As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to ‘coorie up’ in the embrace of Scotland’s colourful landscapes. The concept of “coorie” captures the Scottish art of snuggling down in a warm and comforting space, and what better backdrop than the untamed beauty of Scotland, from the rugged Highlands and historical villages to serene lochs and mysterious woodlands. This season, we invite you to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a world where nature, adventure, and relaxation seamlessly come together. Whether you’re seeking a family retreat, a romantic hideaway, or an outdoor adventure, these six idyllic self-catering businesses offer the perfect blend of cosy comforts and awe-inspiring surroundings.
From the majestic Alvie and Dalraddy Estates with its wildlife-rich tours and exciting activities, to the peaceful hideaways of Perthshire’s countryside, each location offers its own unique charm. Cosy up by a crackling fire after a day of wildlife watching, unwind in a hot tub under the stars, or explore ancient woodlands and tranquil lochs. Here, every stay is an opportunity to recharge, reconnect with nature, and experience the warmth and charm of a true Scottish retreat.
Let’s take a closer look at what each destination has to offer, from autumnal wellness rituals and star-studded skies to guided wildlife tours and heart-pumping outdoor activities. Each one promises an unforgettable seasonal escape, where the essence of ‘coorie’ and the magic of Scotland come together.
COORIE UP IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND’S
Alvie And Dalraddy Estate: Holiday Cottages and Apartments
Escape to Alvie and Dalraddy Estate this autumn and winter where, wildlife, adventure, and comfort unite for a perfect seasonal retreat. Their self-catering cottages sleep from four to ten people, making them perfect for families or groups seeking a Highland retreat.
Immerse yourself in nature with daily deer feeding and photography (available January to March) or enjoy quiet moments in the red squirrel hide for a chance to capture these charming creatures. Explore the rich heritage of the estate and delve into the sustainable practices. For adventure seekers, try night zipping, clay pigeon shooting, paintballing, and quad treks.
After a day of fresh air and adventure, unwind and snuggle down by the fire. Alvie House apartments are sustainably heated by the estate’s own woodchips.
Whether you’re drawn to the wildlife, outdoor activities, or a peaceful escape, Alvie Estate offers the perfect autumn and winter getaway.
Activities at Alvie and Dalraddy Estates:
- Deer Feeding & Photography (January – March 2025): Get up close with majestic deer for unforgettable photo opportunities. Find Out More.
- Red Squirrel Watching & Photography: Enjoy quiet moments observing these charming creatures from our dedicated hide. Find Out More.
- Quad Trekking: Explore the rugged Highlands on a thrilling quad trek with Cairngorm Quad Treks. Find Out More.
- Zip Trek & Night Zipping: Soar through the treetops by day or night with G2 Outdoor. Find Out More.
- Clay Pigeon Shooting & Archery: Test your aim with our clay pigeon shooting and archery sessions. Find Out More.
- Paintballing: Engage in an exciting paintball battle with Clan Warfare Aviemore. Find Out More.
- Horseback Riding: Discover the estate on horseback with Alvie Stables. Find Out More.
- Farm & Estate Tours: Learn about the estate’s heritage and sustainable practices on guided tours. Find Out More.
Woodland’s Glencoe
If you’re looking for a cosy autumn or winter escape, where magical forests and loch-side retreats set the scene. Woodland’s Glencoe luxury hot-tub lodges were created with romance in mind – picture snuggling up under cosy blankets, sipping a hot drink as the evening draws in and soaking in a private hot-tub under the crisp star-lit sky – perfectly embracing the essence of coorie!
All lodges are pet-friendly so you can take along your furry friend to join in with the adventure and they welcome special occasions from birthdays, elopements, honeymoons, and engagements.
Experience the ultimate coorie comfort this autumn and winter at Woodlands Glencoe, where every stay is wrapped in warmth, romance, and the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Activities at Woodlands Glencoe:
- Autumn Ritual at Woodlands Wellness Studio: Embrace the changing season with a guided meditation, back, neck, and shoulder massage, and an Indian head and facial massage. As autumn unfolds, release your stresses just like the trees shed their leaves, and find deep relaxation.
- Electric Bike & Segway Tours: Explore beautiful Glencoe on an electric bike or on a Segway tour.
- Golfing: Tee off amidst stunning Highland views with a round of golf
COORIE UP IN DUNDEE AND ANGUS
Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort, another perfect Scottish destination for Autumn and Winter. Offering stunning night skies, with a lucky few stargazers catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The Stargazer Shepherd Hut has a stargazing window above the bed so you can watch the night sky from your cosy slumber.
Enjoy crisp waterside and woodland walks onsite or explore the surrounding area. Indulge in hearty local food at the resort and visit The Wee Larder to stock up on treats like Taylors popcorn and Artisanal brownies. With an abundance of wildlife – from swans to squirrels and deer – plus crackling log-burning stoves and hot tubs in various accommodation, it’s a perfect getaway for the colder months.
Activities near Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort:
- Frightful Farm Tours at Newton Farm: Just a short drive away, enjoy a spooky adventure on the Frightful Farm Tours throughout October. Learn more here.
- Pumpkin Picking at Charleton Fruit Farm: Embrace the autumn spirit with a pumpkin-picking experience, just 25 minutes away. Plan your visit here.
- Dundee Waterfront Walk & Treats: Stroll along the scenic Dundee Waterfront, then stop for coffee and fresh donuts at Heather Street Food. Find out more here.
- Best Family Walks: Discover some of the best family-friendly walking trails in the area. Read the guide here.
COORIE UP IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Hendersyde Farm Holiday Cottages
Kick leaves and be carefree! Just for a while, snuggle up in one of these cosy cottages!
Enjoy the best of both worlds, be tucked away in a peaceful place in the middle of the family farm yet be only a couple of miles downstream from the delightful market town of Kelso.
