Spring breaks
Getaways to make the most of longer days and lighter evenings
THE LOCHAILORT INN
After months of refurbishment, The Lochailort Inn will re-open on Friday 3 March. Based in scenic Lochailort, near Fort William, the hotel offers 11 cosy bedrooms and first-rate dining that takes advantage of the area’s rich natural larder. Standing alongside the original ‘Road to the Isles’, the hotel is perfect for those wishing to explore areas such as Skye or Mallaig. Stay, relax and enjoy The Lochailort Inn’s friendly atmosphere. Tel: 01687 470208, www.lochailortinn.co.uk
BALCARY BAY HOTEL
Set in a beautiful and secluded bay on the shore of the Solway Firth, the hotel is a vision of pure white and blue that shimmers in the reflection across the waters of Balcary Bay. Located deep in isolated Galloway where there is an abundance of activities to enjoy, including golfing, walking, cycling, bird watching, National Trust historic properties and some of the best gardens in Scotland. Tel: 01556 640217, www.balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk
PLUSCARDEN CROFTS
Relax in front of a blazing wood burning stove, gaze at the stars from the wood fired hot tubs and take long countryside or beach walks. The boutique style two-bedroom cottages are dog-friendly and finished to five-star standard. Call to book your ultimate three day weekend or four day mid-week spring break. Tel: 01343 890394, www.pluscardencrofts.co.uk
NORTHLINK FERRIES
There’s no better time to explore Scotland’s Northern Isles than in spring. Surrounded by breath-taking scenery and vibrant wildlife, Orkney and Shetland boast some of the most remarkable architecture and ancient monuments in Britain. From puffins and prehistoric villages to crisp white beaches and the mystical standing stones at Brodgar, the islands are a must-see for any outdoor or history enthusiast this year with NorthLink Ferries. www.northlinkferries.co.uk
MAINS OF TAYMOUTH
Family-run and pet-friendly, this beautiful 160-acre estate offers luxury four-and-five-star self-catering accommodation at Kenmore in stunning Highland Perthshire. Houses sleep from two to 12 people, with several offering a private hot tub, sauna and games room. This peaceful location is ideal for couples and families alike, with on-site facilities including a bar and restaurant, golf course, riding stables and deli and gift shop. Tel: 01887 830226, www.taymouth.co.uk
RUFFLETS ST ANDREWS
Rufflets St Andrews has been a family owned hotel since 1952, and their many accolades include AA Scottish Hotel of the Year, four AA Red Stars, two AA Rosettes, four VisitScotland Gold Stars and Taste our Best. Nestled in 10 acres of award-winning gardens on the outskirts of St Andrews, Rufflets provides an idyllic backdrop for weddings, events or a perfect leisure break. Tel: 01334 472594, www.rufflets.co.uk
DUCK BAY COTTAGES
Just a stone’s throw from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Duck Bay Cottages are the latest addition to the Cawley Hotels portfolio. Accessed by a private gated entrance, each cottage is luxuriously furnished and comprises three double bedrooms, a loch facing lounge, a fully-equipped dining kitchen and family bathroom. Each cottage has a private children’s play area, decking and hot tub overlooking Loch Lomond. Tel: 01389 751234, www.duckbay.co.uk
ACHNACARRY ESTATE
If you want to relax in the solitude of the most breath-taking scenery in Scotland or take part in some outdoor sports, Achnacarry invites you to stay. They offer high quality, self-catering holiday accommodation adjacent to Achnacarry Castle, comprising two three-bedroom, two two-bedroom and one one-bedroom apartments. Every apartment is fully-equipped to ensure a stress-free, relaxing break in a beautiful country estate setting. Tel: 01397 712313, www.achnacarry.com
LINKS HOUSE AT ROYAL DORNOCH
Award-winning Links House is the ideal luxury country house for spring Highland adventures. With 14 bespoke suites and an exceptional restaurant next to the 1st tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Links House is the perfect retreat for golf, angling, hillwalking and visiting the marvellous Dunrobin Castle gardens in springtime. Tel: 01862 810279, www.linkshousedornoch.com
LECKMELM HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Located three miles from Ullapool, Leckmelm is a traditionallyrun Highland farm on the shores of Loch Broom. Take a family or budget break away in the bijou Campbeltown Cottage or book a group stay in the Lochside Cottage, which sleeps up to 14 people. Both cottages are pet-friendly. For something really special, stay at beautiful Leckmelm House. www.leckmelmholidays.co.uk
AUCHTERALYTH STEADINGS
Do you want to get away from it all with your dog? Auchteralyth Cottages offer VIP self-catering for dogs and their well-behaved mums and dads. The relaxed atmosphere means you can do as you please, with no list of bossy rules! With the Angus Glens at your doorstep, a stay in these five-star cottages is the ideal gift for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. Tel: 01575 530474, www.auchteralythsteadings.com