Coastal stays

Fancy a room with a sea view? A balcony with a salty breeze? Access to the beach from your room? If you are looking for somewhere to stay on or near the coast, the South of Scotland is for you. From lighthouses to holiday parks, glamping huts to self-catering cottages by the beach, there are so many options it is hard to know where to start. But we’ve pulled together some favourites and hope you will enjoy choosing your coastal stay, here where Scotland Starts!

Holiday parks and caravan sites

There are plenty of amazing Holiday Parks and Caravan Sites all along our coastline – and they all have fantastic views! Top marks for Burrowhead Holiday Village which offers lodge, caravan, motorhome and tent holidays, all the stunning outlook across the Solway Firth to the Isle of Man. Set on 100 acres and open year round there are coastal views aplenty from this clifftop idyll. Gaze across to Wigtown and the Isle of Whithorn from Auchenlarie Holiday Park. This firm favourite offers an onsite fitness suite including a heated indoor pool, sauna, gym and solarium. There is an arcade, soft play area, outdoor play areas, resident entertainers and cabaret artists – plenty to keep the whole family entertained. And of course there are those amazing sea views – on a clear day you can see all the way to the Isle of Man. Further along the coast, the sunlight glints off Luce Bay in front of the family-run West Barr Holiday Park. Or grab a pitch at the Galloway Point Holiday Park near the coastal village of Portpatrick and enjoy the stunning views over the Irish Sea. Over in the Borders, Bee Edge Caravan Site offers hard-standing pitches with sea views, a dog exercise area and free Wi Fi, and is on the outskirts of a working family farm on the scenic Berwickshire Coast.

Romantic retreats for couples

For the perfect coastal getaway bolthole for two try Number 7 Ninian’s Landing. This stylish one bedroom first floor apartment is located on the harbourside in the Isle of Whithorn. For those wanting a perfect sandy beach nearby, book Fisher’s Brae Cottage. Tucked away off the main street of the bustling seaside village of Coldingham, this cosy seaside bolthole is just a mile to Coldingham Bay where the fresh and invigorating sea waters and golden sands await.

If you want to sit back and take in the view, how about The Roundhouse, a locally built retreat using sustainable materials, featuring large panoramic windows with stunning views across Wigtown Bay. And if you want to be close but not on the beach, Drumburn at Galloway Coast Cottages in Rockcliffe is a studio, offering a retreat from the busy beach front while still being an easy walk – and it accepts dogs.

Extra space for larger parties

Whether you are accommodating multiple generations or a group of old friends with families, try the quartet of self-catering holiday cottages at Ross Bay Retreat. Everyone has their own space but there is super direct access to the beach, which you’ll almost certainly have to yourself. And if there are youngsters visiting, the cottages are situated on a family farm, with plenty of animals to see.

Butterfly Lodges can sleep 11 in two lodges at Kippford Holiday Park. This area is always a crowd pleaser for coastal activities and fun – walk to Rockcliffe, out to Rough Island or explore the Mote of Mark. Pets are also welcome so no need to leave your pooch behind.

Or you could take over the six-bedrooms at Cavens Country House for a couple of nights – dinner is included so plenty of time to sit back and relax and enjoy the estate’s grounds and nearby coastline – beachcombing anyone?

Merchant’s House in Eyemouth is decorated in a period style, and sleeps up to 11 guests, making it an ideal location for a gatherings with families or friends, special birthdays or anniversaries. Originally built for a well-known tea smuggler, this house has history in abundance and a stellar view of the harbour and coastline stretching northwards.

Tower Farm Holidays is situated close to the Berwickshire coastline with views out to the North Sea. The holiday houses can be booked separately or together, so can take parties of 10 to 20. Both have their own large secure gardens with BBQs and garden furniture with plenty of space to kick back and relax with family or friends.

Fancy somewhere unusual?

How about getting a bird’s eye view out to sea? Then head to Caerlaverock Estate, six miles south of Dumfries. Surrounded on all sides by stunning scenery, The Treehouse and its neighbour, the Curve, have far-reaching views over the Solway Estuary and certainly have the wow factor on arrival.

Make your next family getaway that little bit extra and stay at Nisbet’s Tower in Eyemouth. This cosy, historic yet modern cottage in a unique tower is a super location for break away. The cottage sleeps four and is set on the edge of Eyemouth overlooking the harbour. Head down to feed the seals, eat ice cream and enjoy the Smuggler’s walking trail around town.

Stay in the converted rooms of a lighthouse keeper’s cottage at the Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel near Stranraer. The lighthouse was built in 1815 by the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson of Treasure Island fame and still lights the way for marine traffic today. Rooms are a mix of using the old lightkeeper’s apartments and larger suites in cottages on the site. The restaurant is well known for its five-course meals using local ingredients, so savour the flavours and enjoy the views from this special coastal retreat.

The ultimate get away from it all

Little Laight Cottage is set in a remote location overlooking Loch Ryan in South West Scotland. It sleeps six and is close to walking routes such as the Southern Upland Way. Or perhaps Destination Balcary, a farmhouse sleeping five with uninterrupted views across farmland to Balcary Bay and onwards across the Solway Firth to Skiddaw in the Lake District. Great for access to the coast and beach walks and dogs are also welcome. Moorside Cottage in Eastriggs offers a quiet getaway with a little bit of luxury in the form of a professional chef on hand to cook your meals.

Families with younger children might like

The Old Station House, Kilfillan Holiday Cottage is as it sounds a former railway station and the original platform still exists to the rear of the cottage. The garden is enclosed which is great for families with small children and there are great walks from the doorstep to Garlieston Harbour beach or towards Galloway House Gardens and Rigg Bay – a wonderful low sloping beach, ideal for small children.

And if the beach on your doorstep is high up on your Wants List, then Beach Cottage in Sandhead is perfect. Nearly seven miles of beach is in front of you, the village has a well stocked shop, a good pub and a children’s playpark only a short stroll from the cottage.

BYOB – bring your own boat!

Port Logan was the filming location of BBC Scotland’s Two Thousand Acres of Sky and the landscape lives up to its name. At Curlew Cottage, the long, wide beach is on your doorstep. The cottage offers a secure outside area with seating and barbecue. This area is great for sea anglers, walkers, birdwatchers & families looking for something different away from the crowds. Attractions like the Logan Fish Pond and Logan Botanic Gardens are nearby. There is a free to use slipway in Port Logan for those who would like to bring their boat for a bit of fishing. Subject to availability, guests may be able to take advantage of the owners’ tractor launching facility – contact in advance.

Or perhaps you’d rather head to Brighouse Bay Holiday Cottages near Kirkcudbright with their expansive views over the bay – bring your dinghy and launch from the free-to-use slipway nearby – or head to the beach for a stroll or some splashing about!