We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Scottish Highlands and surrounding areas, these include:
Ballindalloch is one of the best known and beautiful castles in Scotland. It has become known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in Speyside, close to near to some famed whisky distilleries. Ballindalloch Castle is surrounded by hills and with Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, proving a wonderful setting. Ballindalloch is a privately owned family home, it has been home to the Macpherson-Grants have resided at the castle since 1546. As a family home, it has family related memorabilia and an excellent collection of 17th century Spanish paintings.
Lochalsh Woodland Garden is worth a visit, where visitors can enjoy quiet walks by the loch-side alongside the oaks, mature Scots pine and beeches. There are collections of rhododendrons, ferns, bamboo and hydrangeas. There are sub tropical plants from both Australia and New Zealand to enjoy, Lochalsh Woodland Garden is spread over 13 acres giving visitors plenty to enjoy.
Whisky connoisseurs are well catered for in the Highlands and the Glenmorangie Whisky distillery has since 1843 been producing its world famous malt here on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. Many of the traditions remain and Glenmorangie is still handcrafted today by the Sixteen Men of Tain using the well tried and tested methods that have proved so successful from generation to generation. Visitors from around the world come to discover the way the malt whisky is made as well as being able to taste the whisky and meet the people who made the whisky.
The West Highland Museum is situated in Fort William. Known for its Jacobite collections, there are collections of local history, archaeology and geology. Other collections include the Alexander Carmichael Collection and the Charles Hepburn Jacobite Bequest. The museum dates back to 1922, the museum shop has a variety of books, old and new. There are also postcards, prints, toys and gifts.
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience is located in the village of Drumnadrochit located 15 miles from Inverness. Established for over 30 years the exhibition includes seven themed areas and takes visitors through 500 million years of history along with mystery and intrigue. The exhibition uses multi media in the presentation including lasers, special effects and digital projection explaining the significance of the loch, it wider impact and the mystery behind the Loch Ness monster. A visit to the exhibition offers a fun and educational trip for the whole family.
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is located close to Aviemore. The nature reserve is one of nine that are located in and around the Cairngorms National Park and has been designated a national nature reserve due to its importance as a key place for wildlife and geological importance. There is scenic beauty here along with woodland, visitors can see woodland flowers in spring along with butterflies and dragonflies in the summer months. The environment and landscape in the nature reserve make it a favourite for walkers and bird watchers. Visitors can experience nature at its finest when visiting Craigellachie.
Strathspey Steam Railway is located in Aviemore offering visitors a nostalgic steam railway journey from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Visitors can sit back relax, enjoy the fabulous scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains with excellent views of the River Spey between Boat of Garten and Broomhill. There is light lunch, afternoon tea and dinner available are certain times. There are both diesel and steam locomotives used evoking memories of the golden age of rail travel.
The Cairngorms National Park has a large mountain range and is home to 25 percent of the threatened species in the UK. This beautiful wilderness gives visitors the feeling of space, tranquillity and the opportunity to appreciate and admire the natural beauty that Scotland has. In the park you will find a mixture of forests, rivers, lochs, Glens and moorlands thus there is a rich and varied landscape to enjoy.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the rich biodiversity present in the park, visitors will be able to see a wide range of wildlife such as the magnificent golden eagle, deer and wildcats. The national park aims to ensure a sustainable and responsible use of the natural resources and there is much conservation work done to one of the jewels in the Scottish highlands remains and continues to thrive.
For those that enjoy outdoor activities, the Scottish Highlands is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best places in the UK to indulge in your passion. The Ardenbeg Bunkhouse & Outdoor Activity Centre is one activity centre that is worth considering. The centre is a hostel providing accommodation and is based in Grantown-on-Spey near Aviemore, it provides a great base to explore the area further and also to take part in the outdoor activities on offer. The activities can be based in the mountains, forests and on the rivers and visitors can enjoy the clean air whilst surrounded by beautiful scenery. The activities on offer include climbing & mountaineering in the Cairngorm, walking in the mountains and on forest trails, canoeing & kayaking on the lochs and rivers, skiing & snowboarding at Cairngorm Mountain, cycling and mountain biking on forest trails.
It is recommended that prior to visiting the Scottish Highlands; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
The Scottish Highlands is located in one of the most naturally scenic parts of Scotland making it a popular holiday and short breaks destination. The area along with the Cairngorms National Park has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming small towns and villages including plenty of picturesque locations, a scenic coastline, famous lochs and glens and beautiful landscapes to enjoy. The Scottish Highlands includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks and gardens with attractions to enjoy for the entire family. Scottish Highlands’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
