Things to do in the Scottish Highlands

Head to the Highlands

If, like us, you've been glued to the latest series of The Traitors on BBC One, you've probably been just as captivated by the incredible scenery as you have been by the show's contestants and Claudia Winkleman's fringe. The hit TV series is filmed just north of Inverness, amidst the towering mountains and glistening lochs of the Scottish Highlands. Although the iconic castle, where the infamous breakfasts and banishments happen, is sadly not open to the general public, you can still explore the magnificent landscapes with a holiday in the Highlands. Read on to find out our favourite things to do in the Scottish Highlands, including the region's most enchanting castles, lochs and landscapes.

Discover our holiday parks and lodges in the Highlands for your next UK break.

Visit a historic castle

Both the UK and US versions of The Traitors use Ardross Castle, a 19th-century Baronial-style castle, as their main filming location. Unfortunately, you can't actually visit the castle, unless you are lucky enough to attend a wedding there or be part of the TV series. Luckily, there are plenty of other castles you can visit in the Scottish Highlands which are just as impressive and dramatic.

Here are a few of the best:

Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh

Located in the western Highlands outside the village of Dornie, overlooking the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most iconic castles. Sitting on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, it offers breathtaking views and a fascinating history. Built in the 13th century, it was partially destroyed in the 18th century but painstakingly restored in the early 20th century. Today, visitors can explore its walled courtyard, castle rooms and learn about its role in various historical events.

Postcode: IV40 8DX
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, July-August; 9.30am-6pm, September-October and June; 10am-4pm, November-December and February-March; 10am-6pm April-May (last entry is 1 hour before closing)
Tickets: Tickets to the castle can only be purchased on site, on the day of your visit. Tickets are £6.50 for children (5-15 years) and £12 for adults. Children under 5 years are free

Stay nearby: holiday cottages in Kyle of Lochalsh

Urquhart Castle, Inverness

Located on the banks of Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle is a picturesque ruin with a rich history. Dating back to the 13th century, it played a crucial role in the medieval conflicts between Scottish clans. Visitors can explore its remains, including the tower house and Grant Tower, as well as enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness from its battlements. There's also a visitor centre where you can learn about its turbulent past and the mythical creature that lurks in the depths of the loch.

Tip: Urquhart Castle lies on the Loch Ness 360° Trail, which features on our list of the 20 best walks in Scotland.

Postcode: IV63 6XJ
Opening hours: Daily 9.30am-8pm, April-August; 9.30am-6pm September; 9.30am-5pm, October; 9.30am-4.30pm, November-March (last entry is 1 hour before closing)
Tickets: Free for Historic Scotland Members. Advance online tickets start from £7.80 for children (7-15 years) and £13 for adults

Stay nearby: Torvean Holiday Park, Kessock Highland Lodges or Inverness holiday cottages

Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, Sutherland

Situated in Sutherland, the northern Highlands, Dunrobin Castle is a stunning stately home that resembles a French château. Dating back to the 13th century, it boasts beautiful gardens and a majestic façade overlooking the North Sea. The castle is still inhabited by the Earl of Sutherland, and visitors can explore its opulent interiors, discover an impressive collection of artwork and even witness falconry displays in its vast grounds.

Postcode: KW10 6SF
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm, May-September; 10.30am-4.30pm, March-April and October
Tickets: Tickets include entry to the falconry display, museum and gardens. Prices start from £9 for children and £14.50 for adults

Stay nearby: Big Barns Cottage (sleeps 4), Culmaily Farm - White House (sleeps 6) or Drummuie House (sleeps 10) - all 10 minutes' drive from Dunrobin Castle

Tip: All of these Highland castles also feature in our blog post on 15 famous Scottish castles to visit.

Admire the iconic lochs

If you're a fan of The Traitors, then you'll have seen that many of their missions take place on the water - Loch Glass, to be specific. Scotland is known for mesmerising lochs like these, with "loch" simply the Scottish word for "lake".

Whether you're after walks or watersports, here are some of the most iconic lochs in the Highlands:

Loch Ness, Inverness

Undoubtedly one of the most famous lochs in Scotland, Loch Ness is located in the Highlands and stretches around 23 miles southwest of Inverness. It is renowned for its mythical creature, the Loch Ness Monster - commonly known as "Nessie". The loch offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes and is perfect for boating or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll along its shores.

