Castles & historic sites

All the castles and historic sites below can be easily visited within a day trip from Loch Ness Lodge on Loch Ness. The Highlands are well known for its many great castles and other historic sites, many with a turbulent history. They make particularly fascinating and absorbing days out which can be planned well in advance of a visit to the Highlands.

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, near Drumnadrochit on the A82 is one of Scotland's most dramatic medieval fortresses, standing amidst spectacular Highland scenery and overlooking Loch Ness. The castle's history and that of the noble families – Durward, Macdonald and Grant – who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the modern visitor centre. The visitor centre also features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle. Open all year, seven days a week.

Visit Urquhart Castle

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The Castle is on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch (famous for its cathedral and Royal Dornoch Golf Club), Dunrobin Castle is open annually from 1st April to 15th October and includes a museum, restaurant and tea room, gift shop, gardens and falconry displays.

Visit Dunrobin Castle

Fort George

Fort George was built not far from the battlefield of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s uprising of 1745 was finally defeated. Run by Historic Scotland, it is also one of the biggest visitor attractions in the Highlands. It’s a delightful place to spend the day, enjoying a walk round the mile-long perimeter walls, and dropping in at the pleasant café where you can eat inside or out. The fort is open all year round, seven days a week and regularly hosts events and activities which are included in the entry price. It is also highly unusual because it is still a working British Army garrison, helping maintain the atmosphere of its military past. Opening Hours Summer 1 April - 30 September, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Winter 1 October - 31 March, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Visit Fort George