If you’re in search of an exciting and magical getaway for your next family holiday, look no further than the Scottish Highlands. Home to spectacular scenery, historical attractions, and adventure-filled excursions, the Highlands offer countless opportunities for discovery and exploration. From monster hunting to castle visits, train rides, animal encounters, and expeditions on the open sea, here are eleven incredible activities that everyone in your family is sure to enjoy!
Go In Search of the Loch Ness Monster
Scotland’s most famous mythical creature is, without a doubt, Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster – so we had to make sure to include it on our list! You can visit Nessie’s home, Loch Ness, situated just outside of Inverness, for a bit of mythical fun. Hop on a boat and see if you can catch a glimpse of Nessie, or head to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to learn more about the lake and its famous monster.
Hop Aboard the Jacobite Steam Train
If anyone in your family is a fan of Harry Potter, then a trip aboard the Jacobite Steam Train is a must! Not only was this train the inspiration behind the “Hogwarts Express,” it travels by some of the movies’ most famous filming locations. And, of course, it also offers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Highlands’ incredibly scenic landscape.
Step Back in Time at the Highland Folk Museum
Dubbed Britain’s first open-air museum, the Highland Folk Museum features over 35 historical buildings dating from the 1700s to the 1950s. Here you can wander through the ages, witness reenactments, and discover how people used to live life in the Highlands. From one-room schoolhouses to thatched roof cottages, traveller encampments, and working crofts, there’s plenty to explore and learn at this historical destination.
Admire the Views From the Nevis Range Gondola
The Nevis Range Gondola is the UK’s one and only mountain gondola. Located near Fort Williams, this cable car travels 650 metres up the side of Aonach Mòr Mountain, offering incredible views of the Highlands. While you can ride up and down the gondola, taking in the scenery along the way, there are also options to hike, bike, ski, or snowboard back down the mountain, weather dependent.
Experience the Thrill of Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Considered by many to be Scotland’s best theme park, Landmark Forest Adventure Park is an action-packed destination full of excitement. Here you’ll find a wide variety of thrilling experiences that are sure to delight the entire family. From water slides to high ropes courses, dinosaur encounters, bungee jumping, and rock climbing, this park is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping!
Play with Reindeer at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Reindeer aren’t only around for the holidays; you can find them any time of the year at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre! Located in Glenmore Village within the Cairngorms National Park, the Reindeer Centre is home to Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer. You can visit them on a guided trip into the mountains or stop by their paddocks in the village for a quick up-close encounter.
Soak up the Sun at Ceannabeinne Beach
If your family enjoys a little fun in the sun, then Ceannabeinne Beach deserves a spot on your itinerary. Situated on the north coast of Scotland, this beautiful beach features white sand, crystal clear waters, and dramatic rocky outcrops. It also happens to be home to the Golden Eagle Zip Line, a thrilling aerial runway that’s suspended 30 metres above the beach.
Learn About Falconry at Dunrobin Castle
Located in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly castle in Scotland and one of the largest. Built in the early 1300s, the castle was designed to resemble a French château and encompasses a total of 189 rooms. Here, you can tour a portion of the castle, explore the property’s impressive gardens, and observe daily falconry demonstrations that feature a variety of predatory birds.
Go on Safari at the Highland Wildlife Park
Home to a wide array of exotic and local wildlife, the Highland Wildlife Park is the perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages! Drive around their main reserve and spot bison, deer, elk, and llamas in their natural habitat. Then head out on the footpath for up-close encounters with tigers, polar bears, snow monkeys, and more!
Make a Splash at Loch Morlich
Situated in Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich is the perfect place for some water-filled fun. From sailing to kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming, this incredible lake destination offers something for everyone. While you’re there, be sure to also set aside some time to explore the network of trails that wind around the lake and through Glenmore Forest Park.
Sail the Seas Around the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning scenery, which includes miles of rugged coastline. While you can certainly explore the island on foot, one of the best ways to see it all is from the water. There are several boat tours that you can join, each offering a unique perspective of the island, as well as a few wildlife sightings. A variety of marine animals, including seals, dolphins, minke whales, and basking sharks, are all known to frequent the waters around the island!
Know any great family locations in the Highlands that we’ve missed? Add your favourites in the comments below.