Knockinaam Lodge Hotel

Portpatrick Wigtownshire Dumfries and Galloway Scotland

The 10-suite Knockinaam Lodge, on the south-west coast of Scotland, gazes out over the Irish Sea. Built in 1869, it was where Churchill met Eisenhower on the eve of the D-Day landings, and inspired scenes in John Buchan’s classic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps. Owners Sian and David Ibbotson emphasise old-style comfort and service; you are more than welcome to lounge around an open fire with your post-dinner snifter (the bar holds more than 150 whiskies). But a key attraction is Michelin-starred head chef Tony Pierce whose five-course tasting menu changes daily, and might feature grilled fillet of native salmon with basil pesto or a butter-soft roast cannon of Galloway lamb. Doubles from £190, including dinner.