For anyone who loves the great outdoors, the coast, history, or culture, the Scottish Highlands are a fantastic destination for a countryside holiday. Staying on a working farm, croft, or sporting estate is a wonderful way to experience the region’s beautiful landscapes and rural way of life first-hand.
Holiday cottages, farmhouses, converted steadings, and lodges on working farms, crofts, and sporting estates in The Scottish Highlands
Meet farm animals including sheep, cows, goats, and ponies, with lambs in spring
Enjoy traditional country pursuits such as fishing, shooting, and stalking
Explore Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Glen Coe, and Glen Affric National Nature Reserve
Visit the Highland Folk Museum, Eilean Donan Castle, Dalwhinnie Distillery, and ride the Jacobite Steam Train
Ideal for historic castles, ancient forests, golf, wildlife, fishing, walking, and, cycling
The harsh weather, rugged hills, acidic soils, and poor drainage make growing arable crops challenging, so agriculture in the Highlands is largely focused on raising sheep and beef cattle on traditional upland farms. Native breeds include Highland cattle and Scottish Blackface sheep, both renowned for their hardiness and ability to withstand the cold, windy conditions.
Livestock also plays an important role in conservation, with grazing used to help manage and restore natural habitats.
In the lower lying areas of the east and along parts of the coast, there are some mixed farms where farmers grow crops such as oats, barley used in the whisky industry, and animal feed.
Crofts are still a distinctive feature of the Highland landscape, although they average only around 5 hectares, and most are not large enough to provide a full-time income for a family. As a result, many crofters have other occupations or have diversified their crofts into activities such as tourism and hospitality.
The Highlands are also home to hundreds of traditional sporting estates, covering millions of acres and offering country pursuits such as deer stalking, gamebird shooting, and salmon fishing.
Although farming in the Highlands is less varied than in some other parts of Scotland, there are still farm stays to suit all kinds of visitors. You might get the chance to meet friendly farm animals, bottle-feed lambs, try your hand at country pursuits, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Arguably the biggest draw of the Highlands is its breathtaking countryside, with dramatic mountain peaks, heather moorlands, and deep lochs supporting an abundance of wildlife, including red deer, red squirrels, capercaillies and golden eagles.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and hiking through the Cairngorms to exploring ancient castles and taking a ferry to one of the region’s beautiful islands.
The vast open countryside also makes the Highlands an excellent destination for a dog-friendly farm stay. Just remember to keep dogs close and on a lead when walking near livestock.
The region’s coastline is equally spectacular, with dramatic sea cliffs, rocky peninsulas, and pure white sandy beaches. One of the best ways to experience it is by driving the North Coast 500, a scenic circular route that begins and ends in Inverness. Along the way, you can discover remote fishing villages, visit whisky distilleries, and explore historic landmarks, including John o’ Groats. Our collection of coastal farm stays in the Highlands is ideal for those who want to be no more than ten miles from a beach.
Our collection of farm stays in the Highlands has something to suit everyone, from contemporary lodges and converted steadings for families and groups of friends to traditional croft cottages perfect for couples or solo travellers.
For the ultimate way to relax after a day of exploring, choose a farm stay with a hot tub where you can unwind on warm summer evenings, or an open fire or wood burning stove for a cosy retreat on cooler days.
Whether you’re planning an outdoor adventure, a family holiday, or a romantic weekend break, staying on a farm offers a unique way to experience the Scottish Highlands. Browse our collection of farm stays and find the perfect place for your next countryside escape.
