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SP Travel & Homes

April 1, 2012

Argyll is awesome for all the family

DO
Mull is arguably the best place in the uK for whale watching. Minke are regular visitors to the inshore waters around this Hebridean island. Other regular visitors are basking sharks. Pretty much any time of year you visit you can expect to see harbour porpoises and dolphins, as you will on the neighbouring islands of Coll, Tiree, Treshish and Staffa. Several companies operate whale-watching tours. Of course, you cant come to Argyll and not talk about whisky. Here you find the islands of Islay and Jura, world renowned for their fine single malt Scotch whisky. lagavullin, laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Bunnahabhain are just some of Islays seven distilleries. Most welcome visitors, and a tour of a working distillery is a fascinating experience.

THERES so much to see, do and eat! in Strathclyde and Argyll. our travel writer KATIE WooD has picked out some of her highlights of the region, but there are plenty of other equally good reasons why you should consider a holiday in this beautiful neck of the woods.

SEE

SITuATed in the village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of loch linnhe and surrounded by spectacular scenery, you find The Pierhouse Hotel. With breathtaking views to the islands of lismore and Mull, the intimate familyrun 12- bedroom hotel, bar and internationally renowned Scottish Seafood Restaurant has a growing reputation as one of Scotlands most idyllic and romantic destinations. They pride themselves on the freshness and quality of their seafood and local meats. Guests can also enjoy both the wildlife and a wide range of outdoor adventure activities. Another Argyll gem is the Kingarth Hotel on Bute where the emphasis is very much on locally sourced meat, fish, seafood and dairy produce.

EAT

MOunT STuART (above) is without a doubt Britains most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. Home to the descendants of the Royal House of Stuar t, this truly stunning house, on the beautiful Isle of Bute, is still a family home, but one packed with priceless treasures and history. Its a treasure trove of world-class Art, antiques and astounding marble. The fantasy home of the 3rd Marquess of Bute, its one of Scotlands finest houses. Its 300 acres of gardens one of the finest of its kind in europe reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess, and include many southern hemisphere plants. n Stay in one of their on-estate luxurious lodges for a superb break with friends or family. n Caledonian Macbrayne run a regular ferry from Wemyss Bay to Bute. Seecalmac.co.uk

WALK
Argyll Forest PArk is a magnificent stretch of rugged hill country, established in 1935. It was the first Forest Park for public use in Britain. glenbranter Forest was the origin of the Forestry Commissions enterprise in Cowal. In 1921, land was leased from musician and farmer, sir Harry lauder (yes, that one)! the village was built for forest workers in the 1950s and behind the houses, on the site of the original estate house is the car park marking the start of three circular walks, which are the perfect place to recharge those batteries and breathe in pure scottish air.

WITH its conical roofs and immaculately laid-out grounds, Inveraray Castle (above), home to the head of Clan Campbell, is another must see. As well as its superb gardens, the Armour y Hall contains 1,300 pieces including weapons preserved from the Battle of Culloden. There are also magnificent French tapestries made especially for the Castle, fabulous examples of Scottish, english and French furniture, and a wealth of other works of art.
Photos on this page courtesy www.visitscotland.com/surprise

Have a Mad Easter at The Old Course Hotel

The Old Course hotel, Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews are treating easter Sunday guests to a very special Mad hatters Tea Party . . . falling into a rabbit hole has never been so much fun! The Alice in Wonderland inspired afternoon tea experience includes Drink Me tea for everyone and a delicious selection of delicate pastries and scrumptious cakes. The home-made teatime treats include plain and fruit scones, lemon pancakes with lashings of clotted cream and strawberries and, exclusively for the grownups, pink champagne preserve! The Mad hatters feast has some all-time favourites for children, albeit with the resorts customary five star twist: Mini pizzas and cheese string, tasty sausage rolls and sandwiches, cupcakes and cookies and, of course, the most traditional of all loads of jelly and ice cream! As the icing on the cake, guests join an exclusive screening of the original Alice in Wonderland movie at St Andrews New Picture house. Tickets for The Mad hatters Tea Party on easter Sunday are 31.50 for adults and 17 for children with the Alice in Wonderland screening at 4.14pm. (25 for adults and 12.50 for children without the film.)