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Holiday rentals in Lochside

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Top-rated holiday rentals in Lochside

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Top guest favourite
The exterior of Ethel's Cottage is showcased, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. A gravel path leads to the front door, framed by well-kept greenery and natural stone walls. The cottage's slate roof complements the natural landscape under a clear blue sky.
Cottage
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

Ethel's Cottage: Idyllic Riverside 1 Bed Cottage

The recently refurbished and modernised Ethel's Cottage is in an idyllic location, flanked by two rivers. This gate lodge cottage offers the perfect place to stay for a few nights or longer! Easily accessed from the A9 (on the NC500 route) and just a two-minute walk from a secluded beach and estuary with lots of short walks from the front door and plenty longer ones in the vicinity. Modern appliances and comfortable furnishings, the cottage has everything you will need for a relaxing break.

Guest favourite
The exterior of a modern log cabin is showcased, featuring large glass windows that enhance natural light. A spacious wooden deck surrounds the cabin, with a hot tub positioned nearby. The landscape includes open fields, suggesting a serene environment.
Cabin
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviews

Valhalla View-NC500

A truly unique get away set on over 14 acres of its own land, over looking the Orkney Islands, 3 mins off the official NC500 Route. With features like its own 6 person hot top, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen and spacious dining area, and 3 double bedrooms plus a extra guest room with a pull out sofa bed. Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place. Only 15 mins from John o'grotes and Dunnet beach Also the chance to witness the spectacular Northern lights (Aurora) on the right occasion.

Top guest favourite
A well-maintained garden area features vibrant green grass extending towards the sea, with gentle waves visible in the background. The white cottage, with a moss-covered roof, stands against a clear blue sky, reflecting a peaceful coastal setting.
Cottage
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

The Old Smiddy, Huna, John O'Groats

Close to the village of John O' Groats and on the North Coast 500, the Old Smiddy (an old blacksmith's cottage) has been beautifully restored into a modern home, while keeping many of its original features. The cottage sleeps 4 people in 2 double bedrooms (both en-suite) and has a fold-away camp bed for use by a small child. The cottage offers beautiful sea views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands and is the perfect base for exploring Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.

Guest favourite
Cottage
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Torran Cottage - Views, Exclusivity & Tranquility

Torran Cottage is nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Flow Country! Whilst superbly modernised throughout, the cottage retains its original features, including wonderful flagstone flooring, deep-silled windows set into thick stone walls, and a large wood burner for cosy evenings. The views from the hot tub and gardens are unbelievable. Panoramic vistas look east to Morven and the Scarabens, south to Ben Klibreck and west to distant views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.

Superhost
The open living space features a dining table with four chairs, and a compact kitchen equipped with modern appliances. A shelving unit stands adjacent to the entrance, while a window provides natural light, enhancing the neutral color scheme of the walls and floor.
Guest house
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews

No. 7

Cozy Coastal Base on the North Coast 500 Just a 5-minute stroll from the sea, our peaceful getaway offers stunning views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Ideally located between Thurso and Scrabster Harbour, you’re only a 10–15 minute walk from either – perfect for catching the Orkney ferry or enjoying a bite in town. Great for families, with a local play park nearby, and a fantastic base for exploring Caithness, scenic coastal walks, or simply unwinding by the sea.

Top guest favourite
The cottage is set within a fenced area, surrounded by open countryside. A gravel driveway leads to the entrance, which is framed by wooden fencing. The stone exterior of the cottage is complemented by a slate roof, under a partly cloudy sky.
Cottage
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Taigh Neonach Cozy 1 bedroom Highland Cottage

Welcome! This is our quirky wee cottage. Originally a traditional Scottish but and ben it now offers a cosy getaway in the far north highlands. Taigh Neonach is Gaelic for odd cottage which suits its slightly unconventional character. A fantastic base to explore the North of Scotland, whether you are touring the NC500, relaxing in the quiet wilderness of Caithness, doing a spot of fishing, shooting, walking, cycling... the choices are endless like the views!

Top guest favourite
A terracotta planter displays vibrant greenery, including a small rosemary plant, positioned near a rustic stone wall. Two lantern-style fixtures are mounted beside a white door, contributing to a welcoming entrance.
Cottage
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 557 reviews

BERRISCUE HOUSE - ENTIRE COTTAGE - THURSO

Berriscue House is a beautiful, bespoke cottage - located in the centre of Thurso, hidden away from the world with a large walled garden and private entrance. Five minute walk from the beach. Everything you need for a cosy Scottish retreat! If booking the same day after 6pm please message as it may still be possible to book. If you require the extra bed in the living room, you must tell us in your initial message so we know to prepare this for you.

