This a lovely stop if you’re interested in history. A little group of preserved Croft houses chock full of interesting objects and stories, so not a standard museum experience, but in my opinion all the better for it! There is a lot of information on the display boards as other reviewers have mentioned, but you can still enjoy the museum without reading them all in detail if you’re not a “read the label” kind of person. I just chose the most interesting ones and read those 😊 It’s a treasure and so lovely to see the heritage of the island kept preserved and kept alive. The gift shop was great, with all the usual souvenirs, books and a few Skye-made options if you prefer your souvenirs local. There were also a couple of detailed information booklets available about some of the subjects covered by the museum. Staff lovely. There’s a toilet block in the car park. These were fine although a little dark. There is also a small cafe opposite which sells delicious pies and has a great selection of drinks. Also gives access to go see a couple highland coos.

Fascinating museum, well worth a visit. Original crofters cottage. Information about Skye's history, geology and lots more. As well the museum, there is a great little deli and takeaway, they do lovely hot pies and coffee. 😋

Fairly large carpark but gets busy so if you're in a motorhome get there early. Its a busy single track road with plenty of passing places so take your time. Full of history, well worth a visit

The Skye Museum of Island Life is a charming and authentic glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Scottish Highlands. Set in a cluster of restored thatched cottages, the museum tells the story of crofting communities from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each cottage is thoughtfully curated, showcasing period furniture, tools, clothing, and household items that bring the history of the islanders vividly to life. The location itself is breathtaking, with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and coastline, making the visit as much about the scenery as the heritage. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, adding personal anecdotes and local context to the exhibits. It’s a small museum, but it’s packed with fascinating details, and you can easily spend an hour or more exploring at a relaxed pace. Well worth the visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and the spirit of the Isle of Skye.

This well-preserved collection of crofter houses contains multiple exhibits featuring island life. Seven beautifully conserved houses contain technology related to weaving, blacksmithing, home keeping and more. The site also has a great coffee place with delicious cakes. Well worth a visit. 👍👍👍

A collection of low dwellings showing how the islanders used to live, situated on a long single track road to the north end of the island. Worth a visit, and you can easily spend a few hours walking around

Nice quiet place to learn how people before us lived. It shows that we could live with less. And the Highland Coos were an added benefit.

The Oyster Shed on the Isle of Skye is a delightful gem. During our week-long trip, we were eager to experience this charming eatery, and it did not disappoint. The ambiance is exactly what you'd expect from an oyster shed—rustic, very casual, and perfectly suited to its coastal setting. Ordering was straightforward, making the experience all the more enjoyable. The oysters themselves were outstanding; I’ve sampled oysters from some of the finest establishments, and I can confidently say that these rank among the best. It’s puzzling to read some negative reviews, as our experience was nothing short of excellent. We also indulged in the mussels, shrimp, and fries, all of which were generous portions and excellent value for money. The freshness of the seafood was evident. If you’re on Skye, a visit to The Oyster Shed is definitely worth it—don’t miss out on this fantastic unique Skye experience!

Got here around 12~ which was a great time to come because by 12:30 it was packed and there were lines out the door! There's a little sitting area that is beautiful but it's mostly takeaway style. Fresh seafood and a great great feed. Highly recommend if you're on the Isle to visit, it was so worth it. We got Oysters, baked oysters and softshell crab which were fantastic, they do whole lobsters for £20 as well! Parking is limited and its a small area so go early!

I had a few oysters and they were shucked in front of me, a wedge of lemon cut and offered to add sauces for me. They were the largest oysters I’ve seen and absolutely delicious! I also ordered a bottle of water and the guys were lovely. The soft crab wasn’t very nice (it was mostly oily batter) and I didn’t like the shoestring chips, preferring normal sized fries - so I gave the food a 3. 5 stars for the oysters though, but a 1 for the crab and chips. I ended up throwing them away.. I had no problem parking today as there were only a few of us. They provided utensils, serviettes, wet wipes and sauces for your meal in the dining shed and the view was lovely.

Really cute place. Mixed reviews from my group for the food. We missed any fresh shucked oysters which I’m sure are great. Half my group got the scampi which they really enjoyed. Half of my group got cooked oysters and did not enjoy them at all. If you want hot sauce, you need to buy a whole bottle. I liked their onion rings though. The parking lot is a little small so keep that in mind if you’re going during busy season.

This place cannot be rated high enough. Fantastic rustic setting. The food is great, with special mention of what must be the freshest oysters out there. Portions are great and prices are reasonable.

This seafood bar, nestled near the Talisker Distillery, is quite secluded uphill, as one would expect from a seafood establishment near the water. They offer both self-order and counter-order options. The food is reasonably priced, primarily consisting of fried dishes. However, the quality is average, good for a quick snack bite. Fresh oyster was sold out when we arrived.

These oysters are some of the best in the world so nice, especially if you add some hot sauce and lemon. We also had the salmon and you get wonderful views of the Scottish scenery. Highly recommend.

Ian was a great tour guide. He explained everything and answered all questions. It was very impressive to see the process and also to hear about the sustainable actions for the island. I do recommend the tour. Even if you don't drink - or if you have to drive they provide little bottles to take with you.

Nice distillery. We didn’t do the tour, just stopped by for a tasting. We were surprised at how expensive the whisky was compared to the same bottles sold in grocery stores and duty-free shops. I would have expected better deals on-site, or at least prices matching retail for the same products.

🏴 The oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye! 🥃 If you love whisky, this place is an absolute must-visit. 👨‍🏫 The tour guide was knowledgeable and gave a clear, detailed introduction to the whisky-making process, from start to finish. ✨ The atmosphere was authentic and full of history, making the whole experience very special. 🤔 Personally, since I don’t know much about whisky, I couldn’t fully appreciate all the details — but for whisky enthusiasts, it would be a real highlight of the trip!

Talisker was such an amazing visit. We did the tasting tour, and it was so great to see the difference in 3 different whiskies we tried in the tasting. We also tried one of their cocktails, which was phenomenal. Such a great visit, I would also recommend going to their restaurant Three Chimneys at Talisker, the seafood was delicious.

Fabulous setting and good parking, although good to have a designated driver. We did the 1 hour tour and it was ok, but the guide (mark) although friendly was not particularly knowledgeable. Did a tasting of 3 whisky which were good. The bar area is mainly bar stools and there is a shop with other whiskeys available. Need to book in advance.

The tour was done well and we liked it The distillery was well laid out like a giant lab for making whiskey and the tour guide was well informed and made funny jokes every now and then. The process of malting drying and fermentation was informative and final process was interesting with large casks of bubbly with fermenting alcohol as we peered thru the glass covers!!!! The tasting was fun and the we were allowed to take what we couldn't finish in little bottles provided for that purpose!

Tour of this famous distillery was one of the hallmarks of my visit on the Isle of Skye. It's a very pretty place with a great visitors centre. Tour guide Grant was definitely one of the best tour guides I've ever had a pleasure of meeting. All of the staff is really friendly. Great experience - I wholeheartedly recommend it, regardless if you're a whisky enthusiast or not. If you're not, you'll probably become one after visiting Talisker ;)

The hike to the breathtaking viewpoint at the top takes about 40 minutes. The first part of the trail is fairly steep and nothing special. Soon it levels out as you cross into grassland. It’s a bit of a climb but nothing too challenging. From the eastern edge of the grassland the views begin — and what views they are. Lucky with the beautiful and very sunny weather and the panorama was absolutely stunning. Wherever you look: nature, rocks, mountains, clouds, sea. What a magnificent farewell to the Highlands 2025 — it truly doesn’t get any better than this. An absolute must-see. Photos don’t capture the height, depth and vastness you experience up there. A truly stunning spot on the Isle of Skye.

Amazing hike. We went all the way around. Also went up to the needle off the trail. Not many people climb up there & for hrs we walked around & had the spot to ourselves.

