Planning a big family gathering or get-together with friends this year? Then look no further than our hand-picked and exclusive selection of large holiday houses in Scotland, right here on the enchanting Isle of Mull.

This idyllic island in the Inner Hebrides is accessible in under an hour’s ferry ride from Oban on the west coast, making it the perfect setting to invite your nearest and dearest for a holiday to remember. Here’s our pick of large holiday houses in Scotland to inspire you!

1 Carsaig House | Carsaig

Magnificent in size and style, Carsaig House sleeps up to 15 guests throughout its impressive rooms, with regal elegance and period luxury aplenty. Picture roaring open fires, dramatic sea views and the beach just below the stunning walled garden. All in one of Mull’s most secluded and wild settings at Carsaig, with the dramatic Carsaig Arches all in a day’s hiking from here.

2 Oakfield House and Cottage | Tobermory

One of the most impressive homes in all of Tobermory, the island capital, Oakfield House offers one of the finest large holiday houses in Scotland from which to choose. The main house sleeps 10 with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus the adjoining Oakfield Cottage offers accommodation for 4-5 more. Antique furnishings, unrivalled views over the bay and a glorious kitchen make this one hard to miss.

3 Craig Ben Lodge | Loch Uisg

Picture large holiday houses in Scotland and you might even imagine a property with a turret! Embrace the fairy-tale architecture of Craig Ben Lodge from its idyllic position beside freshwater Loch Uisg, complete with crenellations and a turret too. Open fires, dramatic ceilings and spellbinding views make this a property to write home about, in a superb area for access to the coast and wildlife.

4 Kilfinichen House | Kilfinichen

If your hunt for large holiday houses in Scotland takes you to grand Highland estates, then look no further than Kilfinichen House. This stunning mansion sits within manicured lawns close to Kilfinichen Bay on Loch Scridain, in a wonderfully wild setting to the south side of the island’s only munro, Ben More. Opulent interiors make this homestay feel just as special as your surroundings.

5 Gorsten House | Loch Don

Not many large holiday houses in Scotland will also be the home of an artist, but Gorsten House is one of them. This stone-built property blends creative design features with modern luxuries like a sauna and wood-fired hot tub to offer one-of-a-kind multi-generational living immersed in 450 acres of coastal landscapes, with panoramic sea views.

Browse our range of large holiday cottages on the Isle of Mull and plan your perfect stay today.

Discover the best Christmas events on Mull, from the big Tobermory lights switch on to the Ross of Mull tractor run. Whatever corner of the island you’re staying in, find festive markets and feel-good events to get you in the spirit this season.

Christmas Lights Switch-On

The lights switch on in Tobermory is an annual event and wonderful evening out – usually held on the last Saturday in November. Gather on the harbourfront for Christmas shopping aplenty as the Main Street stays open late. 

Visit the stallholders in the Distillery courtyard and find yet more in the Aros Hall. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies aplenty with a warm welcome as you go. 

The lights are traditionally turned on at 7pm, lighting up the town in a beautiful display, with a speech and festivities around the clock tower by the fisherman’s pier.

If you’re staying down on the Ross of Mull, keep your eyes peeled for the Bunessan big switch on too, usually taking place in early December. Once again, you’ll be in for a night of festive fun with food, drink and local wares often on sale and adding to the atmosphere before the lights are turned on.

Christmas Tractor Runs

This is another event that happens in both the north and south ends of the island. In Tobermory, the Christmas tractor parade sees vintage and new tractors all decked out with lights, snowmen and even Santa riding in a trailer on occasion, and takes place on the evening of the Christmas lights switch on.

In the south west of the island, there’s traditionally a festive tractor parade too running right along the Ross of Mull villages. Keep an eye on Facebook to find the latest details on when and where the event will take place this year.

You can also check our events round-up where we try to include as many events as possible through the year around the island.

The Tobermory Santa Dash

Sporty guests will relish the chance to don a Santa suit and make a run for it around Tobermory, with the festive Santa dash offering races for both children and adults in the island’s harbour capital, all in aid of charity. Usually held on the last Sunday before Christmas each year.

