-
Many of the bigger hotels in Strathpeffer cater to coach parties of pensioners, and compete with each other to provide the cheapest package. For independent travelers, this can mean that, if you eat in your hotel, you end up paying over the odds for dire, overcooked slop that's churned out for the lowest possible price per head. If you drink in the hotel bar, it means that you're likely to encounter dubious "entertainment" in the form of singers and keyboard players, and hotel lounges are full of coach party members slumped in front of gameshows. If this sounds like your idea of hell, then book into a smaller guesthouse.
-
Strathpeffer can be reached by bus from Inverness or by train from Inverness to [wiki=0493f174f9d1b0b05af621f29b72124c]Dingwall[/wiki] and bus from Dingwall to [wiki=41dfeec60853cc9a15a2248771e89c39]Strathpeffer[/wiki].
Strathpeffer used to have a railway line, a branch line of the Highland Railway Inverness to Kyle line. A weekly through train from London and daily connection from Aviemore brought travellers to Strathpeffer in its heyday as a Spa. Changes brought about by two world wars and the rising popularity of the motor car contributed to the station's closure, first to passengers in 1946 and then totally in 1951. The old station building survives and houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, as well as the Museum Coffee Shop, a Fair Trade shop and a picnic area. Other buildings of note are the Pump Room and the Spa Pavilion.
Bold text
-
-
The surrounding countryside of forests, hills and mountains offers walks and trails and in nearby [wiki=e22ebffe6fd6085af06c552f05451108]Contin[/wiki], there is a 16km mountain-bike route. Bikes can be bought, hired and repaired at Square Wheels in Strathpeffer Square (01997 421000).
-
The former Spa Pavilion has recently been beautifully restored and is now a great venue for events of all kinds. On the Pavilion website http://www.StrathpefferPavilion.org, there is not only a list of what's on at the Pavilion but also a page of other events in and around Strathpeffer and useful links.
Next-door to the Pavilion, you can taste the spa waters in the Pump Room, also recently restored. The Pump Room houses a fascinating exhibition of Strathpeffer's spa history, as well as the Tourist Information Centre. The Pump Room is generally open mid-May to September.
At the Old Station you will find the delightful Highland Museum of Childhood, open 1st April to 31st October, http://www.highlandmuseumofchildhood.org.uk which is well worth a visit, exploring the history of Highland childhood through audio-visual displays, childhood treasures and a fascinating doll and toy collection. At the Old Station, there is also a coffee shop where you can eat al fresco under the station awning, a fair trade shop and a picnic area. There are a number of other shops in the centre of the village (known as The Square, though it is not a square!), including a pharmacy with window displays of Victorian items, gift shops and a small supermarket.
Strathpeffer also has a very scenic and challenging golf course. http://www.strathpeffergolf.co.uk
Nearby Castle Leod, the home of the Earl of Cromartie, Chief of Clan Mackenzie, is open to the public several times a year - dates and times on the Pavilion website.
Go hiking - the area around Strathpeffer has some great forest and river walks[http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness]
-
There are a number of gift shops in the Square, as well as a pharmacy, and an "open all hours" supermarket. At the Old Station are a Fair Trade shop as well as the Highland Museum of Childhood's own gift shop.
*strathpeffervictoriangala.org.uk.
A fun day out for everyone on the 2nd Saturday in June. Check out the website.
-
Strathpeffer now has a wide selection of places to eat.
RedPoppy Restaurant @ the Pavilion
In the Pavilion, as its name implies (entrance on the bandstand side of the Pavilion). Chef Nick Aburrow offers an interesting and varied menu, normally: Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm (lunch, coffee shop and dinner menus until 5 pm, dinner menu only thereafter); Sunday from 12.30 to 5 pm, but times may vary depending on events in the Pavilion.
Tel: 01997 423 332
Coffee Shops / Tearooms
The Coffee Shop, in Cromartie Buildings, just off the Square, offers tea, coffee, snacks and holds regular acoustic music sessions.
Maya, opposite the Pavilion. Strathpeffer's famous Belgian chocolate shop, which serves tea and coffee as well as the very rich hot chocolate. You can also buy some delicious handmade chocolates to take home. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5.00 pm
Tel: 01997 420 008 http://www.mayachocolates.co.uk
The Museum Coffee Shop, beside the Highland Museum of Childhood at the Old Victorian Station, offers freshly-prepared traditional Scottish lunches and snacks, homebaking, and delicious ice cream as well as tea and coffee. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon to 5 pm Sunday. Tel: 07759 690 459. In fine weather you can eat al fresco under the station awning.
The Wee Swally, in White Lodge, the Square (use the side entrance in Church Brae) is a Victorian tearoom with a delightful atmosphere and home baking plus soup at lunch-time. Open Tuesday to Saturday from approx 11 am to 4 pm
Tel: 01997 421730
-
-
[url=http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/ben_wyvis_hotel/]Ben Wyvis Hotel[/url] A victorian hotel offering restaurant and leisure facilities.
* A comfortable, modern house with two bedrooms: one double en-suite, and one twin bedded room, which have the exclusive use of a private bathroom, literally next door. There is ample parking space and guests may come and go in complete freedom. There is also a self-catering cottage in the grounds.
* Craigvar, a Georgian House, overlooks the Square in the village and offers en-suite rooms and one four poster bed. Superb touring base for the Highlands.
* Fodderty Lodge is the ideal destination for people looking for a quiet self-catering holiday exploring the Northern Highlands of Scotland. 4-star accommodation in Honeysuckle Cottage (sleeps 6), and 3-star accommodation in Lodge Barn (sleeps 4) and East Wing (sleeps 2).
* The guest house has 5 letting rooms, all with en-suite facilities and lounge. Dinner is served at about 6:30 each evening. Having a table licence enables us to serve alcohol.
The guest house is located about 400 metres from the centre of the village, overlooking the village church. The house is set well back from the main road, adjacent to the Spa Pavilion Gardens. Off road parking is available for guests. The house was originally set in the Pavilion Gardens, hence the name "The Garden House".
* A Victorian house set in ¾ acre grounds and gardens within walking distance of Strathpeffer's centre.
* A charming Victorian house built in 1885 with many original features. This licensed hotel offers a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation and a hearty breakfast. Situated close to the Strathpeffer Pavilion, village centre and golf course, itis an ideal base for exploring the North West Highlands and Islands.
*White Lodge is one of the oldest remaining buildings (Listed Building category B) in Strathpeffer. It is situated just off the main square in the village and was built in 1770. It offers en suite facilities; central heating, lounge, private car parking and is rated Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star.
Other Places to Stay
Because of its spa history, Strathpeffer has a huge choice of visitor accommodation. Here are some other options:
Hotels:
Coul House Hotel, Contin 01997 421487
Shearings Highland Hotel 01997 421457
Mackays Hotel & Spa Lodge 01997 421542
Strathpeffer Hotel 01997 421200
Guest House / Bed & Breakfast:
Heatherlie 01997 423220
Linnmhor 01997 423357
Wyvis View 01997 421053
-
Strathpeffer, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is an ideal base from which to tour this spectacular and fascinating area.
Seleccionar Destino
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, Democratic Republic (ex. Zaire)
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
France, Metropolitan
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard and Mc Donald Islands
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle Of Man
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey Island
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Other Countries
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State (Holy See)
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.S.
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Spanish