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Short breaks available all year.
Breakfasts & packed lunches delivered to your cottage if required (see our web-site for menu and prices).
Late availability may be in either of our 2 cottages, please check our web-site.
 Assistant Lightkeeper's Cottage sleeps 1-4 in a king bed and two single beds.
Principal Lightkeeper's Cottage sleeps 1-4 in a king bed and a double bed.
From our guest book
August 2010"Dear Nadia and Tom, thank you so much for a lovely stay and a fun night at the Stromabank Hotel. This is a truly magnificent spot and we will endeavour to get back here some time. Lovely to see you again Nadia and to meet you Tom." Johnny & Alice, London
August 2010"Many thanks for the welcome and comfortable accommodation. We have had a splendid time - and we saw the whales." Martin & Allison, Abergavenny
August 2010"A week here on Hoy at the Cantick Head Lighthouse is not enough. There is so much to see and do. We definitely would like to come back some time soon. It was great to see you both again Nadia and Tom. You are doing a fantastic job at the Cantick Head Lighthouse. The Principal Cottage we stayed in is very comfortable. The Orkney Islands are a hidden treasure. Once again, many thanks for everything." Colin & Janet and Mary & John, London
August 2010"Best cliff and wave combo ever. This was an extremely relaxing weekend away from the stressful world of Edinburgh. We didn't get out much, but really enjoyed exploring the surrounding cliffs and coves. We hope to come back again one day for another amazing weekend. Thank you!" Ian & Brittany, Edinburgh
August 2010"Quite literally the best cottage we have ever stayed at, in the most idyllic location. Our 10-day family holiday here was the best ever, many days we did not leave Cantick Head!! The weather was kind to us, and Nadia & Tom make great hosts. We recommend the lobster, crab and scallops from the fish house at Brims road end, and make sure you leave time for the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre, it is excellent. Our trip to Stronsay Firth whale spotting with Kenny at Sea Orkney added an extra dimension as the kids caught mackerel and were allowed to drive the boat. We will certainly be back to this very special place. Even the border terriers will be sad to head home." Ian, Sophie + 9-year-old Rachel and 8-year-old Thomas, Cumbria
August 2010"The perfect antidote to modern life - intermittent signals on phone (and TV), no 3G so the iPad vested just Radio 3, and yesterday's papers arrive tomorrow. Lobster from the fish house, porpoise, seals and whales to watch for + quality time with family - perfect." Geoff & Janet, Cumbria
August 2010"What a fantastic place! You can watch the tides & currents all day - porpoises, dolphins, minke whale + a whole range of birds over the island. Bonxies are great!!! I'd strongly recommend the Hoy Hotel for lunch or dinner - the chief is very enthusiastic, hospitable and cares about the food. We had to persuade him to let us pay at one point! Go for a beer at lunchtime & try escaping - worth the effort. Stromabank Hotel food is good too, also carefully prepared. Steaks were fantastic, cooked exactly as requested, wonderfully tender and full of flavour. Try Sea Orkney for a boat trip, Kenny is great! Thanks Nadia & Tom for being so kind and friendly - you're very lucky to live here!" Pete & Luca, The Netherlands
August 2010"A fabulous three days and much too short! Cottage, location, locals, Tom & Nadia have all provided happy memories. The scenery is breathtaking and can be taken in more easily because of all the distractions of modern life that are not a problem here: traffic, mobile phones, constant interruptions etc. My father was here during the 2nd World War, on a destroyer protecting the arctic convoys (and later D-day etc). He would be thrilled that the suffering of his generation (on both sides) has been replaced by the happy times that we can enjoy. Thank you Tom & Nadia for the opportunity to enjoy all of this." Richard and Angela, Hampshire
August 2010"We had a lovely time here at Cantick Head in surroundings which could scarcely be bettered. Spent hours gazing out over the famous Scapa Flow, watching the ever changing waters and catching a glimpse of the odd seal. Managed to take in most of Hoy's most celebrated attractions including The Old Man and the awe-inspiring sea cliffs of St John's Head, Rackwick Bay and the RSPB reserve, which will stay in the memory. Recommend a visit to Scapa Flow Visitor Centre which is a thoroughly absorbing and moving experience. Thanks to our hosts Nadia and Tom who were very kind, welcoming and informative. The cottage itself is extremely well-equipped and we had a most comfortable time of it here. If you get the chance, you can buy scallops, crabs and lobsters at a little place on the right not long past the turn-off to the shop at Longhope. Hope to return some day." David, Angelika and 9-year old Henry, Stonehaven