Christmas Markets on Mull

You’ll find festive cheer aplenty at Mull’s many Christmas market events. In addition to the festive markets held at the lights switch-on events, Craignure, Salen and Dervaig usually host Christmas markets each year too. 

Then there are the super businesses that open their doors for Christmas fairs, with artisanal wares available for the occasion at Am Birlinn at Croig. The Coffee Pot in Salen also opens its doors to offer festive gifts and sweet treats galore.

So if you visit the island in the run-up to Christmas, you’ll be sure to find a festive event to get you in the spirit and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and be merry on Mull this winter. Can we tempt you with a winter break?

Bringing the family to Mull for the first time? Here are four great family activities on Mull to enjoy during your holiday.

1 Farm Tour at Isle of Mull Cheese

This one’s great for every generation, as you tour the farm at Sgiob-ruadh just outside Tobermory and meet its many animal inhabitants, see the cheese-making process in action and – for older family members especially – get to see the magic happen with the unique spirits produced here from whey. 

In addition to seeing the dairy cows that are the beginning of the cheese process, you’ll also meet alpacas, pigs and more, with a botanical garden to wander through too.

2 Art in Nature Trail to Calgary Beach

Parking at the top of the hill at Calgary Gallery, call in for a map of this fantastic sculpture trail and to pay your entry donations, then let the adventure begin! The trail loops and winds through the hillside woodland with willow tunnels to crawl through and all kinds of sculptures to find, from a cheeky flock of metal oystercatchers to a metal woman gazing out to sea and even a boat made of ropes!

The trail eventually descends down to bring you out just by the carpark at Calgary beach, where you can refuel with ice cream from the Boat Shed and get stuck into sandcastles and rock pooling beachside.

3 Disc Golf at Aros Park

A great rainy day activity if you’re still keen to get outdoors as you’re fairly sheltered amid the leafy woodland of Aros Park. Check out the disc golf course and try your hand at getting the frisbee discs into the baskets. There are also adventure play areas located around the lochan to enjoy too.

4 Go wild with the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust

Another great family activity for rainy days on Mull. Call into the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust along the Main Street in Tobermory and discover a world of marine adventure inside its doors!

The playroom is open daily and set up like a ship, with fancy dress to try on and a treasure trail through the centre – crack the clues to answer the questions and find the code you need to open the box of bones! For the grownups – you’ll see real-life whale and dolphin bones and teeth for a fantastic lesson in adaptation. 

You can also hire Explorer Packs with activity sheets, magnifying glasses and more to take out on your wildlife expeditions with you for the week.

With cottages to suit all families, whether a wee place for four or a large home for multi-generation living, find your perfect Isle of Mull cottage and book with us today.

The Hebrides may be a wild and beautiful place, but that needn’t come at a compromise when it comes to luxury too. For those seeking to treat themselves, here are five luxury experiences to enjoy while on Mull, from those that take you into Mull’s remotest corners and waters, to those that bring the magic of Mull to you.

Dine with a difference

No guide to luxury experiences on Mull would be complete without covering the foodie scene! Mull punches well above its weight for gastronomic delight, with local chefs serving up the freshest seafood, landed that day by a local fishing boat, amid menus that major on island ingredients, from wildflower-infused desserts to croft-raised Highland beef.

So where to sample the finest of island feasts? Epicureans will be in their element at fine dining restaurant, An Cala Cuin in Tobermory, Ar Bord in Dervaig or Ninth Wave in Fionnphort. It is essential to book well in advance. Or, for the luxury experience to enjoy at your homestay instead, don’t miss Hebridean Lodge, where you can order three delicious courses to take home and warm up when you’re ready.

Bespoke guiding

Whether you’re seeking one-to-one guiding to maximise your chances of wildlife encounters with a target species, a photography expert to help you capture high quality images, or an angling aficionado to help you secure the biggest catch of the day, Mull has a range of high quality guides who offer bespoke services to suit your requirements.