Amazing hike! Incredible scenery and dramatic cliffs. Nice views of the island below. Proper shoes/boots necessary. Can be quite muddy and portions of the trail could be treacherous when wet. Recommend hiking poles if you have them. We did the counter clockwise circuit and enjoyed our choice-legs get a chance to warm up before hitting the heavy elevation. Single track road to get there, and parking fills up quickly. Was a nightmare getting out after our hike. Fabulous views and a highlight of Skye.

Incredible hike in an otherworldly green and lush landscape with dramatic pointy rocks. Lots of sheep coming close and spectacular views of the valley. Make sure to wear sturdy watertight footwear (the top part of the path is really muddy) and bring bug spray. There is a lot of midgets on parts of the lower path.

Beautiful hike on the Isle of Skye. Don't worry about rain or fog. It usually comes and goes pretty quickly. Just make sure you are dressed properly

An absolute must see, if you go to the isle of skye. The views are phenomenal and you are in pure nature just surrounded by sheep. Rather skip other attractions including the stor, but dont miss out your stop here.

Wow what a walk. The views are magnificent. I did the walk with my dog and we both loved it. Well signposted from the car park. We followed the trail left and went down then up. You can do either way, however I would recommend going left first as you start to get amazing views and stunning rock formations straight away, then come back over the top. The carpark can get full try to get there early. Wear good footwear , some of the trails get quite boggy. Enjoy.

This is a long walk from the car park. This would not be a good area for anyone with assisted walking devices. The path to the pools are long in distance. There is a steep hill to walk down and then back up. I saw older people having to stop and rest. I am 64 and didn’t have any issues. I am in good health and not overweight. I am not sure if I would recommend this stop to tourist. If you have seen waterfalls before then this is underwhelming. The land around is not as pretty as other areas. I did see people wearing bug netting over their heads. I found that this was not needed when we were there in the middle of August. When we were there the rest rooms were closed but it was after 5:00.

Stopped here while doing the NC 500 route. This place isnt on the route but 110% needs to be. Plenty of parking at the start charges £8 for cars, £10 for campers. There are toilets as well. The awesome walk can take about an hr to the top and is well worth the walk. The water is crystal clear, air so very refreshing and the views are amazing. 100% recommend this stop.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Magical Experience at the Fairy Pools – Best in Late October 🍂✨ Visiting the Fairy Pools in Scotland feels like stepping straight into a fantasy world. I went in the last week of October, and I honestly think this is one of the best times of year to visit. The day I visited was mostly blue skies during the walk—which made the water glisten in those famous turquoise tones—but toward the end the clouds rolled in and it started raining. And somehow, that shift made the experience even more magical. A rainbow stretched across the valley, creating a scene that felt like pure Highland enchantment. This time of year strikes the perfect balance: there's enough water flowing over the rocks and falls to give the pools their mythical look, something you may not get at the height of summer. Yet it’s still before the heavy winter stretch, when November to January can bring too much rain, snow, and low cloud, making the walk tougher and visibility limited. In late autumn, the mountains are draped in warm golden-brown tones, the air is crisp, and the light—when it breaks through—feels like something out of a movie. Even when the weather shifts, the beauty only evolves. Just bring good waterproof shoes and a jacket, take your time, and enjoy the drama of Scotland’s ever-changing sky. When the sun hits the water, you’ll understand why they’re called the Fairy Pools—and if you're as lucky as I was, the rainbow might just seal the magic. 🧚‍♂️💙🌿🌈 Tip: Don’t be afraid of mixed weather—here, it doesn’t ruin the experience… it enhances it.

Fairy Pools is a relatively easy nature walk with many water features like streams, waterfalls and pools on the Isle of Skye. The map always shows the road as "closed" but it's apparently always open and that's incorrect. It's easy enough to get to and once there, parking is simple since the lots are big but also costs £8. Once you cross the road out of the lot, you go down the hill and then up one into the mountains. On sunny days, it's fantastic and totally worth the trip. Even when it's raining, it's kind of cool, but you just need to make sure you're ok with potentially getting wet. Overall a solid place to go for a hike and see commaome cool stuff.

These pools are worth coming to for their beauty, folklore and for a wild swim. It was our first stop once on Skye and we were delighted with the sight of the pools, waterfalls and our wild swim, as we came on a beautiful day. The water was clear and clean. I know my brother and myself both felt at least 20 years younger following our swim. Old men must be kids, so bring your swimsuit! However, I must give you my words of caution, and that is to pack your patience as the pools are hit hard by tourists, and the single track road into the site does not handle the traffic volume midday during the shoulder season. I cannot imagine how bad the traffic is during the summer months. The pools are found at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, and can be reached by hiking a 2.4 km gravel path from the car park. Parking will cost £8 for the day, which you probably don’t need, but that is what you end up paying. There are public bathrooms at the car park. Just remember that your patience will be required when you drive out from the pools too.

One of our favorite hikes that we’ve ever done. A beautiful place! It looked magical with the fog. Although not technically difficult, the elevation change makes this more strenuous of a hike. Parking here can be terrible - make sure to come early!

I know the Trotternish Loop and Old Man of Storr etc get most of the attention on Isle of Skye, but the southern parts of the island are just as spectacular and worth an extra day to explore. We decided to head south before we even hit Portree, taking the one-lane road out to the Fairy Pools and following the west side up toward Dunvegan, and eventually our destination in Uig. As the pools was our first stop on the island, we were so happy to see plenty of parking (though it was crowded in July), with easy access to the trail head for the descent into the valley and eventual rise following the pools. The valley was full of wonderful photo spots, small creek views, and lower falls, along with the chocolate colored water (my son called root beer) and the hills in the background. The trail itself was easy enough, but there were plenty of options to explore, including in the river itself. We saw people cliff jumping, swimming, and wading, and we even followed in one area to scale the side of a waterfall simply by scrambling up the side of it! Eventually there were some wonderful areas with wider shallows for us to remove our shoes and wade into the clean cool water. It's hard to express the beauty in words, but the place was pretty unbelievable - I guess "fairy pools" is the best description, something familiar, but feels a bit surreal and fantastical when you're there.

One of the most beautiful hikes you can do. A must do on Skye. Not the easiest hike, and stairs are a plenty. Doable in running shoes, but hiking shoes are a good idea. Be warned that parking can be difficult if you show up later in the day - arrive early! Bathroom facilities available on site, but they were not good.

I recently did this hike with my dad and absolutely loved it, even though it was quite challenging. The trail is mostly an uphill climb with lots of steps, and it took us around 3 hours return with plenty of photo stops and breaks. It’s tough in places, but very doable if you pace yourself and rest when you need to. There are different routes you can take to reach the main viewpoint, from about halfway up, with some easier and some more difficult options. We went right around the back and did a little rock scrambling, which made it extra challenging but really fun. :) The views at the top were some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. We started in cloudy, misty weather and weren’t sure we’d see anything, but by the time we got up there it had cleared into a perfect day - absolutely breathtaking scenery. Practical stuff: there’s a small coffee shop and toilets at the bottom (but the toilets close around 5pm). Parking fills up quickly, though we found a spot just across the road at a similar price to the main car park. The path isn’t really accessible for wheelchairs, but there are still nice views from the base. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, snacks, and sunscreen, as there’s no shade along the way. Sturdy shoes are a must - the steps and rocks can be slippery when wet. Overall, a tough but rewarding hike that I’d highly recommend to anyone keen for a challenge with unforgettable views! :) :)

Beautiful place. Pretty scalable hike, when the indicated path isn't enough there is a path that runs further up to the actual summit and it gives you a beautiful sight over the atlantic and rugged skye cliffs. Prepare to get absolutely soaked during the end-of-year period though.

Came right after the storm Amy attacked the isle. We went through a beautiful dramatic highland scene. Constant strong wind, sleet, cold rain…The sun even showed up a few times in the afternoon. Every thing is perfect.

