Choosing your accommodation in the UK This often makes the difference between a good trip and a successful one. From cozy bed and breakfasts and charming hotels to secluded cottages and historic castles, the options are incredibly diverse, whether in Scotland, England, Wales, or Ireland. This guide will help you choose the right type of accommodation for each leg of your journey.

We also share our practical tips, particularly regarding bookings and local taxes. At Brightside Travel, our team selects these addresses year-round from Edinburgh.

What sort of accommodation should you choose in the UK?

The right choice depends first and foremost on your travel style. A road trip requires practical stops, while a romantic getaway prioritizes charm and tranquility. For a family, however, space and a kitchen are more important.

In practice, the best trips often combine several types of accommodation: a hotel in the city, a guesthouse in the Highlands, and then a cottage on an island.

The bed and breakfast, the typical accommodation in the United Kingdom

A bed and breakfast, or B&B, is one of the best ways to discover the country. You stay with a local family or in a small guesthouse. The welcome is therefore often very personal.

Breakfast is part of the experience. Depending on the region, you'll be served a full Scottish, English, or Irish breakfast, complete with eggs, bacon, and sausages. In addition, your hosts will often provide valuable tips about the surrounding area.

Hotels, country houses and boutique hotels

For added comfort, hotels remain a safe bet, especially in cities. Boutique hotels, on the other hand, focus on design and an intimate atmosphere.

In the countryside, country houses—former homes converted into hotels—offer an excellent balance between character and comfort. They often feature a good restaurant, a lounge with a fireplace, and a large garden.

Sleeping in a castle or a lodge

For an exceptional stopover, several castles and historic residences now welcome travelers. This is a particularly lovely idea for a romantic getaway. It's also a classic choice for... honeymoon in Scotland. Discover also the most beautiful castles in Scotland and our ideas of romantic trip to Scotland.

In the Highlands, lodges in the heart of nature also offer a wilder experience, often on the edge of a loch.

Cottages and rentals: accommodation in the UK with complete freedom

Self-catering cottages are particularly suitable for families and stays of several nights. They offer a kitchen and more space. In high season, they are often rented by the week. If you are traveling with children, also consult our guide to... family trip to Scotland.

Booking your accommodation in the United Kingdom: our tips

Book early for the most popular venues.

On the Isle of Skye, in the small villages of the Highlands, and in Edinburgh in August, the best places book up very early. During festival season, such as the Fringe Festival, Demand is exploding. It's therefore best to book several months in advance for the summer.

Keep in mind the tourist tax in Edinburgh

Since July 24, 2026, the City of Edinburgh has applied a tourist tax of 5 % to overnight stays, capped at five consecutive nights. This applies to all accommodations located within the city limits. Details can be found on the website of the City of Edinburgh Council.

Choose location before luxury

On a road trip, well-located accommodation in the UK can save a lot of time. Currency, power outlets, tipping: our advice for travel to the United Kingdom These tips complement this guide. Distances may seem short on the map, but smaller roads can lengthen journeys. Also, stay at least two nights at each stop to avoid having to repack your bags every morning.

Check the rankings

Tourist offices, in particular, award stars to many accommodations. These ratings provide a good indication of the level of comfort, but do not replace traveler reviews.

Opt for local and independent accommodation

Staying with independent owners allows you to meet passionate locals and discover hidden gems not found in guidebooks. It's also a way to directly support the local economy, a central aspect of our approach. responsible tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most typical type of accommodation in the United Kingdom?

The bed and breakfast, or guesthouse. You sleep in a local's home and the traditional breakfast is part of the experience.

When should you book your accommodation in Scotland?

Several months in advance for the summer, especially on the Isle of Skye and in Edinburgh in August, during the festivals.

Is there a tourist tax in Edinburgh?

Yes. Since July 24, 2026, a tax of 5 % applies to overnight stays, up to a limit of five consecutive nights.

Is it possible to sleep in a castle in Scotland?

Yes, many castles and historic residences now house hotels. Our favorite addresses are in our guide for sleep in a castle in Scotland. They are therefore often fully booked, especially in summer.

What type of accommodation should a family choose?

A rental cottage offers more space and a kitchen. It is particularly suitable for stays of several nights in the same place.

Find your accommodation in the UK with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we carefully select each accommodation in the UK based on your itinerary, budget, and preferences. We prioritize independent properties, charming guesthouses, and boutique hotels.

To plan the rest of your trip, consult our guides for plan a trip to Scotland and plan your trip to England, or discover our tailor-made holidays in Scotland.