Choose from 155 Fun Things to Do in Scotland
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 155 listings.
Floral Hall
Coffee breaks don't come with a more scenic backdrop than Inverness' Floral Hall, one of the city's most unique attractions. Opened by Prince Edward in 1993, the Floral Hall includes a series of ornamental gardens, sub-tropical greenhouses, creative water features and ponds filled with tropical fish, set around a popular cafe. The Cacti House, home to the Highlands' largest collection of succulents, is a highlight of the gardens, housing an award winning collection, and the dramatic seasonal floral arrangements on display are legendary among local gardeners. The centerpiece of the stone walled gardens is the newly opened Memory Garden, home to the Tree of Tranquility, a poignant sculpture created by the SiMBA charity in support of women who have miscarried or lost a baby "“ each leaf is personally engraved by the bereaved.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Address: Bught Ln, Inverness, Inverness-Shire IV3 5SS, Scotland
From $ 13
National Museum of Scotland
Set across two buildings"”one Victorian and one modern"”and featuring a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts, the National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh's top visitor attractions. The diverse exhibits cover anything and everything to do with Scotland, including natural history, art, fashion, science, and archaeology.
The Basics
Many visitors arrive at the museum via hop-on hop-off tour buses and then explore independently, making a beeline for the exhibits that interest them most, whether that be the decorative arts of the Art, Design and Fashion galleries; the tyrannosaurus rex skeleton cast of the Natural World galleries; or the airy Grand Gallery, which houses a diverse collection of 800 objects from various world cultures. Visitors can download a free highlights app on their smartphone to help them navigate.
Other visitors take part in the drop-in hour-long free guided tours, which take place daily on a first come, first- served basis. Choose between an introductory Discover the National Museum tour (11am), a Scotland Galleries Highlights Tour (1pm), or a special themed tour (3pm"”topics change daily).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Scotland provides a fantastic overview of the country for first-time visitors.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- A cafe, brasserie, shop, and rooftop restaurant with views of Edinburgh Castle, can all be found at the museum.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Scotland is situated on Chambers Street in Edinburgh Old Town, near Greyfriars Kirkyard. The museum is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.
When to Get There
The National Museum of Scotland is busiest on weekend afternoons, especially during summer vacation and other school holidays. Come midweek or in early morning to avoid the biggest crowds. If you plan on doing a tour, arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time and meet the guide in the museum's entrance hall.
Highlights of the Collection
The atrium of the Grand Gallery is home to some of the museum's greatest exhibits, including the massive skull of a sperm whale; the Cockcroft"“Walton generator, the machine that managed to first artificially split the atom in 1930; and the millennium clock tower, a mechanical clock sculpture that springs to life on the hour every hour. Elsewhere in the museum, view the famous medieval Lewis Chessmen game pieces and Queen Mary's Harp at the Kingdom of the Scots exhibition, before generating energy in the giant hamster wheel and coming face to face with Dolly the Sheep in the Science and Technology galleries.
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 19
Maeshowe
Maeshowe is a chambered tomb in northern Scotland that is more than 5,000 years old. It is considered to be the finest Neolithic building in northwest Europe due to its design, stonework construction, and use of massive individual stones. At first Maeshowe appears to be just a large grassy mound, but visitors can enter from a single door. A 33 foot long stone passageway leads into a small stone chamber in the center. The chamber is only about 15 feet across. Three side rooms made of single slabs of stone are attached to the main chamber. The entire structure was designed so that light would shine down the passageway at sunset every day from three weeks before to three weeks after the shortest day of the year.
At least 3,000 years after Maeshowe was closed up, Norsemen broke into the chamber. They left behind light-hearted runic graffiti all over the walls. It is the largest collection of runic inscriptions outside Scandinavia and serves as a reminder that Orkney was under Norwegian rule until 1468.
Practical Info
Maeshowe is located in Orkney. Advanced booking is required.