A must-see place on Skye! Great visitor centre with lovely staff. An accessible walk for non-hikers, but sturdy shoes are needed. There are lots of stone steps near the top, which are slippery when wet

Great hike but be warned; the carpark will be overflowing by 10 am and there could be quite a stream of tourists on the trails. Whether you take the blue or yellow trail the ascent and descent will take a couple of hours and be sure you have decent walking shoes. The views are spectacular and there are hiking circuits at the top if you have the time. It will be difficult to get the "classic" shots of the Storr in peak tourist time because of the number of people on the trails. But if my mid sixties legs can do it - so can you!

The most beautiful hike I've ever done. Not a very challenging hike but the views are breathtaking.

This small waterfall is a delightful spot that offers a peaceful retreat into nature. While modest in size, the gentle cascade and the surrounding greenery create a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal place to pause, enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water, and maybe snap a few lovely photos. Easily accessible and not crowded, it’s a hidden little treasure for nature lovers and anyone looking for a quiet moment outdoors. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re nearby!

Great place & stunning viewpoints This is a great place to stop and see the views from. It is a bit hard to see the falls in summer when the level of water is low. Other than that, it is a fantastic place, highly recommended!

The Kilt Rock and the waterfall in front of it look absolutely amazing — definitely worth a quick stop for some great photos and the stunning view! However, the parking situation is a bit ridiculous. You only stay for about 10 minutes to see everything, yet they still expect you to buy a parking ticket. Honestly, nobody there was doing it — and there were quite a few visitors around. Beautiful spot, but the parking fee idea is laughable. Still, a must-see viewpoint!

Give yourself a few minutes to stop at this terrific Viewpoint. It has a wonderful view of the waterfall and the ocean, as well as space to wander around the local landscape.

Decent carpark, easy to access and park with plenty of available spaces. £3 for 3 hours which is more than enough. No toilets or amenities but wow, what a beautiful waterfall

Ticked off my bucket list! Kilt Rock is one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks, and it’s definitely a must-see on the Isle of Skye.

A must see viewpoint. We stopped by when it was very rainy so only had a quick look. Did not pay for the parking as we only stayed for a few minutes.

We had an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish! The lady at the front desk was really friendly, and Jules who spoke about the history and nearby islands was very kind and knowledgeable. The scenery is beautiful and you’re even offer a hot drink or juice on the journey back. For £35 this was more than worth the money! Tip- Make sure you bring midge spray as we definitely underestimated them😅

The best experience we had on Skye. Wonderful service, super friendly staff, knowledgeable crew. We took the four hour Canna trip and saw an incredible amount of wildlife and birds including a very rare breaching Minke whale, stunning. We had perfect weather, but book no matter when you are here. Not to be missed. Be careful and considerate on the difficult single track road in though.

Absolutely fantastic boat trip out from Elgol to Canna and Rum! I’ve never seen so many dolphins in my life in one go!! Beautiful weather, beautiful scenery and a very knowledgable and kind skipper/guide!! Would totally recommend to anyone!! Thank you Bella Jane for a memorable day out!

We had a wonderful experience with this boat trip to the Isle of Canna. It was magical, partly thanks to our captain Johnny, who is really nice, funny, and has a great eye for the birds and other marine animals ! Merci beaucoup pour cette superbe excursion qui nous a bien dépaysé de Montpellier ! 🤍

Wow!! Awesome trip into the magnificent black cullin, super friendly informative guide who’s happy to chat to you and point out all the magnificent sites and the beautiful harbour seals that bathe on the nearby rocks. You get 90 minutes to take a walk to loch Coruisk and explore the awe inspiring location. This trip is a definite for anyone visiting the beautiful Isle of Skye ❤️

What an experience. Terrible weather but the captain ensured the best in the given circumstances. Took a lot of convincing from the owners to us. Was worth the trip. Chilled wind and drizzle !! Had some good sightings of Porpoise and Puffins and Seals. Highly recommended for all

Great service provided by the lovely folks over at Bella Jane boat trips! The boat took us over to an island and provided us with a pickup time back (which included a hot beverage). On the journey we were given information on the area and it's wildlife. They even took some group pictures of us!

We very much enjoyed our visit to the Armadale Museum, Castle, and Gardens earlier this month. The extensive botanical gardens are lovely and well kept. The castle is interesting even in its ruined state. The museum is exceptional and well worth a visit. Every aspect of our visit was very nice, down to the healthy and tasty food available via the onsite cafe. We were saddened to learn that the entire property has been sold, with expectations that the museum soon will be shuttered.

The museum here is considered to be the best in the highlands for good reason. The audio guide tour clarifies the oft-times confusing history of Scottish monarchs and clans. Well documented timeline and a plethora of artifacts and artwork guide the participant through 1500 years of former times. Beautiful gardens to boot. Kitchen at restaurant was very accommodating.

This is an exhibition with a lot of history and reading. If you don’t like to read or interested in history this might not be the place for you. The Armadale castle is ruins. You can walk around the grounds and look at the views. There are restrooms and a gift shop in the exhibition hall.

The ruined castle provides a romantic backdrop to these magnificent gardens on Skye. The woodland walks are particularly beautiful in spring when rhododendrons and azaleas create explosions of color. The museum excellently tells the story of the Highlands and Islands.

Beautiful place. Gardens stunning, museum fantastic. And we had our wedding there. Very memorable day indeed.

We came here after visiting Eilean Donan castle. Armadale Castle and the surrounding gardens + museum were much more peaceful with a lot less visitors than the previously mentioned castle. The museum had a lot of interesting information on the history of surrounding clans and Scotland/it's origins as a whole. The gardens were well kept and a relaxing walk through, with a large variety of plants and trees from around the world. The castle was in ruins but I knew this going in, still super lovely to admire it all. Coastal views as well made it very serene. Staff in museum and gift shop were friendly.

We visited the castle in August 2025, it's a shame that the castle itself isn't open to the public but aside from that the terrain was wonderful. The flowers, castle ruin, ponds and museum were all wonderful and plenty to fill an entire afternoon.

Stunning drive! Can see it being hard to drive around during the peak times due to motorhomes and narrow areas, but late Sept was gorgeous.

It's still stunning 50 years after I first went over the pass, in those days, the roadside was littered with empty beer cans, consumed by three workers building the rings on their way back from the Applecross Inn. These days, there's just tourists, campers and cyclists. How ties have changed!

What can I say that hasn't been said already? An absolute must see and do if possible on your trip. Incredible scenery all round. Try to take a few stops to take in the experience and don't blast through from one side to the other. Road is quite narrow in places so take care with oncoming traffic. There are several severe hairpins so avoid if a nervous driver. A bikers' dream road.

Amazing road! Obviously quite dangerous but it’s the most amazing views, loved every second of this journey and this road will always be a highlight if anyone gets the chance to travel this road they should! Cannot wait to plan this trip again and visit these amazing sites again! Feel very privileged to of travelled this road trip!

If you have a pre-millennium campervan and it is your pride and joy, why? Getting to Applecross is bad enough for your cherished vehicle, why push it to it's limit? It is bad for your vehicle, bad for the environment and locals have to use this road as a necessity, not a thrill. Obstructing locals commute is not pleasant. Go on a roller coaster to get a buzz. It will only affect you. Don't do it for doing it sake or because it is in your "bucket list". THINK

"Breath-taking views! Balach na Bà delivered an unforgettable stay amidst Scotland's stunning Highlands. Cozy, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring the area. Highly recommend!"

It's an amazing road, almost entirely single track with frequent passing places. It's very narrow at times, and with a very poor surface in places, and a few hairpin bends and very steep stretches. It's one of only two routes to Applecross, with the coast road also being largely single track with some exposed stretches (but nothing compared to the Pass of the Cattle). Signs at both ends rightly warn off learner drivers, and inexperienced drivers of (particularly larger) motor homes should stay away too. This road is not for the fainthearted; however, the coast road to Applecross via Shieldaig is also amazingly scenic, so the round trip in either direction is a must.

