Northern Highlands of Scotland

Attadale Gardens

Take time out to meander through twenty acres of beautiful, award-winning gardens, with breathtaking views of Skye and the surrounding hills.

Enjoy the natural beauty of mature trees, conifers and rhododendrons in this totally amazing setting. Includes Japanese , kitchen, fernery, sculpture and water gardens.

Opening times: Mon to Sat: 10am - 5.30pm - Admission Charge
Location: Strathcarron, Wester Ross, IV54 8YX - Tel: 01520722603 - Website

Assynt Visitor Center

Displays about the wildlife, history, geology and cultural heritage of Assynt. Information on walks and places of interest to visit in the North West Highlands. Base for the Highland Council Ranger Service.

Opening times: Easter to October, Mon to Sat from 10am (Also Sunday in May) - Admission Free
Location: - Main Street, Lochinver IV27 4LX - Tel: 01571 844194 - Website

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was set up to protect the ancient pinewood west of Kinlochewe and embraces 48 square km stretching from loch to mountain top.

Opening times: Easter to Oct: 10am - 5pm - Admission Free
Location: - SNH, Anancaun, Kinlochewe, Ross-shire, IV22 2PD, - Tel: 01445 760254 - Website

Caithness Horizons

A fascinating museum in Britain's most northerly mainland town, telling the story of mankind's past and present interaction with the environment of north Scotland, including archaeology, geology and natural history.

Opening times: All year: Mon - Sat, 10am - 6pm (Apr~Sep: Sun, 11am - 4pm) - Admission Free
Location: - Old Town Hall, High Street, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8AJ - Tel: 01847896508 - Website

Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum

Tells the story of one of Scotland's oldest clans from its Norse origins to present day. Family archives available.

Opening times: Jun~Sep: Mon - Sat, 11am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm - Admission Charge
Location: - Clan Gunn Heritage Trust, Latheron, KW4 6DG - Tel: 01593 741700

Clynelish Distillery

The distillery by the North Sea, where pure spring water from the hills produces liquid gold.

Opening times: All year: Mon - Fri, l0am - 5pm (also Sat Jun to Sep) - Admission Charge
Location: - Brora, Sutherland, KW9 6lR - Tel: 01408 623000 - Website

Dalmore Distillery

Award-winning malts distilled on the picturesque shores of the Cromarty Firth since 1839. Tours and tastings by appointment.

Opening times: Apr~Oct: Mon - Fri, 11am-5pm. Nov~Mar: Mon - Fri, 11am-3pm - Admission Charge
Location: - Alness, Ross-shire, IV17 0UT - Tel: 01349882362 - Website

Dingwall Museum

Highland town museum showing history of Dingwall, refurbished council chamber, outstanding military room, re-constructed kitchen and smiddy. Charming outdoor area and picnic tables. Special exhibitions throughout season.

Opening times: May to Sep: Mon - Fri, 10am - 4.30pm. Sat, 10am - 4pm - Admission Free
Location: - Town House, Dingwall, Ross-shire - Tel: 01349 865366 - Website

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Magnificent turreted castle on the east coast of the North Highlands, dating from 1400. Outstanding formal gardens.

Opening times: See website for opening times and admission prices.
Location: - Golspie, KW10 6SF - Tel: 01408 633177 - Website
Image Credit: Nick (CC0)

Gairloch Heritage Museum

See the history Gairloch come to life at this amazing museum. Changing exhibitions and events throughout the season.

Opening times: Apr to Oct: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm - Admission Charge
Location: - Achtercairn, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2BP - Tel: 01445 712 287 - Website

Glen Ord Distillery Visitor Centre

Closest distillery to Inverness. Have a dram of the Classic Highland Malt, brewed on the premises since 1838.

Opening times: see website for details - Admission Charge
Location: Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, IV6 7UJ - Tel: 01463 872004 - Website

Groam House Museum

Pictish centre with carved stones including the magnificent Rosemarkie cross-slab. Interpretive videos, activities, gift shop.

Opening times: Apr to Oct: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm - Admission Free
Location: - High Street, Rosemarkie, Ross-shire, IV10 8UF - Tel: 01381 620961 - Website

Highland Museum of Childhood

Telling the history and customs of childhood in the Highlands through photographs, displays and film. Childhood collections include toys, dolls, games and costume. Annual exhibitions and hands-on activities for all. Gift Shop and Coffee Shop.

Opening times: Apr to Oct: Mon to Sat, 10am - 5pm - Admission Charge
Location: - Old Station, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, IV14 9DH - Tel: 01997 421031

Historylinks Museum

Dornoch's history including: Vikings, Cathedral, feuding clans, clearances, witches, golf, railways, films and slide shows.

Opening times: all year: daily from 10am - Admission Charge
Location: - Meadows Road, Dornoch, Sutherland, IV25 3SF - Tel: 01862 811275 - Website

Inverewe Gardens

This renowned 50-acre garden, created in 1862, is an oasis of exotic plants from around the world, including Tasmania, New Zealand and the Himalayas. Also a haven for wildlife, with different species to see throughout the year.

Opening times: Apr to Oct, Daily, 10am - 4pm - Admission Charge
Location: - Poolewe, IV22 2lG - Tel: 0844 4932225 - Website

Loch Ewe Distillery

Loch Ewe Distillery is the smallest distillery in Scotland, reliving the romance of making Uisge Beatha in a cave/forest whilst hiding from the 'gauger' (tax man). Learn how to distill whisky using 18th century methods.

Opening times: all year: daily 10am - 4pm (closed Xmas)
Location: - Drumchork Estate, Aultbea, Wester Ross, IV22 2HU - Tel: 01445731242 - Website

Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey

The Queen Mother's Scottish home. Castle, gardens, shop and tearoom.

Opening times: daily (in season) 10.20am to 4.00pm - Admission Charge
Location: - The Castle of Mey, Caithness, KW14 8XH - Tel: 01847 851473 - Website

Timespan Museum

Timespan is a vibrant meeting place between past and future. Museum, garden, art gallery, archive and genealogy service.

Opening times: daily, 10am – 5pm (early closing in winter) - Admission Charge
Location: - Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale, Sutherland, KW8 6JX - Tel: 01431 821327 - Website

Ullapool Museum

All you want to know about lochbroom and more! Regular changing exhibits. Family fun, exhibitions, archives, events and shop.

Opening times: Apr to Oct: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm - Admission Charge
Location: - 7 & 8 West Argyle Street, Ullapool, Ross-shire IV26 21Y - Tel: 01854 612987 - Website

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