Address: Orkney, Scotland
From $ 441
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Considering Corrieshalloch Gorge is such a beautiful spot, full of Caledonian pines and rare Atlantic lichen, it might come as a surprise that its name is actually Gaelic for "Ugly Hollow." Created at the end of the last Ice Age, the gorge is one of Britain's most impressive box canyons. Carved by glacial meltwaters that burst through the Scottish Highlands over 12,000 years ago, today you can walk the trails along the top of the mossy gorge and get great views down the 60-meter deep crevice, where the Droma river flows in a chain of waterfalls until it makes its most impressive roar of all, in a 46-meter plunge from the Falls of Measach.
If you just want to check out the waterfall and head back, follow the trail to the small suspension bridge 300 meters from the car park. From here, you'll get great views of the rushing waters and surrounding woods.
Practical Info
Fifteen miles from Ullapool, take the A835 from the seaside town, and turn off onto the A832. After less than a minute's drive, you'll see Corrieshalloch Gorge car park.
Address: Ullapool, Scotland
From $ 474
Callanish Standing Stones
Overlooking Loch Roag and the hills of Great Bernera, the Callanish Standing Stones comprise 13 large stones set around a Celtic cross"“shaped monolith, with some 40 smaller stones radiating out from the center. Built between 3,800 and 5,000 years ago, this stone circle was erected at around the same time as the pyramids of Egypt.
The Basics
If you come to this Neolithic site independently, head to the Calanais Visitor Centre to find out more about the prehistoric monument. Alternatively, visit the enigmatic site in the company of a guide who can shed light on its history and the many theories regarding its function and purpose, as well as share folk tales associated with the stones.
The Callanish Stones feature on multi-day tours of the Outer Hebrides departing from Edinburgh or Inverness. Shorter tours, lasting up to three days, tend to focus on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, while longer tours often make stops at the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides and parts of the Scottish Highlands too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- One of Scotland's most evocative prehistoric sites, Callanish is a must for history lovers.
- Wrap up warm as Lewis is frequently subject to strong winds.
- A cafe is located at the nearby visitor center.
- The visitor center is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. With uneven grassy surfaces, the site itself may be difficult to access for wheelchair users, but the stones can be seen from the roadside.
How to Get There
Callanish Standing Stones are about 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of Stornoway. To get here from Stornoway, follow the A859 and A858 roads; the journey takes about 30 minutes. Public transit is not available, so travelers without a car are best going as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
While you can see the stones at any time of the year, the visitor center is open only from April to September (daily), and from October to March (Wednesday through Saturday). Because of its off-the-beaten-path location, the site is never overrun with tourists. For some excellent photo opportunities, go at dawn or dusk.
Archaeological Sites in the Outer Hebrides
The island of Lewis and Harris is littered with remnants of long-gone civilizations. Just a few miles from the Callanish Stones is Dun Carloway, a well-preserved Iron Age broch (a circular stone construction). Farther south, on the island of South Uist, is Cladh Hallan"”a settlement believed to date back to around 2,200 BC"”where you can see the outline of ancient roundhouses.
Address: Callanish Stone Circle, Callanish, Isle of Lewis, UK HS2 9DY, Scotland
From $ 474
Gladstone's Land
Tucked away between the many attractions of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the looming tenement building known as Gladstone's Land is easily overlooked, but behind its unassuming façade is one of the capital's most fascinating historic gems.
The six-story complex was developed by wealthy local merchant Thomas Gledstanes in 1617 and was renowned as one of the first "˜high-rise' buildings of its time. Now preserved as a National Trust property, Gladstone's Land has been restored to its former glory, offering visitors the chance to step back in time to 17th-century Edinburgh. Along with the original painted ceilings and beams, and an impressive collection of antique furniture, highlights include a traditional "˜luckenbooth' shop-front, a 16th-century kitchen, a spinet and a selection of old maps and photographs of Edinburgh.
Practical Info
Gladstone's Land is located along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town and is open daily between April and October from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission costs £6.50.
