Spectacularly windswept, and very beautiful with it, Mull is second largest of the Inner Hebrides, after Skye, and a wonderful place to explore on foot. You may find a castle, or ruins, ancient stone circles or burial cairns, cliffs, craggy basalt mountains, and stunning white-sandy beaches. Off shore you may see whales, seals and dolphins, and the air is full of seabirds, including puffins. Our recommendations for the best places to stay on Mull have been drawn from the rather limited collection of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, but there are some good self-catering options also.

Tobermory, the main centre, is known for its colourful, harbourside cottages and is a great base if you want to immerse yourself in local colour and lore, as well as explore the island’s natural beauty. Tobermory has a distillery, a museum, an aquarium, and an arts centre, and is known for its eisteddfod and for its Highland Games.

As well as walking, fishing, and bird watching, ecotourism draws many people to Mull. In the 1990s the white-tailed eagle was reintroduced, and the island is a refuge for sea eagles too. Off the coast are Basking sharks, Minke whales, dolphins and porpoises, and on land Mull has otters. Photographers love it here too, for the endemic flora and fauna — Mull has 18 orchid species, and 33 ferns — but also for the dramatic spectacle of this island.

As with most of the Scottish west coast islands it's incredibly busy here during the peak summer months. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Mulll in July or August, you'll need to do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay on Mull

For a Special Occasion

• Glengorm Castle is a gorgeous property, complete with turrets and crenelations. It’s also beautifully positioned on a hill just outside Tobermory overlooking the sea. There are only six guest rooms, all of them individually decorated. Plus there's a grand dining room, lounge with wood-panelled walls and roaring fires, and a library with complimentary whisky! There are seven self-catering cottages on the estate, and a cafe inside the castle’s old stable and workshops. Families are most welcome.

For Couples

• Tobermory’s Highland Cottage is oerfect for a couples' getaway. Some of its six rooms and suites are decorated in period style, with rich fabrics, antiques and four-poster beds, while others offer more contemporary comforts. There are also two cosy lounges stacked with books, and a rather grand dining room with a 24 hour honesty bar. Breakfast is a full Scottish, and, best of all, the owners encourage their guests to relax and have fun.

For Great Value

• The Tobermory Hotel is a pink building, converted from a row of old fishermen’s cottages, overlooking Tobermory Harbour. Inside are 11 rooms, all unique and full of original details and character. There’s a restaurant and bar onsite, serving pub food that’s heavy on the seafood. They also have a self-catering cottage that sleeps up to six. Dogs are welcome for a one off charge.

Best B&Bs

• Killoran House is a charming B&B set in a picturesque, rural spot on Mull’s northerly side. There are just five rooms, all of them decorated with ‘country comforts’ in mind. The guest lounge is well set up with everything you may need, including a telescope. The restaurant has a small, but regularly changing menu, and the owners are laid back, friendly, and very knowledgeable on the local area — with great ideas for walkers and fisherfolk alike.
• Pennygate Lodge is a tranquil pick, surrounded by green gardens in the charming village of Craignure. It has just six rooms, all of them individually decorated with a sense of simplicity and elegance, and smart bathrooms. The most romantic rooms have stand alone tubs, and some of the suites would suit a family. The restaurant serves classic Scottish cuisine with a twist.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re planning to travel to Mull by plane the most convenient airports are probably Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh International Airport. Glasgow is about five hours away, including the ferry crossing from Oban to Craignure, while Edinburgh is six or seven hours. Coming up from London only adds about four hours to either journey, if you travel by rail, or less if you fly.
• The easiest way to get around Mull is by car, and if you want to hire one we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and Mull is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear whatever the season. The mildest months are April through October, and this is definitely the time to travel if you want to book boat cruises or tours, as most trips will operate fairly reliably. If you’d like to see the amazing marine animals of the region, September is the best time to travel. Visit during September, or October, and you’ve a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Seals visit the Hebrides in the summer months. Some tourist businesses close between November and March, so do you research extra carefully if you want to travel during this window.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, the best places to stay in the Inner Hebrides or the best hotels on the Outer Hebrides
• Consider the best places to stay on Harris, Skye or North Uist
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.