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Things to Do in Highlands

48 attractions and days out

Photo © M P, Google Maps

The Highlands cover such a stretch of ground that days out here rarely mean sitting still. Drumnadrochit and the Loch Ness shoreline draw the crowds chasing monster lore at The Loch Ness Centre, while Aviemore and the Cairngorms lean towards adrenaline, with quad biking, segway treks and archery filling out an activity-packed base for the national park.

Further afield, the coast and islands offer a quieter pace: seal trips from Plockton, wildlife watching at Handa Island near Scourie, or a walk on Portmahomack's beach. Inverness makes a practical hub for indoor options like virtual reality and laser games on wet days, while Ballachulish and Kingussie suit those combining glen walks with paddleboarding or a spot of target shooting.

Choosing between them depends largely on whether you want scenery or activity to lead the day, and how far you're willing to travel between the two.

The Loch Ness Centre ⭐ 4.4

Museums & Galleries

The Loch Ness Centre

Journey through Loch Ness's captivating history across six immersive themed rooms in Drumnadrochit, from ancient geological beginnings to legendary monster tales. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby facilities.

Laser Go - VIRTUAL REALITY ⭐ 5.0

Theme Parks & Funfairs

Laser Go - VIRTUAL REALITY

Step into an immersive VR adventure near Inverness with cutting-edge laser gaming technology. Facilities include parking, toilets and baby changing, plus picnic areas for families to enjoy.

Target Technique ⭐ 5.0

Adventure & Activity Centres

Target Technique

This Scotnet activity centre offers hands-on experiences for active families, though accessibility is limited with no wheelchair access, baby facilities or pushchair-friendly areas throughout.

Cairngorm Quad Bikes ⭐ 5.0

Adventure & Activity Centres

Cairngorm Quad Bikes

Experience the adrenaline rush of an off-road quad biking adventure through Aviemore's stunning Highland scenery - perfect for families with teenagers aged 12 and over, with no prior riding skills needed.

Bowhunter Archery ⭐ 5.0

Adventure & Activity Centres

Bowhunter Archery

Step into the forest at Balanagowan Woods for an exciting archery experience, aiming at 3D targets among the trees with all gear provided. Facilities include parking, toilets and picnic areas.

Calums Plockton Seal Trips ⭐ 5.0

Boat Tours & Cruises

Calums Plockton Seal Trips

Set sail from picturesque Plockton harbour to spot seals in their natural coastal habitat on a family boat trip through stunning Highland waters with parking and facilities available nearby.

Rugged Paddleboard Glencoe ⭐ 5.0

Watersports

Rugged Paddleboard Glencoe

Master the art of stand-up paddleboarding in stunning Glencoe, where dramatic Highland scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop for your water adventure. Perfect for families seeking active outdoor fun.

Loch Ness Pumpkins at Corrimony Farm ⭐ 4.9

Farm Parks

Loch Ness Pumpkins at Corrimony Farm

Pick your perfect pumpkin at this family-run farm near Loch Ness, with fully accessible paths, dining options and autumn activities. Pushchair and wheelchair-friendly throughout with facilities for all ages.

Grenaby Estates Equestrian Centre ⭐ 4.9

Horse Riding

Grenaby Estates Equestrian Centre

Experience the joy of horse riding at this rural equestrian centre in Grenaby Mooar, where light snacks keep you refreshed during your visit to the stables.

The Potter's House Pottery ⭐ 4.9

Adventure & Activity Centres

The Potter's House Pottery

Get creative at this hands-on pottery centre where families can craft their own ceramic masterpieces in a welcoming, wheelchair-accessible workspace with parking and facilities provided.

G2 Adventure Hub ⭐ 4.9

Adventure & Activity Centres

G2 Adventure Hub

Set within the stunning Alvie Estate near Kingussie, this outdoor activity centre welcomes families with parking and picnic areas, though lacks wheelchair access and baby facilities.

Western Isles Cruises ⭐ 4.9

Boat Tours & Cruises

Western Isles Cruises

Sail along Scotland's spectacular coast and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and seabirds on these relaxing boat trips departing from The Pier, with snacks available onboard.

West Highland Museum ⭐ 4.8

Museums & Galleries

West Highland Museum

Explore Highland heritage and local history at this Cameron Square museum, though families should note the lack of facilities including toilets and baby changing areas before visiting.