Absolutely amazing gardens & views over the Loch can't wait to go back again on next year's visit to Scotland. A bit disappointed with the house only a few downstairs rooms open to view. The staff were very well informed, helpful & friendly. The restaurant was very nice & able to take our two dogs inside with us. It was nice to be able to go round the gardens with the dogs as well. Joined the national trust while we were there aswell did the gardens one day & the house later in the week as dogs care not allowed in the house

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, told us where to go to see the sea otters - which we did manage to see! Plenty of car parking, large gift shop and two separate cafes provide lots of facilities. Toilets available at the visitor centre and at the main house. The garden itself is stunning, so many different species living alongside each other, seeing a Californian Giant Redwood in the flesh was a personal highlight! Couldn't recommend more, highly worth taking the time to visit!

We visited Inverewe Garden at the end of October and found it pleasantly quiet when we arrived around 3:30 p.m. Admission for two was £30. As the weather was already turning colder, many of the plants had withered, so it’s likely best to visit during the summer months to see the garden in full bloom. The garden itself is relatively compact — it takes about an hour to explore most of the grounds. There is a large car park located in front of the entrance, and parking was free during our visit.

Cheap parking, dog friendly (just had to be kept on already). Quiet (it was November). Coffee shop was open, and coffee was acceptable, but not inspiring. The map was pretty to look at but didn't really help the navigation. There was plenty of interesting plants, some still flowering well, to inspire. No funicular railway or cable car. The weather was mild and bright which was a bonus. No childrens play area. The gardens were really well maintained. Alice's walk was the highlight, excellent planting.

What a stunning place. We had one of the best days here, full of stunning plants, wonderful walk. not to busy and weather was stunning! There is a plenty to see, lots to look at and really well maintained, lots and lots of plants that are only here, you will see plants that you have never seen before. Absolutely stunning. What a place!

We went in September and there was lots of colour in the gardens. Had a lovely walk through the trees and really enjoyed our visit. The lady on reception was very friendly and helpful. The cafe and toilet area was also excellent.

Walked from the nearby campsite in the aftermath of Amy. Evidently it is in the tropics with the palms and the ensuing storm. Cafe was just what was needed for a warming drink and cake. Helpful staff. Recommended

Amazing place to kayak but check forecast as it can get rough when the wind picks up. Visited here several times and never get board

Beautiful loch to be able to explore by canoe / Kyak. The Loch is very deceptive in terms of wind and water movement. Drifting between some of the islands can be very choppy and unnerving. Wind direction and weather can change in minutes so be prepared. As long as you prepare you will enjoy thoroughly! We camped on the opposite bank to the picnic carpark and were greeted with beautiful gravel beaches, rocky out crops and stunning scenery. There is a code of conduct for loch Maree and that is no camping on the islands ( they were very boggy anyway ) no staying on an island for more than 30 mins. Still plenty to explore and absorb.

Wow! what more is there to say. Definatley a must see, lovely little village

Location: Wester Ross in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. Size & shape: About 20 km (≈12 miles) long and up to ~3-4 km wide in places. Islands: The loch has 60-odd islands and islets. Some larger ones are wooded and contain lochans (small lakes) of their own. Depth: Max depth is ~112 metres. Special status: Part of Loch Maree Complex SAC (Special Area of Conservation), also jointly managed with Beinn Eighe as a National Nature Reserve. --- Natural & Wildlife Highlights Woodland & ancient pine forest: The islands preserve remnants of the original Caledonian Pinewood. Much of the native woodland around the islands is little disturbed. Flora & lower plants: Rich in mosses, liverworts; various rare ferns. Scree slopes and wet areas hold delicate plant communities. Birdlife: Loch Maree is famous for being one of the most important breeding sites in Britain for the Black-throated Diver. Also likely sightings of woodland birds (crossbills, siskins), possibly raptors etc. Fish: There is a genetically distinct population of Arctic char. --- Things to Do / Attractions Walking / hiking: Several waymarked trails in the Beinn Eighe & Loch Maree Islands NNR. From the Beinn Eighe visitor centre, or Coille na Glas-Leitir, you can do woodland walks, ridge views, etc. Island exploring / boating / canoeing: Paddle or boat out to some of the islands. There are guided canoe trips and tours that let you explore the islands and remote shores. Scenic drives / viewpoints: The A832 runs along the southern shore, offering multiple stopping points with great views. Victoria Falls: A waterfall on the southern side of the loch (on Abhainn Garbhaig) within Slattadale Forest is a nice walk and photo opportunity. --- Practical Info & Tips Access: Best approached via the village of Kinlochewe. The A832 road is main access along the south shore. Best time to visit: Late spring through summer gives better weather, longer daylight, more wildlife activity. Early mornings/evenings are often good for calm loch waters & reflections. Facilities: Visitor centre at Beinn Eighe. Some car parks (e.g. Coille na Glas-Leitir). But islands are more wild — less infrastructure. Wild camping: Possible, but follow “leave no trace” principles; on islands you’ll need to plan for water, shelter, weather. Weather: Highland weather is variable — even in summer can be wet, windy, chilly. Layers + waterproofs + good footwear are essential.

This was one of the most memorable Lochs we canoed on during our trip to Scotland. Beautiful place, with plenty of islands to explore and amazing scenery - historic Isle Maree in particular. Isle Maree is just off the North East tip of Eilean Subhainn and can be seen as a small triangular Isle on the map (now named as "Eilean Maolruibhe (Isle Maree)" on Google Maps). There's plenty written about the Isle, including a Viking Prince, Chapel remains, Saint Máel Ruba, a Druids stone circle, a Holy Well and the Wish Tree. We set off with kind permission for parking, from Hotel Maree - (a great location for a meal or stay) and headed off towards the South West shoreline of Eilean Subhainn. After stopping for a picnic on the shore, we paddled around the many inlets, then on through the passageway between Garbh Eilean & Eilean Subhainn before heading East on open water towards Isle Maree. Some pretty choppy water on this side, so take care if you're out canoeing / kayaking. On arriving at a sheltered beach in a natural harbour, we walked around and found the Wish Tree and Viking graves, leaving a small contribution on the wish tree. Very atmospheric place and worth the trip out (~ 5.5 mile round trip from the hotel put-in). See below images for route. There's Loch Maree Picnic site at Slattadale about 5 minutes drive further West as an alternative launch spot with plenty of parking alongside the shoreline. A little further away from these Islands but still accessible and closer to Eilean Ruairidh Mòr from there. UPDATE 2021: We revisited Loch Maree again, but this time headed out from Slattadale picnic site. An excellent place to set off from for the Western Islands. We dropped in on Eilean Ruairidh Mòr first, with it's twin sandy bays either side of a promontory (on the South East shore) and beautiful views over to the mountains (see videos). Further on we paddled between Eilean Subhainn and Garbh Eilean in the opposite direction from our first visit. Plenty of scenery and inlets to explore all around here. See below images for route.

Lovely place in all aspects!! Absolutely beautiful, although we chose a (not so warm) autumn day to visit. The views of Slioch are breathtaking!!There is also a lovely hill right at the back of the Loch with a clear and relatively easy hiking path, which is ideal for all levels of hikers. Really worth visiting!!

A beautiful Loch with plenty opportunities to stop and take some great scenic photographs. Well worth the trip up to see this and the sorrounding area

Lovely castle ruins, seen from a distance as we didn’t fancy paying for the carpark or tour. Worth a stop as it’s quite an impressive sight.

So so so beautiful! It’s really majestic. We didn’t get to enter the castle because there was a wedding happening.

Last visited 12 years ago. Boy has it changed! It's now so much busier, but has much better facilities - cafe, shop etc. I would recommend getting there early to maximise your chances of getting round the castle unhurried and able to view everything. When it's packed with visitors it's impossible to see a lot of the artefacts. It's definitely worth getting the audio guide for £3.

