Cairns House

Cutting clean through Scotland’s Great Glen from Inverness to Fort William, the Caledonian Canal covers 60 miles in length and is one of the greatest waterways in the world. The most famous section of water that forms part of the Caledonian Canal is Loch Ness. Iconic and legendary, Loch Ness boasts waters that are internationally renowned both for its beauty and for its myths. For the finest way to see Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, enjoy a luxury cruise with Jacobite.

Culloden Battlefield is the scene of the last battle fought on British soil - a location famed for changing the way of life in the Highlands and Islands. Recently renovated, the new visitor and exhibition centre allows the historic story of Culloden to be told in an innovative way which appeals to all ages. Using interactive characters that witnessed or were involved in the battle and incorporating the latest historical and archaeological evidence, the visitor centre and exhibition tells the course of events through fresh eyes.

Fort George is a large 18th century fortress near Inverness with perhaps the mightiest artillery fortifications in Europe. Built on a barren spit of land jutting into the Moray Firth at Ardersier, the fortress has never been attacked, and has remained in continuous use as a garrison. Fort George still serves as army barracks and remains virtually unaltered. It is open to visitors with exhibits and recreations showing its use at different periods.

The Highlands of Scotland are blessed with an array of picturesque and romantic castles. Cawdor Castle is a superb fairy-tale Castle home of the Cawdor family to this day. It is located 15 miles outside of Inverness and has a magical name linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The atmospheric and historic ruins of Urquhart Castle overlook the water of Loch Ness, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most stunning Highland scenery. Home of the Clan Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is set in magnificent formal gardens 1 hour from Inverness and contains an outstanding collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and silver.

The Highlands of Scotland have a long and distinct cultural history, which is reflected in the work of the many artists based in the area. The region boasts a number of galleries exhibiting local and Scottish art.

Eden Court Theatre is a large theatre, cinema and arts venue situated in the centre of Inverness. The theatre has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and is now the largest combined arts centre in Scotland. With the reconstruction complete, the theatre now has two auditoriums, two cinemas and two performance/dance studios. The theatre's restaurant and bar facilities have also been totally overhauled and improved.

The Highlands of Scotland provide some of the best championship golf courses in the country, to suit every budget and all abilities. Nairn Dunbar is a formidable Championship links course, renowned for its openness and friendliness and for its technical challenge. Spey Valley Golf Course, located on the outskirts of Aviemore, opened during the spring of 2006 and is one of Scotland’s newest championship golfing venues. With the Cairngorm Mountains as a backdrop it is easy to see why the Spey Valley Golf course will prove to be a must play golfing venue. Royal Dornoch, located 45 miles north of Inverness, continues to be one of the most popular golf courses in Scotland. 

Located at the heart of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, EcoVentures offers an exhilarating and memorable boat trip experience, accompanied with the chance to catch a glimpse of the resident Bottlenose Dolphins. Experience the thrill aboard the high speed, offshore RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and share firsthand the unique scenery, wildlife and history of the area.

The Cairngorms National Park, with Aviemore at its heart, is the perfect place for adventure in every sense. This is one of Europe's most beautiful wild places. Here there is a multitude of outdoor activities for you to enjoy including clay pigeon shooting, white water rafting, ice climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, skiing, windsurfing and many, many more.

In addition to the outdoor activities, there are many attractions in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area catering for all ages and all weathers. If it’s hot, cold or wet you are sure to find something to do – options include the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Highland Folk Museum, the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway or Landmark Adventure Park.

Glen Affric is located west of Loch Ness, about 40 minutes from Inverness, and offers spectacular scenery and tranquility. The area is a Caledonian Forest Reserve, a National Scenic Area and a National Nature Reserve. Often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland, it contains one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland as well as lochs, moorlands, mountains and a variety of walking routes ranging from half a mile to 16 miles.

Read more about Highlands

Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Highlands

Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Oliver's Travels, where fabulous, characterful homes await in this rugged and enchanting slice of northern Scotland. Mist-shrouded mountains, deep-blue lochs and ancient castles are the name of the game. It is like stepping into a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons and more kilts!

First up on our Highland hit-list is Ben Nevis, standing at a whopping 1,345 metres. Climbers and hikers worldwide flock to its trails, ready to conquer the mountain and be rewarded with the most incredible views. If you are not up for an epic uphill battle, fear not! The Great Glen Way offers a more chilled stroll along the Caledonian Canal, connecting Fort William and Inverness. It is like a leisurely stroll through nature, with bonus canal vibes.

Now, who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Home to historic castles such as Urquhart Castle, this legendary spot invites you to channel your inner detective and search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie might be shy, but the views are anything but! You will enjoy ruins, mystery and just maybe, a friendly monster waving from the depths.

Inverness, the unofficial Highland capital, is where historic charm meets modern pizzazz. The River Ness weaves through the city, tickling the feet of Victorian buildings. It is a sophisticated dance of old and new. You can stroll along the riverbanks, explore Inverness Castle and soak up the local vibes at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Heading west is the hidden treasure of Plockton which boasts landscapes so picturesque, you will think you are in a watercolour painting. Whitewashed cottages add a touch of charm and the sheltered bay is the perfect spot for daydreaming. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or just bask in the coastal serenity. In Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal plays meet and greet with Loch Ness, boating and water-based antics abound. The locks of Fort Augustus are like a watery staircase, a fascinating engineering marvel that turns boat journeys into a spectacle.

The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore invites you to step back in time. This living history museum spills the secrets with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of age-old crafts. Another wonder, Eilean Donan Castle is a real-life fairytale fortress perched on a tiny island where three lochs have a meet-up. It is so postcard-perfect that even Hollywood could not resist its charm. History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts, this one is for you!

Of course, we cannot forget the whisky. The Highlands are the holy grail for whisky aficionados. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries open their doors for guided tours, where you will learn the magic behind crafting Scotch whisky. Sip, swirl and savour – it is a Highland happy hour!

Whether you are scaling castles, conquering peaks, fishing, boating or just lounging by a loch, the Scottish Highlands invites you to a land where nature and history come together in a brilliant way. It is a timeless tale that leaves you in awe. Step into the magic as adventure awaits!

Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide  – so read on and enjoy! 

Download our Scotland Travel Guide >>