The Best Visitor Attractions Around Loch Ness

Loch Ness

Of course, Loch Ness is a must-see when visiting the Scottish Highlands and is only a 30-minute drive southeast of Inverness city centre.

Loch Ness is well-served by organised tour operators due to its status as a major Scottish tourist destination. If you are interested in a day tour we recommend The Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour. A visit to Fort William, Linlithgow Palace, the country’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, and, of course, Loch Ness itself are among the highlights of this fantastic journey north. Once you arrive at the loch, you can take a boat and explore the lake from the water (transportation and tour guide included).

There are so many activities you can enjoy at Loch Ness, including Nessie spotting, nature watching, fishing, water sports and activities, walking, boat tours and much more.

If you’re looking for a place with a view of the iconic lake, keep an eye out for holiday cottages loch ness. There are a few beautiful properties situated on the lochs edge featuring private shorefronts, but you’ll need to book in advance, as these properties are high in demand.

Loch Ness Exhibition and Centre

Visit the Loch Ness Exhibition and Centre to discover more about the legendary beast that lives in the water. This entertaining attraction includes informative displays about the monster and its surroundings.

The centre is located in Drumnadrochit, a lovely little village where they host a variety of children’s activities and even offer day cruises across Loch Ness on their research skipping vessel. Their exhibition centre traces the monster’s history by delving into Scotland’s geological heritage, legend, and numerous study initiatives on the loch. It also displays some of the research’s findings, such as the environmental fingerprints left in the loch’s sediment layers by both nature and humans.

Inverness

Inverness is a quaint city full of interesting tourist attractions. Inverness Castle is an excellent place to start your trip. Here you can learn about the history of this site and explore the stunning gardens. Despite the fact that only the north tower of the castle is exposed to the public, this old sandstone structure provides an imposing, photo-worthy background overlooking the River Ness.

After exploring the castle, why not visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which features exhibits on the city’s rich cultural past as well as Highland history. The late-nineteenth-century Neo-Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral, which stands on the banks of the River Ness opposite Castle Hill, is also well worth a visit.

Abertarff House, Inverness’ oldest house, built in 1592 is a must-see, not top mention the Titanic Inverness Maritime Museum with it’s delightful attractions, nautical-themed displays and the world’s largest model of the Titanic.

The charming Inverness Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit. Finally, finish your Inverness walking tour with a little shopping or a drink at the charming old Victorian Market, an indoor shopping arcade erected in 1890.

Falls of Divach

Falls of Divach is a Scottish waterfall a short distance from Loch Ness. It’s the perfect place for a scenic walk and picnic. The 100ft waterfall connects to the River Coiltie, which flows through Lewiston hamlet, and into Urquhart Bay, halfway along Loch Ness’ northern side.

Allow around 30 minutes to walk down to the falls and return via a well-marked but unmarked earth path. Listen to birds chirping amid the great oaks in the spring, as this tranquil, relatively undisturbed area is a haven for wildlife.

If you’re interested in local nature walks this breath-taking location will stop you in your tracks.

Urqhuart Castle

Although Urqhuart Castle is now in ruins (it was the site of countless skirmishes between the English and Scots), it’s easy to imagine how magnificent it once was. The castle’s significance in Scotland’s rich history is thoroughly chronicled and shown in the visitor’s centre, which dates back to the 13th century. However, it is only when traversing the ruins that you gain a full feeling of its past importance.

Its impressive views of the Loch are a wonder to behold. You’ll also have access to the Great Tower’s dungeons, where some of the city’s most renowned (and infamous) inmates were formerly held captive.

On site is a charming little café with superb views over Loch Ness, a gift shop, and an excellent exhibition depicting the castle’s rich history. Due to the castle’s enormous popularity among tourists, admission tickets (as well as parking) must be ordered in advance through the castle’s official website (see link below).

The Falls of Foyers

The Falls of Foyers are a popular natural beauty area located on the south shore of Loch Ness in the little settlement of Foyers. A magnificent 140-foot drop into a valley that weaves its way through towering forests until it touches Loch Ness.

The trail leads through beautiful woodland, where you must keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrels, before descending steep stairs to the first of two overlooks. The surrounding rocks open up at the top viewpoint, giving you a breathtaking complete view of the falls all year.