NO PHOTOS ALLOWED INSIDE! After visiting this castle, I honestly felt like I had been completely ripped off. You have to pay for parking, pay to enter the grounds, and then pay again to go inside the castle itself. We also bought the audio guide. The most important thing: photography and video are strictly forbidden inside the castle. This is why you won't see photos of the rooms in reviews, even though you can find information about tickets to the museum interior. My advice: take photos from the car park and leave. There is nothing worth doing beyond that. You won't get any magnificent shots from the castle courtyard, either. I visit museums for self-education. I usually bring my sketchbook and pencils to draw things or take photo notes for later. Here, you cannot bring a backpack and photography is banned. It took us only one hour—including buying tickets, using the restroom, and fully touring the castle with the audio guide—that's how small it is. The audio guide has only nine tracks. I noticed QR codes in some rooms, but I don't understand why this information wasn't simply voiced on the guide. Why should I download yet another app when I've already paid for something that is supposed to give me access to the information? The exhibition itself is not just bad; it’s absurd. You walk into a room where there are modern coloured photos of the royal family standing on a chest of drawers, right next to 18th-century dresses... because, well, I guess there was space. Logic? None. They had a medieval castle model but placed it in a dark corner where it’s impossible to see, so everyone just walks right past it. If I had known this beforehand, I never would have paid for the ticket. It is simply not worth the money they charge for entry.

A trap designed to squeeze as much money as possible out of tourists. You pay to park, you pay if you want to see the outside, you pay to go inside. YOU CANNOT TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE THE CASTLE. The parking staff are very aggressive and constantly pressure you to pay.

Beautiful location and we had talks from guide on each floor to explain the past and present (1900s) story of the castle.

Very nice castle if you are on the way to Skye. A bit busy and the carpark also crowded. Number of people now just about right but it should not get more busy. Walking through the Castle itself is challinging because of the small steps combined with loads if visitors. A nice display from the McRea family and history of the castle. Makes it worth visiting. If you have the possibility for a night drive by do it. It looks magical.

really great staff, plenty of parking available and an easy walk to the viewpoint of the bridge. I wouldn't recommend paying for the actual jacobite steam train, though, because it's very expensive, dated and not well maintained.

The Glenfinnan Visitor Centre is excellent with a nice shopping area and very clean facilities. I was surprised to learn the building is quite new and it shows in the quality. I had no trouble finding a parking spot although I arrived about an hour early which might help. There are two paths to the viewpoint, one goes straight to the viaduct and is definitely the better option while the other is less impressive. Overall a great stop that makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Allows at least 1-2 hours in advance, in order to find a parking. Don’t park on the street, otherwise you will receive ticket. This visitor center provides toilets inside the shop which is pretty good.

Beautiful experience watching the Jacobite train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct! But just a small note —Today, the afternoon return train that was scheduled to pass around 3:30 pm arrived earlier at 3:13 pm. So, it’s best to come at least 20 minutes early to avoid missing it.

Very friendly staff. Good,small exhibition. Great little shop and cafe. Viaduct and monument definitely worth a visit.

Car park gets very busy if you're coming to see the jacobite train pass the viaduct. Get there early! There were like 200 people on a very rainy Thursday in September watching the trian. I alcan only imagine how many come at high season in August.

This attraction is free to enter, but car parking is £4. Very interesting center, with a bit of everything from geology to history to natural sciences. I especially enjoyed the tour. The center is dog-friendly, and a staff member gave my dogs treats. The only downside was it took ages to get served in the cafe.

We arrived at 9:30 am for the 10:45 train, but both car parks were already full. We ended up parking at a nearby hotel, about a 5-minute walk away. Still, the old-fashioned train reminiscent of Harry Potter was well worth the effort.

Wow what an absolutely beautiful spot this is. The viaduct is about a 10 minute walk from the car park. There is a main spot to get pictures from which gets busy but it's worth looking round for less packed spots to catch the magical train going past with all the bells and whistles going off and the steam. Across the road is a monument you can pay £5 to fo to the top off which gives you some fantastic views. The stairs are a little tight and there is basically a trap door to get up to the top but the guide at the start gives you a full brief and was full of great information.

Wonderful experience. If you are fan of harry potter you can’t Miss this place. The train pass two times per days. Form the parking, you have to walk circa fiftheen minutes in order to reach the place. The trail is not easy

Every time we are close to Fort William, Inverness, Glencoe, or anywhere West Scotland in that matter, we go for a walk around Glenfinnan Viaduct, monument, and the lake. Rain or shine, we go there. It's just breathtaking. If we get to see Hogwarts Express, bonus points.

I'm a middle-aged woman, but this place still made me SUPER excited for the Harry Potter train! Many people arrive an hour early to get the best spot for photos before the train passes and it’s sooooo worth it. Choo~ choo~ The moment the Jacobite steam train appears with that iconic sound, everyone gasps with excitement and anticipation. If you come to Scotland, make time for this. Seriously!

A one of its kind experience. Must visit place among Highlands of Scotland. Following the craze of the Harry Potter movie and witnessing the steam engine train pass that bridge, was a breathtaking moment. The place itself is mesmerizing. The beautifully crafted bridge between two sides of mountains, and the greenery, fresh Breeze and the lake, Beauty at its Max! Ample parking space for visiting this place. Cafe and eatery available near parking.

If you are a great Harry porter series fan, and you love to explore the paces where the senses were captured, than I would recommend you to explore the place. You will love it. If you want to capture the scene with Train, than you should arrive there at 2:30 pm or 11:30am. As the train times are 3pm and 12pm, it get delayed sometimes bcz of weather conditions, but runs regularly on weekdays. I hope you enjoy it.

Went up at night to camp at the lake and on the way up i kept hearing the voices of a young couple, sometimes behind me and sometimes in front but no a person in sight. On one occasion i heard what was a combination of the couple talking and torches heading down the hill but again there was no one there. I made it up to the lake and pitched my 'coffin tent' and had a quick brew. The clouds parted and the moon came out which of course caused temperatures to plummet, so it was a bit chilly. Woke up at a decent time l, packed up and headed up to the summit. A tough climb and hard on the legs. The views were superb but the top was blanketed in cloud and a bit cold. The climb down was rewarding as i passed pained faces heading up. The weather was decent but rain became persistent. Top tips, be ready for changes in the weather, have the right kit especially sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water and snacks. It does become mind over body if you are not particularly fit, so be prepared! Most of all have fun and be safe, always check the weather before you start.

Ben Nevis is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. The natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring — from the lush green valleys and rugged slopes to the panoramic views from the summit, every step is worth it. On a clear day, the views are simply spectacular, stretching for miles in every direction. The most popular route, the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Path), is well-maintained and accessible to most fit walkers, even those without mountaineering experience. That said, it's still a challenging climb, so proper gear and preparation are essential. There’s also parking and facilities at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, which makes starting your hike straightforward. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just someone looking to witness Scotland’s natural grandeur, Ben Nevis delivers an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before heading up — it can change quickly!

A beautiful mountain with great views of the Scottish Highlands. We hiked at the start of November so the weather was quite windy, wet and there was snow at the peak. It was a little tough towards the top with lots of rubble and snow with freezing temperatures.

Climbed Ben Nevis on the 15th of October after keeping an eye on the Ben Nevis weather report on the days leading up showing a high pressure climate over the area. The walk itself isn’t tough but due to the length of the hike, it can be tiring. From the foot of Ben Nevis it looked as though it was going to be a long, wet walk but just over two thirds of the way up - the clouds that I’d walked through for 200 metres were parting and opening up to magnificent views across the region. For miles you could see, a sea of white clouds and all that was in view were the summits of other Bens in the distance for miles and miles in each direction. I’d always recommend checking the weather forecast for the Ben Nevis summit before heading out and bringing lots of liquids and a packed lunch aswell as dressing to the weather conditions.

Beautiful and refreshing experience. It was an arctic atmosphere up there at this time of the year up the summit and very challenging hike up there but very enjoyable and fun trip from bottom to top. One of the best routes and all round good scenery. Loved my time of stay over the weekend

Absolutely amazing mountain to hike went in April was amazing hike planning and coordination needed to get through the snow well worth it for a first timer you should only go in summer conditions or don’t go to the top as it’s extremely hard to navigate. Luckily for me I met four amazing guys with the knowledge and experience of the mountain and helped and guided me to the top. Wellies are not the boots to wear 🤣

From to start to finish Ben Nevis offers some incredible views. It's definitely not the easy and a much harder climb then Scafell and Snowdon so be prepared, the views are worth it though. I would recommend parking at the Glen Nevis visitor center, makes the start straight forward.

