Durness Smoo Cave Hotels

Top reasons to visit Smoo Cave

• Impressive Cave Tours: Explore the magnificent Smoo Cave on guided tours, showcasing its stunning sea caves and dramatic formations.
• Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery on scenic boat rides and picturesque beaches perfect for relaxation.
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in hiking, whale watching, and golfing, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Durness.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: Experience the friendliness of locals and their pets, contributing to a warm and inviting environment.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from charming inns to budget-friendly hostels, catering to all travellers.

Find great hotels near Smoo Cave

Discover a range of delightful accommodation options near Smoo Cave in Durness, from charming inns to budget-friendly hostels. Many establishments cater to pet-friendly travellers, ensuring a welcoming stay for all. Whether you're searching for Smoo Cave hotel reviews or the best Durness hotels, you'll find a variety of choices to suit your needs, making your visit to this stunning Scottish destination truly memorable.

• Durness Youth Hostel: Nestled a mere 161m from Smoo Cave, Durness Youth Hostel is an economical choice for budget-conscious travellers. With a commendable guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, this hostel boasts a welcoming atmosphere perfect for backpackers. The property is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along for the adventure. Amenities include food and water bowls for pets, and a pet policy that accommodates dogs only, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your four-legged friends. A communal kitchen and lounge area enhance the social experience, making it a great spot to meet fellow travellers.
• The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse - Hostel: Located approximately 2km from Smoo Cave, The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse is a charming 4-star hostel that offers a unique blend of comfort and community spirit. This hostel features a relaxed, rustic design, encouraging guests to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Durness landscape. Facilities include shared kitchen and dining areas, perfect for self-catering. The bunkhouse also provides a friendly environment, ideal for making new friends while enjoying the magical Scottish Highlands.
• The Tongue Hotel: Situated 19km from Smoo Cave, The Tongue Hotel is a delightful 3-star establishment offering a warm, inviting atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking a pet-friendly stay, this hotel welcomes dogs and provides amenities such as food bowls and a pet policy that permits dogs only. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms with charming decor, a bar and restaurant serving local cuisine, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The Tongue Hotel strikes a balance between relaxation and adventure, making it a fitting choice for those wishing to explore the captivating area.

Where to stay near Smoo Cave

Visiting Smoo Cave in Durness promises an unforgettable experience amidst stunning natural beauty. The nearby Allt Smoo offers picturesque landscapes, while the cave itself captivates with its dramatic formations. Explore the breathtaking beaches that dot the coastline, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. Friendly locals and their dogs often accompany visitors, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Don't forget to capture the enchanting images of Smoo Cave to remember your adventure in this serene Scottish gem.

• Durness: Nestled in the rugged Highlands, Durness is a charming village that serves as the gateway to Smoo Cave. With its stunning coastal scenery, Durness is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking eco-friendly adventures. In the summer months, the village comes alive with visitors eager to explore its hiking trails and scenic beaches. Key attractions include the breathtaking Smoo Cave, a must-visit landmark, as well as local parks that offer opportunities for relaxation and picnicking. Durness also boasts a variety of shops and amenities, ensuring a wholesome experience for travellers.
• Tongue: Located approximately 19km from Smoo Cave, Tongue is a picturesque village that offers a blend of outdoor activities and serene landscapes. The region attracts visitors year-round, peaking in the spring and summer months. Tongue is renowned for its hiking trails, which wind through the stunning countryside, and its local golf course that provides a unique sporting experience. With beautiful beaches and parks nearby, this area is perfect for families and eco-conscious travellers alike, making it a delightful stop on your Scottish adventure.
• Balnakeil: Just 3km away from Smoo Cave, Balnakeil is a quaint village known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. The village experiences moderate seasonal visitor numbers, with peaks in the winter and spring months. Balnakeil offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking an authentic Highland experience. Visitors can explore historic sites and enjoy the scenic coastal paths, while local shops provide a taste of the community's charm. The nearby beach and park are perfect for outdoor activities, making Balnakeil an enchanting addition to your itinerary.

Things to do in Smoo Cave

Shopping

The nearest shopping area is Durness Village, where you can find local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to the nearest larger town, Thurso, about 64km away, where you'll discover various shops and boutiques offering unique gifts and local produce.

Recreation

Smoo Cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, where you can explore stunning limestone formations and enjoy guided boat tours. Nearby, the scenic coastal paths provide opportunities for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting, allowing you to connect with nature and unwind in a breathtaking setting.

Adventure

Smoo Cave, a captivating natural wonder, offers guided boat tours through its stunning chambers and waterfalls. Visitors can explore the fascinating geology and wildlife, while the dramatic coastal scenery adds to the adventure. Nearby, the rugged cliffs provide excellent hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Nightlife

While Smoo Cave itself is a natural wonder, nearby Durness offers cosy pubs like the Smoo Cave Hotel, where you can enjoy local ales and live music. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration in this stunning coastal landscape.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Smoo Cave

To save money on your trip to Smoo Cave, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March or December. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for better rates, and aim for a Wednesday stay to avoid higher Friday prices. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort prices from lowest to highest. Look for eco-certified hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Exploring the area on foot and enjoying free attractions will also help keep your costs down.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Smoo Cave are February to March and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Smoo Cave is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Smoo Cave is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Smoo Cave is Friday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable rates and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Smoo Cave with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Smoo Cave

When visiting Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and outdoor experiences. Explore the fascinating Smoo Cave itself, renowned for its beautiful sea caves and dramatic landscapes. Nearby, you can relax on picturesque beaches, hike the surrounding mountains, or visit the scenic cape. This destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure for every traveller.

• Durness Beach: Located just 805m from Smoo Cave, Durness Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand framed by dramatic cliffs. The beach vibe is perfect for a relaxing stroll, picnicking, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline.
• Cape Wrath: Situated 18km away, Cape Wrath is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. This rugged cape features dramatic cliffs and panoramic views, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. The combination of beach and striking landscapes creates a unique experience.
• Ben Hope: Also 18km from Smoo Cave, Ben Hope is the highest mountain in the North of Scotland. It offers adventurous hiking opportunities with rewarding vistas at the summit, attracting outdoor enthusiasts keen on exploring the picturesque Scottish Highlands.

Best time to go to Smoo Cave

The best time to visit Smoo Cave can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Smoo Cave falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Smoo Cave falls in February, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
June	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
September	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Smoo Cave

Accessing Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, is convenient via several major airports. INVerness Airport (INV), approximately 121km away, offers nearby hotels such as the 5-star Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 13km from the airport, along with The Factor's House, a 5-star B&B 14km away. Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is about 113km distant, with options like the 4-star Graemeshall House and the 3-star Ayre Hotel, both 5km from the airport. Stornoway Airport (SYY) is 101km from Smoo Cave, featuring the 4-star Cabarfeidh Hotel and Stornoway Bed and Breakfast, both just 3km away, ensuring easy access for travellers.