North Coast 500 Bed and Breakfasts & Guest Houses
If you’re after that cosy Highland welcome, these North Coast 500 bed and breakfast gems will offer just that.
I’ve combed through real traveller reviews (and I mean a lot of them) to find the most-loved B&Bs and guest houses, especially from other travelling families.
They’re all in region order and follow our full itinerary. Plus, I keep the list regularly updated to make sure you have everything you need for zero planning stress?
Prefer a different type of accommodation?
👉 Want hotel comfort without the fuss?
Check out the top-rated hotels on the NC500 – perfect for families needing a comfy base after a day of exploring.
👉 Need space to spread out?
See the best self-catering spots on the NC500 – ideal for family meals and relaxed evenings.
👉 Looking for something different?
Glamping pods, quirky huts, and unforgettable stays await – your adventure doesn’t stop at bedtime!
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North Coast 500 B&Bs and Guest Houses by Region
Inverness-shire region
The Coo’s Guest House, Inverness – 4.1★
The Coo’s Guest House is a stylish, family-friendly B&B set in a traditional Victorian villa just a short walk from Inverness city centre. It offers nine modern en-suite rooms with Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and contactless self-check-in. Guests can enjoy on-site parking, a secure bike shed, and a peaceful garden.
Guests love: Quiet neighbourhood, free parking, proximity to local shops and restaurants. The rooms are well maintained, though some on the smaller side.
Nearby: Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Caledonian Canal, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Top tip: Family rooms which offer a double bed and two single beds, fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so book early. There is a lovely park just a 5-minute walk away where kids can burn off energy.
The Black Isle region (North East Peninsula)
Fairburn Activity Centre, Muir of Ord – 4.8★
Fairburn Activity Centre is housed in a beautifully converted Victorian stable located in the village of Marybank, just a short drive from the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. This is a great option if you are looking for outdoor adventure. The accommodation provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding mountains, lochs, rivers, and glens rich in wildlife, as well as offering guests additional outdoor experiences in a natural setting.
Guests love: Staff are extremely welcoming, friendly, and helpful. Peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. The family rooms are basic but perfectly clean and comfortable.
Nearby: Rogie Falls, Loch Garve, Strathconon Glen, Inverness.
Top tip: The continental breakfast included in the price is excellent, but also try the on-site cafe. The family room offers a double bed and two bunk beds, and cots are available upon request. On-site activities include archery, canoeing, laser tag, and bushcraft.
Easter Ross region (North East Coast)
Shandwick House, Tain – 4.9★
Shandwick House is a highly recommended, family-run North Coast 500 bed and breakfast in a convenient location close to the train station, shops, and town centre. All rooms are recently refurbished, en-suite or with private bathrooms, and include free Wi-Fi, TVs, and complimentary tea trays. Rooms accommodate up to two people, but cots are available on request. If you’re travelling with older children, you may need to book two rooms. I’ve included it in this guide because of the consistently excellent reviews and warm Highland welcome.
Guests love: Spotless and beautifully decorated rooms. Outstanding, freshly cooked breakfasts. Dennis, the host, receives continuous praise for being so friendly, helpful and attentive.
Nearby: Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain & District Museum, Dunrobin Castle and Shandwick Bay Beach.
Top tip: This is a popular North Coast 500 bed and breakfast so book early. Dennis is extremely knowledgeable, so make sure you ask him for advice. Be sure to try the full Scottish breakfast.
Sutherland Region (North East Coast)
Kindale House, Helmsdale – 4.8★
Kindale House is a welcoming 4-star guesthouse located in the scenic village of Helmsdale, Sutherland. It offers spacious, stylishly furnished en suite rooms and a warm, homely atmosphere. Guests can book bed & breakfast and/or dinner. Room 3 is a spacious en-suite room with a pull-out bed suitable for a family of four. Cots are also available upon request.
Guests love: Sharon and Tommy are exceptional hosts who go out of their way to accommodate guests. Spotless rooms with comfy beds. Outstanding breakfasts and personal touches like home-caught fish.
Nearby: Timespan Museum and Arts Centre, Helmsdale Beach, Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, Brora Beach & Heritage Centre.
Top tip: La Mirage around the corner is highly recommended for an evening meal or takeaway. This guest house only has two rooms so book early.
Caithness Region (North Coast)
Forse of Nature Guest House, Latheron – 4.7★
Forse of Nature is a family-run, eco-friendly guest house located in the historic Forse House and beautiful grounds in the Caithness countryside. The accommodation ranges from single rooms to family suites, including a four-poster suite and self-contained options. The guest house and café emphasize sustainability, using upcycled furniture and serving homemade food made from locally sourced, seasonal produce grown in their walled garden.
Guests love: Welcoming, kind, and accommodating hosts, beautiful grounds, cozy, homely atmosphere. Good Wi-Fi and value for money.
Nearby: Laidhay Croft Museum, Caithness Animal Farm Park, Dunbeath Heritage Museum, Lybster Village.
Top tip: Make sure you try out the café and guest house, which serves delicious homemade food, including breakfasts, vegan options, toasties, and a variety of homemade cakes. Many ingredients come from the on-site garden or local producers.
Sutherland Region (North West Coast)
Scourie Lodge and Gardens, Scourie – 4.8★
Scourie Lodge is a beautiful historic North Coast 500 B&B overlooking Scourie Bay. Surrounded by breathtaking Highland landscapes and within walking distance of a beach and local shops, it offers a tranquil base for exploring the North West Highlands. This charming lodge features five en-suite rooms, two cosy guest lounges, and extensive gardens, including a walled garden and woodland perfect for a morning wander.
Guests love: The Woodland Table restaurant. Incredibly friendly and attentive hosts, a home-away-from-home feel, hearty breakfast and delicious evening meals in the restaurant. Whilst there is no liquor license, guests are able to take their own drinks.
Nearby: Scourie Bay & Beach, Handa Island Wildlife Reserve, Eas a’Chuil Aluinn Waterfall, Sandwood Bay.
Top tip: It’s one of the favourite North Coast 500 Bed & Breakfasts, so book early. The family room offers a double bed and single bed, and cots are available upon request. Enjoy the beautiful walled garden.
Wester Ross Region (North West Coast)
Old Surgery Guest House, Ullapool – 4.4★
Cosy, family-run guest house just a short walk from the harbour, shops and restaurants. It offers six comfortable, en-suite rooms with flexible layouts, some sleeping up to four, making it ideal for families. Several rooms even have beautiful sea views across Loch Broom.
Guests love: Freshly cooked breakfast to order, spacious rooms, plenty of free parking.
Nearby: Ullapool Museum, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ardmair Bay, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
Top tip: Book dinner reservations in advance as the restaurants near this North Coast 500 bed and breakfast get booked up.
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