A new list of the “top 10 last minute winter breaks” in the Cairngorms has been revealed. While winter might not be the first time of year that comes to mind when booking a holiday, December, January, and February are a great time to plan a staycation.
Scotland’s landscapes look especially beautiful when blanketed in frost and snow, while there are countless cosy pubs across the country where you can sit down for some warming food and drink.
With the Cairngorms being the largest national park in the UK, it is the perfect place to head for a picturesque winter break. To help you decide where to head, local tourist board Visit Cairngorms has put together a list of their top 10 last-minute accommodation options in the area.
Continue reading for the top 10 last minute winter breaks according to Visit Cairngorms.
Arbor Bothy, Nethy Bridge
Escape to a little wooden cabin in the Abernethy Caledonian Pine Forest, which is filled with woodland trails and wildlife. The cosy wooden interior is suitable for two adults and has plenty of maps and adventure books to plan days out, plus a large projector screen to enjoy movie nights in front of a roaring fire.
Meanwhile, if you are feeling creative, the hosts offer bespoke photography workshops and jewellery-making workshops for guests. They have availability on various dates during December, January, and February for a minimum two-night stay.
More information can be found on the Arbor Bothy website.
Braemar Cabins, Braemar
Wooden self-catering cabins Carn Na Drochaide and Callater sleep four and three guests, respectively. Breakfast and dinner can also be added for an additional fee, while both cabins are dog friendly.
Nearby, there are many local winter hikes, such as the Prince Albert Cairn walk plus Balmoral Castle and Royal Lochnagar Distillery. All are within easy driving distance from the cabins.
More information can be found on the Braemar Cabins website.
Candacraig, Strathdon
Described as “one of Scotland’s finest exclusive-use venues” by Visit Cairngorms, Candacraig is ideal if you are planning a family get-together for a special occasion or a weekend away with friends. Featuring 12 individual and beautifully styled bedrooms, it sleeps up to twenty guests.
There are also endless possibilities for additional activities such as a land rover explorer experience, art classes, an e-bike tour, fly fishing, whisky tasting, and cookery classes. You can also take part in clay pigeon shooting, foraging, and much more.
More information can be found on the Candacraig website.
Craggan Mill, Grantown-on-Spey
You can book a dog-friendly stay in this self-catering lodge in the Victorian village of Grantown-on-Spey. Craggan Mill sleeps 16 across six bedrooms, while there is also a wood burner, a sauna, a hot tub, and more.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of winter walks in the area that offer stunning views of the Cairngorms. Added extras you can opt for include chef-prepared meals and discounted guided walks.
More information can be found on the Craggan Mill website.
Eriskay Glamping Pods, Aviemore
Elsewhere, you can book a stay at Eriskay B&B and Glamping in the heart of Aviemore — ideally located close to a range of pubs and restaurants. You can choose from either a glamping pod that sleeps two or a guesthouse that offers double, twin, and family rooms.
More information can be found on the Eriskay Glamping Pods website.
The Garth Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey
The Garth Hotel is situated 15 miles from Aviemore, and is home to 18 en-suite bedrooms. Several rooms on the ground floor are specially designed for guests with limited mobility, while the hotel is also dog-friendly.
More information can be found on The Garth Hotel website.
Hidden Highland Retreats, Aviemore
Those looking for luxury self-catering cottages can head to Hidden Highland Retreats at Rothiemurchus in the heart of the Cairngorms. They have seven different properties to suit varying numbers of guests.
Guests can enjoy epic winter walks on their doorstep or book on-site activities such as falconry and quad bikes experiences. All properties are also dog-friendly and feature wood-burning stoves for cosy nights indoors.
More information can be found on the Hidden Highland Retreats website.
The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey
The Grant Arms Hotel, known as a “wildlife and whisky hotel”, is nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands town of Grantown-on-Spey. It has 51 en-suite bedrooms and is the only four-star hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, according to Visit Cairngorms.
More information can be found on The Grant Arms Hotel website.
Howe of Torbeg, Ballater
At Howe of Torbeg, you can make the most of the clear winter skies and go stargazing. Accommodation is comprised of glamping pods that sleep two and ‘shepherd’s huts’ that offer unique off-grid accommodation for up two adults and up to two children.
Elsewhere, there is a fully heated shower block and an indoor wood-burning oven in a shared log cabin. Logs and charcoal are available to purchase onsite.
More information can be found on the Howe of Torbeg website.
No7, Braemar
Described as a “beautiful self-catering home-from-home”, this house sleeps six and features a wood burner with plenty of logs to keep toasty and warm. It welcomes one well-behaved dog, though certain rules apply.
More information can be found on the No7 Braemar website.
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