12 Quirky Places to Stay on the North Coast 500
When planning your trip, choosing where to stay is a top priority. From tree houses to old railway stations, you’ll find a huge variety of quirky accommodation on the North Coast 500, many of which are experiences in themselves. In this article, we have pulled together our top 12 quirky places to stay around the route.
The North Coast 500 winds its way through some of the most stunning scenery in Europe, taking you past historic castles, quaint villages, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. If you’ve already visited the North Highlands, you’ll know just how much there is to see and do along the North Coast 500. The route is an experience and driving the full 516 miles of coastline makes for an exhilarating holiday. Yet, the NC500 is so much more than just a road. Why not choose your favourite area and spend a few days exploring all that there is to see and do.
Stay in these quintessentially quirky places on the North Coast 500 route and you’re bound to want to stay for at least two nights or more!
Quirky Accommodation on the North Coast 500
The Tall Pines Yurt
Experience a little bit of Eastern Promise in a traditional Mongolian Yurt
Set in the grounds of a decrofted house, on the hill at Gartymore in Helmsdale this quirky accommodation also comes with spectacular 180 degree views looking out over the Moray Firth.
This traditional Mongolian Yurt comes fully equipped with everything you will need throughout your stay. Guests can benefit from private parking, a fenced-off garden with bbq and outside dining and seating area, raised decking with bistro table and chairs.
The perfect base for exploring the east coast of Sutherland.
For prices and availability visit thetallpinesyurt.co.uk
Strathcarron Station
What could be quirkier than a stay at the once bustling station building on the Inverness to Kyle railway line
This historic symbol of the age of steam is now being reborn for the 21st century. Be the Station Master in the wonderful two double bedroom first floor apartment which has been restored to its former glory, but given the contemporary touches that complete a relaxing break.
Or, choose the Ticket Office, which retains many original railway features and has been lovingly renovated to an extremely high standard. On the ground floor, the Ticket Office is wheelchair accessible with ramp access and a wet room. Relax, dine and sleep in a piece of railway history but with every modern convenience available.
Stay at Strathcarron Station and enjoy exploring the beautiful Wester Ross.
Tentpop 500
Explore your favourite part of the North Coast 500 in a Volkswagen transporter with roof box tent
Exploring your favourite parts of the North Coast 500 with the freedom and convenience of a campervan, is an excellent way to travel. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, jaw-dropping scenery or just need a weekend break away, Tentpop 500 can provide a flexible way to discover new sights and communities.
Tentpop 500 is not your usual campervan though, it comes equipped with a Tentbox roof tent with a built in comfortable mattress, and everything you will need to make your adventure safe, comfortable and memorable, including camping chairs and sleeping bags. The Tentbox roof tent will sleep two adults and a small child and the transporter itself also has additional space for two adults in a pullout bed.
All you need to do is book a pitch and head off on a fantastic adventure.
Find out more over at tentpop500.co.uk
Newton Lodge
Enjoy the stunning scenery of the far North West Highlands with a stay at Newton Lodge
The lovely Newton Lodge is set amidst stunning scenery in Unapool near Kylesku in the far North West Highlands. Overlooking Loch Glencoul, the Lodge, Bar and Restaurant is a special place to visit on your North Coast 500 adventure.
Venture out and explore rugged mountains and a stunning coastline. Golden beaches and crystal-clear water. Prepare to be amazed by the idyllic scenery and the savage beauty of the North West Highlands.
On your return the wonderful lodge hosts will greet you with the warmest Highland welcome. Local beers, cocktails, wine, single malts and craft gins can be enjoyed inside by the fire or out on the deck with its fabulous loch view.
Newton Lodge are currently offering 20% off a two-night stay this autumn. Find out more here.
The Highland Haven
Enjoy the sleek Scandinavian style of The Highland Haven
This gem of a property is set in a stunning location, just off the A836 between Thurso and John O’Groats, and commands amazing views over to Dunnet Head and Orkney.
The Highland Haven is a converted farm building with a nod to Scandinavian design and a big dose of Highland hospitality. They have two bunk rooms each with en-suite shower facilities. The Barn sleeps 6 guests and The Burrow sleeps 4, in our bespoke bunk pods.
With 3 beautiful beaches right on their doorstep, wonderfully unique family rooms and continental breakfast included, The Highland Haven is the perfect family getaway on the NC500 this autumn.
You can receive 10% off an October break when booked through their website thehighlandhaven.co.uk
Kylesku Lodges
Prepare to be blown away by the breath-taking views from Kylesku Lodges
With an enviable position on the untouched North West Coast, these ten A frame lodges are where rustic hideout and timeless natural beauty entwine. A perfect location to explore the untamed wilderness with incredible beaches, hidden waterfalls and wildlife, hills and caves on your doorstep.
You’ll find Kylesku Lodges right by the iconic Kylesku Bridge. The dramatic range of Quinag is right in front of your cabin and the village of Kylesku which has an award winning bar and hotel where you can sample fresh langoustines, mussels, lobster and hand dived scallops landed straight from the loch is only a short walk away.
The cabins have either two or three bedrooms, and three of the cabins are dog-friendly. For those who love to breathe in the fresh country air, the raised deck is the ideal resting place after a day of adventuring and the perfect space to absorb the stunning sunset, gaze at the starry night or catch a glimpse of stags and sheep as they wander around the land.
There is no need to ask for a lodge with a really good view as the truth is they all have amazing views. Each lodge looks straight out over Quinag and depending on how far down the hill you are, the view of the loch will alter slightly. We’re pretty sure you wont be disappointed.
And with the autumn dark skies and no light pollution star gazers will be in for a real treat.
