The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Scottish Highlands: Places to See, Things to Do & Where to Stay

The Scottish Highlands are one of the most breathtaking regions in the UK, known for dramatic mountains, peaceful lochs, ancient castles and charming Highland villages. Whether you’re planning a relaxing escape, an outdoor adventure, or a scenic road trip, the Highlands offer unforgettable experiences in every season.

At Escape Cottages Scotland, we offer carefully selected self-catering holiday cottages across the Highlands and throughout Scotland, giving you the perfect base to explore this remarkable landscape. Here’s a small list of suggestions to help you plan your Highland trip. There is of course so many things to do and see in the area we couldn’t list them all, but we hope these ideas help

Best Places to Visit in the Scottish Highlands

Aviemore & the Cairngorms - Visit Our Aviemore Cottages Here

Located within the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, which is the UK’s largest park. Aviemore is one of the Highlands’ most popular destinations. Surrounded by ancient forests, sparkling lochs and towering mountains, it’s a paradise for walkers, hiking, skiing, cyclists, photography and wildlife lovers.

Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing on Loch Morlich or take a scenic walk or cycle around the Loch

Mountain adventures on Cairngorm Mountain like skiing or taking the funuctular up to the top

Wildlife spotting in the national park

Skiing and winter sports

Ice skating at Aviemore ice rink

Visit and enjoy a guided tour at the Cairngorm Reindeer which are the UK’s only free ranging herd

Take a ride on the Strathspey Railway ( as seen in the Traitors) which runs between Aviemore and Boat of Garten

The Landmark Forest Adventure Park provides a full day of family fun. Enjoy the Dinosaur exhibits, rope bridges, zip lines and butterfly house to name a few

The Highland Wildlife Park is around a 15 minute drive from Aviemore and is home to polar bears, Scottish Wildcats and many more animals

Fun fact - The Isle of Skye is a 3 hour drive from the Aviemore area

Fort William & Ben Nevis - Visit Our Lochaber Cottages Here

Often known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William sits at the foot of Scotland and Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis.

This area is perfect for outdoor adventures including:

Follow the mountain track also commonly known as the pony track to the summit of Ben Nevis, please check weather conditions before you set off and make sure you have the correct provisions for your hike

looking for shorter walks maybe with a picnic then the beautiful Glen Nevis will provide you with perfect photo opportunity’s and scenic views. Along with forest trails, waterfalls and little hidden spots for outdoor swimming. Glen Nevis is also home to the 120 meter high Steall Waterfall making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Scotland with its famous wire rope bridge crossing for the brave

The world famous Jacobite steam train featured many times in the Harry Potter movies is not to be missed. The train runs several times a day from April until October from Fort William to Mallaig and crosses over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct ( Hogwarts Express bridge)

If trains are not your thing you can still visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct which has a gift shop, cafe and visitor center, there is a charge for the car park. Across the road you can visit and climb the monument in honor of Bonnie Prince Charlie who sailed to that spot from France with hopes of Scottish Independence.

Loch Eilt is a remote and scenic loch which was Dumbledore’s grave in the Harry Potter films

The West Highland Museum, located in the town center of Fort William is a small but never the less most fascinating museum, here you can learn about the history of the Highlands and Jacobite’s. The town center is vibrant with cafes, pubs, shops, bakeries, cinema and views of Loch Linnhe

A visit to the longest staircase lock in Britain on the Caledonian Canal is a lovely walk or cycle providing you with great views of Ben Nevis (known locally as the Ben) watch the boats rise 20 meters over 8 connected canal locks

A quick but interesting visit is to the remains of the historic 17th century British fort of Old Fort of Fort William, whom the town was named after

Fun fact - Glencoe is a 25 minute drive from Fort William and is a must visit

Loch Ness & Inverness

The famous Loch Ness is one of the largest Loch’s in Scotland and the whole of Britain. It has the second deepest and second largest surface area stretches through the Great Glen and is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

Nearby Inverness offers a charming mix of Highland history, riverside walks and welcoming cafés.

Highlights include:

Explore one of Scotland’s most iconic castle ruins Urquhart Castle, which sits on the shores of Loch Ness. Climb the Grant Tower for panoramic loch views, learn about medieval Highland history and capture fantastic photos of Loch Ness

Cruise Loch Ness on a Nessie hunt with boat tours running from Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit, these boat tours offer great wildlife spotting opportunities. Pop into the Loch Ness Centre to see famous sightings of Nessie from the 1930’s, interactive exhibits and the science, legends and research behind Nessie

The Falls of Foyers is a spectacular 50 meter waterfall on the east side of Loch Ness with beautiful forest walks, dramatic gorge views and can be less crowded than other main spots

The newly renovated and just opened to the public in 2026 Inverness Castle, which sites above the river Ness offers fantastic views over Inverness City. Enjoy the gardens, many viewpoints and the informative information on the Highlands

