Cromarty Lodge

Cromarty Lodge is one of just three lodges on a small, privately run park set across open meadowland near the Kessock Bridge. That matters because it means you are not on a sprawling holiday park with rows of identical cabins. You get rolling countryside views from the deck, wildlife wandering through the grounds, and a level of personal attention from your hosts that bigger parks simply cannot match.

The lodge itself is contemporary and well finished. An open-plan living space runs from the kitchen through to a spacious lounge and dining area, with a 50-inch Smart TV and doors that open straight onto the decking. The kitchen is properly set up for cooking, not just reheating, and the layout gives the whole place an easy, uncluttered feel for two or four people.

Both bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms, which is unusual for a lodge sleeping four. The main bedroom has a king-size bed, and the second has twins that can be linked into a super king if you would rather have the extra space. Both bathrooms have waterfall shower heads alongside a hand-held shower, so there is a touch of spa luxury without the price tag. If only two of you are staying, the second bedroom stays locked, which keeps things tidy and makes the place feel properly sized for a couple rather than half-empty.

Outside, the decking is where most of your time will go. The views are wide and open, stretching across the countryside and out towards the Moray Firth, and they shift constantly with the weather and light. The hot tub sits out here, and on a clear evening, with the Highland sky deepening overhead and not a streetlight in sight, it is hard to think of a reason to go back inside. There is a private garden with a washing line too, which sounds unglamorous but is genuinely useful if you are staying longer than a few days.

Janice and Richard run the park and live on site, but their style is warm without being intrusive. They meet you on arrival, hand over some great tips on where to eat and what to visit, and then leave you to it unless you get in touch. There is a welcome treat waiting when you arrive, along with tea, coffee, sugar, washing tablets and dishwasher tablets, which saves you that tedious first-stop-at-the-supermarket routine. Fluffy towels are included, though you will want to bring your own for the hot tub.

The location works well for exploring the Highlands without long drives. Inverness is about 15 minutes away for restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, and it makes a good base for day trips to Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, or a dolphin-watching boat trip on the Moray Firth. The immediate surroundings are peaceful enough that you could happily spend a day doing nothing but reading on the deck and soaking in the hot tub, then head into the city for dinner when you feel like it.