Location Northern Highlands
Northern Highlands Lodges
The Northern Highlands in Scotland is a vast area of beautiful landscapes, rugged mountains, sandy beaches, castles, lochs and more! A stunning place to visit all year round, the Northern Highlights is the most remote part of the Scottish mainland – perfect for a peaceful break. With single-track roads, a wonderful coastline to explore along the North Coast 500, there is so much to explore and discover in the Northern Highlands. Whether you’re planning a walking holiday, relaxing break with loved ones or coastal retreat, this is a great location for your next getaway.
Northern Highlands Lodges
Best Things To Do In Northern Highlands
Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is a lovely sandy beach stretching over 2 miles with dunes and plenty of shelter providing a great place to sunbathe, paddle, swim and enjoy water sports. So, if you’re a surfer, this beach is a must-visit as it has some dramatic waves when the winds are high. There is a visitor centre where you can learn more about the area as well as the local wildlife including a variety of seabirds.
Dunnet Bay Distillery
For those over 18, a trip to the Dunnet Bay Distillery is a must! The small family-run distillery produces handcrafted Scottish spirits including rock rose gin and holy grass vodka as well as limited edition and seasonal flavours. The visitor experience provides visitors with a chance to learn more about the distillery and enjoy a tasting experience with samples of the delicious spirits.
Strathnaver Museum
Set on the North Coast of Scotland, the Strathnaver Museum is a fascinating place to visit when you’re in the Northern Highlands. In a rural setting surrounded by beautiful landscapes, this museum is in the heart of Mackay Country – an ancient Highland Scottish clan from the North of the Scottish Highlands. The museum is the only Clan Mackay centre in Scotland attracting visitors from around the world who want to learn more about the 8,000 years of history and culture from Norse and Gaelic ancestors.
Loch Eriboll
A wonderful setting in the Northern Highlands, Loch Eriboll is a 16km long sea loch set on the North Coast of Scotland. The loch has been used as a deep water anchorage and is the widest and longest. The name stands for ‘farm on the beach’ and has a unique feature, Ard Neackie, a large mound of land that links to the east shore of the loch. This is a rural setting that provides wonderful mountainous views in the heart of North West Sutherland.
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens is a beautiful castle and manor house in North Scotland. It is the most northerly great house in Scotland and the largest in the Northern Highlands with over 180 rooms! The castle was once home to the Earls, the Dukes of Sutherland and was used as a naval hospital during the First World War. On the east coast of the Northern Highlands, Dunrobin Castle offers spectacular views of Moray Firth and the surrounding countryside. The gardens provide a scenic place to explore with formal gardens, unique plants, trees and a falconry where you watch falconry displays throughout the summer months.
Smoo Cave
Explore a sea cave whilst you’re in the Northern Highlands at Smoo Cave. The cave is a large sea and fresh water cave in Durness, Sutherland. Set in limestone cliffs, Smoo Cave is a dramatic landscape providing great views and is a fascinating place to explore. You can visit the cave by boat or walking path from the car park. The cave is 50 feet high and one of the largest entrances to any British sea cave. There are floodlights inside so visitors can admire the wonderful cave landscapes and waterfall chamber.
Handa Island
Ideal for wildlife spotting, Handa Island offers dramatic cliff views with over 100,000 seabirds to watch. In the North of Scotland, Handa Island is a wonderful wildlife reserve that rises over 400 feet above sea levels. Visitors can enjoy views of Handa Island from the mainland or get closer by visiting via ferry where you can enjoy panoramic views and an array of wildlife to spot including whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds and the occasional orca or shark!
Timespan Museum
Timespan Museum is a fun and educational activity to do on your holiday in the Northern Highlands. The remote museum has a variety of displays and collections that tell the story of the local history featuring the fishing industry, the last wolf shot in Sutherland and a tapestry of local stories. The museum is a fantastic way to learn more about the local area.
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle that dates back to the 16th century. Standing on a promontory of land on the edge of Loch Assynt, this is a magnificent location with stunning views. Perfect for a scenic walk with all the family and pooch, Ardvreck Castle is a great place to visit and a great photo opportunity.
Ben Bhraggie
A rewarding challenge for walkers, Ben Bhraggie is a popular hill in Scotland that rises 397 meters above sea level. Dominating the skyline above the village of Golspie, this is a rewarding walk with great views at the top. On a clear day, you can see both coasts of Scotland! The walking circuit is around 6 miles in distance taking between 3.5 and 4.5 hours depending on experience. At the top of the hill stands the Sutherland monument known as ‘The Mannie’ and a fantastic photo opportunity.
Take a look at other luxury lodges nearby in Southern Highlands and Edinburgh and The Borders.