July 2010"Bientot viendra le moment de dire au revoir a Cantick Lighthouse et ce sera avec regret que nous embarquerons sur le ferry qui nous amenera vers Orkney Mainland. Cantick Lighthouse a ete notre "home" pour 12 jours et nous ne l'oublierons jamais : sa situation unique au bout du monde, ses vues splendides et surtout ses proprietaires sympathiques, Tom et Nadia. L'ile de Hoy est un vrai tresor et nous avons passe nos journees a l'explorer : ses superbes sentiers cotiers, ses paysages de montagne et de bruyere, ses petites plages abritees, ses falaises sauvages, sa flore et sa faune ("the bonxies"). Il y aura de quoi remplir tout un album photo. Merci pour tout, Nadia et Tom !" Thierry, Joelle and their son Pierre + Leila the dog, Luxembourg
July 2010"This is an enchanting cottage with a lot of atmosphere, easily better than expected. We wish we had booked for longer but have had two glorious days walking, especially the circuit from Rackwick to Cuilags via the Old Man. We will most definitely recommend Cantick Head Lighthouse to our friends and wish you all best success with your venture here. Very many thanks!" Juliet, Neville and Huw, London
July 2010"We had a totally excellent family vacation in the Orkneys and are grateful we found your listing because Cantick Head cottages are great. Coming back to the cottage each evening from the other islands or just walking along the cliffs was something to look forward to - especially when tired and damp. You have seen to all the conveniences yet maintained a period look and feel. We loved our time here and are sad to be leaving. Thank you for everything." Bruce, Cherie (Chicago, USA) and Shana (London, UK)
July 2010"Our second year for a holiday at Cantick Head - fantastic. Everything you could wish for on your doorstep except the elusive whales. Fishing on the rocks, photographing the birds, the beautiful walks not to mention the delicious food at the Stromabank Hotel, who would want to go anywhere else. Will be back, just wish it could be sooner than next year. Tom & Nadia, terrific hosts. See you next year." Dot & John, Fife
July 2010"Thank you for the excellent stay - we were only here a night and wished we'd planned more. A wonderful storm was laid on to increase the atmosphere and we felt very protected. Love Hoy. Have had a lovely walk and a great cafe Beneth'hill in Hoy. Would love to return one day - you've made a lovely place here." Norman and Sarah, Bath
July 2010"First trip to Orkney and won't be my last. What a perfect spot and a lovely welcome from Tom and Nadia for whom nothing was too much trouble. Had some busy days exploring Hoy itself and Mainland. Walk to Old Man of Hoy was fun and Waulkmill Bay near Kirkwall most beautiful beach I've seen. Also enjoyed time just sitting at cottage enjoying the view and the tranquility and also very much enjoyed chats with Tom. A wonderful place to come alone and cottage very well equipped and comfortable. Do not want to go home in spite of the storm raging outside - all the more reason to stay! Weather has been excellent mostly, I'll email you some of my pics Nadia. Thank you for making my 40th so memorable. Best wishes. Ali & the girls" Alison, Perthshire
June-July 2010"Thank you, Nadia and Tom, for everything. We slotted in here and lived a life as if we were at home - so there was everything here we needed, and most of what we wanted, too. Absolute luxury, total bliss. We loved the books on lighthouses here - we seem to be working our way round them without planning to do so. On the fine days we zipped around the island being tourists and getting sunburnt. We enjoyed the wild wind and the whipped-up sea and the rain stinging the skin on our faces for a couple of hours, then returned here for some comfort, a good read and to enjoy the tennis. We saw lots of wildlife and got boxxied to our knees on the moors - they were just saying "this close and no closer", they meant no harm, and we observed their warnings. Hoy is a great island, Cantick Head is a beautiful part of it, and we loved it here. Thanks again, and very best wishes to you both." Richard and Gill, Northamptonshire
