Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
A welcome addition to the eating out scene in Inverness. Set in a wonderful position overlooking the river, it serves superb, fresh food prepared with skill and care. Choose from the lunch, dinner or Sunday lunch menu.
This highly regarded country manor restaurant has a 'Taste of Scotland' menu which includes haggis and smoked salmon among many other delights. Tony Blair has visited this manor house twice.
Set amidst stunning countryside, this new restaurant uses locally sourced foods to create simple, wholesome and traditional dishes for all the family to enjoy in warm and friendly surroundings.
Abstract - 23.5 Miles (37.6 KM)
This award winning restaurant was the first to introduce a chef's table, situated in the kitchen, where parties of four or six can enjoy the stunning 'tasting' menu, while watching the head chef and team at work! The chic piano bar boasts a huge list of malt whiskies.
With its stunning views across the sea loch, there can be no better place to unwind with a good malt whilst watching the sunset! The Caberfeidh is one of just a few restaurants located in the picturesque fishing village of Lochinver in the north-west Highlands.
The Oystercatcher is a small seafood restaurant with themed décor and an intimate and quiet ambiance. Its speciality is locally caught shellfish, served to traditional recipes in its own unique style.
Fun Days Out
The Dolphin and Seal centre is run by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and provides information about dolphins, seals and other wildlife you can see in this area.
Trips depart from Inverness harbour out onto the Moray Firth, where you will have the best chance of seeing the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world, plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise.
At the site of the last battle fought on British soil, the visitors' centre has an interactive exhibition, 360º immersive film bringing the battle to life, battle field tour, licensed restaurant and shop. Culloden has always been a memorable place — and is now even more so.
Awarded 5 Stars by VisitScotland.com, this fantastic, world famous Exhibition incorporates a 7 room automated walk through telling the story of Loch Ness from the beginning of the Ice Age through to the present day. using animations, lasers and special effects.
Forres Highland Games take place annually in Grant Park and usually take place around the first Saturday in July, regardless of the weather. They incorporate a range of traditional highland games together with many other attractions making for a great day out for all. Anyone can get involved in the fun and activities, just fill in an application form and you could be competing and being cheered on by the supportive and encouraging crowds who gather to watch. It is a popular event and draws large crowds who come to enjoy the colourful, energetic and cheerful occasion. In addition to cheering on at the games that include, Tug O' War, Heavy events, Athletics, Highland dancing, Grass Cycling and a road race, you can watch the bands perform, enjoy some delicious local food and treats and shop on the many craft and local stalls found here. Be prepared for for all weathers and you will have a fabulous day and see some fantastic athletes, maybe witness a new record being set, and see and hear amazing performers, highly recommended.
Fun, discovery and adventure for all ages. One of the few places in the UK where you can rock climb, 'skydive', flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees and much, much more.
Beach
Dornoch Beach - 24.8 Miles (39.7 KM)
Located on the Dornoch Firth, and awarded for its status as a clean bathing beach, Dornoch's long expanse of golden sands reach from Dornoch point, past Embo Beach to the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for some local wildlife in the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Biking & Hiking
From Achiltibuie, this estate reserve encompasses mountains, moorland, peatbog and a chain of lochs. lPtarmigan, great northern diver, Grey seal, otter and red deer are among the wildlife and the from Strathkannaird to Achiltibuie is a wonderful coastal walk.
Inverfarigaig - Foyers - Loch Ness - Inverfarigaig - 20.1 Miles (32.2 KM)
A 6.4 mile walk overlooking Loch Ness. Taking about 4 hours, the route starts from the Information Centre at the Inverfarigaig car park and continues to Upper Foyers. The route then descends overlooking the falls.
Voted one of the top 10 walks by the forestry commission, this spectacular route through Raven's rock gorge runs under the canopy of fir, beech and spruce. This 0.75 mile trail should take you approximately 45 minutes.
Golf & Sports
A completely mobile outdoor activity company with headquarters near Inverness, they use venues throughout the Highlands for canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, canyoning, archery, mountain biking, hill walking, weaselling, winter mountaineering, telemark and cross country skiing and snowboarding.
This traditional Scottish Highland links course was designed by Tom Morris in 1890. The sheltered location of the course ensures favourable weather for most of the year - winter greens are seldom used at Tain.
This championship links golf course was designed by Tom Morris and has been a royal club for over 100 years now. There is a bar that serves food between 11am-9pm and a pro golf shop too.
Nature Reserves
One of the foremost attractions in the Highlands, set next to the famous Falls of Shin. See some Atlantic Salmon leaping around the falls, attempting to get to their breeding grounds. Visit the gift shop and children's playground whilst there.
Gardens & Woodlands
The reserve is located at one of the highest mountains in Easter Ross (1046m) and this attracts many people to the area. It is home to many interesting plants like dwarf birch, and a variety of wildlife including red deer and golden eagle.
