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Delightful town and city breaks

A view of Cromarty Firth and village
Cromarty on the Black Isle
Explore Scotland’s charming towns and cities from the National Trust for Scotland’s holiday properties, conveniently located near pubs, restaurants and shops.

From Edinburgh’s bustling streets to the historical charm of Cromarty, our cosy retreats offer easy access to all the amenities you need. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, our holiday properties provide the perfect base for your Scottish getaway where you can experience the best of Scotland’s hospitality and culture.

Each property is lovingly cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, and reflects the unique character and heritage of its surroundings. Every stay at a National Trust for Scotland holiday property contributes towards our vital conservation work across the country. With your support, we can make sure that these places remain open to everyone – and that you can return to your favourite properties again and again!

Plan your holiday

Explore

We’ve picked a few suggestions below to inspire you.

Branklyn Cottage, Perth

  • Shop 0.8 miles | pub 0.5 miles

Check availability and make a booking

A two-storey white stone cottage with an orange tiled roof stands at the top of a garden. Tall trees grow just outside. There is a paved patio area in front of the cottage.
Branklyn Cottage on the outskirts of Perth
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“Branklyn Cottage is a little gem and set in the most beautiful National Trust for Scotland garden. We were all made to feel welcome, including our four-legged friends. We had a wonderful stay in a tranquil location.”
Lynne
October 2022

Situated in Branklyn Garden, this Arts & Crafts-style cottage is within easy walking distance of all that the vibrant city of Perth offers.

Guests have full access to the spectacular garden, created in the 1920s by Dorothy and John Renton, and cultivated with love to be home to over 4,500 species of plants from all over the world. Now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, you can wander around the grounds and marvel at the picturesque scenery.

Branklyn Garden also has a tearoom (open between April and end of October), offering a perfect place to stop for your morning coffee before your adventures begin.

Perth was Scotland’s ancient capital for five centuries and is still a hub of activity today. Situated on the banks of the River Tay, you can delight in riverside walks before stopping in one of the local cafés or tearooms, discovering fabulous bars and restaurants in the evenings too.

Other nearby Trust places: Hill of Tarvit Mansion, Falkland Palace & Garden, Dollar Glen and the Hermitage

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“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Branklyn – what a very special place to be! Getting to stay in part of this beautiful Arts and Crafts house was a treat and the beds were extremely comfortable. We were able to sit or wander through the gardens after closing time at 5pm which was so calming. The tearoom in the main part of the original house is worth a visit. The Branklyn staff and volunteers were all really helpful and friendly.”
Dawn
July 2023
Two green velvet armchairs are in front of a large window and facing a wood-burning stove in a lounge in a holiday cottage. Twin beds stand end to end in a cosy bedroom with a sloping ceiling. A lamp is lit on the bedside table at the far end. Pretty floral curtains hang at the window. A gravel path weaves through flower-filled beds and rock garden areas in a well-tended garden.

Harmony, Melrose, Scottish Borders – NEWLY REFURBISHED

  • Shop and pub 0.2 miles

Check availability and make a booking

A three-storey grand Georgian house stands at the head of a large garden. A grass lawn lies in front, framed by tall trees.
Harmony in Melrose
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“We have stayed at Harmony House for 12 years. The garden and house are both beautiful and comfortable.”
Helen
September 2023

An eclectic mix of period detail with contemporary comfort, Harmony House is a 19th-century, 8-bedroom mansion, lying within the peaceful Harmony Garden in Melrose.

The quaint yet lively town of Melrose offers easy access to fabulous walks, shops, restaurants, cafes, fishing and other outdoor activities, making this unique property ideal for a larger group of family or friends. It’s the perfect place to bring everyone together for a trip to the Scottish Borders, with plenty of country walks, riverside rambles and local history to delight in.

Other nearby Trust places: Priorwood Garden, Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Grey Mare’s Tail and St Abb’s Head NNR

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“Fantastic, unique place to stay. Great facilities, well-stocked kitchen. We could have easily stayed a lot longer.”
Laura
July 2023
A double bed stands in a large bedroom in a holiday house, with a dressing room off to the side. It has wooden floors although a large rug covers the area by the bed. A tall wooden wardrobe stands beside the bed. A grand lounge in a large holiday house. Long comfy sofas are arranged around a marble fireplace with an elaborate gilt-framed mirror hanging above. The view of Melrose Abbey from the stone porch of a grand house. A manicured garden lies in between, with gravel paths leading across to the far side.

The Coach House at Holmwood, Glasgow

  • Shop 0.4 miles | pub 0.3 miles

Check availability and make a booking

A large converted coach house stands in spacious grounds, with a green lawn and trees in front. A high garden wall runs beside the house.
The Coach House, Cathcart, Glasgow
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“The Coach House was a little oasis in the city.”
Anna
March 2023

A perfect base from which to explore the city, the Coach House can be found within the grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s impressive Holmwood, designed by architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson in 1858.

