Shore View

Families and small groups will find Shore View works well for a week on Skye. The single-storey layout means no stairs, and everything needed for self-catering is here: a functional kitchen with dishwasher, a living room with open fire, and three bedrooms (a double, two singles, and another single) sharing one shower room. Bed linen, towels, heating and wi-fi are included, and there is parking for two cars on site. One well-behaved dog is welcome.

The cottage sits in Bayfield, a quiet corner of the island with the beach just 20 yards away. A shop and pub are 200 yards off, and a restaurant is even closer. Portree itself—the main town—has all the usual facilities: shops, restaurants, a cinema and visitor centre, a swimming pool and climbing wall, plus boat trips leaving from the harbour. The Cuillin mountains dominate the views across the bay, and the island itself suits anyone who walks, kayaks, fishes or cycles. Museums, distilleries and castles are scattered around; the Museum of Island Life, Dunvegan Castle and Talisker Distillery are among the better-known draws. No smoking inside.