Address: 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH1 2NT, Scotland
Hours: April-Oct Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 19
Edinburgh Dungeon
The chilling Edinburgh Dungeon takes visitors below street level and into the darkened bowels of the city. Here, among 360-degree sets, costumed actors recount gruesome tales from Scotland's past, from the Burke and Hare murders to hangings at the Grassmarket. Special effects, two thrilling rides, and a disorientating mirror maze add to the fun.
The Basics
Visitors can either purchase tickets at the door or pre-purchase priority entrance tickets, which allow them to jump the line and enjoy fast-track entry to the dungeon. Once inside, costumed actors guide participants as they make their way through the spooky sets, and onto the rides. The experience typically lasts for about 80 minutes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Edinburgh Dungeon is a thrilling way to get acquainted with the more macabre chapters of the city's history.
- The subterranean dungeon, which can be scary for young kids, is recommended for those age eight and older. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The dim lighting and narrow passageways make it unsuitable for claustrophobes.
- Most areas of the dungeon are accessible to wheelchair users via lifts. The boat ride, however, is not, and the Drop Dead ride is only accessible to those who can transfer to the seats unaided and adequately brace themselves against the motion.
How to Get There
Edinburgh Dungeon is situated in the heart of the Old Town, within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, North Bridge, and Princes Street. Take the train to Edinburgh Waverley and make the 2-minute walk from there to the entrance on Market Street.
When to Get There
Edinburgh Dungeon is popular attraction; long lines form during vacation periods, such as summer breaks, Halloween, and Easter. To save yourself the hassle of waiting, book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
The Dungeon's Thrilling Rides
Included as part of the Edinburgh Dungeon experience are two optional theatrical rides. First, there's the 5-minute Boat Ride, which carries you down a river to the Caves of Galloway to the cannibal Sawney Bean. Then there's Drop Dead, an exhilarating ride that recreates the sensation of a vertical free fall.
Address: 31 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Haddo House
Haddo House is an impressive stately home in Scotland that was built in the 1730s. The estate was owned by the Gordon family for centuries, and they lived there even before the current house was built. It was designed by William Adam for William Gordon, the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen, and it was refurbished in the 1880s. The house is a blend of Georgian architecture and late Victorian interiors. Throughout the house, visitors can admire antique furniture, portraits, ceramics, and other memorabilia from the Gordon family. Hundreds of years of history can be found inside the walls of this home.
The grounds of Haddo House include a formal terrace garden with geometric rosebuds and a fountain, trees and an herbaceous border, and peaceful hills. The surrounding area of Haddo Country Park, which can be reached by an avenue that is lined with lime trees, has lakes, monuments, woodland walks, and a deer park.
Practical Info
Haddo House is located 20 miles north of Aberdeen.
Address: Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeen & Grampian, United Kingdom AB41 7EQ, Scotland
Hours: Gardens & Grounds 9am-Sunset Daily, Tour Times Vary
Admission: Adults £10.50
From $ 14
Inverness Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St. Andrew)
With its imposing pink sandstone turrets presiding over the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral is one of the most striking of the city's many churches. The 19th-century Gothic-style structure is conspicuously spire-free. Though architect Alexander Ross put them in his original design, they had to be scrapped due to lack of funds.
The Basics
Because of its prominent riverside position, Inverness Cathedral is hard to miss. Most visitors glimpse it only from outside, but it is possible to venture inside the cathedral and soak up the serenity of the hushed interior. Walking and coach sightseeing tours of the so-called Highland capital pass by Inverness Cathedral, as well as other local landmarks such as Inverness Castle. The cathedral also features as a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of Inverness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is a must-see for architecture fans.
- Part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the cathedral is still an active site of worship, so be respectful of parishioners as you explore.
- Listen for the cathedral's bells; they are regularly rung to announce services.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Inverness Cathedral is located on the west bank of the River Ness, about a 15-minute walk from Inverness rail and bus stations, which offer connections to other parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Local buses stop at nearby King Street, a 3-minute walk away from the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily and is rarely crowded outside of service times. If you want to hear the cathedral choir sing, attend the 11am Sunday service, or the Sunday choral evensong, which takes place at 5:30pm once a month.