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to visit with Highland archaeology and Pictish stones and artefacts

Its worth popping into the indoor 18th centaury Victorian market in Inverness center with its sweet cafes, craft shops and food stalls

Culloden Battlefield has a magnificent visitor center, cafe and of course a walk around the famous site of the final battle of the Jacobite rising

Top tip - Aviemore is a 1 hour drive from Inverness

Beautiful Highland Villages to Explore

The Highlands are filled with small villages that capture the true spirit of Scotland. Where the locals are welcoming and friendly and the food is fresh, local and divine. In these villages you can experience many different local whiskeys and craft beers

Staying in these small but magnificent Highland villages, gives you a real sense and experience of Highland living and of course the views and villages are just out of this world. All the villages below are fantastic locations to stay as they are quite but still within easy reach of all major attractions you might be planning on visiting

Kingussie is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park with the River Spey running past. Kingussie offers traditional Highland character and easy access to the Highland Wildlife Park, Ruthven Barracks a 18th century military ruins linked to the 1745 Jacobite Rising, hike up Creag Bheag as well as exploring local cafes, shops, restaurants and galleries. The butchers in Kingussie is a must visit especially for BBQ provisions

Newtonmore is a charming Highland village with a cosy feel. Where you can watch the traditional Highland sport of shinty at the Eilan, fish for salmon or take a walk along Scotland’s most famous river the river Spey. Visit the Wildcat Centre to learn about the Scottish Wildcats and the conservation to protect them, there is also a Wildcat walk around Newtonmore where you can spot 132 life size painted model cats. The open air Highland Folk Museum offers you the chance to step back in time and see how life was in the Highlands during the 17 hundreds up to the 1960’s, the nearby Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve which offers excellent wildlife spotting and hiking

Aberfeldy is a picturesque market town in Perthshire, located on the River Tay and known for its connections to literature. The Birks of Aberfeldy made famous by Robert Burns are perfect for walks and visiting the waterfall. Dewar’s Distillery has a great guided tour afterwards you can enjoy tasting the whisky. The Scottish Crannog Centre is a Iron Age reconstructed village offering hands on experience of history.

Fun fact - Aberfeldy is known as the gateway to the Highland’s through Perthshire - Visit Our Cottages in Aberfeldy Here

Nairn is a charming seaside town on the Moray Firth, famous for its long sandy beaches. Nairn beach offers a fun day for all from swimming to wildlife spotting to picnics, this long and sandy beach is an ideal relaxing day. Cawdor Castle and Gardens is a medieval castle with links to Macbeth with lovely woodland walks. Nairn Museum is a small local museum with lots of information about the history of Nairn, enjoy a boat tour along the Moray Firth or take a walk along to spot dolphins, seals and seabirds

These towns and villages really do offer a slower pace of life and easy access to beautiful landscapes.

Top tip - the pace of the Highlands is relaxed and slow, please bare this in mind when being served, interacting with people and driving. Nothing is done quickly in the Highlands and that’s how it remains charming and preserves a way of life from days gone by. Slow down, relax and live like a local!

Outdoor Adventures in the Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a paradise for outdoor adventures because of their dramatic landscapes, diverse terrain, and abundant wildlife. Towering mountains like Ben Nevis, deep glens, fast-flowing rivers, and shimmering lochs provide endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing. Ancient forests, coastal paths, and remote trails allow for wildlife spotting, including red deer, otters, and eagles. The combination of stunning scenery, fresh air, and quiet wilderness makes the Highlands ideal for both adrenaline-fueled activities and peaceful nature escapes, all within reach of charming Highland villages.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Highlands?

The Scottish Highlands are spectacular year-round, each season offering something unique:

Spring (March–May): Fresh greenery, blooming wildflowers, and migrating birds make it perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours and warmer weather are ideal for mountain climbs, loch cruises, and outdoor festivals.

Autumn (September–November): Rich golden and crimson landscapes create breathtaking scenery for walks, cycling, and photography.

Winter (December–February): Snow-capped peaks, crisp air, and fewer crowds make it great for skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy Highland lodges.

No matter when you visit, the Highlands offer stunning landscapes, outdoor adventure, and peaceful escapes, making every season worth experiencing.

Where to Stay in the Scottish Highlands

Escape Cottages Scotland offers a carefully curated collection of self-catering holiday cottages across the Highlands including in the towns and villages mentioned above and throughout Scotland. From cosy Highland retreats to family-friendly cottages, each property provides a comfortable base to explore Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.

Whether you’re visiting the Cairngorms, Perthshire or the wider Highlands, our cottages are perfectly located for unforgettable Scottish adventures.

Explore Our Highland Holiday Cottages

Discover handpicked self-catering cottages across the Cairngorms, Perthshire and the Scottish Highlands with Escape Cottages Scotland.

We hope to welcome you to one of our cottages soon

Take care

Julie and Frank Wilson