martes, 20 de noviembre de 2012

This week's Postcode Postcard comes from Portree, Isle of Skye

Mirror Travel’s latest Postcode Postcard is heading back to Scotland

The fishing boat harbor at Portree, Isle of Skye

Our resident IT genius Nick has taken time out from building a 1:5 scale model of Cheddar Gorge using only fish fingers and brown sauce and set the Cray supercomputer to generate a random code.

Once it’s selected, we send a “postcard” of what attractions there are in that area and suggest some places to stay and dine.

This month’s Postcode Postcard is IV51, which covers the area around Portree on the majestic Isle of Skye in Scotland. Maybe we’ll be heading to your postcode next time.

What to see

The Aros Experience, Viewfield Road, Portree, IV51 9EU. Call: 01478 613649.

An award-winning attraction on the outskirts of town that’s home to live music, movie screenings, exhibitions, dining and shopping – plus the acclaimed RSPB Sea Eagle Exhibition.

Admission is free but charges apply for exhibitions, theatre shows and concerts.

Spindrift Boat Trips, Portree Harbour, IV51 9HR. Call: 07769 701911.

Spindrift takes parties of up to 12 on walking and wildlife visits to the Isle of Rona and the Isle of Raasay, as well as shorter cruises in the Sound of Raasay.

Spot minke whales, white-tailed sea eagles, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seals and numerous species of seabirds.

And if it gets a little chilly, warming tots of exclusive Isle of Rona whisky are available on board. Tickets start at £18.

The Isle of Skye Brewery, Uig, IV51 9XP. Call: 01470 542477.

Established in 1995 by two local teachers, this was the first commercial brewery set up in Skye. There isn’t a tour, but there is a shop to buy the award-winning beers.

Ceumannan – The Staffin Ecomuseum, 3 Ellishadder, Staffin, IV51 9JE.

This unusual free museum has no walls and is open to the sky. The exhibits require a short walk to get around and visitors can explore the “talking landscape” that delves back in time and digs deep into the area’s archaeological and geological past.

Where to stay

The Bosville Hotel, 9-11 Bosville Terrace, Portree, IV51 9DG. Call: 01478 612846.

Comfortable accommodation and fine Highland service in the heart of Portree, plus award-winning cuisine created using fresh local produce. Rooms start at £75pn, B&B.

Viewfield House, Viewfield Road, Portree, IV51 9EU.

A 200-year-old Victorian country house with fine food and wines, log fires, antique furniture and distinctive bedrooms in 20 acres of woodland gardens. It’s just 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of town too. Rooms from £116pn.

Cuil Lodge B&B, Uig, IV51 9YB

Close to the Trotternish Ridge and the dizzying Quiraing in an area blessed with great scenery, walking, climbing and wildlife.

The B&B is a short drive to the ferry terminal for visits to North Uist, Harris and the Outer Hebrides. Rooms from £80pn.

Where to eat

Flodigarry Country House Hotel, Flodigarry, IV51 9HZ. Call: 01470 552203

Tuck into fresh local salmon, venison and lobster served with views over The Minch, then curl up by a log fire. Starters from £7.50, mains from £16.

Harbour View Seafood Restaurant, 7 Bosville Terrace, Portree, IV51 9DG. Call: 01478 612069.

A fishermans’ cottage-style restaurant overlooking the harbour with seating for just 21. It serves mainly seafood including sea bass, mussels and hake with new and old world wines. Starters from £3.95, mains from £13.95.

The Folly Restaurant, Uig Hotel, Uig, IV51 9YE. Call: 01470 542205.

Fresh local fish and mussels plus Aberdeen Angus steaks, all in an informal setting. Starters from £5.25, mains from £12.95.

Source: Daily Mirror, London, UK.