Highlights of the Cathedral
As you explore the cathedral, look out for several noteworthy design details and artworks. Among the most eye-catching adornments are the carved stone capitals at the entrance, which are decorated with images of foliage, flowers, and birds. Inside, you'll see the five 19th-century Russian icons that depict biblical characters such as Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and various saints. These icons were gifts given to British Anglican Bishop Robert Eden, the Bishop of Moray, Ross, and Caithness, by Tsar Alexander II.
Address: 15 Ardross Street, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands IV3 5NS, Scotland
From $ 13
Eden Court Theatre
A modern gem of a theater, Eden Court houses a range of performing arts performances involving music, theater, opera, ballet and dance as well as film. To accommodate all these large scale performances as well as studios for art classes, a new building to house them all was built in 1976 right next to the River Ness. With its sharp angles and metal and glass encasing, the theater now sports a somewhat retro futuristic look. This provides a sharp contrast to the Gothic mansion right next door, the official residence of the Bishops of Moray. But the small palace from an entirely different century has been successfully incorporated into the modern Eden Court Theatre and now houses the dressing rooms, offices and a small cinema.
After extensive renovations and refurbishments, the Eden Court Theatre is now the largest combined arts center in Scotland and has two big auditoriums. The bigger one, Empire Theatre, can seat over 800 people and the other, One Touch, follows suit with about 270 spaces. The two new cinemas, apart from regular showings, also host the annual Inverness Film Festival, where visitors can enjoy niche films and Scottish premieres.
Practical Info
Eden Court Theatre is located on Bishop's Road right next to the River Ness in the center of the city. You can reserve tickets to a performance in person or by phone up to one week in advance. The box office just outside the front doors is open Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. It closes 15 minutes after the last event of the day begins.
Address: Bishops Rd, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands IV3 5SA, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Museum of Edinburgh (Huntly House)
Occupying a 16th-century house with a bright red and yellow facade, the Museum of Edinburgh (formerly Huntly House) tells the rich history of the city, from prehistoric times to the present day. Among the star exhibits is the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who kept watch at his master's Edinburgh grave for 14 years.
The Basics
Many visitors arrive at the museum via hop-on hop-off bus tour and browse the exhibitions independently. Both permanent collections, devoted to Edinburgh's history, and temporary exhibitions are housed inside, and are designed to be self-guided. The museum's collections also feature examples of Scottish crafts, including glassware, silver pieces, and porcelain. Fans of the TV show Outlander may recognize the Museum of Edinburgh building. It, together with the surrounding Bakehouse Close, was used as a filming location during series three.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Museum of Edinburgh is a must for history buffs and Outlander fans.
- Pair a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh with a trip to the complementary People's Story Museum, a companion museum focusing on working-class Edinburgh life.
- The upper levels of the museum are not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Museum of Edinburgh is situated in the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile opposite Canongate Kirk. The nearest trains station is Edinburgh Waverley railway station, which is about 10 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The Museum of Edinburgh opens Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The museum is typically busiest during July and August, school vacations, and at weekends, though crowds are rare. Get there for opening to experience it at its quietest.
Highlights of the Collection
The museum contains many objects of note. Examine the National Covenant of 1638, which called for changes in Scotland's governance and set in motion the events that would ultimately lead to the Scottish civil war. Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing display in the collection is the collar and water bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who famously waited by the grave of his master, an Edinburgh policeman, in Greyfriars Kirk for more than a decade after his death.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, Scotland
Admission: Free but donations welcome
From $ 19
Carloway Broch
No bricks, no mortar, no buttress -- just stone placed on top of stone on an exposed Lewis hilltop nearly 2,000 years ago, Carloway Broch roundhouse has stood tall against the Isle of Lewis's raging Atlantic storms since the Iron Age. Looking out to Loch Roag, this is one of the best preserved brochs in Scotland, and parts of the Dun Carloway still come close to its original height at nine meters tall.