Standing quietly between the River Tweed and Eden Water there are woodland walks and watersides to explore. You might see the silver splash of a salmon in The Tweed, witness the silent flight of a Barn Owl, and spot deer and hare. Listen to the autumnal sounds of geese gliding onto the stubble fields or river, hear bursts of birdsong in the woods, hedgerows and wetland.
Only a few miles from Kelso, independent shops offer a warm welcome. Ancient sites of Floors Castle and Kelso Abbey offer historical interest, Kelso National Hunt Racecourse is at the end of the farm lane, and The Border Events Centre, hosts a variety of events.
All these are within a few miles of the cottages! There are many more sites to see and explore on Hendersyde Farm Holiday Cottages’ website, from the rugged Berwickshire coast to The Borders Hills the cottages are well placed for short drives, fascinating walks or bike rides.
Whether you’re skilled or a starter, creative workshops can be woven into your stay. Inside or outside, silver work, stitching, spinning, weaving, leatherwork, woodcraft, or fly fishing, there are links on our website!
Activities near Hendersyde Farm Holiday Cottages:
- Walk on the wild side with Alpacas at Beirhope: Enjoy a unique wildlife experience by walking with alpacas through the beautiful countryside. Learn more here.
- Explore The Berwickshire Coast: Discover stunning coastal views and abundant wildlife with nature tours along the Berwickshire Coast. Find out more here.
- Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick: Visit this renowned wildlife centre to learn about Scotland’s seabirds and marine life. Plan your visit here.
- Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys: Explore these picturesque valleys and their nature and wildlife, from birds to roaming deer. Discover more here.
- Bowhill Wildlife & Biodiversity: Wander through Bowhill’s grounds and come face-to-face with wonderful wildlife. Learn more here
- Explore the Scottish Borders’ Natural Sites: Download a guide to the best spots for wildlife and nature exploration in the Scottish Borders. Download the guide here.
- Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre: Get up close with birds of prey at this well-known centre, perfect for bird lovers and photographers. Visit the website here.
COORIE UP IN PERTHSHIRE
Smithy Cottage Perthshire
This Perthshire semi-detached traditional stone cottage invites you to experience the warmth and comfort of country living offering south facing views over open countryside.
Unwind beside the crackling wood-burning stove, with logs provided free of charge creating the perfect ambience for cosy evenings to ‘coorie up’. And don’t forget your furry friends, they’re welcome to join you on this getaway with plenty of lovely walks right on your doorstep, perfect for creating cherished memories!
Activities Near Smithy Cottage, Perthshire:
- Explore Historic Dunkeld: Visit the delightful village of Dunkeld, home to one of Scotland’s largest cathedrals, showcasing stunning gothic architecture.
- The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry: Experience the magic of the Enchanted Forest, an annual light and sound show that takes place from early October to early November every year. Learn more here.
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre: Enjoy a variety of performances throughout the winter season at this renowned theatre. See the program here.
- Local Wildlife Watching: Spot red squirrels, roe deer, overwintering Pink-footed and Greylag geese, and even beavers right on your doorstep.
- Explore the Angus Glens: Venture out to the scenic Angus Glens, including Glen Clova, Glen Prosen, and Glen Isla, for picturesque walks and nature experiences.
Inchtuthill Coach House Cosy Winter Retreat
Nestled amidst the beauty of Perthshire countryside and nature, Inchtuthill Coach House offers the perfect retreat for those looking to unwind this autumn and during the winter months.
Step outside your door to find stunning walking and cycling trails that showcase the colours of the season. After a day spent exploring the great outdoors, retreat to the warmth of this charming self-catering cottage, which sleeps four. Enjoy the inviting balcony, where you can wrap yourself in cosy blankets and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature or snuggle up next to the charming log-burning stove – perfect for curling up with a book or binge-watching your favourite Netflix series.
As a pet-friendly accommodation, your furry companions are welcome too! Plus, the cottage includes secure bike storage and an EV charger, making it suitable for all to enjoy.
Activities this autumn and winter from Incthtuhill Coach House:
- Walking & Cycling: Enjoy picturesque walks and cycling routes right from your doorstep Find out more
- Wildlife Watching: Don’t forget your binoculars! Keep an eye out for magnificent wildlife, including roe and fallow deer, birds of prey, and flocks of geese.
- Land Rover Experience Scotland: Experience the thrill of off-road driving with guided tours that explore the rugged beauty of the Perthshire hills and trails – Find out more here.
- Quad Treks at Highland Offroad: For adventure enthusiasts, enjoy an exhilarating quad trekking experience through the stunning countryside. Find out more
- Beaver Wildlife Tours: Discover the fascinating world of beavers on a guided winter beaver safari. Find out more
- Outdoor Adventure from mountain biking to canyoning with Beyond Adventure: Find out more
- Visit Dunkeld: Just a short drive away, the picturesque village of Dunkeld offers beautiful views, great pubs and places to eat. Treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate from the famous Aran Bakery to warm up after a wintery walk!
This autumn and winter, Scotland invites you to coorie up in its stunning landscapes, offering a perfect blend of wildlife, adventure, and warmth. From the majestic Highlands of Alvie and Dalraddy Estates to the romantic Woodlands Glencoe, and from the serene Perthshire countryside to the vibrant Dundee and Angus regions, each destination promises a unique seasonal escape. Whether you seek thrilling outdoor activities, peaceful retreats, or simply the joy of spending time with loved ones, these self-catering cottages provide the ideal backdrop to make memories!
Embrace the essence of ‘coorie’ and discover the magic of Scotland this season!
Image Credit: Image 1 (3 tiles): Tile 1: Credit VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale, Tile 2: Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, Tile 3: Credit VisitScotland / David N Anderson