Perched in the north of the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland is a nature lover’s paradise, with spectacular scenery — from craggy mountains to magnificent sandy beaches — and stacks of outdoor activities to enjoy. The region’s accommodation options range from simple B&Bs to gorgeous hotels with excellent restaurants, suited to a whole host of budgets. The best places to stay in Sutherland promise a warm Highland welcome and heaps of local recommendations for visitors eager to don their hiking boots, pick up their fishing rods or to take to the waters and explore the area.

At the heart of the hugely popular North Coast 500 route and including dramatic Cape Wrath, Sutherland makes for a a gorgeous stop on a longer Highland journey, as well as offering a wonderfully remote escape in its own right. Ramblers and families can stroll along picturesque beaches, circle lovely lochs and attempt sections of the Scottish National Trail — ideally armed with a terrific hotel picnic. Keen hikers, on the other hand, can clamber up the wild Assynt Hills, and will find the views from Suliven, the most famous of the mountains, particularly rewarding. Wherever you choose to stay, the team at your hotel or B&B will happily point you in the right direction for some seriously impressive on-foot exploring.

Golfers will be drawn to the seaside town of Dornoch, the largest in the region, which boasts the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club, home to a highly regarded Championship Course featuring panoramic views of the hills and the sea. An appealing market town, Dornoch has some fantastic hotels, as well as sites of historic interest, including Dornoch Cathedral.

Alternatively, try kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing on glassy lochs and calm seas, head out wildlife-spotting with an expert guide, catch salmon or sea trout in Sutherland’s rivers, or admire the unique landscape from atop a mountain bike or on horseback.

Whether you’re envisaging an active family holiday or dreaming of a quiet couples’ retreat, the best places to stay in Sutherland offer a magical blend of cosy beds, delicious dishes crafted from superb seasonal produce, and a vast array of things to see and do in a secluded and spell-binding region.

The Best Places to Stay in Sutherland

For the Views

• Mackay's Rooms is a luxurious seven-bedroom B&B set in beautiful Durness. Stay here for glorious coastal views, feather-topped beds and oversized baths, as well as fresh, flavourful breakfasts and picnic hampers perfect for exploring. A remote, romantic choice, great for getting lost in the north-west corner of the Scottish Highlands.

• Kylesku Hotel offers charming boutique rooms on the shores of Loch Glendhu. The vibe is chic, contemporary and pared-back, with lots of creams and blue-grey tones. Explore this stunning region on foot, by boat, kayak or horseback, or try fishing and hit the beach with the kids before retiring to the atmospheric restaurant-with-views. Family suites make this a top pick if travelling with little ones, who will find so much to discover.

• Inver Lodge boasts 21 well-appointed rooms with spectacular views. Nestled in the village of Lochinver, this is a top-notch base for salmon and sea trout fishing on the Rivers Inver and Kirkaig, as well as hiking in the Assynt Hills, stalking and and wildlife spotting aplenty. One for nature lovers in search of a striking setting and fantastic food, with much of the restaurant’s produce sourced from the owner’s private estates. Wonderful!

For Golfers

• Links House offers eight elegant bedrooms in a striking location alongside the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Think spacious, comfortable rooms with tweed headboards and lovely armchairs, roaring fires and excellent food in the fine-dining restaurant. There’s fishing, shooting, walking and horse-riding nearby, too. A smart, luxurious stay, especially suited to golfers.

• 2 Quail is a cosy, characterful B&B in Dornoch, with three tartan-clad bedrooms and hearty breakfasts perfect for big days of golf. Pick this place for its central Dornoch location, great value and friendly feel. A whisky in the book-lined lounge beckons!

For a holiday cottage

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Edinburgh International Airport and continue north by bus or train. The journey to Dornoch should take about four hours.
• Sutherland is best explored by road as it is in such a remote part of Scotland. The roads are striking, and it’s worth looking into the North Coast 500 route if you are planning to drive. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect long days between April and September, with plenty of sunshine. July and August are the warmest months, but the nights are cool. This is still Scotland: bring your raincoat and wellies for when you’re out exploring. Cosy evenings by the fire will be even more rewarding when the weather gets really cold!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Inverness.
• or all our recommendations in the Highlands and Islands.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Scotland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Sutherland