the way up can be strenuous hence an alternative is to book the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston and stop at Fort Williams (2 hrs away from location) or Dalwhinnie (10 min drive). Traveling in sleeper train to Scotland would be an experience in itself. I am going to try it next time.
Our cottage
Where to stay
We booked this beautiful self-catering cottage through Scottscastles. This property is ideal for a quiet relaxing break with the family. The cottage is recently refurbished and has all modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. Every room comes with a view. The location is a beautiful loch side retreat, surrounded by hills on a working farm.
What to do
Stag Feeding
I had the most surreal experiences of my life when I came up close and personal with the wild stags on our cottage estate. During the winters months, the cottage staff can arrange for a stag feeding experience for the cottage guests. To arrange this activity please liaise with the cottage staff once you have booked the cottage.
We did not go there but this place was highly recommended by the cottage staff. The key highlight of the park was the UK’s first polar bear cub since 25 years.
Walk around the estate and hills
The beauty in the surrounding area is breathtaking. Just walking around the area and estate will be a refreshing experience.
Visit famous distilleries
There are also a number of distilleries where you can go for a tour, the nearest being Dalwhinnie.
The Ben Davis distillery produces the famous blend Dew of Ben Nevis, which, like the distillery itself, is named after the highest mountain in Scotland.
Just spending your time at the cottage itself is also quite appealing
Around our cottage
Where to eat
Tesco does deliveries to the cottage. We ordered groceries from Tesco which were delivered before our arrival. We managed to cook all our food at the cottage, however, we were told that The Glen Hotel in Newtonmore does a nice bar meal 01540 673 203. For a more upmarket meal, The Cross in Kingussie comes recommended 01540 661166.
The pottery coffee shop nearby is also highly recommended by the cottage guests. http://www.potterybunkhouse.co.uk/
This holiday is an ideal choice for someone who wants to relax in peaceful countryside and stay put at the cottage for a couple of days. Spending some quality time with your loved ones in this untarnished location is an experience in itself.
Enjoy the photo diary below.
You captured Scotland’s charm perfectly with your photos and post !
The pics are stunning! Scotland is definitely on our bucket list.
Hi