Guest favourite
Holiday home
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

No.3, Shiro, Juniper bank

My chalets are on land surrounded by trees, wild flowers, and wildlife. A 5min walk into the town centre and under 15min walk to the beach. The train station is also only 5mins away. If you are driving then this is the perfect spot for Dunnet head, the most northerly point of the UK, puffin cove, a beautiful isolated spot to sit by the sea and watch the birds, the historic town of wick, and of course Jon o groats. Thurso is on the NC500.

Guest favourite
Cottage
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

Cathel's Cottage - Outstanding Views

Cosy remote cottage on the North coast with beautiful views of the Orkney Isles from the front door. Perfectly situated for exploring Sutherland to the West and Caithness to the East. The cottage consists of a kitchen/ livingroom on the ground floor with a double bedroom and separate bathroom (shower only) up stairs. Access by spiral stairs. Wood burning stove in the living area (fuel supplied)

Top guest favourite
A traditional Scottish croft house is set against a stunning night sky, illuminated by the colors of the aurora borealis. The subtle hues of green and purple dance overhead, creating a serene atmosphere, while the silhouette of the cottage adds a charming focal point.
Cottage
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Tottie's Cottage

A traditional Scottish croft house with sea views which has been lovingly restored to a very high standard with all modern amenities. Located in the most northerly village on mainland UK, with coastline walks and beaches in abundance nearby. A special place to explore or simply relax and unwind. A Highland Council approved short term letting property, licence number HI-00297-F.

Top guest favourite
Two outdoor chairs in light blue are positioned on a gravel area in front of a wooden pod. The pod features large glass doors reflecting a warm interior light, while soft lighting highlights the arching structure against a twilight sky.
Tiny home
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 422 reviews

Luxury handcrafted pod with en suite bathroom.

Lisa and her family would like to welcome you to The Glen Lodge, our luxury handcrafted pod. With a sea view of the spectacular Scottish coast and surrounded by fields containing our ponies, sheep and cows. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Situated 6 miles from John O'Groats we are on both the popular NC500 route and the John O'Groats Walking Trail.

Guest favourite
An eco-friendly pod features a distinctive curved roof and wooden exterior, set on a wooden deck. The entrance, framed by grass, showcases a large glass door that reflects the sky. The serene landscape is bathed in soft evening light beneath a clear sky.
Hut
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Camping Pod Watten, Loch View, Off-Grid Near NC500

With panoramic views of Loch Watten and the rolling countryside of Caithness. Ideally situated, between Thurso and Wick, convenient for John o'Groats, Dunnet Head and the beautiful local beaches. The site is suited to walkers, cyclists, surfers, birders, and campers travelling the Northcoast 500. A rare opportunity to be un-plugged and enjoy a simpler life.

Popular amenities for Lochside holiday rentals

All about Lochside

The northernmost points of mainland Scotland are as beautiful as they are bleak and as wild as they are wonderful. The Caithness area offers traditional fishing villages, rugged sandstone cliffs, and the gateway to the North Sea. A prominent Norse settlement, the town of Thurso is one of the most significant points in the area and is named after the river, originally Torsaa (Thor’s River). You can even feel a Scandinavian presence in the wild coastlines, while the pretty towns with their winding streets feel traditionally Scottish.

The Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea at the Pentland Firth, where a local ferry takes passengers from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney. The crossing can be eventful, depending on the weather, with looming cliffs and the 137-metre-tall Old Man of Hoy sea stack to welcome you in.

If you’re taking the North Coast 500 scenic drive — or cycle route — through the Highlands, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, you’ll pass through several hamlets and villages across the northern edge of Caithness. Halkirk, Scrabster, Castletown, John O’Groats, and Wick are all worth pausing in for cosy pubs and picturesque harbours. Windswept cliff walks throughout the region will reward you with views across protected natural areas and untamed landscapes, home to puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

What are the top things to do in Lochside?

Dunnet Head

Twenty minutes north of Lochside, the windswept Dunnet Head peninsula is mainland Scotland’s most northerly point. The heather-strewn headland is home to a 19th-century lighthouse atop towering cliffs, miles of winding coastal walks, and a thriving puffin population. This spot is also renowned for whale-watching — and you might even see porpoises and orcas just off the shore.

Castlehill Heritage Centre

This 17th-century dairy farm now houses the Castlehill Heritage Centre, celebrating local industry and culture. Castletown was a pioneering parish — one of the first to recognise flagstone’s global, commercial value, revitalising the local industry. Exhibitions, gardens, and sculpture trails tell the story of Caithness. You can also try your hand at local crafts like rope making and driftwood sculpture.

Thurso Beach

With its increasing reputation among surfers, Thurso Beach is known for its impressive waves (wind and tide permitting). The esplanade makes for an enjoyable walk, facing out across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney island of Hoy.

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