Short coastal holidays in Scotland

Surrounded by water, islands are ideal places to stay if you're looking for seaview escapes, particularly for those who just love gazing off into the horizon. For exclusive island experiences, the west Highlands has some lovely options.

Consider booking a cottage on Eilean Shona, an idyllic natural haven 2.5 miles long by 1.5 miles wide, lying close to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Off Skye lies the Isle of Rona, home to three shoreside cottages. From Rona, you can enjoy incredible coastal escapes of Skye's Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Ridge.

Scotland is blessed with an expansive coastline, with pretty seaside villages to be found in a number of coastal regions - ideal for a family easide break in the UK.

In Fife, the charming Eask Neuk has a chain of former fishing communities which is where you'll find Crail. Here, you could book a holiday at 21 Shoregate, which dates from the 1700s and is just a stone's throw from the harbour.

In Aberdeenshire, the utterly gorgeous villages of Pennan and Crovie are home to self-catering properties like Rockpool Cottage and Crovie Cottage, which make for a great beach stay in Scotland. 

In the south of the country you could have a peaceful stay in the Old Fisherman's Cottage at Ballantrae in Ayrshire.

For the ultimate quirky break by the water, book a sea view holiday in a Scottish lighthouse. These historic buildings are set in some majestic coastal locations.

Stay on Scotland's most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Holiday Cottages, near Stranraer in Dumfriesshire.

Or, in the far north, Bressay Lighthouse Cottages on Shetland have splendid uninterrupted views out over the sea and towards Lerwick Harbour.

For a lighthouse by the beach, consider Halliman Skerry at Covesea Lighthouse, near Lossiemouth in Moray.

Could there be anything more pleasant than waking up to the sound of water gently lapping against the shoreline? Scotland's stunning lochs are perfect locations for short coastal breaks to get away from it all.

In the Highlands, stay in Ullapool and enjoy views of Loch Broom at the likes of the contemporary Sealoch House or in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, bring all your family and friends to the large Stronachlachar Lodge on the shore of Loch Katrine.

You'll find peace and tranquillity in Orkney Mainland during a stay on a working croft at Lenahowe Lodges, which overlook Harray Loch.

Staying in a Scottish castle will always be an experience to remember, but it's even more magical when your short break on the coast has views of sparkling waters.

In Perthshire, you could enjoy a coastal getaway with a stay at the newly renovated Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa situated by Loch Faskally, or enjoy a break on Loch Awe in Argyll.

Not far from Fort William is the majestic Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Steeped in history, it's perfect for those seeking a lavish, no-expense-spared getaway.

Set against splendid scenery, canalside cottages are perfect places for relaxing coastal holidays where you can watch leisure boats sail by at a gentle pace.

Overlooking Loch Ness on the banks of the Caledonian Canal are Bona Lighthouse and Bona Stables, two properties which share a breathtaking location and have lovely period features.

On the Crinan Canal, you could stay at the gorgeous Seaview Cottage, a restored lock-keeper's cottage from the early 19th century, for an unforgettable coastal stay in the UK.

Prepare to set sail for a holiday by the sea in Scotland. The waterways and coastlines are not just great places for days out - holiday boats and barges make fantastic accommodation choices for anyone who fancies a bit of slow adventure.

Your options include a trip on a historic Clyde puffer on the Crinan Canal in Argyll, or explore the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness on a chartered boat or a book a cruise on a barge. Fancy discovering the delights of a narrowboat holiday? Then hire a traditional narrowboat and journey along the Forth & Clyde and Union canals at a leisurely pace.