Private charters

Some of Mull’s most popular boat excursions – including the famous Mull Charters sea eagle trip – can be booked for exclusive use. Not forgetting the whisky and gin-tasting experiences offered by Tobermory Bay Tours, too!

There are also several operators catering solely to exclusive-use clients, whether you want to set sail on a traditional sailing boat with Alternative Boat Hire, or hit the waves and discover Mull from the water with Coastal Connection.

Exclusive access

Adventure needn’t come at the cost of a high quality experience, and this is just one great example where Mull delivers in spades! Picture wild swimming in a crystal-clear, deserted sandy bay. In the crisp and cold waters at the foot of a glittering waterfall. Or in a naturally formed plunge pool, miles from the nearest road.

An experienced local guide can open the door to these incredible opportunities well off the beaten track. Walk Mull offers bespoke guided hikes to some incredible wild swimming spots, tailored to your requirements.

And relax…

It would be amiss not to mention the spa facilities on the island when diving into all-things luxury experiences on Mull. Conveniently located in the south east of the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa promises a range of experiences for non-residents, from full day pampering to hot stone massages and more. The perfect treat after a challenging hike, or before embarking on the long journey home.

With these luxury experiences on Mull to inspire you, it’s time to book your luxury homestay to match. Delve into our hand-picked range of high quality island properties to find your cottage today. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we can create a personal shortlist of cottages to consider, tailored to your unique requirements.

Visitors to Mull often have Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, high on the list for places to visit. But once you’ve combed the Main Street and enjoyed a coffee, what to do next? 

We’ve put together a guide to 5 stunning Tobermory walks, from coastal paths to waterfall trails, hill climbs to lochside ambles, to guide you.

Aros Park Lochan and Waterfalls

Aros Park makes a great destination whether you’ve got time for a quick leg stretch or a longer amble. 

The easy-going trail around the lochan takes only 30 minutes to complete, with lovely views over the lily pads and plenty of birdlife to see. Extend the trail by climbing the steep steps up by the abandoned power house and waterfall, which once generated power for the now long-gone Aros House. 

Extend your adventure yet further by also exploring the trails that lead along the lower falls, offering beautiful views at one end of the bay and back to Tobermory, and at the other to the dramatic upper falls as they thunder down the hillside.

Coastal Path from Tobermory Harbour to Aros Park

Starting from the Ledaig carpark at one end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, the path sets off along the coastline. Narrow in places and with steep drops down to the sea, the route hugs the coast and brings you all the way round to the beautiful Aros Park. 

You’ll enjoy lovely views across the water to Tobermory’s brightly painted harbourfront. There are some very impressive old cedar trees along the way too, as well as gently cascading streams and bridges, before delivering you to the foot of the lower Aros falls. From here, you can easily extend the walk by picking up one of the many trails around Aros Park.

Tobermory Harbour to Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse

Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse is on most visitors’ to Tobermory’s to-visit list and for good reason. Fortunately, from the CalMac pier end of the harbourfront, a path leads you all the way there and back again. With woodland to either side, the path traces the edge of a steep hillside with views to the water below.

Keep an eye out for otters and seals along the coastline. For the botanists among us, this pathway is laden with wildflowers during the season too, from wild garlic and bluebells in early spring to water avens and more later in the year. 

There are several benches from which to pause and soak up the views and, as you near the lighthouse, superb views over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula too.

Ardmore Point

Venturing a few minutes out of Tobermory on the road to Glengorm by car, you’ll reach the first of two parking areas signposted for Ardmore. Park at the first and then follow the main track as it leads seawards and gradually downhill.

As you descend, you’ll reach a signposted junction indicating footpaths to the shore, to Ardmore Point and onwards round to Glengorm. 

You’ll arrive at the ruins of Penalbanach village, where you can follow the path to visit the point, the most north-easterly part of Mull, or continue down to loop around the shore of Ardmore Bay instead.