Wildwoodz Paintball Park ⭐ 4.8

Paintball Centres

Wildwoodz Paintball Park

Action-packed paintball battles await at this Highland venue near Munlochy, though families should note the lack of facilities including toilets and wheelchair access.

Treezone ⭐ 4.8

Adventure & Activity Centres

Treezone

Experience aerial adventure among ancient Caledonian Pines at Rothiemurchus, where families can tackle thrilling treetop challenges including rope courses and flying fox rides high above the forest floor.

The Manx Aviation and Military Museum ⭐ 4.8

Museums & Galleries

The Manx Aviation and Military Museum

Discover Isle of Man's rich aeronautical heritage at this specialist museum showcasing historic aircraft and military memorabilia at Ronaldsway Airport.

Cromarty Beach ⭐ 4.8

Beaches & Coastline

Cromarty Beach

This wheelchair-accessible sandy shore on Scotland's east coast makes an ideal spot for young adventurers to play and families to enjoy their own picnic by the sea.

Ecoventures ⭐ 4.8

Boat Tours & Cruises

Ecoventures

Explore the waterways with guided boat tours departing from Victoria Place harbour, offering families an eco-focused aquatic adventure with convenient nearby parking and facilities.

Redpoint Beach ⭐ 4.8

Beaches & Coastline

Redpoint Beach

This remote Highland beach near Gairloch offers stunning coastal scenery and an onsite restaurant, though limited facilities mean it's best suited to able-bodied visitors without young babies.

Plodda Falls ⭐ 4.8

Sightseeing & Attractions

Plodda Falls

Experience the dramatic cascade of this impressive Highland waterfall accessed via forest trails, with convenient parking but limited facilities making it best suited for active families with older children.

Fortrose Beach ⭐ 4.7

Beaches & Coastline

Fortrose Beach

This expansive sandy and shingle shoreline offers plenty of space for children to play and explore, with wheelchair access and the option to bring your own picnic to enjoy by the sea.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre ⭐ 4.7

Zoos & Animal Parks

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Meet Scotland's only free-ranging reindeer herd in the stunning Glenmore setting, where families can hand-feed these gentle animals and learn about their Arctic heritage.

Nairn Beach ⭐ 4.7

Beaches & Coastline

Nairn Beach

This Highland coastal spot offers convenient facilities including an onsite restaurant, toilets and baby changing areas, though the beach itself isn't suitable for wheelchair users.

Scourie Beach ⭐ 4.7

Beaches & Coastline

Scourie Beach

This wheelchair-accessible sandy shore welcomes dogs and picnickers to enjoy azure waters framed by rolling grassy slopes. Perfect for a peaceful family day out in Scotland's stunning coastal landscape.

Highland Folk Museum ⭐ 4.7

Museums & Galleries

Highland Folk Museum

Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing traditional Highland life through historic buildings and working exhibits. Wheelchair accessible with onsite dining, parking and picnic areas.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park ⭐ 4.7

Theme Parks & Funfairs

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Experience thrilling rides including rollercoasters and water flumes at this family-focused forest park in Carrbridge, plus climbing walls, indoor mazes and woodland play areas. Fully accessible throughout.

Tarbat Discovery Centre ⭐ 4.7

Museums & Galleries

Tarbat Discovery Centre

Explore fascinating archaeological finds and local heritage at this compact museum in coastal Portmahomack, with refreshments served on-site for hungry visitors.

Rosemarkie Beach ⭐ 4.6

Beaches & Coastline

Rosemarkie Beach

This Scottish sandy shore bordered by grass and woodland offers plenty of space for children to explore and play, with wheelchair access and picnic-friendly facilities.

Lochbroom Leisure Centre ⭐ 4.6

Water Parks & Splash Pools

Lochbroom Leisure Centre

This Ullapool swimming facility welcomes visitors who can bring their own refreshments for a fun aquatic day out on the scenic west coast of the Scottish Highlands.

Cawdor Castle ⭐ 4.6

Castles & Palaces

Cawdor Castle

This historic Highland fortress near Nairn welcomes families with wheelchair access, baby facilities, onsite parking and a restaurant serving refreshments throughout your visit.

Brora Beach ⭐ 4.6

Beaches & Coastline

Brora Beach

This Scottish Highland beach offers a coastal escape with convenient parking and snack options, though families should note the lack of facilities like toilets and baby changing areas.

