Top Hotels Near Smoo Cave in Durness

Top reasons to visit Smoo Cave

• Guided Cave Tours: Experience the stunning formations of Smoo Cave through informative guided tours that showcase its natural beauty.
• Whale Watching: Enjoy exciting whale watching opportunities along the breathtaking coastline.
• Adventure Activities: Take part in swimming, golfing, or boat rides for an adventurous experience in the area.
• Scenic Beaches: Explore the picturesque beaches of Durness, perfect for coastal walks and relaxation.
• Welcoming Locals: Interact with friendly locals who add to the charm of this stunning destination.

Find great hotels near Smoo Cave

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, perfect for any traveller. From cosy hotels to hostel/backpacker lodgings, you'll find the ideal stay to suit your needs. Many establishments cater to pet-friendly experiences, ensuring your furry friends can join in the adventure. With a range of Durness hotels and reviews available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax after exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area.

• Durness Youth Hostel: Durness Youth Hostel offers a budget-friendly, backpacker-style lodging option with a welcoming atmosphere, rated 8.4 out of 10 by guests. Situated only 161m from Smoo Cave, it's ideal for those seeking an affordable yet comfortable stay. This hostel embraces a pet-friendly policy, allowing certain pets on-site, making it a great choice for travellers who wish to bring their furry companions along. Amenities include food and water bowls, ensuring your pets are well catered for during your stay.
• The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse - Hostel: With a 4-star rating, The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse - Hostel combines charm and comfort in a hostel environment. Located 1.6km away from Smoo Cave, it provides a rustic feel with modern conveniences tailored for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Although primarily geared towards budget-conscious travellers, the bunkhouse offers communal spaces that encourage social interaction among guests, creating a friendly, lively atmosphere perfect for sharing travel stories and experiences.
• The Tongue Hotel: The Tongue Hotel is a 3-star property located 19.3km from Smoo Cave, offering a blend of traditional hospitality and contemporary comfort. This hotel is another excellent option for those travelling with pets, featuring a welcoming policy that allows certain animals on-site. Guests appreciate the hotel’s charming decor and relaxing ambience. With its restaurant and bar, visitors can enjoy hearty meals and local drinks after a day of exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands.

Where to stay near Smoo Cave

Exploring Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, offers an unforgettable experience amidst stunning natural beauty. The nearby Allt Smoo river enhances the dramatic scenery, while friendly locals add to the charm. Venture to the spectacular beaches of Durness, where you can enjoy walks with dogs along the coastline. Don't forget to capture images of the cave's breathtaking formations, making this trip a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a truly picturesque setting.

• Durness: Nestled in the stunning Highlands of Scotland, Durness is the gateway to Smoo Cave, which draws visitors with its dramatic landscapes and rich outdoor experiences. The town sees a moderate influx of tourists, particularly from June to August, making it an ideal summer retreat for families and eco-conscious travellers. In addition to exploring the magnificent cave, you can hike along picturesque trails, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit local parks. Durness's charming community vibe, combined with its access to nature, makes it a perfect base for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
• Tongue: Located approximately 19.3km from Smoo Cave, Tongue offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. While it attracts visitors throughout the year, peak times are from April to July. This charming town serves as a hub for hiking enthusiasts and golfers alike, with scenic trails and courses that showcase the breathtaking landscape. The nearby beaches and parks provide ample opportunities for family outings and exploration. Tongue's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a delightful stop for those looking to soak in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
• Balnakeil: Just 3.2km from Smoo Cave, Balnakeil is a picturesque village renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. While visitor numbers peak in January, April, and July, it remains an appealing destination year-round for those seeking a tranquil escape. The village offers a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to explore historic places and enjoy outdoor activities. With its stunning coastal views and access to local parks, Balnakeil is an excellent choice for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, making it a hidden gem in the Highlands.

Things to do in Smoo Cave

Shopping

While in Durness, you can explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the nearby Thurso's Ormlie Lodge Shopping Centre, around 32.2km away, which features various retailers and local crafts for a broader selection.

Recreation

Smoo Cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility, featuring stunning sea caves and dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy guided tours exploring the caves, or take a leisurely stroll along the nearby beaches, immersing yourself in the fresh sea air and breathtaking landscapes of Durness.

Adventure

Explore Smoo Cave's fascinating sea entrance and stunning rock formations. Join a guided boat tour to venture into the inner chambers and discover the unique geology. For the adventurous, hiking the surrounding cliffs offers spectacular coastal views and a chance to encounter local wildlife.

Nightlife

While Smoo Cave itself is a natural wonder, nearby Durness offers a few cosy pubs like The Smoo Cave Hotel, where you can enjoy local ales and whisky. For a lively atmosphere, visit The Ceilidh Place, known for its folk music and warm hospitality, perfect for experiencing Scottish culture.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Smoo Cave

To save money on your visit to Smoo Cave, consider travelling during the off-peak months of February to March and December when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Aim for a Wednesday arrival for the best rates, and use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and keep an eye out for special deals to maximise your trip on a 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 and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Smoo Cave about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• 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 Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Smoo Cave hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Smoo Cave

While visiting Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the stunning sea cave, take in the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy the nearby beaches and mountains. A visit to Smoo Cave is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the area.

• Durness Beach: Located a mere 805m from Smoo Cave, Durness Beach offers stunning golden sands and azure waters, inviting you to unwind and soak up the beach vibes. The dramatic cliffs create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Cape Wrath: About 17.7km from Smoo Cave, Cape Wrath boasts breathtaking scenery and rugged landscapes. Experience the wild beauty of Scotland's north coast, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views that showcase the raw power of nature.
• Balkaniel Beach: Just 3.2km from Smoo Cave, Balkaniel Beach is a tranquil spot featuring soft sands and gentle waves. Perfect for a peaceful retreat, this beach is ideal for a quiet day by the sea, offering a serene atmosphere away from the crowds.

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	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 airports. INVerness Airport (INV) is 120.7km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 12.9km from the airport, offering various transport services. Stornoway Airport (SYY), located 101.4km away, has excellent hotel options such as the 4-star Cabarfeidh Hotel and Stornoway Bed and Breakfast, both just 3.2km from the airport. Finally, WICk Airport (WIC) is 95.0km from Smoo Cave, with accommodations like the 4-star Bank Guest House and the Harbour Bridge Camps Bar, both under 1.6km away from the airport, ensuring easy access for visitors.