Travel your way, at your own pace with our self-guided holidays
Booking for spring and summer 2026
As more of us appreciate the opportunity to travel closer to home, there’s never been a better time to discover just how much there is to explore right on your doorstep.
Our self-guided holidays are designed to help you discover more of the remarkable places across the UK and Ireland, from island hopping in the Outer Hebrides to the dramatic stretches of the North Coast 500. These are holidays that feel like a real escape, without the need to travel far.
Everything taken care of
We take care of all the details, so you can simply enjoy the experience. From handpicked places to stay to seamless travel connections and thoughtfully planned routes, everything is arranged in advance, with no hidden costs along the way. You’re free to travel at your own pace, with the reassurance that everything’s been taken care of.
Expert support, from start to finish
From the moment you get in touch, you’ll be chatting with real people who know these places inside out. Our friendly, knowledgeable team love sharing their own experiences and recommendations, helping you shape a holiday that feels just right for you.
Support whenever you need it
And while you’re travelling independently, you’re never on your own. With 24/7 support you can book with confidence knowing we’re always here if you need us.
Start planning your 2026 escape
Explore our most popular self-guided holidays for 2026 below and start your enquiry today. With demand for travel closer to home continuing to grow, spring and summer departures are filling quickly, so if something’s caught your eye, we’d recommend securing your place now.
Explore Spring/Summer 2026 self-guided holidays
Outer Hebrides Hopscotch
- Explore the magical islands of Barra, the Uists, Lewis & Harris
- Witness wild natural beauty, abundant wildlife and world-renowned beaches
North Coast 500
- Experience just over 500 miles of the best scenery that Scotland’s North Highlands have to offer
- Enjoy unforgettable driving routes such as the single track “Bealach na Ba’ road to Applecross
Orkney & Shetland Self-drive
- Discover the unique landscapes and fascinating archaeological heritage of these two Northern Isles
- Travel by ferry from Caithness to Orkney and relax on your overnight ferry back from Shetland to Aberdeen
Slowly Through the Outer Hebrides
- Take your time to explore the Outer Hebrides at a supremely relaxing pace, spending a few days on each island.
- Explore at your leisure during the day and unwind at night in specially-sought-out accommodation.
See Shetland Differently
- Get under the skin of Britain’s most northerly Isles, spending time on the mainland and Unst.
- Enjoy the long summer days and perhaps even experience ‘simmer dim’ in June, when the sky never truly goes dark.
Outer Hebrides Fly-drive
- Maximise your time on this enchanting archipelago, flying from central Scotland.
- Experience a flight that touches down on Barra’s world-famous beach airport before exploring the Uists, Harris and Lewis.
What Do Our Customers say?
Our trip around the Islands was magical. The arrangements made for and with us enabled us to get on with enjoying the holiday time.
– Paul & Kate, Renfrewshire, Scotland
We loved Shetland in all its moods. Our enjoyment was enhanced by the excellent information you provided & the fact all arrangements worked out well.
– Jennifer & William, Perth, Australia
This is the 3rd holiday we have booked with you. The accommodation & information supplied is still excellent, and we will book through you again.
– Elizabeth & Michael, Birmingham, England
The whole week was spectacular…you gave us a fantastic flavour of the area along the route of the North Coast 500.
– Geoffrey & Bronwen, Kent, England
Very well organised holiday. Was reassuring and useful to have a help line that worked. Shows the real value of using this company.
– Robert & Catherine, Sheffield, England
The holiday was extremely enjoyable – the accommodation chosen was excellent and the information provided was very helpfu
– Margaret, Tasmania, Australia
The unique environment on the islands was extremely interesting…we loved the historical sites.
– Merryl & Trevor, Perth, Australia
Every day we looked forward to a stay in a lovely place with a warm welcome…the scenery was breathtaking.
– Graham & Blythe, California, USA
Why McKinlay Kidd?
- Everything we recommend has been tried and tested by us
- Itineraries designed to help you explore beyond the tourist spots
- Hand-picked guides, for stories and insights that only locals would know
- Stay in carefully-selected, family-owned accommodation
- Meet and engage with local people
- Your trip planned exactly how you want it
- Personal - human - point of contact from start to finish
- Specialists on hand to help plan the finer details
- Ask us anything you want to, any time you want to
- We're contactable 24/7 throughout your trip
- Create your perfect trip, individually designed and booked for you
- It's fully flexible - want to add extra nights, activities or tours? No problem
- Let us know about any specific requirements and we'll do our utmost to accommodation
- Personalised recommendations, created for you and your trip
Other Ways To Travel This Spring/Summer
Small Group Guided Tours
Tailor-made Holidays