Most of routes we rode are decent quality. Limited availability for bikes on the gondola, so check before you go. Great service in the café/bar. Loads of parking only £5 per day, or £15 overnight. Biggest gripe is the poor quality of trail maps and terrible signposting on/off trails, especially where the logging has trashed tracks/paths. Had an argument with a very racist Scotsman who insisted that it was a free country; he had a right to roam wherever he wanted and as he lived locally, we should go home. Fortunately, as he was walking on a slower, uphill section of route (Adder Climb), no one was hurt, but feel unless routes are clearer, serious injury could occur.

Came for a day out with the family. Views from the top are spectacular you can see for miles on a good day. Great day out for all the family. Various walks to do and the cafe to visit for snacks. We enjoyed our picnic before heading up on the gondola.

Simply one of the best mountainbiking locations in the UK. Outstanding trails await, and for the visitor aside from easy accessible parking there's a recently redesigned visitor centre with excellent retailers and a bike shop where you can hire bikes also of course. There are trails to suit all skill levels and plan to spend most of a day here as it's a whole day kind of place. Superb cafe on site also. For any bikers this is an essential place to experience.

Cafe near parking at first glance looked great, aesthetic decor etc - but couldn’t believe we were given paper plates and cups. They responded to a similar review saying that it was due to efficiency during busy periods - there was only 3 other tables being occupied during my visit. I don’t know any other cafe that does this during their busy periods… It makes a huge difference having proper crockery for a sit-down cafe meal - both for the experience and, of course, for the environment. All the more important when you’re paying sit-down meal prices. Unfortunately the food didn’t make up for it either. The coffee was burnt and bitter so I couldn’t finish. I ordered one of the sandwiches. The bread was stale and the ham had gone hard - clearly having sat out too long. I would have ordered the hot food, it looked nice, but it was just quite expensive for the portion sizes - and didn’t like the idea of eating a liquidy stew on a paper plate. As I mentioned, the decor is nice, with clean tables and nice staff, so it was just a bit disappointing.

Really beautiful place to visit. Dog friendly too. Family ticket for gondolas were £65 and ride up and down as much as you like. The two walks to the viewpoints offer amazing views. Knocked off one star for the price of food and drink, totally understand it’s a tourist attraction etc but £2.35 for a can is very steep! Very friendly and helpful staff, cafe at the top has amazing views.

I bought tickets online, saving the need to queue (check online for days that it is open). Temperature was taken before boarding the gondola (although I wasn't convinced it was accurate as it was uncharacteristically quite low). The gondola was nice and slow moving when I got on, which saved me panicking. We didn't share with anyone else, so it felt covid safe. The ride up was incredible! Breakfast in a box was very hearty, but you could only sit outside in the freezing cold to eat it! It gave us an opportunity to enjoy the views. We headed right for a lovely walk which was fairly easy. I was grateful I had sturdy walking boots on, because it is gravelly/rocky. The view at the top is tremendous! The flora and fauna is brilliant! Loved it!

The gondolas were closed for the day at our arrival time (because of strong winds), while the website said it was open at our departure time this morning. I understand weather can change and that shit happens, but to have paid 6£ for 20 minutes of parking is outrageous !

Took the Loch Ness cruise in mid March this year and what an adventure! Fair warning: it was absolutely freezing, and the downstairs cabin filled up fast, leaving us braving the elements on the upper deck. Pro tip: arrive early if you want any chance of staying warm indoors! Even wearing the same gear that kept me comfortable in Iceland, I was still shivering. As for Nessie sightings? Well, let's just say only the truly dedicated (or slightly mad) tourists like us were out there in those conditions - and apparently, the monster has more sense than we do! She was probably tucked away somewhere warm and cozy. The boat had “sonar” screens and a great guide! Despite the arctic conditions, the scenery was stunning and the experience memorable. Just come prepared for Scottish weather, no matter what the forecast says! Pro tip #2: Scottish whisky really helps keep one warm!!!! 🥃 full bar on board!

A wonderful experience, if you come all the way to this place, you must take the trip around the lake (loch). The crew was fun, the ride was smooth, Nessie was shy that particular day, maybe next time she will show up. Something to remember.

Very nice cruise and at a very fair price, considering the tourism of the area. We went on a whim and were glad we did. Our guide was funny and informative. Our captain took us close to the cliffs. Overall, highly recommended.

First off, it’s super pet-friendly! The cruise had cosy indoor spaces and a lovely outdoor area on top where you can soak up the wind and the loch’s vibe. Everyone on the tour was super friendly and full of knowledge. I learned a ton about the latest Loch Ness monster research, and even got a little whisky class that I absolutely loved!

Loch Ness is a place of stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the calm and charm of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you're there for the legendary stories or just to take in the scenery, the loch has a quiet, magical atmosphere that’s hard to forget. A beautiful destination well worth the visit.

We visited today 16/07/2025 and it was certainly worth its money for 2 hour trip. Peter the tour guide was brilliant and kept all the passengers entertained and ensuring he spoke to each one. He is definitely an asset to Jacobite!!! Peter and hubby spotted Nessie 🤣🤣 Currently staying in Loch Ness Lodges, wow these lodges are beautiful and relaxing...visiting from Peterborough and Derby

an unforgettable experience, we had good weather and I took many pictures, but the best thing is that you have to come here and experience it for yourself !! I didn't see the monster, I think it was his day off, but we'll definitely see him next time 😀 Cheers

This is a spectacular waterfall, easily accessed via a 10 minute walk from the car park down to the bridge. There are 2 circular walks here, but the coloured signs get confusing and we just came back the way we went in. Note - if you cross the bridge and keep going, you you’ll end up miles away in a different car park. Small fee for parking, which is,li,tied, but runs over constantly. Well worth the half hour stop on the way to or from Ullapool.

Great place to visit with a nice walk through the forest to a suspension bridge and views of the waterfall. Even more special if the salmon are leaping. Unless the salmon are about, it's unlikely that you would spend more than an hour here, so it is a bit disappointing that the car park charges start at a minimum of 2 hours at £2. At least there is a toilet here though

Great walk to the falls. There is a lovely circular through the Forrest that takes you up the side of the river to the falls. Car park was reasonably priced with a small area to picnic. Public toilets are available.

Nice dramatic falls with good well signed walks. Worthwhile visiting in autumn as the colours on the trees in the valley are great and the flow in the falls can be more spectacular. Parking is now paid for, so minimum fee of £2 but contactless payment is available at the machine. Toilets were closed as they are only open until the end of October

We’ve never ever seen a waterfall before so we knew we had to come and visit whilst up in the Scottish Highlands. We did the Salmon Trail which was the easier of the two. It was about a 7-8 min walk down to the falls, which was entirely downhill. The bridge was stunning! Be warned, if you have vertigo or are unstable on your feet, the bridge is very rickety and moves a lot at either end when people are walking on it. The middle section is the most stable if you want to stand and take photos. Walking back, there are very steep inclines, but there are multiple benches to stop and sit on if you need to. The car park is not huge, so there’s a possibility of not being able to park upon arrival. We arrived at about 3:00pm, and got lucky to grab a space as someone left. ABSOLUTELY worth a visit!

A short and easy walking trail. Lovely walk. Came here to see if there were salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Sadly, not when I came.

Pay car park £3 for 3 hours accept card , plenty of car space's. There are a few signs to explain the area ,well maintained foot paths. There is a viewing point to the waterfall, and also a bridge

Absolutely loved it. Booked a few days before, and managed to get the tour at 10am followed by the boat trip at 12pm. The tour is great, it explains a lot and shows you the history of Loch Ness. There is a cafe and a few souvenir shops around that have all sorts of things in to choose from. The boat trip starts with a short mini bus ride down the hill to the jetty where you are welcomed by Skipper Steve, taken in to the boat and off you go. Theres lots of photo opportunities to be had, and we were lucky enough to go on a beautiful day with blue skies, calm water and the sun out too. All I can say is go - it's worth the money all day long.

