Scottish Lowlands by Duncan Kean / Pixabay

The very best places to stay in

Lowlands

While the Highlands often steal the spotlight, the Scottish Lowlands offer a quieter kind of magic. Stretching from the Central Belt down to the English border, this region blends rolling countryside with cultural gems, ancient forests with sparkling coastlines — yet is comparatively quiet.

From artistic enclaves in Dumfries & Galloway to the rugged coast of East Lothian and North Berwick, the fairy-tale valleys of the Borders, and vibrant Edinburgh, this is Scotland’s softer side. A place for long walks, local food, and fire-lit evenings in beautifully designed places. See our Kip tips for the region below.

Our Lowlands hideaways are perfect for off-grid getaways, romantic weekends, and soul-soothing solo escapes. Expect cosy bothies tucked in quiet woodlands; stylish barns near beaches; eco-conscious cabins on sprawling estates and cottages in the wilderness.

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Kip tips

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My Kip favourites

Best activity

Walk the Borders Abbey Way, a circular trail through stunning countryside, linking 4 ruined abbeys. Prefer 2 wheels to 2 feet? Cycle the Southern Upland Way – Britain’s longest coast-to-coast trail, which winds through remote moorlands and peaceful glens. Prefer 4 wheels to 2 wheels? Explore the region from a luxe campervan; the ultimate adventure.

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With kids

Kids will love the striking  Tantallon Castle, which overlooking the North Sea, as well as Caerlaverock’s moated ruins.

My Kip favourites

Secret Kip tip

Wild swim at locals’ favourite beaches: try Coldingham Bay in Berwickshire or Rockcliffe on the Solway Firth.

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Foodie treat

North Berwick is our top tip for foodies, full of excellent restaurants and delis. Get stuck into just-caught seafood, delicious Galloway cheeses, fresh Borders lamb and the best London Dry in the world. Walk into town from this barn conversion.

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Must do

Go stargazing in Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. Wrap up warm and bring binoculars.

My Kip favourites

Architecture

Visit Culross and its Palace for a magnificent example of a 17th/18th century Scottish burgh town (a key location for HBO’s Outlander series). This inspiring eco cabin is nearby.

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Why book a Lowlands holiday with

Kip Hideaways?

We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special.

Our design-led hideaways include cabins with hot tubs, dog-friendly cottages, romantic treehouses and family-friendly houses.