We have provided a selection of our ‘favourite’ places and locations to visit, along with a selection of eatery recommendations.
Places to Visit
There are many things to explore and savour on the Isle of Skye. You will be greeted by stunning landscape characterised by costal cliffs, craggy mountains and medieval castles.
With its central location, Portree is an ideal hub for exploring all corners of this majestic island.
Lovers of the great outdoors will be blown away by the diversity of experiences the island has to offer, from challenging hillwalking trails to sailing, fishing, golf and visiting many of the world renowned locations such as the Cuillin mountain range, Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and the Dinosaur footprint at Staffin Beach all waiting to be explored.
The catalogue of iconic places to visit on Skye is vast and more detailed information is contained within the Welcome Pack upon your arrival at Millpond House. The following are a few of our ‘favourites’, suitable for all generations.
Neist Point Lighthouse is located on the most westerly point of Skye and provides a walk and spectacular viewpoint, particularly popular with keen photographers. This was a favourite picnic spot for our children, along with the Coral Beach in Claigan, near Dunvegan. Following a short walk, you will be greeted by the beautiful crushed white coral beach. A truly magical place and perfect for a dook in the clear west coast waters!
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is home to the Chief of Clan MacLeod and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, steeped in history and clan legend. The tour and enthusiastic guides at the Castle never disappoint, along with the award winning gardens and boat trip on Loch Dunvegan where you can catch of glimpse of the seal colony.
On the days when the weather is not being so kind, guests may choose to take a day browsing the array of local shops in Portree. We aim to support local businesses and many of the ‘finishing touches’ and artwork at Millpond House were carefully selected from the local independent businesses.
There are whisky and gin distilleries on Skye, where you can experience first-hand how whisky, the Scottish national drink and gin is produced at Talisker Distillery at Carbost and Isle of Skye Distillers in Portree. If partial to whisky and/or gin, Raasay Distillery produce both. The view from this newly established distillery towards the Cuillin mountain range, Ben Tianavaig and Braes is simply breathtaking! Well worth taking the short ferry crossing either by car or foot from Sconser.
However, if you wish to incorporate a visit to Raasay with a boat trip, we highly recommend the Seaflower Skye, leaving from Portree. Take to the sea and experience the sights of the isles of Rona and Canna, finishing off with a stop at Raasay. This trip has everything from the spectacular views, stunning wildlife and superior seafood – this is one of the best experiences on Skye!
We are more than happy to provide specific bespoke recommendations tailored to your stay.
For Food Lovers
Incredible food experiences await you on the Isle of Skye and ‘food lovers’ will be spoiled for choice. There is a vast array of dining experiences on offer from fine dining to more casual settings all of which offer some of the best local produce in Scotland.
In and around Portree, and fond of seafood, look no further than Sea Breezes and sister restaurant, Cuchullin. Sea Breezes is located on Portree Harbour, which adds to the ambiance and charm.
The Cuillin Hills Hotel provides one of the most iconic views towards the majestic Cuillin mountain range. The front facing restaurant serves excellent traditional fare throughout the day, or if relaxing with a dram or cocktail, the front lawn is simply bliss whilst soaking up the view – you won’t want to leave!
Elsewhere on the island, Skeabost House Hotel, which is a 10-minute drive from Portree also boasts a beautiful setting, where the afternoon tea is exceptionally good. The hotel has been tastefully refurbished and has maintained its country house charm overlooking the River Snizort.
The Old School in Dunvegan, serves exceptionally good seafood and traditional Scottish classics – this has been a firm favourite with our family for many years.
Further afield and for finer dining experiences, Kinloch Lodge a historic hotel and restaurant located in the south of the island, along with the world renowned Three Chimneys restaurant, Edinbane Lodge and Michelin star Loch Bay, all located in the west of the island are simply exquisite and truly unforgettable.
We are more than happy to provide guests with personal recommendations for guests dining as a family with children, adults only or couples.
Skye is particularly busy between April and October and it is highly recommended that dinner reservations are booked well in advance for the finer dining experiences.
