Seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of many people’s bucket lists and this winter could be the perfect time to do so with darker nights drawing in.
While Scandinavian countries are often heralded as the best places to see the incredible natural lightshow, you can see them from our very own British Isles - if you’re lucky.
Scottish island the Isle of Skye offers some of the best views of the magical phenomenon in the UK and The Old Inn is a great base for watching the spectacle.
Located in the small village of Carbost and right on the shore of Loch Harport, the pub has spectacular views of the surrounding scenery from its patio.
There have been sightings of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis , here in the winter, as its northern position and low light pollution gives Carbost a good chance of seeing them.
But this isn’t all the Old Inn has to offer, as the pub won the 2019 Taste Local Best Pub on Skye award for its high customer satisfaction, great atmosphere and tasty food and drink.
Chefs cook up an extensive menu of amazing dishes using locally sourced ingredients, like the oysters which are caught at the neighbouring farm and the meat from farms in the Highlands.
The Old Inn also uses fish that have been caught in the loch right on its doorstep.
You can find a selection of local ales in the pub, including the Skye Ale range which is brewed on the island.
The cosy pub also serves Talisker whisky which has been made at the local distillery since 1830 and is only a short walk away.
The Old Inn also regularly hosts live music from traditional Scottish folk music to more modern rock bands and jazz musicians.
The Northern Lights can only be seen in pitch black darkness, but you don’t need to stay at the pub until the early hours of the night, you can book a room and wake at an appropriate time to catch them.
There are bed and breakfast en-suite rooms available, as well as the bunkhouse which is more of a posh hostel with a shared kitchen, shared bathrooms and washing and drying facilities.
You can also stay in a private self-catering chalet, complete with double beds, communal kitchen and a balcony looking out to the loch in front.
The Isle of Skye is popular with adventurous types who want to hike and climb the Cuillin Hills or kayak in the sea.
It’s also perfect for those who want a more chilled out holiday, as you can go on boat trips to explore the area or wildlife spotting in the hopes you might get to see the red deer, seals, whales and dolphins that live there.
Another recommended place to visit is the famous fairy pools, not too far away from the pub. These are small waterfalls with beautifully clear, blue water which you can take a cold dip in if you’re feeling brave.
The Old Inn, Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR.
