Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders, cottages in Scotland
A self-catering apartment or holiday home in Edinburgh, the beautiful and fascinating capital of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the city’s magnificent buildings, ancient cobbled streets and elegant Georgian crescents.
Self-catering apartments in Edinburgh also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s atmosphere and live like a local. There is something for everyone here – art and culture, ghosts and ghouls, history and science, world class food and high-class shopping. All of these attractions can be enjoyed year round, but in August visitors have the additional excitment of the Festivals which dominate the Edinburgh scene.
Take a look at the Ediburgh’s Festival calendar at the Offical Edinburgh Festival website, and plan your visit to coincide with one of these magical events.
The areas surrounding the capital city are West, East and Mid Lothian, where visitors can stay in self-catering cottages or holiday homes in rural locations with splendid sporting facilities, whilst keeping you within easy reach of the city’s attractions.
South of here, the Scottish Borders is one of the most popular short break destinations in the country and holiday accommodation can be booked in Roxburghshire, Peebles or Berwickshire.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders.
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Roxburghshire, Cottages in Scotland
This is a land of wooded river valleys, rolling hills and quaint villages offering a feeling of peace and tranquility whichever self-catering holiday cottage you choose.
Ruined castles, watch towers and forts are found dotted throughout this area of Scotland, all fascinating reminders of Roxburghshire’s turbulent history of defending the Border against the English. But of course these days, cottage holiday visitors from south of the Border are made very welcome!
There are plenty of activities too and from the freedom of your holiday home you can participate in many sports or spectate at a number of events including the famous Rugby Sevens and the Riding of the Marches held in most Border towns.
The Border Abbeys should not be missed, especially Melrose Abbey which is reputed to be the last resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart . Other places of interest include Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott’s home, and the magnificent Floors Castle at Kelso which was the home of the Duke of Roxburgh. It houses a fine collection of art and antiques, and is surrounded by delightful gardens.
The majestic River Tweed meanders through this county and offers world famous salmon fishing. Throughout the beautiful Border region, there is something for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of a Mackay’s holiday home.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Roxburghshire.
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Peeblesshire, cottage Scotland
Self-catering holiday cottages in Peeblesshire, Scotland, offer the best of all worlds – a stunningly beautiful Border location with easy access to the cultural delights of Edinburgh, just 40 minutes drive away.
The market town of Peebles is the attractive centre of the county and offers good shopping and eating out. Perhaps the most popular activity in this region is walking and there are marked trails for all levels of ability in and around Peebles. Nature lovers will also be able to see ospreys, deer and red squirrels, and you can return to the cosy comfort of your self-catering holiday cottage in Scotland after a day out in the fresh air.
At Innerleithen you will find Traquair, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland which is open to the public from April to October. Visitors can taste the ale brewed here whilst the children enjoy the adventure playground.
The upper reaches of the famous River Tweed pass through the county and fishing can be arranged. Golfers can find many greens close to our self-catering holiday cottages in this area of Scotland. Make sure you purchase a ‘Freedom of the Fairways’ pass to enjoy most Borders courses at reduced rates.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Peeblesshire.
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Berwickshire, cottages in Scotland
A self-catering cottage in Scotland’s Border county of Berwickshire offers coastal walks, pretty fishing villages, delicious seafood and wildlife, all within easy access of cosmopolitan Edinburgh.
Walkers will enjoy the Lammermuir Hills and the Southern Upland Way, which reaches the end of its long journey at Cockburnspath on the coast.
Book a holiday home at St. Abbs, where cottages cling to the cliffs overlooking the harbour - and where lobster and crab boats now operate here instead of smugglers.
The National Nature Reserve on the cliffs at St Abbs Head is a haven for seabirds. A coastal path leads from St Abbs through Coldingham and the fisher town of Eyemouth to Berwick upon Tweed.
In the south west of the county is Coldstream, where the famous regiment was raised, and just three miles from there, Flodden battlefield. Outings from your holiday home or self-catering cottage in Berwickshire could include a visit to Manderston or Paxton House, a trip on the little steam railway at Heatherslaw Mill, or you could try your hand at off-road driving or clay pigeon shooting.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Berwickshire, Scotland.
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The Lothians, cottages in Scotland
The counties of East, West and Mid Lothian surround Scotland’s capital and offer rural self-catering cottages and holiday homes within easy reach of the heart of Edinburgh.
In the West the historic town of Linlithgow, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, is ideal as a touring base with easy access to Perthshire, the Trossachs, Glasgow and Loch Lomond.
East Lothian has many excellent beaches and is renowned for its good sunshine record and superb golf courses, including Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick. Those that love ourdoor activities should rent a Scottish self-catering cottage here because opportunities abound for sailing, windsurfing and walking.
The Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World at Lasswade and the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick are two important attractions to visit on a day out from your holiday home.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of holiday homes and self-catering cottages in the Lothians.
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Edinburgh, cottages Scotland
A self-catering apartment in Edinburgh is the best way to really immerse yourself in Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital city, which offers a welcome to all who come to enjoy the art galleries, museums, theatres and year-round entertainments here.
The celebrated ‘Old Town’ centres around the Royal Mile which runs from the Castle to the stately Holyrood Palace. These landmarks contrast sharply with the ‘New Town’s’ formal architecture and graceful Georgian terraces.