Crater Loch

Although not technically in the town, this route had to make it into our round-up of Tobermory walks and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. 

Parking in the bays just off the road along the Mishnish Lochs, follow the signs to the gate that marks the start of the trodden path up to the Crater Loch, officially known as Lochan S’Airde Beinn. 

This is a short, steep walk over often soggy ground, so bring your waterproofs and good boots. The reward for your efforts though are superb views across North Mull’s hills and out to sea. Not forgetting the ‘crater loch’ itself, which only comes into view as you reach the top.

The descent of this walk makes for beautiful viewing too, with views over the three Mishnish Lochs and on to Speinne Mor, North Mull’s highest point. There’s a great chance of seeing some fantastic wildlife in these parts too.

If you’re feeling inspired by these Tobermory walks, find plenty more inspiration in all corners of the island in our guide to walks on the Isle of Mull.

Picnic on the beach

Just beside the fisherman’s pier you’ll find a small sandy beach, perfect for the dogs to have a paddle while you enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand, or a bite of fish and chips.

Enjoy a dram

With guided tours around Tobermory’s own distillery at the end of the harbour, followed by a tasting or two.

Jump aboard

With both Staffa Tours and Sealife Mull operating boat trips from the Tobermory pontoons out to sea, and the brilliant Tobermory Bay Tours offering hour-long scenic cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Tobermory from the water.

Go fish!

At the catch-and-release aquarium, with lots of intriguing native creatures of the deep to encounter and touch pool sessions that younger visitors will love to get stuck into.

On the market

Mondays see the return of Tobermory’s take on a farmer’s market, with fresh produce, island meat and fish often available, as well as yummy treats cooked there and then and all manner of gifts and homewares crafted by local makers.

Step back in time

At the Mull Museum, open daily with just a donation required to come and have a look around. Trace your clan’s past, discover the history of Mull and see Tobermory through the centuries.

Culture fix

Venture up the hill to An Tobar to peruse the gallery and enjoy a coffee and cake, perhaps even returning later on to enjoy one of their regular musical and theatrical events.

Raise a glass

Of Tobermory’s own craft beer, brewed on the Main Street at ToBEERmory.

Walk on the wild side

Start your day bright and early and set out with a local wildlife guide, with tours departing from Tobermory to cover all corners of the island and give you great chances of meeting its famed wildlife.

Retail therapy

From locally made soap and pampering bath products, to artefacts made from antler, pretty pottery and even jewellery too, the Main Street offers a wealth of choice from local, independent purveyors.

If you’re visiting Mull in our quieter winter months, then you’ve got lots to look forward to. The island’s wildlife highlights will wow year-round, there’ll be snow topping the hills, and, if luck is on your side, you might even be treated to a display of the Northern Lights.

But the island doesn’t simply go to sleep in our quiet season. There’s still plenty to see and do and in this blog, we’ll bring together some of the fabulous festive events you could look forward to on your visit.

Christmas Lights

There are two big switch-on events on the island when the local area is first lit up in twinkling festive lights, one in the north and one in the south.

If you’re staying near Tobermory, then head down to the harbourfront on Saturday 26^th November to see the lights switched on by the clock tower at 7pm. The shops will be open late, serving festive fayre and mulled wine as you browse for Christmas gifts.

For guests in the south of the island, Saturday 3^rd December is the night to remember. Visit the village of Bunessan on Loch na Lathaich and see the Christmas lights illuminated, browse festive stalls, listen to the pipers and carol singers and then soak up the fireworks display!

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets are a hallmark of the run-up to Christmas on Mull, with fairs taking place in all corners of the island, packed with creative crafts, local produce and fabulously festive food and drink. Take your pick from the Christmas Fayre Extraordinaire in Tobermory, Dervaig Does Christmas and the Salen Christmas Fayre. Find the full details on our events page.

Hogmanay

Usually seen in with fireworks from the harbourfront in Tobermory, Hogmanay is one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditions as we welcome in the New Year. There’ll be plenty of venues to eat, drink and be merry on the island, with many restaurants and hotels offering a special menu for the occasion.

