HOTEL REVIEWS

‘Near the quaint southwest Scotland fishing village Portpatrick there's a very secluded country house hotel, one concealed by a horseshoe of gorse-clad cliffs with sweeping lawns that stretch to a private sandy cove. Such a spectacular location is only part of the allure – the hotel is also widely known for its Michelin star cuisine, excellent wine list and friendly service. But if it’s a romantic location you’re after, this one ticks all the boxes! Scramble up the twisted paths with the resident playful dogs and enjoy messing about in rock pools collecting shells and driftwood.

The surrounding Galloway countryside is quite possibly Scotland’s best kept secret and the picturesque harbour at Portpatrick is lovely to visit. The largest town, Stranraer, is a bustling port with regular ferries across to Ireland. For walks and day trips there are many beaches, interesting shops and historical sites on the doorstep. Scotland’s National Booktown, Wigtown, is an enjoyable and easy drive away, as is Whithorn, ‘First in Scotland’s Past’ and cradle of Christianity in the British Isles – make sure to see the remarkable Latinus Stone which dates from about 450AD. There are superb local botantical gardens, seaside attractions, the Mull of Galloway itself, forest mountain biking tracks and the evocative, clifftop bronze otter memorial to author Gavin Maxwell.

The remoteness of Knockinaam Lodge appealed to Sir Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower who chose to hold a secret meeting there during the Second World War to discuss the D-Day plans. The hotel features in The Thirty-nine Steps – John Buchan's classic murder mystery novel, made into an award-winning movie by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935. And, adding a more recent bit of history, Knockinaam won the Scottish Romantic Hotel of the Year 2007 award at the Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards.’