If you want to walk any deeper into the gorge, you can follow the route all the way down to Loch Ness’s coastlines

The level of flow you’ll witness from the falls can alter from a moderate trickle to a spectacular strong surge overnight as the surrounding terrain changes with the seasons. Snow melt, rainfall, or even the sunnier summer months modify the level of flow you’ll see from the falls.

The steep climb back up the steps may be enjoyed gently, taking in all of the vistas, amazing trees, and nature, and before you know it, you’ll be back at the entryway, where you can choose which of the local cafés to reward yourself with a well-deserved cup of tea and cake!

On the main road, directly across from the waterfall walk, there is a parking lot. The falls are accessible year-round and are free to view.

Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre

Culloden, the final great battle fought on Scottish soil, took place on April 16, 1746, and settled the Stuarts’ — and Scotland’s — fate. The visitor centre at the historic site is a must-see, with first-hand accounts of the conflict, a 360-degree film that accurately depicts the day’s events, and spectacular rooftop views of the battlefield. The Scottish clans’ gravestones, as well as the six-meter-high Memorial Cairn built to commemorate the fight, are definitely worth viewing.

Two more important landmarks are Old Leanach Cottage and the Cumberland Stone, which commemorates the location where the Duke of Cumberland issued orders to his troops. The battlefield is dotted with memorials to the slain, including the Keppoch Stone, which marks the location where the Keppoch clan’s leader, Alastair MacDonell, was killed. Another honours the Irish Wild Geese (mercenaries fighting for the French monarchy alongside the Highlanders), while the “English Stone” honours soldiers who fought alongside Cumberland.

If you’re in Inverness, there’s a fantastic day-long tour that includes both Loch Ness and the Battlefield of Culloden. A very personal experience (only eight people are included), skilled tour services, and transportation are all highlights.

Join the popular Diana Gabledon’s Outlander Experience Tour to discover more about the battle’s history while also visiting a range of other gorgeous Highland film sites. These private full-day tours begin in Inverness and feature a dedicated professional guide who is knowledgeable about Scotland’s history (and the TV series), as well as famous tourist destinations including the battlefield and the Clava Cairns, as well as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. This excellent tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transportation.

Cawdor Castle and Gardens

Cawdor Castle, located 16 kilometres northeast of Culloden, is famed for being the location where Duncan was murdered in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Although not historically correct (Duncan was assassinated by Macbeth at the Battle of Elgin), it is a fascinating venue to see with its extensive Shakespearean library and antique furniture.

A 1370 hawthorn tree served as a sign to the first Thane to build a castle here, and the exquisite grounds of this fairy-tale garden, with its colourful flowerbeds, are well worth a visit today. The natural paths and nine-hole golf course are well worth exploring. For those who want to really take up the atmosphere of this mediaeval castle and estate, a small cottage on the grounds is available for rent.

Fort George

Nearby Fort George is also worth a visit for those travelling to Culloden. This gigantic artillery castle was constructed to hold the defeated Highlanders in check, and it served as a permanent symbol of England’s power over Scotland.

Fort George is also home to the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Museum as well as the original armoury and barracks. The visitor centre is especially worth visiting because it explains the fort’s significance. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the attraction’s website.

Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh

The highest hill in the vicinity is Meall Fuar Mhonaidh, whose circular shape can be seen for miles.

Its striking shape and location, at 699 metres, make it a local landmark. It’s an excellent hike for individuals who are used to hiking on difficult terrain. The views from the peak are, without a doubt, the best in the area on a clear day!

You can see all the way down Loch Ness, all the way to Ben Nevis and Fort William in the south and Inverness and the Moray Firth in the north.

To begin the walk, park in the free parking lot at the end of the Bunloit Road. Follow the sign to “Hill Path”; the hike to the summit and back takes around 3 hours. One word of caution: after heavy rain, the terrain becomes very muddy, therefore excellent hiking boots are recommended!

Distilleries in Scotland

Whisky aficionados have plenty of choice when it comes to staying in the loch ness area. Whether it’s enjoying a peaty dram in a warm pub or learning how Scotland’s famed drink is manufactured on a distillery tour, your spoiled for choice.

