Plockton

To call somewhere arguably the prettiest village in Scotland is quite a claim. But for once it could be true – Plockton's charming collage of whitewashed houses crowds around a sheltered sea loch bay, with hills and greenery all around. The local microclimate benefits from the Gulf Stream, and while it may be in the Highlands, it is regularly possible to enjoy a summer pint in a Plockton beer garden under the shade of the local palm trees. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants on hand to choose from too, and local ‘Plockton Prawns’ (langoustines) are a local delicacy. There are daily seal cruises in summer too keep the young ones happy, and even the train ride here from Inverness is a pleasure, on one of the country's most scenic lines.