Visitor Attractions in Loch Ness and Glen Affric area

Urquhart Castle is probably the most visited attraction in the area. These extensive ruins were once one of Scotland's largest castles; today the beautifully situated remains of the castle enjoy tremendous views up and down Loch Ness. There is an interesting new visitor centre with audio visual presentation, cafe and all facilities.Photo ©William Brin reproduced under this licence.

Inverness Museum and Gallery reopened in early 2007 following a £1.3 million refurbishment. The new museum has superb displays detailing the story of the Highlands from the very beginning to the present day. The Art Gallery upstairs hosts touring exhibitions.

Unique cruise service sailing the length of Loch Ness. New for 2007; Hop on Hop off service at Urquhart Castle and also Inverfarigaig for beautiful forestry walks on South Loch Ness. The best and easiest way to see the whole of Loch Ness is with Loch Ness Express. Cruises between Dochgarroch, by Inverness and Fort Augustus; sailing the entire length of Loch Ness via the Caledonian Canal, Urquhart Castle, Inverfarigaig and Foyers (South Loch Ness).

Cromarty is one of the finest small towns in Scotland and the Courthouse museum has been described as the best place to begin to get a sense of the town. Meet the eccentric 17th century laird Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, who proposed a University of the Highlands as early as the 1650s. See a trial from the 1770s in the original courtroom, with life-like animated models with voices of local people. Understand the real history of the North of Scotland and the lives of its people. Explore the town with a personal digital audiotour. Use our extensive records to make your own discoveries in Highland History.

The Black Isle Brewing Co is a small intensely independent organic brewery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Our mission is to produce a range of top quality organic beers packaged in recycled materials. The barley and hops used are grown on organic farms, without artificial fertilisers or herbicides. We at Black Isle Brewery believe that our beer is the best for both you and the environment.

The Loch Ness exhibition was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It takes visitors through seven themed areas on a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. Whilst keeping the mystery centre stage, it is placed firmly into the context of a loch with rare & unusual properties: some still motivate expeditions while others can "create" monsters. Here are the results of that exploration, using the very latest multi-media system, original research equipment and authentic underwater films.

This is a wildlife trip with a difference! You may encounter osprey and red kites or if you are really lucky, seals and our famous bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth. Dolphin Trips Avoch run from April to October and operate up to six trips a day. Simply the best for local knowledge and satisfaction. See anything from ospreys and otters to seals, dolphins, porpoise, buzzards and peregrines in safety and comfort.

The ultimate wildlife watching adventure at the heart of the Moray Firth. Located at the heart of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, EcoVentures offers you a truly exhilarating and memorable boat trip experience.

For the finest way to see Loch Ness, nothing compares to a luxury cruise with Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness, Scotland. Enjoy the splendour of a bright summer's day. Thrill to the crisp exhilaration of a winter cruise, and when it’s a little too crisp! Enjoy it with a hot drink from the warmth of the centrally heated cabin. Whichever season you choose to visit, our Loch Ness cruises are a superb way to experience the magnificence of the loch and explore its stunning attractions, such as the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle.

The site of the last great battle fought on British soil in 1746, Culloden is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie's demoralised army was slaughtered by the government troops, led by 'Butcher Cumberland'. The site features a visitor centre with audio-visual displays and a Jacobite exhibition, as well as the battlefield itself and its memorials including the Well of the Dead. Photo ©Donald Bain reproduced under this licence.

Glen Ord distillery was established in 1838 and its single malt has been produced under various names down the years, in recent times being relaunched as simply 'Glen Ord'. The distillery has a visitor centre from where you can take a tour and a wee dram.
Photo ©David Greenhalgh reproduced undr this licence.

Clava Cairns is an impressive prehistoric site. It consists of a series of chambered burial cairns, some very well preserved, surrounded by stone circles and other remains. The cairns are set amongst fine woodland and are a wonderful spot to visit.

This is a spectacular example of a passage grave, which a huge mound of pebbles, collected from the river, stacked into a giant cairn, with a hollow chamber in the centre. The original roof of the burial chamber has collapsed, but the claustrophobic passageway leading to it is still intact, and can be crawled through for its length of seven metres.