Who would have thought that in the Heart of the Highlands you would find a subtropical oasis, with greenhouses, cactus house, landscaped gardens, and tropical fish pond!
Local Attractions
New spacious, welcoming Highland Gallery. Hundreds of paintings from Scotland's best artists: contemporary, landscape, wildlife and so on, plus interesting sculpture, cards, prints and in-house silversmith.
Discover 'The Story of Tartan' and join in the weaving exhibition at this working factory site. The Mill shop offers a superb range of tartans, knitwear, gifts and souvenirs. Situated in the City Centre.
Since, 1839 Dalmore's Award Winning Malts have been distilled on the picturesque shores of the Cromarty Firth. Enjoy a free tour, and a wee dram. There's a visitor centre and shop.
Loch Ness Cruises offer the opportunity to cruise around Loch Ness and join in the continuing search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster. The vessel is comfortable and offers plenty of shelter from the elements if needed, the cabin is heated and is surrounded by glass so you still get great views from inside, or you can sit outside on the decks and enjoy the views and abundance of fresh air. Tours operate from Easter to end of October, they are popular so booking during the summer months is essential. Tours last about an hour in total including the pick up and drop off at the harbour. Skippered by a local highlander who is really friendly and jovial, you are assured a first class trip with the best knowledge around of the loch, local history and the elusive Nessie and plenty of anecdotes and stories, tours are both interesting and informative. The vessel is fitted with full colour sonars, radar GPS, underwater cameras and satellite navigation that continually scans the loch for any suspicious movement. You get the best views of Urquhart Castle from onboard and the views of the loch are fabulous so make sure to take along a camera. Loch Ness Cruises are excellent value for money with great commentary and excellent customer service as well as some fabulous scenery, a definite if you are visiting this area, you won't be disappointed.
Castle Cruises Loch Ness operates boat trips around Loch Ness. You are collected from the Loch Ness visitor centre where you can buy tickets and are returned here by minibus. The tour lasts about three quarters of an hour you get to see the loch and Great Glen from a different perspective, as well as getting great views of Urquhart Castle. The cruiser is comfortable and accommodates about twelve people, so groups are small. It does have a covered area in case of rain as you are out in the open. Onboard are underwater scanning equipment and GPS that are continually scanning the waters, you might not find the elusive Nessie but will certainly find plenty of fish. There is as an audio and visual presentation system that plays as you travel around the loch and narrates the history of the loch and the local area together with local stories, folklore and facts. The cruises are operated by skippers Gordon or Dick who have vast knowledge of the area and are happy to share this with you and answer any questions that you might have. They are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate and the tours are fun and interesting and cater to all ages on board. Trips are accompanied by ducks who come to be fed and a loaf of bread is kept on board to feed them. Tours run from Easter through to the end of October and are dependent on the weather and numbers. Make sure to take along a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities. Castle Cruises Loch Ness provide an indepth and fascinating insight into the loch, the infamous Nessie and the local area, cruises cater to all ages and it is a fabulous tour with lots to see and learn and is excellent value too, and the skippers ensure that everyone has a memorable trip, highly recommended.
Britain's most exciting new glass studio workshop is not a demonstration studio but visitors are welcome to view the glassblowing process when it is taking place or by prior arrangement.
Half a mile north of Tain on the A9, in a tranquil glen overlooking the Dornoch Firth, lies the home of Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. Enjoy the museum, shop and guided tours — opening hours are generous but please phone to book.
A remote distillery with routes as far back as the 15th century. Set in spectacular scenery, Tomatin is one of the highest distilleries in the country at over 315 metres above sea level. It is also a family affair with 25 families housed on the 140 acres the site encompasses. Take the tour of this unique, four star attraction, hear about whisky-loving angels and try a drop yourself.
Logie Steading is located within the Logie Estate in the gorgeous Findhorn Valley, it is a unique shopping village with the purpose of promoting Scottish craftsmanship and produce. The setting is lovely, the sandstone buildings are gorgeous and are set around a courtyard, offering a really relaxed and casual shopping experience. You will find a great selection of shops as well as the lovely Olive Tree Cafe. Artisan makers, producers and retailers have established themselves here to sell a host of high quality products including, books, a farm shop, whisky shop and much more. The Olive Tree Cafe serves a lovely selection of quality beverages, snacks and light lunches in a pleasant and welcoming environment, prices are reasonable and the staff are lovely. Owing to its lovely rural setting it never gets too busy so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace and is idyllic on a sunny day. The grounds have lots to offer too once you have finished shopping with lovely walks and a playground for younger visitors, as well as a garden centre. Logie Steading might be a bit out of the way but it is certainly worth the trip the goods on offer are fantastic and the setting is beautiful a real treat and a real change from the typical high street experience.
