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Digital detox holidays in Scotland

Written by James Walsh

A view from a wooded hillside looking down over the village of Plockton on the shore of Loch Carron.

Plockton, Balmacara Estate

Our holiday homes are the perfect place for a digital detox. Swap the endless scrolling and emails for some blissful screen-free time in stunning Scottish scenery, with plenty to do to help you relax and connect with nature.

What is a digital detox?

A digital detox is exactly what it sounds like: time spent away from phones, laptops, tablets and all the digital distractions that come with them. Studies have shown that our screen use at home and at work is increasing all the time, and a range of physical and mental health issues have been linked with the use of digital devices.

A digital detox may help you to:

Reconnect with the world around you
Reconnect with the people closest to you
Find new hobbies (or rediscover old ones!)
Focus on your body and brain, and sleep better
Relax and improve your attention span, memory and eyesight

More and more people are looking to take a break from social media and ditch the digital trappings of their day-to-day life – dreaming of an escape to somewhere more remote and relaxing. But where can you go to avoid Wi-Fi?

Five Sisters Of Kintail seen from the summit ridge on a good day

Where to go for a digital detox

We have a wide array of holiday accommodation in our care, including lots of unique off-the-grid properties that are perfect for a digital detox. Instead of superfast broadband and top tech, they come fully equipped with spectacular settings, cosy interiors, and all manner of things to see and do on your doorstep that you can’t experience online.

Balmacara Estate, near Kyle of Lochalsh

Ferry Cottage (sleeps 4) on the north shore of Loch Alsh was once a waiting room for people travelling across the water to Skye from Balmacara. Now it hosts people looking to escape the city and enjoy the scenic west coast of Scotland. Away from the main roads and surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to unwind.

There are lovely coastal walks on your doorstep and the beautiful Balmacara Estate is a fantastic place for cycling, with lots of maintained tracks and quiet roads. There’s plenty of wildlife to see as well, and the Isle of Skye, Plockton and the Falls of Glomach are all within a short drive.

Book Ferry Cottage today

Isle of Skye

Beaton’s Croft (sleeps 2) is a remote, single-bedroom, thatched cottage on the tranquil Isle of Skye. It dates from the 19th century and has been awarded an A-listing for historic significance. The roaring fire and sloped ceilings make you feel as though you’ve travelled back to a time long before digital devices existed.

Enjoy stunning views of the rugged island landscape and glistening sea from your window and get inspired for the day ahead. You can earn your lazy evenings by hiking the Cuillin mountains, exploring nearby Uig village or visiting the renowned Skye Brewery. When you return to the mainland, you can also stop at Kintail and West Affric for a taste of Scotland’s wildest landscapes.

Book Beaton’s Croft today

A small cottage sits at the edge of a loch, with a small track running in front of the cottage. Woodland rises behind.

A white thatched cottage stands in a grassy field, with a smaller thatched outbuilding beside. The cottage has a chimney either end, and a small red front door. Mountains can be seen in the background.

Craigievar Castle, near Alford

Three special holiday properties are situated in the stunning Craigievar Castle grounds. Although the castle itself is closed for restoration until 2024, there are 37 hectares of parkland to play in, with a waymarked trail that leads through woodland, parkland and hillsides. You can try to spot rare pine martens, or take a short drive to one of our other famous Aberdeenshire castles.

Explore the North East Castle Trail

The semi-detached North Mains (sleeps 4) has a cosy country style, with antique furniture and a wood-burning stove. Next door, South Mains (sleeps 6) has its own private garden, so you can sit out and soak up the quiet while you recharge your batteries. The nearby Steading Cottage (sleeps 4) is enveloped in climbing roses and built around a quiet courtyard – just the spot for an idyllic family escape!

Book North Mains, South Mains or Steading Cottage

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, near Banchory

East Lodge (sleeps 4) is a pretty stone cottage at the entrance to the historic Crathes Castle Estate, with easy access to the glorious gardens. From your doorstep you can stroll out into woodland and parkland that’s home to buzzards, bats, roe deer and herons, or head inside the castle to enjoy some fascinating historical stories.

A great place for families, there are endless opportunities for playtime, especially at the fantastic Wild Wood Adventure Play. The city of Aberdeen is only a short drive away, as are all the inviting beaches along the coast if you fancy packing your bucket and spade.

Book East Lodge today

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate, near Banchory

Feel royally relaxed with a stay at Courtyard Cottage (sleeps 2), a characterful retreat nestled in the courtyard of the 700-year-old Drum Castle. It’s a great option for couples, with a comfy double bed and a dreamy living space with tasteful décor, antique artefacts, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

You can explore the historic Old Wood of Drum, admire the castle’s exquisite chapel or breathe in the blissful scents of the Garden of Historic Roses, without ever straying too far from your front door (just in case you fancy a cup of tea). For a day trip, head over to Mar Lodge Estate in the heart of the majestic Cairngorms, taking the scenic route through towering pine forests.

Book Courtyard Cottage today

A row of stone cottages with a gravelled driveway leading up to it. A green lawn bordered by a low stone wall lies in front.

A grey lodge house with crow-stepped gables stands at the entrance to an estate. A paved parking area lies to the front. Tall silver birches can be seen behind.

A castle courtyard with a very old stone tower at the right. There is an arched entrance, with a little window above.

Hill of Tarvit, near Cupar

Glorious Fife has been a favourite getaway for Edinburgh residents for centuries. Choose from four brilliant holiday homes at Hill of Tarvit, one of Scotland’s finest Edwardian mansion houses. Make the most of the beautiful grounds by enjoying picturesque strolls, picnics on the manicured lawns, and old-fashioned (very much non-digital!) games like croquet and hickory golf.

East Cottage (sleeps 5), Middle Cottage (sleeps 4) and West Cottage (sleeps 5) all have their own enclosed gardens. Or, you can choose to stay in the house itself at the elegant Upper West Wing Flat (sleeps 4) with views across the garden. St Andrews, the famous East Neuk beaches and Falkland Palace are all easy to reach by car.

Book Middle Cottage, East Cottage, West Cottage or Upper West Wing Flat today

Culzean Castle & Country Park, near Maybole

North and South Segganwell (both sleep 2) are wonderful adjoining beachfront homes with glistening views over the Firth of Clyde. Once you’ve enjoyed a lie-in and a hearty breakfast, you can step out from these former shepherds’ cottages and enjoy miles of walks along the coastline, with barely anyone else in sight. There’s almost a hundred steps down to the cottages, so please take care to only book them if you’re confident with this.

With Culzean Country Park all around you, you’ll soon forget about your emails. You’ll be too busy wildlife-watching among the 600 acres of woodland and formal gardens, or exploring the decadent castle designed by famous architect Robert Adam, or visiting nearby attractions like Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Book North Segganwell or South Segganwell today