Hotels near Smoo Cave

Top reasons to visit Smoo Cave

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Smoo Cave is renowned for its breathtaking sea cave and picturesque coastal landscape, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling activities like whale watching, swimming, and scenic ferry rides in the surrounding area.
• Charming Local Culture: Experience the warm hospitality of Durness, with opportunities to visit traditional hunting lodges and interact with friendly locals.
• Scenic Beaches: Enjoy the dramatic capes and beautiful beaches that offer stunning views and relaxation.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of lodging options, including cosy inns, budget-friendly hostels, and pet-friendly facilities.

Find great hotels near Smoo Cave

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, ranging from cosy inns to budget-friendly hostels. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly facilities or a charming lodge, you'll find suitable choices for your stay. Explore the best hotels in Durness to ensure a memorable visit to this stunning natural wonder.

• Durness Youth Hostel: Nestled a mere 161m from the enchanting Smoo Cave, Durness Youth Hostel is an ideal choice for adventurous travellers seeking a pet-friendly environment. This HostelBackpacker accommodation warmly welcomes dogs, ensuring your furry friends can join in on the fun. The hostel provides essential amenities such as food and water bowls, along with a service animal fee waiver, making it a convenient stop for those on the go. Its communal atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie among guests, perfect for sharing travel stories and experiences.
• The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse - Hostel: Located 1.6km from Smoo Cave, The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse is a charming 4-star HostelBackpacker option that combines comfort and a rustic vibe. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, this hostel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Scottish hospitality. Guests can enjoy a cozy communal area, well-equipped kitchen facilities, and a welcoming environment. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind after a day of exploring the breathtaking Highlands.
• The Tongue Hotel: Situated 19.3km from Smoo Cave, The Tongue Hotel is a delightful 3-star lodging choice that offers a warm, inviting atmosphere for both solo travellers and families. This hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing dogs to accompany you on your journey. With comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, guests can indulge in a taste of Scotland while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Tongue Hotel provides a relaxing sanctuary after a day of adventure, making it a perfect base for exploring the scenic beauty of the area.

Where to stay near Smoo Cave

Exploring Smoo Cave and its surroundings offers a delightful blend of spectacular scenery and warm hospitality. The nearby village of Durness boasts stunning coastal views, while the charming Kinlochbervie is perfect for those seeking tranquillity. Don't miss the chance to visit a traditional hunting lodge, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. With friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes, your journey around Smoo Cave will be an unforgettable experience.

• Durness: Nestled in the far north of Scotland, Durness is the gateway to Smoo Cave, where stunning natural beauty meets adventure. This charming village experiences moderate seasonal tourism, with peak visitors in the summer months from June to August. Durness is known for its outdoor activities, eco-friendly initiatives, and family-friendly experiences. Here, you can explore scenic hiking trails, relax on beautiful beaches, and delve into the depths of the nearby cave. With its local shops and amenities, Durness provides a welcoming atmosphere for tourists eager to soak in the rugged landscapes and tranquil parks.
• Tongue: Located approximately 19.3km from Smoo Cave, Tongue is a picturesque village that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly experiences. Although tourism is not heavily seasonal, visitors flock here during the spring and summer months, particularly in April and June to July. The area is renowned for its hiking trails, inviting beaches, and a relaxing spa experience. Tongue's stunning coastal scenery and proximity to parks and caves make it an appealing destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes.
• Balnakeil: Just 3.2km from Smoo Cave, Balnakeil is a quaint village that attracts visitors year-round, particularly during January, April, and July. Known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, Balnakeil offers a serene escape with outdoor activities at its forefront. Visitors can explore the local historic sites and monuments, while the inviting beach provides a perfect spot for relaxation. The village features local shops that add to its charm, making it an ideal base for those wishing to discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of this captivating region.

Things to do near Smoo Cave

Near Smoo Cave in Durness, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including whale watching, swimming, and ferry rides. The area also offers camping facilities, outdoor seating, and exciting outdoor adventures. For those looking to unwind, live music events and outdoor excursions provide a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Shopping

At Balnakiel Craft Village, located 3.2km from Smoo Cave, you can find unique handmade gifts and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, the nearby towns offer more extensive shopping options, including larger stores and markets to explore for souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore Smoo Cave’s breathtaking natural beauty through guided tours, where you can marvel at stunning rock formations and the crystal-clear waters. For relaxation, consider nearby wellness retreats offering yoga sessions and holistic treatments, perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body amidst the serene Scottish landscape.

Adventure

The Cape Wrath Trail, located 17.7km from Smoo Cave, is a breathtaking hiking experience. This rugged trail offers stunning scenery, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands while enjoying an adventurous outdoor escapade.

Nightlife

In Durness, the vibrant nightlife around Smoo Cave includes cosy pubs like The Smoo Cave Hotel, where you can enjoy local ales and live music. For a unique experience, explore the stunning caves illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Smoo Cave

To save money during your visit to Smoo Cave, plan your trip between February to March or December, when accommodation prices are lower. Book hotels about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and location, and sort results by price for the best offers. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for exclusive discounts and instant savings to maximise your budget.

• 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 to June and August, 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 narrow down your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay 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, don't miss the chance to explore its stunning sea cave and the famous Smoo Cave itself, renowned for its natural beauty. The area offers breathtaking beaches, dramatic capes, and majestic mountains, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic experiences. Be sure to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and engage in activities that showcase the unique coastal landscape.

• Cape Wrath: Experience the rugged beauty of Cape Wrath, located 17.7km from Smoo Cave. This dramatic headland offers stunning coastal scenery, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for photography and exploration.
• Durness Beach: Just 805m from Smoo Cave, Durness Beach boasts pristine golden sands and turquoise waters. Ideal for relaxation and beach activities, it’s a fantastic spot to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip.
• John Lennon Memorial Garden: Situated 1.6km from Smoo Cave, this tranquil rock garden is a lovely tribute to the legendary musician. It’s a peaceful outdoor space, ideal for families to enjoy a picnic while reflecting on Lennon’s legacy.

Best time to go to Smoo Cave

The best time to visit Smoo Cave is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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	Slightly High
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	Average
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

To visit Smoo Cave, you can fly into several major airports. Inverness Airport (INV) is approximately 120.7km away, with nearby accommodation options such as the 5-star Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 12.9km from the airport, offering various transportation services. Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is roughly 112.7km from Smoo Cave, with convenient 3-star hotels like the Albert Hotel, The Ayre Hotel, and The Shore, all located just 4.8km away. Another option is Stornoway Airport (SYY), situated about 64.8km from Smoo Cave, where you can find the 4-star Cabarfeidh Hotel and other 3-star options like Caladh Inn, both 3.2km from the airport.