June 2010"Fantastic outlook. Spent ages looking for that 'tell tale' fin but no luck. Very comfortable accommodation - howling gales outside. Hope to come back." Geri, Alan and Sandra, Norfolk
June 2010"This is our second visit to Cantick Head. There are some places on earth where God blesses you with peace and grace. Cantick Head is one of these places. With incredible views and natural beauty all around, and warmth and comfort in this cottage, we felt rested, renewed... and very, very sad to leave, even though we know we will be back! Crossing over from Gill's Bay, the best sight we see is our first view of Cantick Head Lighthouse. Then we know we are in reach of our peaceful haven. Special thanks to Nadia and Tom for this quiet care and welcome tray. You are wonderful hosts! We had a special, beautiful 3rd anniversary." Stacey & Ian, Sutherland
June 2010"We had everything we could want in this well-equipped cosy cottage - a really comfortable place to stay. Walks along the cliff tops saw a hooded crow's nest, peregrines, puffins and hundreds of fulmars. Thank you Nadia and Tom. P.S.: The wholemade bread was wonderful!" Chris and Jill, Cumbria
May-June 2010"Fantastic holiday. Boys really enjoyed it. Wonderful weather - all sunkissed. Beautiful quality of light. Some great walks with the South Isles Ranger: Philip Weiss (and, yes, he is related!) Saw puffins and heard seals singing. Want to explore more but it's time to go back to the Forest of Dean (Glos). Hope to come again again. Lovely cosy cottage, which felt like home. Thank you." Paul & Zoe Weiss and their 4 children: Thomas (9), Samuel (8), William (7), Joseph (5), Gloucestershire
May 2010"Glorious views, a warm welcome, comfortable bed (seven hours sleep is exceptional). Perfection - even down to the audio system being pre-set to Radio 3. Our return is already in the planning stages. Many thanks." Stephen and Mary, Spaldington, East Yorkshire
May 2010"We had a really nice time here at the lighthouse. The view from the kitchen is wonderful. Even the weather was good as we walked to the Old Man of Hoy and to St John's Head. Thank you." Christian & Yvonne, Berlin, Germany
May 2010"Fantastic holiday, the scenery and wildlife spectacular. The cottage was excellent, and the owners Tom and Nadia very kind and generous. We all agree we will be returning in the future." Sam, Lisa, Mavis and Ray, England
May 2010"Our second visit (first was after refurbishment in 2005), and we have spent 3 very relaxing days here. We enjoyed lots of sunny walks along the shore in the company of a seal and the diving birds, and went every day to a (previously) unspoiled beach to dig holes... on our first evening after tea we saw what I believe were 2 or 3 minke, lounging just beyond the wall. We'd love to return - when Peter is quite a lot older, as the wall in front of the light is so low. Thank you for such a lovely retreat!" Richard, Elizabeth and Peter (21 months old), Tain
May 2010"We endorse all the complimentary remarks of the previous writers here. Tom and Nadia have to be congratulated in building on the efforts of their predecessors to make Cantick Head a special place both on account of its location, and also because of the comfort and luxury of the cottages. If anyone comes here to relive the life of a 20th century lighthouse keeper, then they have made the wrong decision!" James & Betty, Colorado, USA, and Norman & Jean, Inverness, UK
May 2010"Our third time back here in three years and still discovering lots of new places on the island! The weather was great which let us get out on our bikes every day - I'm sure Hoy must be cycling heaven. Cycling back from Rackwick one day I only saw 3 cars in 25 miles and 2 hours and it doesn't get much better than that!! We also took the bikes over to Flotta one day and were surprised how much there was to see there - a lot more than just the oil terminal. As usual the cottage was warm and welcoming and what a view from the table. We hope everyone enjoys their time here as much as we do." Calum & Alison, Edinburgh
May 2010"Emotional trip down memory lane after leaving here in 1977 aged 7. It was good to come back to show my husband where I spent part of my childhood. Brought back some good memories. Thank you very much." Valerie & Brian, Caithness
April 2010"Loved my stay at Cantick Head living the life of an Assistant Lighthouse Keeper! We will miss our daily walks along the shore & the wildlife & the peace and quiet... thank you." Drew Smart and Ailsa (West Highland terrier), Scotland