Just a stone’s throw from the cottage, you can find a host of wonderful amenities, including shops and eateries for all of your culinary needs, while the bustling city centre of Glasgow will present you with a further range of attractions. Best known for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, as well as being home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, Glasgow boasts a vibrant cultural scene.

Nearby Trust places: Greenbank Garden can be found within driving distance, with magical woodland walks and a plethora of flora and fauna to discover, including spectacular displays of daffodils and bluebells in spring.

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“We had a very comfortable stay, with everything we needed in a characterful property. A great location, with walks literally from the doorstep and easy access to Glasgow’s attractions further afield. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”
Diana
February 2024
A living area in a holiday cottage with a stylish black and white patterned sofa. A set of grey painted stairs lead down to the bedrooms. A double bedroom in a holiday cottage. The bed faces a window with long green curtains. Built-in wardrobes run the length of the wall by the bed. Looking over a large grassy area towards Holmwood, an unusual Victorian villa.

Paye House, Cromarty

  • Shop 0.2 miles | pub 0.1 miles

Check availability and make a booking

An orange-red two-storey house stands on the corner plot of a street and narrow cobbled lane. It has a green front door.
Paye House in Cromarty
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“We had an absolutely wonderful stay in Paye House which was very comfortable and beautifully presented. Cromarty is a joy.”
Alexander
June 2022

Experience the lively town of Cromarty from this attractive house with easy access to pubs, restaurants, shops and the beach.

Paye House is steeped in history. Originally owned by the keeper of the County Gaol, it has also served as a general store, doctors’ surgery and a depot for antique toys throughout its life. Just around the corner, within the Fishertown area of Cromarty, is Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage and Museum, a fantastic Trust property boasting an incredible display of the self-taught Scottish geologist and writer’s fossils, tools and manuscripts, as well as the attractive Garden of Wonders.

Located in the coastal town of Cromarty’s historic conservation area, surrounded by cobbled lanes and listed buildings, this traditional 18th-century dwelling offers everything you could need for a self-catering stay. It’s ideal for exploring the local seaside villages and sandy beaches – maybe even spotting the local pod of bottlenose dolphins – found in this beautiful region of Scotland. Cromarty is home to several shops for you to stock up on essentials. It lies on the incredible North Coast 500 route, an epic road trip spanning over 500 miles around the spectacular Scottish coast.

Other nearby Trust places: Culloden, Abertarff House and Brodie Castle

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“Paye House is a wonderful period cottage with everyone you need for a stay. We were so welcomed by the locals as we explored Cromarty, such a magical place to explore. I would highly recommend Paye House and would not hesitate to stay again in the future.”
Leon
August 2023
A lounge in a holiday cottage with a blue tartan carpet and a fireplace. A cream leather two-seater sofa faces a cream leather armchair. A double bedroom in a holiday cottage. The double bed has a pine frame and is covered with a red tartan blanket. An armchair sits in front of the window, beside a pine wardrobe. A photograph of a white-walled, small thatched cottage, attached to a later Georgian townhouse. The cottage has crowstepped gables. Iron railings on top of a white wall separate the street from a small, patio-style garden.

Gladstone’s Land Apartments, Edinburgh

  • Shops and pubs 0.1 miles

Check availability and make a booking

A lounge in the holiday accommodation at Gladstone’s Land. A yellow fabric two-seater sofa, armchair and footstool are arranged in front of a fireplace. An oval mirror hangs above the fireplace. One feature wall has wallpaper featuring images from an old painting.
Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh city centre
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“The building was unique, full of history and the interior of the apartment itself was amazing. The location was ideal to explore Edinburgh. Everything is max about 15 minutes walk away!”
Harry
August 2023

Situated at the heart of the Old Town, guests at our four Gladstone’s Land apartments can soak up the atmosphere of historic Edinburgh while enjoying one of the best addresses the city has to offer.

You will be right at the top of the Royal Mile, in the heart of the Old Town. A short stroll will take you to Edinburgh Castle, or enjoy a wander through the ancient, cobbled streets and all they have to offer. Step off the Royal Mile towards the Mound and you can be on Princes Street or George Street in just a few minutes.

Other nearby Trust places: The Georgian House, Malleny Garden, Newhailes House & Gardens and Inveresk Lodge Garden

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“Amazing location! So central but quiet. Gorgeous apartment with great attention to detail in the decor, honouring the history of the building.”
Emily
September 2022
A living room in the holiday accommodation at Gladstone’s Land. It has wooden floorboards and a feature wall with an old-fashioned map as the wallpaper. A table and two chairs are set beside the window. A double bed stands in front of a feature wall with wood panelling and wallpaper showing black and white botanical drawings and notes. A pile of fluffy white towels is at the end of the bed. A view of the tall exterior of Gladstone's Land, a seven-storey old building on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Deep blue sky is above the rooftop.

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