Burns Night

A date to look forward to for guests visiting this January, Burns Night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns on the 25^th January each year. The traditional menu features haggis, neeps and tatties, accompanied by a wee dram or two, and entertainment in the form of a toast to the haggis, a toast to the lads and a toast to the lassies. Keep an eye out for Burns Night-inspired menus in the local pubs and restaurants.

Winter Breaks on Mull

Fancy visiting Mull this winter? It’s not too late to book a cottage and take advantage of our great value winter breaks with short stays available too.

Surrounded by crystal-clear water on all sides and with 300 miles of coastline, it’s little wonder the Isle of Mull is a superb seafood destination. So, whether you’d like to cook up a storm in your cottage or sample the finest fare out and about, read on to find out how you can savour the island’s freshest catches during your stay.

Where to buy seafood on Mull

For guests staying in Tobermory, then the Tobermory Fish Company is the place to go. Located at Baliscate, just on the edge of town, you’ll find a tempting array of smoked fish and seafood favourites, as well as some incredibly delicious seafood platters. Conveniently, they also have a great range of oat cakes and accompaniments to enjoy the full flavour experience.

Further afield in North Mull, the beautiful drive out to Croig, just past the village of Dervaig, will reward visitors with a lovely surprise: an honesty box selling oysters in season!

A similar set-up can be found in the south of the island too, with mussels available on an honesty box basis at Inverlussa – ideal for guests heading onwards to cottages on the Ross of Mull to stock up on the way. Served with a wild garlic and white wine sauce is a favourite among locals.

The quiet Ross of Mull is home to many fishing boats who still sail the waters in search of the finest catches. Slow down and enjoy a chat with the locals by the pier in Fionnphort, who’ll often be able to tell you when the next catch will be brought ashore, if you can resist the temptation of the seafood sizzling away beside you at the Creel Seafood Bar.

You can also take a look at the Mull and Iona Food Trail to find more local producers to try.

The best seafood restaurants on Mull

Cafe Fish in Tobermory

Tucked at the top of the ferry building at the end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, Cafe Fish comes with oodles of character. Think driftwood beams above every window wrapped in fairy lights and a lovely, intimate atmosphere. And then there’s the menu, which is deservedly popular and means you’ll need to make your reservation well in advance.

The Mishdish in Tobermory

Enjoy dinner in one of Tobermory’s most iconic buildings at the Mishdish. This seafood restaurant has a whole host of treats to tempt you, from scallops and oysters to langoustines and mussels. And for those less keen in the party, there are some excellent steak dishes to try, too.

Am Birlinn in Penmore

Housed in a beautiful timber building in the shape of a boat, Am Birlinn is a superb place to sample Isle of Mull seafood. The entire menu has a distinctively local flair, with the furthest sourced produce coming from Inverlussa on the island’s south coast. The beginning of the menu showcases the provenance of the restaurant’s ingredients, which they artfully transform into decadent seafood stews, luxurious lobster dishes and more. A firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Ninth Wave in Fionnphort

Venture down to the more remote Ross of Mull and yet more opportunities arise to enjoy Isle of Mull seafood. For a special occasion, there can be no finer choice than the Ninth Wave. Located on a croft, this husband and wife team take pride in showcasing the best of Scottish produce on their dynamic tasting menu, favouring fish caught locally and sustainably and seasonal ingredients picked fresh from the garden.

Fishing on Mull has long been a draw for visitors to the island. It’s a traditional way of life that has deep island roots, with many of the oldest buildings in Tobermory linked to fishing and the associated commerce that Tobermory’s sheltered harbour facilitated. Visit the harbourfront today and you’ll still find the fisherman’s pier busy with boats as catches are unloaded.

But of course, fishing on Mull isn’t limited to what you can find at sea. The island has some fine river and loch fishing to enjoy too. Guy Bolton is a local expert, providing a guiding service for keen anglers visiting Mull, and in this article he shares five top tips to enjoy the bounty Mull has to offer.