Really enjoyed our visit which was organised by Lochs & Glens. The centre was brilliant. Lots of nice touches and informative. All narrated by my fav David Tennant. All set in beautiful scenery.

Absolutely worth it. 6/5 stars in my experience. The museum was awesome, very well organized into a dynamic, coherent story with mutltiple Interactive “exhibit” rooms The design was very well done and engaging for kids and adults for different reasons. If you’re concerned about price, I saw skip the old broken castle and go here instead! Also I hate gift shops but liked this one and bought 3 things. Lots of great low price gift ideas that are super unique and fun.

This place was very interesting. In a series of short videos and interviews presented in a very cute way, you are introduced to the area, the legend and the possibilities of Nessie’s existence: your choice. Do you believe in Nessie? You decide! We enjoyed this experience, but it is not “necessary” to the enjoyment of all that Lochness has to offer… still I would recommend it.

We booked our tickets online before arriving. The 1 hour presentation at the hotel/centre was very funny, enjoyable and entertaining. Worth the money paid. The cruise though it was a slow cruise, but to feel the sun warmth on my face was just amazing.

Not worth the money to do a tour at The Loch Ness Centre. I was expecting more, but tbh it was more of a self directed tour / museum - where you walk across different rooms to watch the videos and animations/ voice over. It was for sure NOT worth it at all. Came out of the tour feeling disappointed and that it didn't fulfil my curiosity that I had since childhood. ♿️ wheelchair accessible entrance, might be abit cramped to move across different rooms of the tour.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great family stop by Loch Ness! The exhibits are fun and interactive, with a perfect mix of history, science, and the mystery of Nessie. The staff were friendly, and the kids loved the immersive experience. Definitely worth visiting before or after seeing Urquhart Castle nearby!

On the shores of Loch Ness and the castle you see in all the photos and videos. Amazing location. You get to explore on your own. Takes about an hour to an hour and a half with the visitor shop 8 min vid. Worth seeing once for sure.

What a beautiful, breath taking place this was. It killed 2 birds in one stone, you can visit the castle and same time have a view/walk around of Loch Ness! We were so lucky that they day happened to be a nice sunny day - the setting, the colours of sky and the shadows on the Ness lake was simply amazing and picturesque. It is hard to put a review on this as some things you have to experience it yourself and this place is one of them!

At first I thought £16 was a bit much, but after viewing the 10min introduction film, a walk around the pictures and the castle itself, it was definitely worth it. Stunning view, nice gift shop and access to the lake. I'd definitely recommend to friends and family.

We made a stop here during our trip through the Highlands 🌄. The ruins of the castle are well-preserved, with clear signs explaining each area’s history. Before the visit, there’s a short film that tells the story of the castle — a very creative and engaging introduction 🎥. The views over Loch Ness are stunning… though we didn’t spot Nessie this time!

Beautiful castle with stunning views over Loch Ness! The ruins are well preserved, and the short film at the visitor centre really brings the history to life. We went with kids and learned many things we wouldn’t have known if we hadn’t visited. Exploring the towers and walls was a highlight for everyone. We went on a weekday, and it was surprisingly less crowded. Highly recommend booking ahead and taking your time to enjoy the scenery and history!

We visited as park of a Loch Ness cruise (Jacobite Cruises) and stopping at the castle was definitely a highlight. The grounds and the surrounding landscape are beautiful! Much of the castle walls were destroyed in various seiges but what's left can be explored. We spent about an hour here.

£16 an adult ticket just about ok ! The facilities for parking, the cafe/ shop and terraced area over loooking the castle are great. The castle itself is limited for exploration grounds but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Well worth a visit for solo, cpuples or families. If you need a place with facilities this is it.

Loch Ness, where myths meet breathtaking views. 🙆‍♂️ Have you seen the Loch Ness Monster?🦕 Over a million tourists visit the Scottish coast every year in the hope of seeing the Nessie monster.🦕 And in the last photo, Nessie herself decided to pose for my lens.🤭

Lovely to tick this one off the bucket list, but my partner felt Windermere was nicer, but it’s worth coming to see, you can drive around it and stop off and take on the wondrous views.

Loch Ness is beautiful, I have recently been to Dores on one side of the loch and on a cruise on the other side.. amazing scenery, you will not be disappointed. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Absolutely beautiful place, we couldn't Stay long due to poor weather and darkness falling but the view was amazing. We visited inverness and knew we would probably never be this far north again to see Loch Ness so done a quick de tour. Would recommend a visit if your in the area Scotland is an amazing place

Loch ness is a beautiful place to visit if yours travelling by car camper etc there is loads of nice places to stop and enjoy from the ruins of the castle 🏰 fresh fish and chip shop to the beautiful views all over the lake the whole road that goes around it is definitely one to travel on. If your close by definitely do the trip it will be worth it.

When up in the Highlands you cannot not visit loch Ness! We went on the loch Ness river cruise and parked at the Loch Ness clansman in the overflow car park. We had not pre booked any tickets but found no issues with booking for a group of 8 today from ticket office on the jetty. Fabulous staff on board the boat with a cafe selling snacks, hot drinks and alcohol and a toilet on board. The boat takes you to Urquhart castle where more passengers embarked and then we set off back to where we started. On the boat approx 55mins which was well worth it as the scenery is stunning. Lovely relaxing day

Good place to come. The Loch is not particularly better than the others besides the legend of Nessie. Fairly touristy but pretty good. If you are in Scotland good place to see. Maybe just maybe you will find the Loch Ness Monster hidden lurking in the depths.

I visited this place so beautiful.

Spend some good time roaming around the river and crossing the foot bridge to catch some good views of the old church nearby. This flows right through the heart of Inverness and adds a lot to the place.

Lovely walk along here. Would also recommend Ness Islands. We were here mid November so did not have ideal weather conditions but it was very worthwhile!

Such a beautiful and peaceful body of water to walk alongside.

Lovely place for a walk, nice and clean.

The River Ness is a fast flowing river it has a really strong current. You can walk beside the river in Inverness and you get some great views as you go along. It can be muddy and wet in places so good footwear is needed. It is also a good idea to have waterproofs incase you get caught in heavy rain. The weather can change very quickly. The area is popular with dog walkers and sadly some do not clear up after them.

Beautiful river which is very popular with the tourists and locals alike. Great for walking and bird watching

First class, easily accessible distillery just off the A9. 45 minute tour including 3 whiskies to taste is just the right amount of time to get a good appreciation for whisky distilling. Friendly and knowledgeable staff make this a great addition to your trip to Scotland.

An excellent tour led by a very knowledgable and engaging guide. Everything was explained well with plenty of time to see the various stages of the distilling process. The tasting session at the end was extremely well set up, and again our guide was hugely engaging and knowledgable.

This has to be the best low key distillery on in Scotland. First, it’s right off the highway. Second, it’s small and personal. Finally, it’s affordable and they encourage you to try any scotch you may like to sample. If they have a bottle at the bar, you can sample it. I tried a 20 year and another one I have had my eyes on for a while. Kind staff and just perfect in my opinion. Thanks for a great time and please order the gold fashion. Best drink I have ever had mixed with scotch.

We had a wonderful tour experience at Dalwhinnie Distillery. Nestled in the Highlands, it’s one of the highest-elevation distilleries in Scotland, and you can truly taste the purity of the local mountain water sourced from nearby lochs. The tour was informative and fascinating, we learned about the entire process of Scotch making, from the ingredients to distillation, and how the Highland climate influences the flavor profile. The tasting was the highlight for me, each Scotch was thoughtfully paired with delicious chocolates 🍫 that complemented the notes of the whisky perfectly. I even found a favorite to take home! Highly recommend a stop here if you’re exploring the Highlands or passing through. A memorable experience for whisky lovers and curious travelers alike. 🥃✨

An amazing tour, a must do if you’re in the area! Great value for money and very informative. 3 whiskies to try, 3 chocolates and tour glass to take home! They have a great gift shop too.