It's not clear why these brochs (Scottish drystone roundhouses) were ever built, but it's thought that they could have been the homes of the high-status local leaders. Even though the building of brochs fell out of fashion in 150 AD, this multi-story roundhouse has continued to be used through the ages.
Dun Carloway was even the scene of one particularly dramatic fight back in the 1500s, when a party of Morrisons stole cattle from the Macaulay clan and hid out in the broch. What did the Macaulays do? Smoke their enemies out with burning heather, of course.
Next to Dun Carloway is the Doune Broch visitor center, where you can learn all about Iron Age life on the Isle of Lewis and get a sense of how life here must have been all those years ago.
Practical Info
About 10 miles northwest of Stornoway on the A858, the visitor center is open from April to September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can visit the Broch itself all year round. Admission to both is free.
Address: Carloway, Scotland
Hours: Year-round
From $ 474
Drum Castle
The origins of Drum Castle, one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, can be traced back to the 14th century. Home to the Irvine family for more than six centuries, the estate"”now owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)"”features a medieval grand hall, a Jacobean mansion house, a Victorian-era library, and an ancient oak forest.
The Basics
Visitors to Drum Castle can explore the castle interior during a guided tour. Guided tours include a visit to the medieval High Hall, the chance to view the original charter granted by Robert the Bruce, and the opportunity to climb to the top of 700-year-old Drum Tower. Afterward, wander through the walled gardens, including the wonderfully scented Garden of Historic Roses.
For those who don't want to tour the castle, it's possible to pay for admission to the walled gardens only. And for visitors who want to check off other NTS-managed sites, consider a National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket, which provides access to 90 different Scottish attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Drum Castle is a must for history buffs and nature lovers.
- A cafe and shop are located at the castle.
- Get child-friendly quizzes from reception to keep little ones entertained.
- Pick up a map of the estate at the notice board in the parking lot to help you navigate.
- Only the ground floor of the castle is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Drum Castle is situated near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Aberdeen. Stagecoach North Scotland bus services 201, 202, and 203 depart from Aberdeen and stop at Drum Castle Road End, about 20"“30 minutes from the castle on foot.
When to Get There
The castle is open daily from June through August, and Thursday"“Monday during April, May, September, and October. Between November and March, visit on weekends, as the castle is closed midweek. The castle also closes during the Christmas and New Year's period. The grounds are open year-round, though the Garden of Historic Roses is open only April"“October. Perhaps the best time to visit is in June or July, when the roses are in full bloom.
Exploring the Castle's Ancient Oak Forest
Adjacent to the castle is an ancient oak forest, where centuries-old trees grow. Visitors who want to get active can choose among several trails. Follow the 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) Woodland Walk or the 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) Drumhill Trail and see if you can spot local wildlife, including roe deer, red kites, and badgers, along the way.
Address: Drumoak, Banchory, Aberdeen & Grampian, United Kingdom AB31 5EY, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Isle of Lewis
The most northerly of Scotland's dramatic Western Isles, the Isle of Lewis is known for its ancient remains, coastal crofts, and beautiful beaches. On a sunny day, dune-backed beaches like Bostadh and Traigh Chuil are perfect. Spot red deer in Lewis's conservation areas, and off the coast "” dolphins, porpoises, and even whales. The center of the island gives way to a peaty plateau loved by rare birds birds, and in the hills of Uig look out for golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
Stornoway's colorful harbor is also a good place to spot seals. Easily the largest town on the island, over three quarters of the Western Isles population lives here. Wind through its Victorian streets to Stornoway's lively pubs, where you can listen out for Gaelic "” the local tongue "” and get to know the great island tradition of storytelling firsthand.
Having once belonged to the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, you'll notice Presbyterian traditions running through the veins of island life throughout the Hebrides. On Sundays on Lewis, life quietens down as the Sabbath is observed across the isle.
