Newton Hotel

This baronial pile overlooking Nairn golf course and the Moray Firth has been around since the 17th century, although the dynamic has changed somewhat with the addition of a 350-seat conference centre. The oldest part of Newton House sprouts fantasy turrets and a crenellated tower, and that, together with the splendid setting once attracted the likes of Harold Macmillan and Charlie Chaplin on their hols (not together, of course). When it comes to dining, modern visitors can choose between the casual contemporary setting of Chaplin's bistro, or the fine-dining Ellis restaurant, where straightforward modern dishes are assembled from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Expect starters such as vegetarian haggis croquettes with pepper cream sauce, followed by rack of lamb served with Parisienne potatoes, rosemary jus and poached pear filled with stilton. End in the comfort zone with sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream.