It’s the best time of year to enjoy a sunny stay in Scotland, lounging lochside, on sandy shores with a fresh sea breeze, or surfing the calming waves- stay cool and enjoy water adventures on your Scottish holiday.

At this time of year, Scotland’s temperatures are perfect for a dip in the sea; paddleboard, scuba dive, kayak, canoe, or simply swim your way through Scotland’s abundant waters, before returning to your coastal cottage ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Feel the sea breeze in Findhorn

Take a breezy break at Marine Cottage (sleeping 4) in Findhorn, Morayshire. Findhorn village is a perfect, picturesque town to spend your holiday; leave your car behind and travel on foot along sandy shores and spend evenings at the sea under the warm sun. Take a water taxi to Culbin Forest from Findhorn Bay, explore the stunning beaches, and see Findhorn itself from the water, discovering the resident bird life and seals.

Findhorn has an array of water activities. Get involved with sailing and paddle sports. Make your way to the River Findhorn for white water rafting, cliff jumping and salmon fishing.

A mere 200 ft from Marine Cottage is the brilliant local pub the Kimberley Inn. Grab a fresh seafood dish from their special seafood menu, enjoy a cooling pint, then wander along the coastline back to your base at Marine Cottage. The Bakehouse Market is of local fame, known for their delicious bakes and organic food; take a picnic to Findhorn Beach or memorable Roseisle Beach and discover the history of the World War II defensive structures, including 15 pillboxes.

A round of golf can be enjoyed waterside at Covesea Links course (14 miles). It’s the best time of the year to spot dolphins; the best place to be sure to see them is a little further out at Chanonry Point (45 miles), though the whole of the Morayshire coastline is known for its dolphin sightings.  

Though the coastal charm doesn’t end there; return to Marine Cottage for a stylish interior which embraces its waterside location through oceanic decorations and spectacular views of the adjacent sea.

West Coast Water Adventures

Stay at Carsaig Views (sleeping 2 or 6), where the key is in the name as the views are magnificent. Located in about 30 acres of natural grounds, the cottage overlooks Carsaig Bay and across to the Sound of Jura, from Scarba and the Corryvreckan whirlpool in the north, to the Paps of Jura in the south. Near the picturesque fishing village of Tayvallich on the shores of Loch Sween, Carsaig Views is the perfect location for water-based adventure in Lochgilphead, Argyll.

The vibrant village of Tayvallich can be reached in a 15–20-minute walk, where you can enjoy watching the harbourside activities from the superb bistro café overlooking the bay and serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and teas. Sit in the sun on the water’s edge and sample locally caught seafood at the popular Tayvallich Inn. Brilliant boating and kayaking are available in Tayvallich, or try the more adventurous windsurfing available in Carsaig Bay.

Sea life also abounds, with seals regularly frequenting the bay and dolphins often spotted from the sitting room window and, on rare occasions, even the odd passing whale at the cottage itself. Sit sea and courtside at the tennis court, which rests right on the edge of Tayvallich Bay.  

Take the ferry over to Mull, 3 hours by car and ferry but well worth the journey. Book your guided walk with Tony, where wild camping, wild swimming, wildlife spotting and a wealth of invaluable local knowledge are all on the table. The Creel Seafood at the port in Fionnphort is highly regarded and celebrated by tourists and locals alike.  

Take the ferry from Tayvallich over to the Isle of Jura, where, in 40 minutes, visitors can reach one of Europe’s last remaining wilderness islands, a truly unique experience where deer outnumber humans. Mountains, moors, palm trees (due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream), raised pebble and white sandy beaches can be enjoyed on foot or hired bikes. Have high tea at the Isle of Jura Hotel or enjoy a dram at the Isle of Jura Distillery.  Make your way back to Carsaig Views and drift off in front of uninterrupted views of the wonderful west coast of Scotland.

Cool down on the Coldingham coast

Fisher’s Brae Cottage, sleeping 2 guests, is a cosy place to call home while you explore the stunning southeast coast of Scotland. Located in the coastal village of Coldingham, it’s a tranquil place to explore with plenty of water adventures at your disposal.  

The sandy beach of Coldingham Bay is only a 15-minute walk away. Take a dip or try surfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding with lessons and equipment hire available. While in Eyemouth, try the delicious fish and chips at Giacopazzi’s, then finish off with their award-winning gelato. Also in Eyemouth, try the 18-hole links golf course set in a beautiful position on the coast with amazing sea views.

Your base at Fisher’s Brae Cottage is great for exploring the picturesque harbour village, St Abbs (1.5 miles). As well as being famous for its on-screen credit as New Asgard in the ‘Avengers: Endgame’ film, the tranquil village has amenities, gift shops and a nature reserve with a stunning array of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes; if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some puffins too. It is also known as one of the best spots in the UK for scuba diving which can be organised through Snorkel Wild who offer snorkelling for all abilities either closer to Fisher’s Brae in Coldingham, St Abbs or just up the road in Eyemouth (3 miles).

The coastal town of Berwick-upon-Tweed (13 miles) is full of shops, pubs and eateries to enjoy. Walk along to Spittal Beach a wide sandy stretch of beach perfect for spending a couple of hours appreciating the sunny skies and sea breeze.

The lighthouse on the pier has an excellent view back towards the town and sometimes dolphins can often be spotted jumping out of the water. Boat trips are available for a closer look and the beautiful coast of Northumberland is accessible from Fisher’s Brae Cottage for even more sea life and water activities to enjoy.

Your summer adventure in Scotland can be wherever you desire: lochside, seaside, remote, on a quiet island away from the busyness of summer attractions; wherever you choose they’ll be plenty of time to rest in tranquillity in Scotland’s sunnier season.