April 2010"What a fabulous stay! We couldn't have wanted more - both from the cottage and the view outside the window. We felt very treated indeed and wish we could have stayed much longer - thank you SO much!" Jon, Caroline and their 3 children: Eliza, Noah, Flora (Devon)
March 2010"Finally made it to The Old Man of Hoy in a gale & rain, found it hard to stand and had to lie on cliff top to see the stack. Previous day, gave up as we had a blizzard most of the day! Cottage wonderfully cosy to come back to. 2 jigsaw puzzles & reading. Wonderful packed lunch from Nadia + cooked breakfast on Gilly's birthday. Thank you!" Jane and Gilly, Winchester, Hants
March 2010"Merci pour votre accueil chaleureux, dans ce cadre hors du monde, ou plutôt au-dessus du monde. Il est un émerveillement de chaque instant qui a enchanté nos courtes vacances. Bravo et merci, aussi, pour ce logement superbe, raffiné et très confortable. Nous n'avons qu'une envie : revenir vous voir !" Marie-Pierre et Jean-Denis, Paris, France
February 2010"The minute we arrived we wished we could stay longer. The cottage is beautiful and the lighthouse and view were like something from a dream. Thank you to Nadia and Tom for helping us get here. The apple tart was superlative! Walking to The Old Man of Hoy in a foot of snow was an expedition I'll never forget. Keep your eyes peeled for Arctic hares! A part of me will never leave this island." Sophie and Leah, Nottingham and Accrington
January 2010"Had a splendid time again at Cantick Head. Nadia and Tom, thank you very much for your hospitality! Because of the lovely homemade bread and the bottle of champagne (Valentine!), I will come back again" Ina, The Netherlands
October 2009"A perfect port in a storm! Only stayed one night at very short notice. Lovely cottage, great service from Nadia - wish we could have been here longer. Thank you very much." Anne and Mark, Kirkwall
October 2009"Fantastic, relaxing week. Weather quite mixed but watching the sea is amazing whatever the weather. No doubt we'll see you again soon." Sonia and Mike, Nairn
October 2009"We were both extremely pleased with our choice of honeymoon location and had a terrific week both in and out. A wet and wild day did not make a trip to Kirwall less magical. Skara Brae is incredible. There's so much to see on the mainland, the information centre was a brilliant help. We had a good lunch in a pub called Helgies overlooking the harbour. Hoy is breathtaking with an abundance of wildlife - we recommend looking out for local walks with the new South Isles ranger, he'll take you to lesser known areas of the island and has a wealth of knowledge. The Hill of White Hamars is on the doorstep and is a great walk. We enjoyed a very windy walk to The Old Man of Hoy which was thrilling! Thank you to Nadia and Tom who have been very thoughtful and pleasant hosts." Fiona & Andrew, London
October 2009"Another fantastic time on the island. Some spectacular weather at times. Hope all future visitors enjoy their time here as much as we do." Calum and Alison, Edinburgh
September 2009"We had a wonderful week in this glorious place. The accommodation is of a very high standard which added enormously to the holiday - and Nadia was extremely helpful when she was being phoned & e-mailed from London as we had no picture of what to expect. Thank you Cantick Head for a memorable week - the week of no rain & three days of sunshine was a bonus!" Ken and Lou, London
August 2009"We've had a very enjoyable & relaxing holiday. Accommodation excellent and very cosy. Weather mixed but overall good. Spent a lovely dayon Graemsay - well worth a visit. Thank you for the welcome tray, the bread was absolutely delicious. Good luck to Tom and Nadia in your new venture." Gillian & Gerry
August 2009"We've had a fantastic week. Lovely to arrive to freshly baked bread and warm cosy house. Two fantastic days of sunshine and even a day with no wind! Abundance of seals and porpoises. Wild, wet walks. Lots of time to crochet and fish. Heaven. This is a magical place and we feel very lucky to have found it. Thank you both for being fantastic hosts, we are very envious of your new lifestyle as we head back to the big smoke." Marigold & Richard, Surrey
August 2009"We have had a wonderful holiday - the cottage is comfortable and well equipped and Hoy is a beautiful island. Would love to return. As Tom and Nadia's first guests, we would like to say well done to them for making us feel so welcome, especially as they only arrived the day before us! Best wishes for the future to you both." Vivienne and Lindsey, Oxfordshire
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