Glen Ord and Tomatin, both an hour’s drive from Loch Ness are the closest distilleries.

A two-hour trip will take you to Speyside, home to brands like The Macallan, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Glenfarclas, and Balvenie.

Elgin Cathedral

Elgin Cathedral is a mediaeval ruin located in Elgin, Moray, Scotland. The cathedral, consecrated to the Holy Trinity, was built in 1224 on land provided by King Alexander II west of Elgin and near the Lossie River.

This majestic ruin, which dates from the 13th century, is one of Scotland’s most remarkable mediaeval structures. It is Moray’s lone cathedral.

Alexander Stewart, the famed ‘Wolf of Badenoch,’ nearly destroyed it in 1390.

Spynie Palace, two miles north of town, is where the bishop lives. The views from the NW tower are spectacular.

The Cathedral is wheelchair and limited mobility accessible, with the exception of the towers and the Chapter House. The grass patches might get soft in damp weather.

The shop and display sections are wheelchair accessible, and the steward will conduct a tour if time allows.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct was erected between 1897 and 1901 on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. The Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel are seen from the viaduct, which is located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland.

Glenfinnan is located at the head of Loch Shiel, which spans south west for 20 miles to Acharacle, and is scattered along the major route.

Thousands of visitors come to Glenfinnan each year to take in the breathtaking scenery as well as the unique ambiance. The renowned Glenfinnan viaduct spans 1,000 feet and is 100 feet above the ground, carrying the railway to Glenfinnan Station. During the summer, the Jacobite steam train travels between here and Fort William and Mallaig, with regular trains operating the rest of the year.

The Hogwarts Express stopped in Glenfinnan during the filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!

This small-group tour from Inverness includes several stunning Scottish Highlands sights in one day, making it ideal for time-pressed travellers. Avoid the headache of renting a car and instead travel in comfort on a climate-controlled bus with a knowledgeable driver. Along the route, see Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, the ruins of Urquhart Castle, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and many more wonders.

Fort William

Where is Fort William, you might wonder? The town of Lochaber, in the West Highlands, is known as the UK’s Outdoor Capital and is a popular destination for weekend getaways and holidays in the Highlands.

There is lots to do at Fort William, from sandy beaches and stunning hills to classic film locations, castles, and distilleries. Take your time to discover Lochaber’s natural beauties, take in the pure mountain air, and marvel at some of the world’s most magnificent beaches. Climb Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, explore the wilds of Ardnamurchan and the West Highland Peninsulas, the cinematic landscapes of Glencoe, or take a stroll along the seaside along the Road to The Isles, with magnificent sunsets over the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Skye, and the Knoydart wilderness.

Ben Nevis

Munros and mist-shrouded hills abound in Scotland’s landscape…

Ben Nevis, though, reigns supreme. The iconic mountain in the north west Highlands, near Fort William and part of the Grampian Mountain group, attracts 125k walkers each year. Whether you’re a keen walker or simply like stunning scenery, climbing ‘the Ben’ is sure to be on the top of your Scottish bucket list.

Ben Nevis was formerly a big active volcano that exploded and fell inwards on itself millions of years ago, making it an ancient land giant. There is evidence of an explosion in the shape of light-colored granite at the summit. Because of its famous mist-shrouded top, the name can mean either’mountain with its head in the clouds’ or’venomous mountain’ — you can decide which translation you prefer after the climb!

Visit Walk Highlands for full maps, difficulty levels, and walking tips, or continue reading for an overview of walking paths up the mountain.

Remember that bagging a Scottish Munro or Corbett is never ‘simple.’ Before attempting any Scottish mountains, you’ll need a lot of hillwalking expertise, fitness, hillcraft, and map and compass navigation skills, especially in the winter. For safety tips, see the FAQs section below.

Final Thoughts

If you plan on visiting Loch Ness, there are endless activities and tourist attractions to keep you and your travel companions entertained. Whether you are planning to explore locally and enjoy a quiet break in the wilds of Scotland, or you have a grand Scottish adventure in mind, there are tonnes of fantastic tourist attractions and activities at your finger tips in the Loch Ness area.