Benromach - 28.2 Miles (45.1 KM)
Benromach have being producing since 1898 a fine collection of single malt scotches using the traditional hand made method and the finest ingredients. This small distillery is located in Speyside, next to the coast and the team are dedicated to producing a high quality whisky. They use spring water from the nearby Romach Hills and this together with other locally sourced ingredients are put through the various stages producing a high quality product that has stood the test of time. During a guided tour you will see all the stages of production ending with a tasting session. There are a choice of tours that vary in duration and detail and range from an introductory tour through to a personal experience where you get to fill your own bottle from the special single cask. You will find the tour guides to be warm and friendly and very jovial with lots of anecdotes to share, tours are interesting and informative and pitched at just the right level to keep them entertaining. Tours operate throughout the year but advance booking is recommended particularly if you are a group. Benromach has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with a nice visitor centre with lots of history on the distillery and a well stocked gift shop with whisky's and other related memorabilia for sale, all at really reasonable prices. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or not you will enjoy a visit to this family run distillery, a must if you are in the area.
Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa are located in Forres, on the High Street and are well established being a fixture here for many years. There is a welcoming reception area and the clinic has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It is beautifully decorated and has a nice modern but cosy feel about it. They offer a large choice of treatments and are one of a few clinics in Scotland offering a new Elemis Biotec electric facial treatment. They use high quality products and all treatments are carried out by professional and highly trained therapists who will go through your requirements with you. The staff are great really friendly, capable and very accommodating, a real pleasure to deal with. They are open Tuesday through to Saturday and offer a choice of monthly promotions so worth checking these out, as they offer great value. Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa offers a calm oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed definitely worth a visit.
Babalu - 28.5 Miles (45.6 KM)
Babalu can be found on the High Street in Forres. It is an eclectic shop that stocks a delightful range of hand made goods from all over the world as well as locally. The goods on sale are made by artists or artisans and the shelves are full of interesting and unusual items. They stock jewellery, bags crystals, clothes, accessories, gifts, treats and much more. The shop is colourful and bustling with goods, it offers a casual and relaxed shopping experience. Many of the items are sale are made from recycled products the result are quirky and unique products. Babalu is a real treasure trove and definitely worth a visit, come to browse and you are sure to find something special, great for gift ideas.
The Findhorn Foundation is a unique international spiritual community and holistic education centre and the cornerstone of an exciting ecovillage.
Historical & Heritage Sites
The museum boasts a superb military museum, a reconstructed kitchen and a wonderful outdoor area which is great for picnics!
This vast Artillery Fortification was built following the Battle of Culloden. The fort includes reconstruction of barrack rooms in different periods and a display of muskets and pikes. The cafe is open during the summer only.
Explore the history of childhood in the Highlands, amongst crofters and townsfolk, through recorded by oral testimony, displays, photographs and video. There is also a fascinating doll and toy collection, Gift and Bookshop and Coffee Shop.
A different attraction where the visitor is asked to step back in time in a truly fascinating experience. A much loved Victorian past-time, recreating Strathpeffer Spa. Great interactive displays, models and displays offering insights into the history of the spa and the reasons behind its popularity as high society's favoured place to visit for 'the season'.
Recently refurbished, this museum collects and displays images, objects and memories that relate to the Highlands. Explore haunting stories of the past, the people and the traditions of the Highlands.
A great museum, with some original artwork which explores Pictish history and provides a forum for current research in that area. It also features the impressive Rosemarkie cross-slab, decorated with its mysterious Pictish symbols.
An extremely well preserved set of prehistoric burial cairns are an intriguing attraction to pay a visit to. Dating from about 4000 years ago, the cemetery has a collection of kerb cairns, ring cairns, passage graves and some chapel remains. This Bronze Age cemetery was first excavated in the 1990s.
Hugh Miller was born in this 300 year old thatched cottage on 10 October, 1802. Miller rose to international acclaim as a geologist, editor and writer. The furnished cottage contains an exhibition on his life and work. To the rear is a Scottish wild garden of colourful native plants.(Limited disabled facilities)
Now you can take the official guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. Examine the evidence and find out some important facts about Scottish history.
Cawdor will be forever linked with Macbeth. This fairy-tale castle dates from the 14th century and is still home to the Cawdor family. Along with the castle there are three gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood, and a 9 hole golf course.
A stunning and romantic ruin on an unusual perch overlooking Loch Ness. Steeped in history, this castle is also deeply embedded in local folklore and legend as it sits at the site of the infamous Loch Ness Monster! In more proven history, it has played a significant role in both Edward I's reign and Robert the Bruce's.
Tain Through Time tells the story of Tains St Duthac and pilgrimage to his shrine. It includes the award winning local museum, sound and light show, cd tour of town, children's activities and a shop.
This museum tells the story of Dornoch parish from pre history to present time, with permanent displays and changing exhibitions. Learn about witch trials and violent Viking raids.
Explore the fascinating multiple underground arched chambers, built over 150 years ago to store ice for packing salmon on the way to London. The vast chambers are now used to display all aspects of the net salmon fishing industry in the Moray Firth.