Choose from a wide selection of holiday homes and self-catering Edinburgh apartments in the New Town, Old Town, or in the many other lovely residential areas in the historic capital.
With excellent sports and varied leisure facilities, a famous Zoo and beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens to discover, there is no problem in filling every day of the holiday with something different.
All the Edinburgh holiday homes are self-catering, but for eating out the city has a vast selection of restaurants and stylish cafes that are second to none, and with 700 pubs to choose from, there is plenty of ‘local’ atmosphere.
Edinburgh is also home to a number of festivals throughout the summer.
- The Edinburgh International Festival includes opera, ballet, music and theatre.
- The Edinburgh Fringe Festival gives hundreds of new comedy, dance and musical performers the chance to display their skills in a variety of venues.
- The Edinburgh International Film Festival introduces programmes from new and established directors from every continent.
- The Book Festival attracts many famous authors and poets, whilst the ever popular Jazz and Blues Festival fills many pubs and clubs with foot tapping performances.
Rent a holiday home or self-catering apartment in Edinburgh to fully experience the atmosphere of the city’s Festivals. In a spectacular floodlit setting on the Castle Esplanade, the Military Tattoo offers unforgettable nightly performances of military music and marching bands.
Take a look at the Ediburgh’s Festival calendar at the Offical Edinburgh Festival website, and plan your visit to coincide with one of these magical events.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of holiday homes and self-catering apartments in Edinburgh.
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North of England
If you are looking for a self-catering cottage that has peace and tranquility you will find it just south of the Scottish Border in the north of England - in addition to sporting activities, interesting museums, historic castles and superb shopping.
The Lake District is perhaps the most famous holiday destination in the North of England and holiday homes and self-catering cottages here are particularly popular with walkers and climbers, and for those who simply enjoy the beauty of the lakes themselves.
The relatively little known Eden Valley lies east of the Lakes and covers the area surrounding the River Eden as it makes its way to the Solway Firth. We have pretty self-catering cottages in the area for a peaceful and very relaxing break. Stretching to the east coast, Northumberland is vast and beautiful and holiday homes here are situated along the coast and in the rural hinterland.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottage and holiday homes in the North of England.
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Cumbria & The Lake District
Stay in a self-catering cottages or holiday home in Cumbria or the Lake District to really experience this dramatic area. Fom the high peaks with their panoramic views, to the lower levels of natural beauty with their lakes, towns and villages.
Throughout the year you will find an ever-changing colourful landscape ranging from the blossoming spring, the lush green of summer, to the golden shades of autumn and the snow topped mountains in winter.
From a holiday home or self-catering cottage near the coast to the centre of the Lakes, you will discover an area that is rich in history from the people who have lived here including Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and John Ruskin.
The picturesque towns and villages have their own history too from the small stone built houses to the historic homes like Towend at Troutbeck, and castles such as Sizergh Castle near Kendal, and Muncaster Castle close to Ravenglass.
Great days out are possible from your Cumbrian holiday home, and children are well catered for at the World of Beatrix Potter in Windermere and the Aquarium Of The Lakes at Newby Bridge.
The whole family will enjoy a ride on the Ravensdale and Eskdale Narrow Gauge Steam Railway where you will be able to view some of the finest scenery in the area. You can also take a cruise on one of the many steamers or launches that can be found on the Lakes themselves, or even hire your own rowing boat.
The Lake District is renowned for its outdoor activities which include walking, climbing, mountain biking and watersports with Ambleside being the outdoor centre of the region. After a day out in the fresh air, return to the warmth of your holiday home or self-catering cottage to relax and recharge.
If shopping is your scene you will find plenty in the large town of Kendal with its K-Village and Westmorland Shopping Centre, the tourist areas of Windermere and Bowness, and villages such as Grasmere and Hawkshead. Whether it be specialist gift shops, factory shops, market stalls, or workshops, the choice is yours.
Follow the link to view our selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes in Cumbria & The Lake District.
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The Eden Valley
The Eden Valley lies between the North Pennines and the Lake District in Cumbria, and is a great choice for a self-catering holiday if you are looking for peace, relaxation, walking and cycling.
To the south is the Yorkshire Dales National Park and to the north, the historic city of Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall. It would be hard to find a better location for a holiday home or self-catering cottage that is peaceful and undiscovered.
This part of Cumbria is particularly popular with walkers and cyclists – 6 long distance walks and cycleways pass through Kirkby Stephen. If you rent a self-catering cottage in June, visit Appleby-in-Westmoreland to see the largest gathering of travelling people for the annual horse fair, keeping alive a 300 year old tradition.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday cottages in the Eden Valley.
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Northumberland
With miles of uncrowded golden sandy beaches and spectacularly beautiful countryside, Northumberland is a land apart from the stresses and strains of everyday life, and a self-catering holiday cottage here is one of the best ways to relax.
There are more castles in Northumberland than anywhere else in the country; a testament to the turbulent history of this Border country. There is plenty to see including Hadrian’s Wall which is now a World Heritage Site, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle and gardens, the Farne Islands and historic Berwick-upon-Tweed, ringed by Elizabethan walls.
Discover the wide open spaces of the Northumberland National Park and enjoy the tranquility of Kielder Water & Forest Park before returning to the comfort of your holiday home for a cosy evening.
Follow the link to view our selection of self-catering holiday cottages in the North of England.
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