Lewis has a rich history. Home to the famous Callanish Stones, Arnol Blackhouse is also a popular visit. A preserved traditional thatched croft run by Historic Scotland, just like up until the 1960s when the blackhouse was abandoned by its last tenants, the peaty central hearth is never allowed to go out.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to Lewis from the mainland is by ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. There are buses linking Stornoway to Tarbart, the main village on Harris.
Address: Isle of Lewis, United Kingdom, Scotland
From $ 474
Georgian House
This elegant 18th-century town house offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian Edinburgh's elite. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the perfectly preserved property features a traditional 18th-century kitchen with collections of china and silverware as well as paintings by prominent Scottish artists.
The Basics
Visitors can pre-purchase admission tickets for the Georgian House and then take a self-guided tour around the property. Watch Living in a Grand Design, a short introductory film about the property, before exploring the interior, from the grand drawing room and dining room to the servants' quarters. In each room, information sheets provide details about the life of Scottish aristocrats in the Georgian period.
Visitors who purchase a National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket gain free access to the Georgian House, along with other National Trust for Scotland sites such as Culloden battlefield and Culzean Castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Georgian House is a must for history enthusiasts.
- A small shop in the basement sells souvenirs, gifts, and books.
- There is no cafe on site, but plenty can be found nearby.
- Much of the Georgian House is accessible only via stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Georgian House is situated in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh's New Town, just a short walk from the west end of Princes Street. It's also accessible by public transport; take the tram to Princes Street, which is just a 10-minute walk away. Edinburgh Waverley train station is about 20 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The Georgian House typically closes for several months during winter (usually for at least January and February, and sometimes longer). Though the house sees most visitors during the summer months, it is rarely crowded. Get there early in the morning when the interior is hushed and quiet.
What to See and Do in the Georgian House
The house, designed by well-known architect Robert Adam, has been restored to reflect the lifestyle its wealthy 18th- and 19th-century occupants would have enjoyed. In addition to period furniture, it also features works by acclaimed artists including portrait painters Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. If you want to get into the Georgian spirit, dress up in one of the period-style costumes provided, which are available in both children's and adult sizes.
Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 4DR, Scotland
From $ 10
Urquhart Castle
Set on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle attracts many visitors that come here in hopes of glimpsing Nessie, the loch’s fabled aquatic monster. The ruined medieval fortress, which was destroyed in 1762 to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold, now houses a visitor center that exhibits objects found amid the ruins.
The Basics
Almost all organized tours that come to Loch Ness, whether from Inverness, Invergordon, Glasgow, or even Edinburgh, include at least a glimpse of Urquhart Castle. Many tours combine a visit to the crumbling gray-stone castle with a sightseeing cruise on Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal, while other tours make stops at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns.
Explore the castle ruins independently, wander around the battlements, admire the splendor of the Great Hall, scan the lake’s surface for the Loch Ness monster, and examine medieval artifacts on show at the castle’s visitor center. Historic Scotland Explorer Pass holders visit for free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its rich history of battles, Urquhart Castle is an absolute must for history enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as much of the ruins are exposed to the elements.
- Most of the castle is accessible via paved paths, with the exception of the guardhouse, the battlements, and the first floor and basement of Grant Tower.
How to Get There
Urquhart Castle is situated on the west bank of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit. From Inverness, drive south along the A82 for around 30 minutes. Buses (including the 19, 917, and 919) connect Inverness bus station to Urquhart Castle.
When to Get There
The castle is busiest in summer, when lines often form at the staircase at Grant Tower and the parking lot occasionally fills. Arrive just after opening, or an hour or two before closing, to experience the ruins at their quietest. During the winter months, the castle ruins are peaceful, and moody weather adds to the atmosphere.