Expert tips for fishing on Mull

1. Dress for the occasion

Make sure you have the right foot wear and clothing for a days’ fishing on Mull, the weather here is very changeable and making sure you are kitted out for the day helps to ensure that you stay warm and dry and you are far more likely then to enjoy your day out.

2. Movement is key

Once you have chose a loch or river to fish, try not to get stuck in the same spot all the day. Move around, up and down the bank in different directions. Trout can be quite nomadic, moving around the loch looking for their next meal. It can be easy to spook them in these remote hill lochs, so stealth and keeping trying different places can help hugely.

3. Flies and lures

Keep changing them don’t thrash away for hours if the fly or lure isn’t working. Keep trying different things with the hope that you will present the fish with something it simply can’t resist.

4. Safe hands

When handling fish you have caught look after them, especially if you are intending returning them to the water. Try to keep them as wet as possible. If the slimy coating of the fish gets damaged or rubbed off too much, it leaves the fish susceptible to infection and disease.

5. Plan ahead

Let people know where you are thinking of going and give them a vague idea of when you are expecting to return home. This way if anything were to happen to you or someone in your party, for example a fall, then help will never be too far away.

Best cottages for fishing on Mull

Armed with the expert advice of Guy Bolton, you’ll soon be on your way to fishing success. And you can even enjoy it from the luxury of your own cottage, with these three perfect properties for fishing on Mull.

The Steading, Loch Assapol

Venture straight to the loch shore from the front door of The Steading and enjoy some fine freshwater loch fishing on Loch Assapol. Then it’s only a short walk home with your catch to cook up a storm in the beautiful dining kitchen, complete with vaulted ceilings and charming beams. A great choice for all the family, with excellent walking, beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife in the area too.

Craig Ben Lodge, Loch Uisg

Treat yourselves to a true Highland escape with a stay at Craig Ben Lodge, complete with a turret and exceptional loch views. The house affords easy access to the sea at Lochbuie and Loch Spelve, with use of a boat available on Loch Uisg too.

Macquarie House, Loch Ba

A stone’s throw from the dramatic freshwater loch, Loch Ba, which leads into Mull’s mountainous interior, Macquarie House is an angler’s delight, with a boat available to hire, permits available for river fishing on the River Ba, and even the chance to catch brown trout on a hill loch nearby. Throw in the close proximity of Loch na Keal for sea fishing, and a week simply won’t feel long enough.

Discover more inspiration for things to do on Mull and make your holiday truly memorable.

The Isle of Mull is famous for its wildlife, but it’s also well regarded for its livestock too. From the Highland cows who so often cause a traffic jam on the Torloisk hill road, to the sheep spotted on the beach, there’s plenty to encounter. The range of breeds raised here can be seen and celebrated each summer too, at the Salen and Bunessan shows. Perhaps one of the most special of all are the Highland ponies that call Killiechronan home.

Here, on the island’s west coast, you can hop into the saddle of the Scottish Highlands and Islands’ traditional native breed and enjoy a ride on the beach or head up into the hills and along forest trails with Mull Pony Trekking. You might even have a close encounter with the island’s famous white-tailed sea eagles, who are undisturbed by the ponies’ presence.

A gentle amble on the lead rein with marvellous views over Loch na Keal and Ben More, or a fast-paced blast through the surf, pony trekking on the Isle of Mull is tailored to your ability. UK native breeds are the order of the day at Mull Pony Trekking, with Highland ponies, some homebred, joined by Shetlands and even a Fell pony too.

Highland ponies have long called the islands home. They were a popular choice with crofters thanks to their stocky build, sure-footedness and great strength. This made them very versatile for tasks on the farm, and even in some cases for logging. The estates also have a long history with the breed, as they make excellent deer ponies to bring animals off the hill after a day’s sporting pursuits. There are still a few working deer ponies on the island to this day.

Whether you are new to horses or a keen rider, an experience with Mull Pony Trekking is not to be missed.