NC500 Self-Catering Stays: Cottages, Cabins & Holiday Homes
Want space to spread out, cook your own meals, and not worry about bedtime routines in a shared hotel room?
These top North Coast 500 self-catering stays (cottages, cabins, and family-friendly holiday homes and apartments) have been carefully picked based on repeat traveller recommendations.
Many self-catering options on the North Coast 500 require a minimum stay of three nights or more, but I’ve carefully picked those that allow two nights or less – perfect for flexible family travel.
They follow the same order as our NC500 route and are listed under each region. Plus, I keep them updated regularly, so you can trust they’re still recommended and getting good reviews.
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.
👉 Love cosy vibes and a personal touch?
Browse our favourite NC500 B&Bs and guest houses – full of Highland hospitality and charm.
👉 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 Self-Catering Accommodation by Region
Inverness-shire region
Culloden Stables 4, Inverness – 9.3★
Culloden Stables 4 is a stylish, one-bedroom apartment ideal for families, located on a quiet estate just outside Inverness. It offers spacious, modern accommodation with one large double bed and two sofa beds in the living room.
Guests love: Beautiful, tree-filled location on a peaceful estate. The washing machine is handy (especially with kids). Modern bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Nearby: Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Inverness Castle, Ness Islands, Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Top tip: Fresh towels, coffee and tea are provided.
The Black Isle region (North East Peninsula)
Fishermans Cottage, North Kessock – 9.9★
Fishermans Cottage is a beautifully designed, highly rated 2-bedroom holiday home in North Kessock, ideal for families. It features a cosy interior with a fireplace, full kitchen, sauna and sea views.
Guests love: Thoughtful extras like books, games, and a cappuccino machine. Cleanliness and attention to detail.
Nearby: Inverness Castle, Culloden Battlefield, North Kessock East Pier Viewpoint.
Top tip: Use the private sauna in the evenings for a relaxing wind-down. The local cafe or bakery is highly recommended.
Easter Ross region (North East Coast)
Full Pint, Tain – 7.8★
Full Pint is a cosy North Coast 500 self-catering holiday home in the heart of Tain, perfect for families exploring the NC500. The house features three bedrooms, two with double beds and one with a large double bed, plus two bathrooms. The open-plan layout includes a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a comfortable living space.
Guests love: Spacious and comfortable, wood-burning stove makes it really cosy. Private terrace and garden furniture.
Nearby: Tain town centre, Glenmorangie Distillery, Skibo Castle, Dunrobin Castle.
Top tip: Platform 1864 restaurant is highly recommended and just a 5-minute walk away.
Sutherland Region (North East Coast)
Clashmore House Garden Cottage, Dornoch – 9.7★
Clashmore House Garden Cottage is a recently renovated one-bedroom apartment in the village of Clashmore, just a short drive from Dornoch. Sleeping up to four guests, it features garden views, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances (including a dishwasher, washing machine, and coffee machine), and a spacious living area with a satellite flat-screen TV. The cottage includes amenities such as free WiFi, private parking, a terrace, and board games for families.
Guests love: Exceptionally clean and high-quality finish. The hosts, Stuart & Mandy provide a warm welcome.
Nearby: Dornoch Beach, Skibo Castle, Glenmorangie Distillery, Dunrobin Castle.
Top tip: This North Coast 500 self-catering cottage is fairly new to the market but already getting great reviews so likely to be a hidden gem that grows in popularity. Free cot available upon request.
Caithness Region (North Coast)
North Coast Escapes Apartment, Thrumster – 9.6★
North Coast Escapes is a stylish 1-bedroom cabin apartment that can comfortably sleep up to two adults and two children. It’s located in the peaceful village of Thrumster near Wick. This North Coast 500 self-catering apartment includes a comfortable seating area, kitchenette, flat-screen TV, walk-in shower, and a private terrace. There’s even a garden complete with hot tub jacuzzi to relax in. Free cots are also available upon request.
Guests love: Relaxing in the hot tub after a day of exploring, immaculately clean, peaceful with stunning views, thoughtful touches like treats on arrival. Hosts Jen & Davy are mentioned a lot for their great hospitality.
Nearby: Wick Heritage Centre, Whaligoe Steps, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Puldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant.
Top tip: Wick is just a short drive from the cabin and has supermarkets, fuel stations and takeaways.
Sutherland Region (North West Coast)
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge, Inchnadamph – 4.7★
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is a historic and welcoming base for adventurers in the heart of Assynt, Northwest Highlands. The Lodge has a rich history and has hosted notable guests including geologists, aristocrats, and explorers. Today, it offers varied and comfortable accommodation options for individuals, families, and groups. Family rooms include a double bed and single bed, with cot available upon request.
Guests love: Great for nature lovers with walks starting directly from the lodge. Well equipped kitchen, guiden tour of the lodge on arrival. On-site shop stocking the famous Lochinver pies!
Nearby: Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt, Bone Caves, Wailing Widow Falls.
Top tip: Pack for remoteness as there are no restaurants or nightlife nearby. Take a short walk to Sovi’s Coffee for a hot drink and snack.
Wester Ross Region (North West Coast)
Acheninver Hostel, Achiltibuie – 4.9★
Nestled in the Ben Mor Coigach Wildlife Reserve, Acheninver Hostel offers stunning views, warm hospitality, and easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking and wild swimming. This heritage hostel is an ideal base for exploring the hidden gems of Coigach and Assynt – perfect for nature lovers. Rooms include either two double beds, or a double bed and single bed with cots available upon request.
Guests love: A real unique, remote wilderness setting. Parking is a 5-10 minute walk which adds to the adventure and seclusion. The host, Ruth is praised by many for her friendliness and helpfulness.
Nearby: Acheninver Beach, Ben Mor Coigach Reserve, Loch Bad A’ Ghaill, Norwest Sea Kayaking (0.6 miles from hostel).
Top tip: Access is via a 300–500m walk down a bumpy grass track so use the provided wheelbarrows for your luggage. Head torch may be useful for navigating around at night.
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