The History of Urquhart Castle
Urquhart has a long and tumultuous history, with a castle having stood here since at least the 13th century. The fortress was seized, reclaimed, damaged, and restored many times between then and the 17th century. In 1762, the gatehouse was blown up to prevent Jacobites from moving in and establishing a base here. Nowadays, the Historic Environment Scotland manages the evocative ruins.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage and Museum
Hugh Miller was a well-known geologist and writer who lived from 1802 to 1856 in northern Scotland. The thatched fisherman's cottage he was born in was built in the late 1600s by his great grandfather. The cottage and the Georgian house on the property both stand as a museum honoring Hugh Miller's life. The cottage is furnished and shows what it might have looked like when he lived there. The house contains an exhibition and video about his life and work. There is also a reading room which gives visitors the chance to browse through Miller's works. Artwork, tapestries, and sculptures are also on display.
Behind the cottage and museum is the Yard Garden of Wonders, which is a peaceful garden with native Scottish plants, fossils and other artifacts. It was designed to reflect Miller's love of nature. There is also a traditional cobbled courtyard that was a 19th-century work space.
Practical Info
Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage and Museum is located in the town of Cromarty 22 miles northeast of Inverness.
Address: Church Street, Cromarty, Highland, United Kingdom IV11 8XA, Scotland
Hours: Daily 12pm-5pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 14
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Standing proud against the fearsome storms that ravage the north coast of Lewis is the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Designed by Scottish lighthouse engineer David Stevenson in the 1860s, the watchtower wasn't automated until 1998, making it one of the last in the British Isles to lose its lighthouse keeper.
While you can no longer go inside, there are information plaques outside, and it's interesting just to see the lighthouse in all its exposed red-brick glory instead of the usual white.
A birdwatcher's paradise, look out for buzzards, gulls and the occasional puffin soaring around the cliffs. Also, take a close look at the crags being buffeted by the North Sea, some of the oldest exposed rock in Europe, created up to 300 million years ago back in the Cambrian period. While you're here, follow the coast southwest past the lighthouse. You'll soon see a natural sea cave, known as the Eye of the Butt.
Practical Info
The lighthouse sits a 28-mile drive to the north from Lewis' main town of Stornoway. In summer, buses run about five times a day from town to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
Address: Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland
From $ 474
Glasgow West End
Relaxed and trendy, lively and culturally diverse, the West End area offers some of the best things to do and see in Glasgow. Its Victorian architecture and cobblestone alleyways keep with tradition, while its many boutique shops, coffee shops, and Bohemian cafes present the modern side of the city. While vintage and antique shops keep the past alive, the student scene of the nearby, world renowned University of Glasgow keeps things current. Other don't-miss sights include the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, and the famous Grosvenor Cinema.
A variety of parks, galleries and museums provide dozens of options for an afternoon. A stroll in the streets or along the river "” or an evening in one of the many bookstores, tea rooms, pubs, or unique restaurants "” is also an option. Each summer the area is home to the famous West End Festival.
Practical Info
Glasgow's West End is located approximately two miles from the city center and is approachable by foot, bus, or the Underground stop Hillhead.
Address: Glasgow, United Kingdom, Scotland
From $ 19
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden treasure, located only about a mile (2 km) outside of Inverness along the shore of Beauly Firth. As the only nature reserve in the highlands, it is the perfect area to observe the diverse wildlife of this sparsely populated region and enjoy a day outdoors. There is a visitor center, once used as a ferry ticket office, where you can delve into small exhibitions and also pick up maps or hire a guide for a walk around the area. Animal spotters will also find a logbook detailing the latest wildlife sightings and can then set out to spot the highlands' biodiversity themselves.
Looking over the Beauly Firth shoreline, you can watch steel blue barn swallows catching insects, buzzards sitting tall atop tree branches, pheasants with bright gold and brown plumage, shy curlews probing the waters for crabs with their extremely long curved beaks and the big grey herons stalking their prey. If you're lucky, you can even see bottlenose dolphins coming up for air, common seals and the more active European otters. They all live in and around tidal pools and both salt and freshwater marshes, some of which are partially connected to the sea.
Practical Info
It's possible to walk to the reserve via Kessock Road toward South Kessock or to save time by catching bus 14. There is also a small parking area at the entrance. The site is open all year-round, while the visitor center is open only on weekends from April to September.
Address: 4 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 13