Brora Heritage Centre ⭐ 4.6

Museums & Galleries

Brora Heritage Centre

Discover Brora's fascinating past at this local museum on Coal Pit Road, complete with an onsite restaurant and parking. Perfect for families exploring the area's rich history together.

Castle Rushen ⭐ 4.6

Sightseeing & Attractions

Castle Rushen

Step back in time at this impressive medieval fortress on Castle Street, featuring authentic period rooms and historic displays. Nearby parking and facilities available, though limited accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Nautical Museum Isle of Man ⭐ 4.6

Museums & Galleries

Nautical Museum Isle of Man

Discover the Isle of Man's rich maritime heritage at this fascinating museum on Bridge Street. Perfect for older children and adults interested in seafaring history, with convenient parking close by.

Inverewe Garden and Estate ⭐ 4.6

Parks & Play Areas

Inverewe Garden and Estate

This stunning Highland estate near Poolewe offers families a chance to explore exotic plants thriving in Scotland's microclimate, with parking and facilities onsite but limited accessibility.

Highland Wildlife Park ⭐ 4.6

Zoos & Animal Parks

Highland Wildlife Park

Experience Scotland's native and endangered species up close at this Kingussie wildlife haven, where you can drive or tour through natural habitats showcasing majestic animals in stunning Highland scenery.

The Ice Factor Kinlochleven ⭐ 4.6

Adventure & Activity Centres

The Ice Factor Kinlochleven

Scotland's premier indoor ice climbing and aerial adventure venue offers thrilling wall challenges for all abilities in the dramatic Highland setting of Kinlochleven.

Loch Linnhe Beach ⭐ 4.5

Beaches & Coastline

Loch Linnhe Beach

Young adventurers will love discovering marine life in the rock pools scattered across this shingle shoreline, where wheelchair-friendly access and on-site parking make family visits easy.

Avoch Dolphin Trips ⭐ 4.5

Boat Tours & Cruises

Avoch Dolphin Trips

Set sail from the harbour to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat on an unforgettable boat excursion. Pack your own picnic or enjoy snacks onboard as you watch these magnificent creatures.

Seadrift-Dunnet Visitor Centre ⭐ 4.5

Sightseeing & Attractions

Seadrift-Dunnet Visitor Centre

Discover local heritage and coastal wonders at this charming visitor centre near Dunnet's caravan site, featuring an onsite restaurant and refreshments for families exploring Scotland's northern shores.

Handa Island Wildlife Reserve ⭐ 4.5

Zoos & Animal Parks

Handa Island Wildlife Reserve

Journey by boat to this remote Scottish island sanctuary where dramatic sea cliffs teem with puffins, razorbills and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat.

Invergordon Leisure Centre ⭐ 4.4

Swimming & Leisure Centres

Invergordon Leisure Centre

This Highland community leisure facility on Academy Road features a swimming pool plus an onsite restaurant, though visitors should note limited accessibility and baby facilities.

Timespan ⭐ 4.4

Museums & Galleries

Timespan

This wheelchair-accessible museum and gallery on Dunrobin Street features an onsite restaurant, though visitors should note there are no toilet facilities or baby changing areas available.

Treasures Of The Earth ⭐ 4.3

Museums & Galleries

Treasures Of The Earth

Journey through atmospheric underground displays showcasing spectacular giant crystals and gemstones within immersive mining scenes that bring the earth's hidden wonders to life.

Applecross Beach ⭐ 4.3

Beaches & Coastline

Applecross Beach

Remote Highland coastal spot offering rugged natural beauty and sandy shores, though families should note limited facilities and challenging access for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Old House of Keys ⭐ 4.3

Sightseeing & Attractions

Old House of Keys

Step into the Isle of Man's fascinating parliamentary past at this historic chamber where the island's government once met, now welcoming visitors to explore its heritage with onsite dining available.

Portmahomack Beach ⭐ 4.3

Beaches & Coastline

Portmahomack Beach

This Scottish coastal gem offers excellent sand for building castles, with wheelchair access and toilets available, plus you're welcome to bring along a family picnic.

The Nevis Centre ⭐ 4.2

Indoor Soft Play

The Nevis Centre

Young adventurers will love this multi-activity venue in An Aird featuring bowling, inflatables and play zones. With onsite dining and parking available, it's an entertaining destination whatever the weather.

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