Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PORT CHARLOTTE
About 11 miles from Bowmore, on the opposite shore of Loch Indaal, is the attractive vil-
lage of Port Charlotte. It has a
general store
(
9am-12.30pm & 1.30-5.30pm Mon-Sat,
11.30am-1.30pm Sun)
and post office.
Islay's long history is lovingly recorded in the
Museum of Islay Life
(
01496-850358;
www.islaymuseum.org
;
adult/child £3/1; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2-5pm Sun Easter-Oct)
,
housed in the former Free Church. Prize exhibits include an illicit still, 19th-century
crofters' furniture and a set of leather boots once worn by the horse that pulled the lawn-
mower at Islay House (so it wouldn't leave hoof prints on the lawn!). There are also touch-
screen computers displaying archive photos of Islay in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The
Islay Natural History Centre
(
www.islaynaturalhistory.org
;
adult/child £3/1.50;
10am-1pm Mon & Fri, 10.30am-4.30pm Tue-Thu May-Sep)
, next to the youth hostel,
has displays explaining the island's natural history, with advice on where to see wildlife
and lots of interesting hands-on exhibits for kids.
The
Bruichladdich Distillery
(
01496-850190;
www.bruichladdich.com
;
tours £5;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri & 10am-4pm Sat)
, at the northern edge of the village, reopened in 2001
with all its original Victorian equipment restored to working condition. Independently
owned and independently minded, Bruichladdich (brook-
lah
-day) produces an intriguing
range of distinctive, very peaty whiskies. Call ahead to book a tour.
Sleeping & Eating
HOTEL
Port Charlotte Hotel£££
(
01496-850360;
www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk
; s/d £105/180; restaurant 6.30-9pm,
bar meals noon-2pm & 5.30-8.30pm; )
This lovely old Victorian hotel has stylish, in-
dividually decorated bedrooms with sea views, and a candlelit
restaurant
(mains £16 to
£27) serving local seafood (such as seared scallops with braised leeks and truffle cream
sauce), Islay beef, venison and duck. The
bar
(bar meals £9 to £14) is well stocked with
Islay malts and real ales, and has a nook at the back with a view over the loch towards the
Paps of Jura.
Port Mor Campsite£
(
01496-850441;
www.islandofislay.co.uk
; tent sites per adult/child £8/4; )
The
sports field to the south of the village doubles as a campground - there are toilets, showers,
laundry and a children's play area in the main building. Open all year.
CAMPSITE
