Quirky Places to Stay in Scotland

Highland Cows, Hobbit Houses and a Warm Scottish Welcome If you’re searching for quirky places to stay in Scotland, sometimes it’s the unexpected little details that make a break truly memorable. At Craighead Howfs, those moments might include waking to birdsong, spotting a Highland cow in the neighbouring field, relaxing beneath the stars or staying inside a handcrafted Hobbit-inspired hideaway. Set in the peaceful Perthshire countryside, close to Dunblane and within easy reach of Stirling, Craighead Howfs offers much more than somewhere to sleep. Instead, it brings together unusual accommodation, friendly animals, beautiful surroundings and the warm welcome of a family-run Scottish smallholding. As a result, a stay here feels personal, relaxed and wonderfully different. More Than Just Somewhere to Stay Craighead Howfs has never been about creating ordinary accommodation. Over the years, Ian and Heather have created a collection of handcrafted howfs with help from their family. Each one has its own personality and has been designed to sit naturally within the surrounding countryside. Therefore, guests looking for unique places to stay in Scotland, quirky accommodation in Scotland or an unusual countryside escape can enjoy something very different from a conventional hotel or holiday park. Our adult-only glamping accommodation offers peaceful escapes for two. Meanwhile, Muckle Howf provides a spacious holiday cottage for families and friends wanting to explore Perthshire and central Scotland together. However, the accommodation is only one part of the Craighead experience. A Warm Scottish Welcome One of the things we love most about Craighead is the personal side of staying here. As a family-run smallholding, we want guests to feel relaxed from the moment they arrive. There are no hotel corridors, crowded reception areas or rows of identical accommodation. Instead, you can enjoy the countryside at your own pace and experience a quieter side of Scotland. Our animals, gardens, lochan and handcrafted howfs all form part of daily life here. Consequently, no two visits feel exactly the same. Above all, we hope guests leave with happy memories of their stay, whether that comes from a peaceful evening by the fire, a Highland cow photo, a soak in a wood-fired hot tub or simply taking time to slow down. Meet Our Highland Cows Perhaps some of our best-known residents are our Highland cattle. With their long coats, distinctive horns and unmistakably Scottish appearance, they are always popular with guests. In addition, seeing Highland cows surrounded by the Perthshire countryside makes for a particularly memorable Scottish experience. They share Craighead with alpacas, pygmy goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, a Shetland pony, emus, rheas, peafowl, guinea fowl, chickens, ducks, geese, cats and more. So, even a gentle walk around Craighead can lead to plenty of unexpected encounters. You can discover more about all our residents on our Meet the Animals page. Can You Visit the Highland Cows Without Staying? Yes. Although our animals are part of everyday life for guests staying at Craighead Howfs, visits to see our Highland cattle may also be arranged for people who are not staying with us. These visits are by prior appointment only. Craighead is a working smallholding, so visits need to fit around the animals and our day-to-day routines. Therefore, please contact us in advance rather than arriving without an appointment. There will be a charge for arranged Highland cow visits. However, pricing and availability are still being developed, so please contact us for current information. If you would like to arrange a visit, simply get in touch and we can let you know what is currently available. Stay in a Hobbit-Inspired Hideaway Our Highland cows are not the only reason Craighead attracts people looking for unusual places to stay in Scotland. Two of our most distinctive accommodations are The Burrow and Bag End, our handcrafted Hobbit-inspired retreats. Built into the landscape, with round doors, grass-covered roofs, natural materials and carefully crafted interiors, they offer a completely different alternative to a traditional hotel or lodge. For anyone searching for a Hobbit house in Scotland, a quirky romantic break or simply somewhere memorable to spend a few nights, these adult-only hideaways offer a peaceful escape from everyday life. Better still, you can step outside into the countryside and find yourself surrounded by wildlife, gardens and some rather unusual neighbours. Treehouses, Hot Tubs and Handcrafted Howfs Elsewhere at Craighead, there are even more unusual ways to stay. You can sleep amongst the trees, enjoy peaceful views across the grounds or simply settle into your own handcrafted hideaway. For an extra touch of relaxation, a private wood-fired hot tub can be added as an optional extra with selected accommodation. Therefore, guests searching for lodges with hot tubs in Scotland can enjoy something a little more individual than a standard lodge park. Each howf has been created with its own character. As a result, choosing where to stay is part of the experience itself. Whether you prefer a Hobbit-inspired retreat, treehouse accommodation or another of our quirky howfs, there is no one-size-fits-all approach at Craighead. Animals Are Part of the Craighead Experience For many guests, meeting the animals becomes one of the unexpected highlights of their stay. Highland cows may be the stars of many photographs, but they are certainly not alone. You may spot alpacas relaxing in their paddock, emus wandering nearby or peafowl adding a splash of colour to the grounds. Meanwhile, pygmy goats, sheep, poultry and our resident cats all add to the everyday character of the smallholding. Importantly, these are not staged attractions brought in for visitors. They are part of life at Craighead. Therefore, simply slowing down and watching the animals can become one of the most relaxing parts of your stay. Discover a Different Side of Scotland Craighead Howfs enjoys a peaceful countryside setting while still being well placed for exploring central Scotland. Dunblane is close by, while Stirling and its historic castle are within easy reach. Perthshire also offers beautiful scenery, walking routes, local food, history and plenty of places to explore. However, you do not always need

Heading to Radio 2 in the Park? Discover a Different Side of Perthshire

If you’re searching for Radio 2 in the Park accommodation near Stirling, you may be looking for more than simply a place to sleep after the festival. Instead, why not turn your visit to Stirling into a memorable countryside escape? Located in the heart of Perthshire, just a short journey from Stirling, Craighead Howfs offers a collection of extraordinary adult-only glamping retreats surrounded by nature, wildlife and beautiful Scottish scenery. As a result, guests can enjoy the excitement of Radio 2 in the Park whilst also experiencing the peace and tranquillity of rural Scotland. Whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in Scotland or making a longer trip from England, Wales or beyond, staying near Stirling gives you the opportunity to enjoy both the festival and a relaxing countryside break. Swap the Hotel for Something More Memorable Many festival-goers will choose hotels and guest houses in and around Stirling. However, staying somewhere unique can make the entire weekend even more special. At Craighead Howfs, every howf has been individually designed and handcrafted using natural materials that blend beautifully into the surrounding Perthshire landscape. Consequently, no two stays are quite the same. From peaceful woodland retreats to quirky hillside hideaways, each howf offers a distinctive experience that allows guests to switch off, slow down and enjoy a different side of Scotland. Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds Radio 2 in the Park will bring thousands of music lovers to Stirling for an unforgettable weekend of live entertainment. Nevertheless, after a busy day amongst festival crowds, many guests appreciate returning to somewhere calm and peaceful. Craighead Howfs is located approximately 20 minutes from Stirling and the festival site by car. Alternatively, nearby Dunblane offers regular train services into Stirling, with journey times of around eight minutes. Therefore, guests can enjoy easy access to Radio 2 in the Park whilst escaping to the peaceful Perthshire countryside at the end of the day. Wildlife, Farm Animals and Open Spaces One of the most memorable parts of a stay at Craighead Howfs is the connection with nature. Throughout the grounds, guests can encounter alpacas, Highland cows, pygmy goats, sheep and our popular emus. In addition, wildlife can often be spotted around the surrounding countryside, particularly during the quieter mornings and evenings. Because of this, many visitors spend time simply enjoying the natural surroundings, watching the animals and appreciating the slower pace of life that Perthshire is known for. An Adult-Only Glamping Escape Near Stirling Unlike traditional accommodation, Craighead Howfs offers something genuinely different. Our adult-only glamping retreats combine privacy, comfort and unique design with the beauty of the Scottish countryside. Furthermore, the peaceful setting makes it easy to relax and unwind between festival days. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique place to stay near Stirling, you’ll find an atmosphere that encourages you to switch off and enjoy the moment. For many guests, the combination of extraordinary accommodation, wildlife and countryside tranquillity becomes just as memorable as the event itself. Planning Your Radio 2 in the Park Weekend? If you’re looking for Radio 2 in the Park accommodation near Stirling, discover our unique adult-only glamping retreats and find the perfect howf for your festival weekend.Radio 2 in the Park Accommodation Near Stirling Discover how a visit to Stirling for Radio 2 in the Park can become an unforgettable Perthshire escape, surrounded by wildlife, nature and some of Scotland’s most unique glamping accommodation. We look forward to welcoming guests seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds whilst remaining within easy reach of the festival. View Available Howfs