A simple no-frills distillery tour just like the smooth whiskey itself. They take you through the process with good detail & also appease your curiosity. The tour ends with 3 whiskey tasting + pairing of deliciously complimenting chocolates. The surrounding highlands add to the allure. Just note that Dalwhinnie distillery is quite low key & isn’t as appealing as Macallan or Glenlivet.

Of course, a whisky tour also includes a visit to the coldest or highest distillery, or the second-coldest and second-highest... This detour is not only geographically fascinating but also offers a wealth of taste experiences. As with many distilleries, the bottles that don't make it across the Channel are of interest to travelers—and Dalwhinnie has a lot to offer in this regard.

Currently undergoing renovation there is no access to the interior of this, relatively modern castle. Closed or not it does dominate views of the River Nis and can be seen easily along Nis Walk

Only saw from the outside but was spectacular colourant looks new compared to some we have seen.

In my previous reviews also I have said the same thing that all castles are almost similar and they have nothing extraordinary to showcase except that they are castles & that’s it. The only one castle to see is the Edinburgh Castle on top of the Hill. Worth seeing. But if you can’t reach Edinburgh then any castle is good to see. As we were doing a road trip & we saw 3-4 castles. The only EXCEPTIONAL CASTLE was Edinburgh Castle. Must visit!!

Lovely place to visit ... YouTube : Drone View 120

The castle on 5/20/23 is undergoing restoration work and will be opened in a year or so as city services. It is a good walk around and is easily in the middle of the nightlife. There are storage and bars nearby open seven days a week. The Edinburgh Museum and Art Gallery are part of the same complex. I recommend a visit there.

Not currently open to the public. You can walk up the hill to the castle and get great views of the city and river. There are some tablets set in the ground on the city side near the car park which have some interesting historical facts about the castle. It is going to be open to the public in the next few years.

The following review is based on a pre-pandemic trip going old school and only using paper maps and brochures to find places to stop at on a 3-week adventure to Ireland, Scotland, and England. No cell phone or internet. We were not able to enter the castle but were able to walk around the grounds when we visited. The castle blends into the hill side so it looks like it is part of the terrain at some vantage points. If coming from the west, you can get some great shots from the river when walking across the foot bridge. It would have been cool to see inside but even walking around the outside of the castle was fun and the town around the castle has some great shops and restaurants. In our visit we were lucky enough to have live music at one of the pubs.

Very interesting snapshot of many aspects of Scottish life through the ages up to the 1940s I'd say. Lovely walk through the woods to the start of the timeline showing turf and heather housing. Allow a couple of hours to see the whole site. Nice little cafe with reasonable prices. No entry fee but donations encouraged, or buy the very informative guidebook for £5 and hand back in when you leave for someone else to buy.

Another wonderful place to stop off and learn about Scotland. Yes, you will have to compete with the loads of buses that appear in mid-morning, so I'd recommend getting there as soon as they open. As you can see in the pictures, there are quite a few buildings to check out, but what they don't show you is how large the site is. Just keep that in mind when you go there, and budget some time in to enjoy it. The day we got there, it was threatening rain or raining at times, so the paths became a bit slippery for my wife's power wheelchair. The paths themselves were good for the most part, but note that quite a lot of it is unpaved and can sometimes be bumpy.

We absolutely loved our visit. As a family of 4 there was plenty for us to explore. Children's playground, cafe, gift shop and toilets great. Entry and carpark is free but you are welcome to leave a donation - you will want to once you experience this place. The staff are very welcoming and very informative, it's clear they love their jobs. We bought a brochure (£5) which was very Informative and great to use alongside exploring the old villages. Sweet shop was super. A must see to get an insight into the history of the highlands! Just what we wanted on our trip to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Absolutely fantastic historical village with much to see and do for the whole family. We particularly enjoyed the Highland Cows and the mock lesson in the School house. The coffee from the cafe was amazing. Highly recommend. Free entry, you only pay for parking. You can make a voluntary donation, which I think you’ll see is warranted.

We mainly stopped as we heard they had highland cows and wanted to see them. We were surprised by how much there was to see and all for free! So we ended up staying for much longer than anticipated and checked out all of the buildings etc. The teens enjoyed the working sweet shop the most. The staff were all really friendly. We made a donation at the end as it was so worth while.

A lot bigger than we expected! Was definitely worth going and we all enjoyed. Very friendly staff. Visit to the old fashioned sweetie shop is a must - it's not open every day so worth checking on the website. School was also a highlight, make sure you ask to practice your handwriting with the fountain pen. Dogs on short leads welcome but not able to go in any of the buildings so we swapped out people holding the dog. The dog really enjoyed the walk through the woodlands.

Absolutely astounding place. In a beautiful location with buildings from different eras spread out and you walk between them. The contents temporary hones had to look to look at, there's even a curling lake, workshops, and don't miss the old thatch houses.

Amazing place for a whole family. All the enclosures are tidy and animals are well fed and clean. The place is run by people dedicated to their mission and loving animals. Had a great day by spotting wee wild cats and monkeys, tigers, wolves, camels, horses, leopards and a wolverine.

I had an incredible Tiger Experience. This was purchased as a gift so didn't really know what to expect. There was only one other person doing the Experience at the same time. We were given a H&S briefing before being allowed to feed the tigers, through the fence. It was incredible to be so close to such majestic creatures. The keepers were super informative, kind enough to take photos and allowed us to ask lots of questions. The Experience may only have lasted half an hour but I would highly recommend, if you want to get close to these amazing animals. The rest of the park is worth seeing too although you need to be quite fit and able to get around the walking part of the park. Nice cafe and facilities on site too. We arrived around 1.30pm and it wasn't busy at all.

What a wonderful day out. Right from the start when paying in the lovely gentleman who was at the booth was so lovely chatty and friendly. A genuinely pleasant and welcoming beginning he is a credit to the park as was any of the staff we met. We were so lucky to get to see every animal there. The wolfs were what we mainly went for and were not disappointed they were so close and they were having a sleep right at the fence of the walkway it was a great experience. We were so lucky with timing with the big cats also. The enclosures were clean and looked to be very well maintained. The animals looked to be in great condition and did not appear to be stressed at all which is lovely to see. We found the park to be well set out and had plenty of time to get round all the enclosures, have a bite to eat and a play in the playpark before closing time and we didn't arrive till 12. I highly recommend a day out here a great day for anyone of any age.

Thoroughly enjoyed by kids. had lots of fun. Got to see variety of animals very closely. Both pandas, snow leopard, 3 tigers. Walking the trail of caterpillar was also funny. My kids loved it.

What an amazing experience. Great selection of animals which were active due to thought out enclosures. Cafe was busy and provides lovely coffee which is worth the wait. Ample parking and the staff we interacted with were wonderful. Shout out to the gent at the entrance before the ticket booths. Really helped us as we were using Marwell Passes. Extra special thank you!

A fantastic day out. They are doing amazing work up there. The encloses are fantastic and the animals look relaxed and contented. I woukd recommend it as a great day out. Location is stunning too!

We were so excited to visit this Wildlife Park because they have Polar Bears! We were thrilled that there was a full drive-thru safari when we arrived, as we hadn’t realised this was available! Straight away, we got to see the polar bears walking along the edge of their enclosure! This was amazing and such a fun experience. We got to see lots of animals on the drive, and then headed over to the walking area. We got to see lots of talks and learnt so much about all of the animals throughout the day. The keepers were incredibly informative and were so happy to answer any follow-up questions afterwards too. My favourite was the wolves; we got to see them recall train and then being fed afterwards too. The food in the cafe was delicious and well priced also. We did have a bit of an issue with wasps in the cafe and it did ruin our meal a bit as they were EVERYWHERE. It’s obviously not the cafes fault per se, but definitely something to consider trying to resolve maybe. We had an absolutely fabulous day and would highly recommend a visit if you’re nearby! Definitely be aware there are so many hills and in this park, so if your mobility is limited this is something to consider. They do have special safari-type mobility scooters to hire out that handle the hills, if required.