Hotel Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The 19th-century great Gaelic poet Marie Mhór nan Oran wrote: 'When I reached Eilean Iarmain the furrows left my brow', and that hasn't changed. Lying at the end of a single-track road, the only thing beyond the hotel is a picturesque stone pier overlooking the Isle Ornsay lighthouse and Knoydart across the Sound of Sleat. The Clan Donald Centre is just along the road, as is the village of Armadale where the ferry crosses to the mainland.

By car: under 5 hours from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and 8 hours from Manchester. Free parking on-site.

By train: trains run from Glasgow to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye, and from Inverness to Kyle, where you can take a bus to the island. Book trains.

With its quietly timeless quality, you would not be surprised to see Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall sitting by the fire drinking sherry before dinner. Chairs are comfy, sofas sag invitingly, and in the dining room candlelight sparkles on china and silver.

There's an estate whisky shop in the hotel, gin distilled next door and a gallery showing Scottish artists as well. You can learn to kayak from the hotel or take a heritage tour based on local history and the Gaelic language and culture. The quietly friendly staff will rustle up a packed lunch or make sure your laundry's done.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Bedrooms are the definition of cosy, in both the main house and the garden house next door, with checks and floral fabrics, good antiques and tongue and groove-lined walls. Suites in the converted stable are more contemporary, but all have warm, bright bathrooms with good showers or baths for wallowing in.

Room types: Main House, Garden House, Steading

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, iron and ironing board, free Wi-Fi

Opt for the more formal option and dine in the restaurant for seafood, game and steaks. Or sit by the fire in the convivial bar where there's food all day and fill up on venison casserole, 'muckle' (big) burgers or fish and chips. Breakfast is traditional and hearty - there's not a buffet in sight.

The Restaurant: British cuisine, locally sourced ingedients. Dishes include venison steak, tail of monkfish and mussels. All-day dining, open daily.

Bar Am Pràban: rustic décor, cosy fire. Pub meals including casserole, burger and fish & chips. Open for lunch and dinner.