Find out more over at www.kyleskulodges.co.uk
White Rose Tower
A modern take on the traditional Scottish tower house awaits you at White Rose Tower
Nestled amongst the tranquil woodlands of Ross-Shire and away from the hustle and bustle of modern life lies White Rose Tower B&B. The perfect base for your Highland mini break. Located just 30 minutes north of Inverness and near to the picturesque Cromarty Firth, White Rose Tower is set in the heart of serene woodlands offering the darkest night skies, freshest Scottish air and a tranquil escape.
The house boasts an observatory, spiral staircases, hidden doors, turrets, towers, suits of armour and woodland views. The central grand hall linking the two wings of the towers is dedicated to the rest and relaxation of guests. And trust us, it is a sight to behold! White Rose Tower offer four en-suite rooms available for adult guests, each sleeping two.
So, unwind, breath deeply, and embrace the wild with a stay at White Rose Tower.
Find out more at www.whiterosetower.com
West Coast Hideaways
Soak up the magnificent landscape of Assynt while relaxing in a wood fired hot tub at West Coast Hideaways.
Located on the coast road between Lochinver and Kylesku, West Coast Hideaways is ideally situated to explore the stunning scenery of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Soaking up the abundant wildlife, amazing beaches and abandoned castles.
All three shepherd huts at West Coast Hideaways offer luxurious, ensuite accommodation for two, including rainfall shower, log burning stove, fully fitted kitchen with oak worktops, king size bed and a large picture window showcasing the magnificent sea and mountain views. Each individual hut has its own personality, giving a unique stay every time. Externally each shepherd hut has its own outdoor relaxing space with a wood burning hot tub, outside dining furniture and BBQ.
So if you love cosy nights in front of a wood burning stove, soaking in a hot tub contemplating starry skies, breathtaking sea & mountain views, a sizzling BBQ, watching wild deer grazing the croft, then this is the perfect location for a highland break.
Find out more at westcoasthideaways.co.uk
Castlecraig Clifftops
Nestled on a cliff top with amazing views and a hot tub – what more could you want?
Castlecraig Clifftops, located in Nigg on the Easter Ross peninsula, offer four luxury self-catering cabins, each with a private hot tub and fully equipped with mod cons and everyday tech.
The cabins are individually designed to maximize their cliff-top location and spectacular views, while still ensuring your privacy. And, if that wasn’t enough, each cozy cabin has a large glass entrance to make the most of the majestic views over the Moray Firth – perfect for dolphin spotting! Another stunning feature of Castlecraig Clifftops is that the master bedrooms boast a floor to ceiling window to fill the room with natural light and connect you to the beautiful outside wilderness.
Find out more at castlecraigfarm.com
Ardgay Glamping Pods
Stay in the orchard of a former family run farm at Ardgay Glamping Pods
Located in the quiet rural village of Ardgay, these glamping pods make the perfect base to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits and visitor attractions. Ardgay Glamping offers two fully equipped luxury glamping pods, and each pod can accommodate two to three adults or two adults and two children. The pods come with a full double sized bed, 1 x pull out sofa bed, full en-suite facilities, small kitchen, living-room area, TV, Wi-Fi and thermostatically controlled heating for year-round comfort.
And to make sure you have ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquil countryside, each pod has a large decked area with outdoor dining table and chairs and barbeque cooking facilities.
Find out more at www.ardgayglamping.co.uk
Auld Post Office B&B
Enjoy a 4 Star GOLD B&B experience at The Auld Post Office
Quietly situated in the countryside, with views across the heather moorland to the peaks of Sutherland, The Auld Post Office B&B is set within 8 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and private woodland. Just a short drive to both Thurso and Wick this B&B is the perfect base for exploring the Northern Highlands.
Accommodation comprises, two double en-suite guest rooms each with French doors to the private patio and gardens beyond, an annex cottage is also available. And to make your experience even better, The Auld Post Office offers a unique Gin Tasting Evening, with more than 100 Scottish Gins in their Tasting room. You will be guided to nose and taste different flavours, with garnishes directly from their herb garden.
Find out more at www.auldpostoffice.com
Helmsdale Hostel
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Helmsdale Hostel
The Helmsdale Hostel offers flexible accommodation within six en-suite bedrooms – a combination of double, twin, single and family rooms as well as exclusive group use – in total accommodating up to twenty-four people. There is also a large fully equipped open plan kitchen/ dining area, and a comfortable relaxing lounge area with log burning stove to warm you up after a long day exploring.
And there is lots to explore in the immediate area, from exploring the rich history – dating all the way back to the Vikings, to fishing, golfing and so much more.
Find out more at helmsdalehostel.co.uk
Rooms at the Gabbler
Stay in either an Old Coaching Inn or an old Station with Rooms at the Gabbler.
You have your choice of two fabulously quirky properties with Rooms at the Gabbler! The Downright Gabbler is a a newly converted forming coaching inn dating back to the 1820s, which now houses four self catering apartments. Each apartment is named after the four counties of the North Coast 500 and each has a sitting room with mini kitchen, bedroom and shower room.
Or, how about a stay at Beauly Station? a cottage style self catering apartment in a former railway station dating back to the 1870s. You certainly wont need to venture far to soak up the history of the area if you stay in either of these proprties!
But if more history is what you are after then you are in luck. The Downright Gabbler offer you the chance to explore the rich history and culture, in a fun way, using the best of Scottish food and drink.
They are a family business using their skills in hospitality and storytelling to entertain their guests. They offer several unique events from Afternoon Teas to lavish dinners.
Find out more at downrightgabbler.co.uk
These are just a few of the great places to stay along the North Coast 500. Click below to see more great properties and plan your prefect trip.
