From January to March there is a surprisingly large choice of accommodation available on Mull and the island welcome is always warm and friendly. The popularity of visiting Mull and Iona in the winter is increasing, so what is the attraction?
Although the days are shorter, the landscape takes on a dramatic beauty and drama with huge atmospheric skies and waves crashing along windswept beaches, while sunrises and sunsets are at their most intense. Whatever your reason for getting outside into the elements, returning to a snug cottage or cosy bar to enjoy an evening beside a real fire is such a pleasure!
Winter is also a good time for looking out for the resident wildlife, such as otters, red deer, mountain hare, seals, golden and white-tailed eagles and many other rare birds, such as hen harriers and short eared owls, . Meanwhile the migrant flocks of whooper swans and white- fronted and barnacle geese can create a stunning visual spectacle, with rare great northern divers a significant presence on the lochs.
The accommodation providers listed below plan to be open during January to March, but do contact them to make sure of your dates before you arrange your travel.
Hotels
A Hotel is a good choice for providing everything you need for your winter stay
The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Craignure is a 4-star hotel with seasonal offers, a restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool
The Western Isles Hotel, Tobermory is a luxury dog-friendly hotel with special offer winter breaks, restaurant and bar
The Salen Hotel, Salen is a 3-star family hotel, centrally located, with restaurant and bar and a community feel.
Self-catering accommodation
There is a good choice of self-catering accommodation in every part of Mull. All the local grocery stores and other food and drink outlets are open during the winter so you can easily get your own provisions.
Glengorm Castle and Apartments near Tobermory: single night stays in historic surroundings
Crofters Cottage, Tobermory: a luxury 5-star cottage on the outskirts of the town
Thornliebank Apartments, Tobermory; self-catering winter short breaks
Cill Mhoire Lodges, Dervaig: winter self catering short breaks for two to six guests
Willowbank Cottage, Dervaig; flexible self catering winter bookings for four guests
Seaview Cottage, Salen: luxury self-catering for up to five guests
Riverside Cottage, Aros Bridge; self catering riverside location for up to four guests
Aros Mains Cottages: Self catering cottages in historic setting
Riverside House, Aros: Luxury self-catering for six guests with seasonal offer
Benmore Estate, Gruline: self-catering cottages
Craignure Bunkhouse: Four en-suite dorms with excellent facilities
Suidhe Farm Cottages, Bunessan: Self catering cottages for four guests at low season prices
Ross of Mull Bunkrooms, Fionnphort: an affordable self-catering cottage with excellent facilities
Isle of Mull Cottages: offerinf an island-wide choice of self-catering cottages for winter breaks
Guest House/Bed and breakfasts
Glenelg Bed and Breakfast Tobermory; affordable, dog friendly and a warm welcome from Claire and Alfie
Roslyn House Tobermory; Boutique Luxury Guest House with guest lounge
Glenaros Lodge Guest House, Salen; Boutique Victorian Bed and Breakfast with views to Aros Castle
Ardness House Bed and Breakfast, Bunessan; On a family working farm, dinner also available
Gruline Home Farm Bed and Breakfast, Gruline; located in the heart of Mull with mountail views and lots of wildlife
Retreats/Courses/Experiences
Mindful Art Weekends,Tobermory: a creative and relaxing winter escape in January 17th – 18th and February 14th – 17th
Nature Scotland: Winter stargazing, photography and wildlife tours
Island Sauna Shack: Serene wellness by the sea in Salen or Tobermory
Eating Out
The Keel Row Pub and Restaurant, Fionnphort. Bar Thursday – Sunday; Sunday Lunch, Saturday Dinner
McGochans Restaurant and Bar Tobermory: very lively and popular venue open daily
The Western Isles Hotel,Tobermory: Bar open all day, restaurant dinner served each night.
Òran na Mara Bistro, Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure: restaurant open daily
The Salen Hotel, Salen: Bar and Retaurant open all winter
The Coffee Pot Salen: Takeaway home-baked lunches, savouries and cakes.10.30am – 2.30pm Tuesday to Friday. Honesty Box 24/7
Shopping
Eas Fors Knitting Studio, Salen: Enjoy coffee, speciality drinks and home baking as you browse hand-knitted garments and Scottish crafts.
Brown’s Tobermory: Legendary family hardware store and more – an Alladin’s cave stocking anything you might ever need
Indoor Attractions
Iona Abbey, Iona: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3.30
Ardalanish Weavers, near Bunessan: Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm. selling own handwoven goods and farm produce
Tobermory Distillery: Whisky tastings, tours and shop
An Tobar, Tobermory: Simeon Walker performs classical modern piant in six Mull homes during January and February
Outdoor Attractions
Lip na Cloiche Garden, Nursery and Crafts: Feel free to explore if owner Lucy is out foraging.
Mull and Iona have many natural outdoor attractions to explore, from beautiful beaches, waterfalls and community forests to stone circles and dark skies. Your helpful accommodation host will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to make your winter stay a wonderful experience.