Historic charm and island calm on Colonsay
explore
Built in 1750 as an inn for the local population and the occasional visiting traveller, The Colonsay Hotel has been a welcoming landmark for over 270 years. Set high on the hillside above the harbour, this charming 18th-century retreat enjoys uninterrupted views across the water towards the neighbouring island of Jura, a sight that shifts with the weather and light throughout the day.
The island of Colonsay itself is a gem of the Inner Hebrides, known for its wild, unspoilt beauty. From the hotel, you can wander to secluded coves, golden beaches, and windswept headlands, or explore the island’s heather-clad hills and ancient ruins. The slow rhythm of island life invites you to pause, breathe, and truly connect with nature.
In the restaurant, the flavours of Colonsay and the surrounding Hebrides take centre stage. Freshly landed seafood, locally sourced meats, and seasonal produce are crafted into simple yet memorable dishes that celebrate the region’s bounty.
Whether you’re sharing tales by the log fire or enjoying a dram of whisky as the sun sets, Colonsay offers a rare kind of hospitality — rooted in history, warmed by the community, and enriched by the raw beauty of the Scottish Isles.
Enjoy a two-night stay with a full breakfast each morning and dinner on the first night, for a perfect short break away.
Stay
Enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay at The Colonsay Hotel. With well-equipped rooms and a friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to relax while exploring the island.
Dine
Indulge in the flavours of the Isle of Colonsay. Featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from land and sea, our menu celebrates the best of the region in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Rest easy to the rhythm of the Isles
We have two exceptional rooms, Ardskenish and Balnahard, which have great beds, fine Egyptian linen and contemporary styling, and one superior bedroom, Cable Bay, which can be made up as a King or twin. All have wonderful sea views.
Our remaining six bedrooms are all furnished simply but very comfortably. Some have great bathrooms, some have small shower rooms. Pigs Paradise consists of a double bedroom, a bathroom and an interconnecting bedroom/sitting room. All room rates include a delicious full Colonsay breakfast.
Superior Double
Our two Superior Double rooms, Balnahard and Ardskenish, offer a restful retreat with contemporary styling. Each features a comfortable bed dressed in fine Egyptian cotton linen and an ensuite bathroom.
Superior Twin
Relax and unwind in our Cable Bay Superior Twin room, offering flexibility with either twin beds or a comfortable king – just let us know your preference when you book. Complete with an en-suite shower room and spectacular sea views.
Standard Double
Our Double room, Dun Eibhinn, features one double bed and a private ensuite bathroom — the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
Standard Single
Perfect for solo travellers, Port Lobh offers a cosy single room with a private bathroom located just along the corridor. Simple, comfortable, and thoughtfully appointed for a restful stay.
Classic Double
Rubha Dubh is a comfortable Classic Double room with an ensuite shower. Perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking a peaceful stay with all the essentials.
Classic Twin
Our Classic Twin rooms, Eilean Olmsa and Whistlers, can be arranged as either doubles or twins — just let us know your preference when booking. Each room includes a private ensuite bathroom or shower room.
Superior Family
Our Superior Family room, Pigs Paradise, features a double bedroom, an interconnecting twin bedroom/sitting room, and an ensuite bathroom – ideal for families of up to four.
Fresh, local and full of flavour
Relax and unwind with beautiful harbour views and the cosy warmth of a wood-burning stove. Enjoy your meal in our welcoming restaurant or comfortable bar, both offering a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
For lunch, savour comforting homemade dishes like fresh soup with baked bread, hearty burgers, and our signature Colonsay ale pie, served alongside crisp salad leaves grown in our kitchen garden. Simple, fresh, and full of flavour.
Breakfast served from 8am to 10am
Lunch served from 12pm to 2pm
Bar opens daily at 12pm until late
Dinner is served from 5pm to 8:30pm
Discover Colonsay
Explore the Beaches
Balnahard Bay, Kiloran Bay, The Strand, Cable Bay, Tobar Fuar, and Traigh nam Barc are just a few of Colonsay’s stunning beaches. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, picnicking or walking, you’ll usually find a sheltered spot to enjoy. Many also feature ancient sites and remarkable natural features waiting to be explored.
Climb the 22 MacPhies
Up for a challenge? Try the MacPhies – 22 hills over 91.5m across Colonsay and Oronsay. The goal? Summit them all in one continuous walk, starting and ending below the high tide line. There’s no set route, but the full circuit is around 32km – a true test for keen walkers.
Carnon Eoin High Point
Carnan Eoin is the highest point on Colonsay, rising above Kiloran Bay at the island’s north end. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Colonsay, nearby isles, and the whale sculpture. The walk also takes in caves at the bay’s north end and a striking sea arch to the southwest.
Cycle the Island Circuit
Colonsay is around 10 miles long and 2 miles wide, making it ideal for cycling. Quiet single-track roads and gentle hills take you past beaches, farmland, woodland and lochside views. Popular routes include the ride north to Balnahard Bay, the circuit around Kiloran Bay, and the track to Oronsay at low tide.
Colonsay Golf Course
The 18 hole golf course at Machrins on the west coast of the island is reputedly over 200 years old, having first been played in 1775, and was well-known and recorded as a feature of island life in the late 19th century. You are most likely to have the entire course completely to yourself.
Take a Ferry to Islay & Jura
Just across the water from Colonsay, the islands of Islay and Jura are iconic names in the whisky world. Together, they host ten renowned distilleries, known for their peaty, smoky drams. Many offer tours and tastings, making these islands a must-visit for whisky lovers and curious travellers alike.
Colonsay Gin Distillery
The Colonsay Gin Distillery offers a fascinating tour of its gin-making process. Meet ‘Jinty,’ the copper gin still, learn how the multi-award-winning gin is distilled, bottled, and finished, and finish with a tasting of all their products, available to purchase.
The Old Waiting Room Gallery
The Old Waiting Room Gallery, set by the pier on the beautiful Isle of Colonsay, is a welcoming stop for visitors from May to October. Showcasing artwork and handcrafted pieces from local and Scottish artists, it’s a true treasure trove of gifts and crafts, perfect for finding something special to take home as a reminder of the Hebrides.
Seapink Gallery
Seapink is home to Colonsay Arts & Wares, a charming spot filled with handcrafted treasures. Here you’ll find a wide range of local arts, crafts, and giftware, alongside beautiful pieces from the Colonsay Wool Growers, made from wool born and shorn just up the island at Balnahard Farm.
Isle of Oronsay
At low tide, you can make the memorable walk across the Strand to the Isle of Oronsay. Here you’ll discover the ruins of a 14th-century priory, once a place of quiet devotion, now a peaceful and atmospheric reminder of the island’s long history.
Plan your journey
BY PLANE
Flights to Colonsay are available from Oban airport with Hebridean Air Services. Please check the summer and winter timetable for days of operation and flight times.
BY FERRY
Enjoy a scenic ferry crossing from Oban with Caledonian MacBrayne, which sails into Scalasaig, just a short stroll from the hotel. Whichever way you choose, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views before you’ve even arrived.
