9 free things to do in the Highlands

After a busy day of sightseeing, discover an oasis of calm and beauty in the former walled garden of Bught House, located just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Sit for a while in the Tropical House, where koi glide through a tranquil pond among coffee plants and exotic flowers, while birds of paradise call above the tinkling trickle of a waterfall. Next, make your way to the Cactus House, home to a fantastic collection of succulents and cacti in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Outside, there’s plenty more to enjoy with an ever-changing display of seasonal blooms.  

Explore Inverness Botanic Gardens 

Inverness is a city where nature is woven throughout. One of the best ways to experience this is on a tranquil visit to the Ness Islands. Simply follow the River Ness upstream, cross the white-painted suspension bridge, and enter this leafy cluster of islands. Follow a circuitous network of footpaths than meander beneath the ancient trees, crossing wooden bridges to hop over to the next island, the sounds of the river rushing in your ears. As you complete the loop returning to the city centre, pause to take in the Inverness skyline and the castle.  

Walk along the River Ness and to Ness Islands 

The relaxing and friendly seaside town of Nairn on the Moray Firth is a summertime favourite. Kick off your shoes and feel the soft sand between your toes at Nairn Beach. This stretch of white-sand coastline is perfect for barefoot strolls, paddling in the shallow waters, building sandcastles and soaking up the sunshine with peaceful views across the firth. With plenty of space to roam, you can wander along the sweeping dunes, hunt for shells as the tide retreats and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot bottlenose dolphins frolicking offshore – a perfect little adventure to your visit.

Find your perfect coastal spot at Nairn Beach

In Newtonmore, history comes to life at Highland Folk Museum, where traditional cottages and a recreated 1700s town offer a glimpse into Highland life in the past. Picture turf-roofed homes, weathered stone walls and simple room furnishings, while real peat fires burn inside the blackhouses, creating thick smoke, so much that you can almost feel the harsh conditions of living in a place like that. There is a smiddy forge, children can explore the old iron schoolhouses, and there’s the nostalgic Kirk’s Store Sweetie Shop. Did you know that the township was also used as afilming location for Outlander? Fans of the series might recognise it as the setting for Clan MacKensie’s rent-collecting scenes.

Step into the past at Highland Folk Museum

Leave the famous signpost at John O’Groats behind and follow the coast to the windswept cliffs of Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland. Continue along the clifftop, gazing out across the Pentland Firth and watch as the great twin pinnacles of the Duncansby Stacks gradually emerge into view, the crashing sound of the North Sea pierced by the cries of tens of thousands of nesting seabirds. Take your time soaking in this magnificent view. Come in summer to find wildflowers adding a dash of colour to the swaying grasslands and in winter, to watch the stacks silhouetted against a fiery sunset.  

Make your way to John O'Groats

Find out more about Duncansby Stacks

The Jacobite story, with its doomed rebellions and romantic intrigue, has long captured the imagination. Discover why at the free West Highland Museum in the heart of Fort William, which brings this dramatic episode in Scotland’s history to life. See objects connected with Bonnie Prince Charlie, including a sword and death mask. Among the other fascinating exhibits are Jacobite drinking glasses inscribed with secret symbols of allegiance, artefacts from the infamous Glen Coe Massacre, and treasure from the sunken Spanish Armada. You can also delve in centuries of everyday life in the West Highlands, from the Bronze Age to the present date. 

Explore the collections of the West Highland Museum 

Lose yourself in the wild landscapes of Britain’s largest national park. Famously home to five of the UK’s six highest mountains and 55 Munros, the Cairngorms are a dream for keen hikers and mountaineers. But you don’t need to reach summit to experience this extraordinary landscape. Breathe in the fresh scent of Scots pine on a gentle woodland trail, watch for wildlife in unspoiled habitats, follow sparkling rivers to find a quiet spot beside a serene loch, or climb into the hills and watch as the heather-tinged moorland comes into view and the vast Cairngorm plateau reveals itself in all its glory.  

Enjoy the Cairngorms National Park 

While not exactly free – you’ll need a car or have to hire one – the scenery on this spectacular drive through the eastern Cairngorms is worth every penny. Cruise along 90 miles of winding roads on the Snow Roads Scenic Route, running between Blairgowrie and Grantown-on-Spey, and crossing some of Britain’s highest public roads. Take your time as you wind through the mountains and open moorland of Glenshee, keeping your eyes peeled for herds of red deer roaming the hillsides and passing historic villages such as Braemar. Pull over at three specially designed viewpoints, where striking art installations frame some of the route’s most photogenic views. Take a seat at The Watchers and gaze across the moorland towards the distinctive star-shaped Corgarff Castle. 

Drive the Snow Roads Scenic Route 

Pull your walking boots on and follow the woodland trail towards Fyrish Monument. Standing on the summit of Fyrish Hill and overlooking the Cromarty Firth in Easter Ross, this huge structure of three central arches and four flanking towers was inspired by the ancient gates of Negapatam in India. As you wind your way through mature pine trees, listen to birdsongs and the peaceful rustle of the leaves, before breaking out to the open hillside. At the top and on a clear day, take in the sweeping view of Ben Wyvis to the northwest, making this a great spot for photographs. If you brought a flask of tea and a snack, take a well-earned rest before heading back down the trail. TV fans might also recognise this striking monument from its starring role as a dramatic backdrop in BBC’s The Traitors.

Plan your trek to the iconic Fyrish Monument

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.