Drift, Dine & Dream – Exploring Skye from the Broadford Hotel

Why Broadford is one of the best bases for exploring Skye

Planning a trip to the spectacular Isle of Skye in Scotland often starts with one big question:

Where should you stay?

Skye may look small on the map, but travel times can be longer than expected, and choosing the right base can make the difference between a relaxed adventure and hours spent retracing roads.

That’s where Broadford comes in.

Sitting at the gateway to the island, it offers easy access to Skye’s headline landscapes — from the Cuillin mountains to the island’s dramatic northern scenery — without the long back-and-forth drives some locations require.

And right on the edge of Broadford Bay, the eco-certified Broadford Hotel provides a characterful, comfortable base to return to after days spent exploring. It's perfect for:

✔ Walkers who want big landscapes by day and comfort at night
✔ Road-trippers exploring multiple parts of Skye
✔ Couples seeking scenery without remote isolation
✔ Dog owners looking for a genuinely dog-friendly Skye hotel
✔ Travellers who want to experience genuine Scottish hospitality
✔ Whisky lovers who like their nightcaps with a side of island 

Why Broadford works so well as a Skye base

Broadford sits in the sweet spot just across the Skye Bridge.

By this point, chances are you’ve already had a journey worth remembering. Perhaps you’ve come the long, cinematic way via the Bealach na Bà to Applecross - all hairpin bends and vast views of the Scottish Highlands. Or maybe you’ve followed the west coast through lochs and glens...

Either way, you might be just a little “wow-ed out” — very ready to stop driving and start settling in.

That’s where Broadford really comes into its own. You’re on Skye, and you can finally park up, breathe out, and let the exploring continue at a gentler pace.

From here you can:

• Head west towards the Cuillin.
• Drive north to Skye’s iconic landscapes.
• Keep things gentle with coastal and woodland walks.
• Return each evening without feeling remote or cut off.

For visitors researching hotels near the Cuillin on Skye, Broadford consistently proves to be one of the most practical and enjoyable choices.

Six reasons why the Broadford Hotel is the ultimate Isle of Skye hotel

Choosing the right base can transform your Skye trip.

Here’s why the Broadford Hotel ticks all the right boxes...

1. Broadford Bay views & the Red Cuillin backdrop

The hotel overlooks Broadford Bay, and behind you the soft, rusty tones of the Red Cuillin rise — especially striking at sunrise and dusk.

Local tip: The best light often comes just after rain clears. Don’t retreat indoors too quickly — Skye’s post-shower skies are often the main event. Choose a 'Bonnie Lodge' bedroom (pictured below) with private terrace for the best view.

2. Boutique comfort, cosy rooms & Highland hospitality

Days on Skye have a habit of starting early and ending late — so where you stay really matters.

As a boutique hotel on Broadford Bay, the Broadford Hotel has an easy, unpretentious charm. Bedrooms feel cosy with lots of little luxuries, and the welcome is warm in the way it should be in the Highlands: no fuss, just genuine hospitality.

You can come back muddy-booted, sink into comfort, and feel like the hotel is quietly rooting for your adventure. And, after a deep slumber, there's a full Scottish breakfast with your name on it!

And yes — it’s a genuinely dog-friendly hotel on the Isle of Skye, so nobody gets left behind.

3. Home to the famous Drambuie story 

Here’s your favourite dinner-party fact:

The Broadford is widely considered the birthplace of Drambuie, whose story links Jacobite legend, Clan MacKinnon and former hotel owner James Ross.

Whether you’re here for the history or simply the atmosphere, it adds a sense of place that feels uniquely Skye.

Top tip: Order a Drambuie in Spinnakers Bar at least once. Consider it cultural research. You'll love the unique taste of this unforgettable heather honey and whisky liqueur!

4. Hearty dining: exactly what you want after day exploring!

Skye air does one thing exceptionally well — it makes you hungry.

The Broadford’s restaurant menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal produce and comforting dishes, while the Gabbro Bar offers a relaxed, pub-style setting that’s perfect after a long day outdoors.

Local tip: Claim a cosy corner in our Skye restaurant, order something warming filled with Scottish produce, and let the weather do whatever it wants outside. That’s half the joy of Skye.

5. Skye adventures from Broadford: easy day trips & nearby walks

One of the biggest perks of staying here is flexibility and choice - there are so many options within reach!

Kinloch Forest

A quiet woodland walk with sea views — ideal on breezier days when you want shelter but still crave scenery.

The Cuillin drive

Take this scenic route through cinematic landscapes, perfect for road-trippers who like to stop often.

Portree

Skye’s colourful harbour town, Portree, makes an easy and worthwhile day trip from Broadford. Wander the harbour, browse independent shops, stop for coffee or seafood, and enjoy the lively contrast to Skye’s quieter corners. It’s a great “mooching” stop between bigger landscape moments.

Shoreline wandering & seal spotting

Broadford Bay’s coastline makes for an easy stroll, and seals are sometimes seen along Skye’s shores — binoculars recommended. Isle of Skye boat trips are also available from Broadford Bay.

6. Genuinely dog-friendly accommodation on the Isle of Skye

Skye is made for long walks, coastal air and big outdoor days — and that usually means one important travel companion.

The Broadford is a genuinely dog-friendly hotel on the Isle of Skye, not just “allowed if they’re small and silent” friendly. After beach strolls and woodland wanders, four-legged guests are welcomed just as warmly as their humans — including in the relaxed Gabbro Bar.

It means nobody gets left behind, and your Skye adventure can be shared exactly as it should be. You might even get to meet our resident pup - Rosie (pictured) - Skye is paws-down her favourite place!

Ready to explore Skye at your own pace?

If you’re looking for a well-located base for exploring the Isle of Skye, with boutique comfort, character and Highland hospitality, The Broadford Hotel makes an ideal starting point.

Book direct for a free Scottish breakfast, and the best rates - guaranteed.