Stay nearby: Loch Ness holidays

Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Situated within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area. It boasts stunning scenery with picturesque islands, rolling hills and charming villages. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing or hiking along the picturesque West Highland Way.

Stay nearby: holiday parks and lodges in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Loch Morar, Lochaber

Located near the Isle of Skye, Loch Morar is the deepest freshwater loch in Scotland, reaching depths of 1,017 feet. It provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and its remote location offers a serene and peaceful ambiance. Loch Morar is also associated with Scottish folklore and legends, home to its own loch monster named "Morag". Visitors can take boat trips to explore the loch and its wildlife.

Stay nearby: Cuillin View Properties - Cuillin View House (sleeps 6)

Loch Tay, Perthshire

Positioned in the central Highlands, Loch Tay is a beautiful freshwater loch that stretches for approximately 15 miles. It offers incredible views of the surrounding Ben Lawers mountain range and is popular for various watersports and activities like sailing, kayaking and fishing. Loch Tay is also home to historic sites such as the Scottish Crannog Centre, which provides insights into ancient dwellings.

Stay nearby: Loch Tay Highland Lodge Park, right by the shores of Loch Tay

Go whisky tasting

Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and steeped in rich, age-old traditions, this region is renowned for producing some of the world's finest whiskies. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a distillery tour is a great way to get a true taste of the Scottish Highlands (pun intended). And don't worry, there'll be no Traitors with posioned chalices in sight...

Here are some of the most popular whisky distilleries in the Highlands:

Glenfiddich Distillery, Banffshire

Located in Dufftown, Banffshire, this iconic distillery has been producing whisky since 1886 and makes one of the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whiskies. It offers guided tours and tastings, providing insight into its rich history and traditional whisky-making techniques.

Postcode: AB55 4DH
Opening hours: The distillery gift shop is open daily from 10.30am-5pm
Tickets: Tours are available daily from 9.30am, with the last tour departing at 2.45pm. Prices vary depending on which tour you book

Dalwhinnie Distillery, the Cairngorms

Found on the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery is the highest distillery in Scotland. Visitors can enjoy guided tours to explore the distillery's operations and learn about its fascinating past.

Postcode: PH19 1AA
Opening hours: open daily from 10am-5pm March-October and 10am-4pm November-February
Tickets: It's £19 for the Classic Distillery Tour and £65 for the Elusive Expressions Tour

Stay nearby: Calvine Holiday Park or Cairngorms cottages

Glenmorangie Distillery, Ross-shire

Situated in Tain, Ross-shire, Glenmorangie Distillery is renowned for its elegant Highland single malt whiskies. The distillery provides various tours and experiences, including tasting flights, to guide visitors through their whisky production.

Postcode: IV19 1PZ
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Friday
Tickets: Tours start from £23

Stay nearby: Delny Highland Lodges, 20 minutes drive from Glenmorangie Distillery

Journey through the beautiful landscapes

Covering nearly 10,000 square miles, the Highlands is the largest region in Scotland, which can make it tricky to see all of the sights you want to in one trip. One of the best ways to take in as much of the otherworldly landscapes as possible, is by hopping in the car or on a train. Driving gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace (especially if you have one of the Land Rovers like in The Traitors), while the train allows you to simply sit back and soak up the views.

Here are a couple of the best ways to journey through the Highlands:

Drive the North Coast 500

Often referred to as the NC500, the North Coast 500 is a scenic driving route that takes visitors on a mesmerising journey along the rugged and picturesque northern coastline of Scotland. This 516-mile loop showcases the Highlands' most stunning landscapes, including dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, enchanting castles and charming villages. Travellers can explore iconic landmarks like the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, the enchanting Dunrobin Castle and the breathtaking beaches of Dornoch and Achmelvich. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich history of the Scottish Highlands.

Find out more on the North Coast 500 website.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train

The contestants' train journey to the castle on The Traitors seems to have become a firm fixture of the opening episode, with many twists and turns (and not just on the tracks). While the train you see them board in the 2025 series is, in fact, the Strathspey Railway, many of the aerial shots from the scenes are of the iconic Jacobite train route in the Highlands. For Harry Potter fans, this train needs little introduction. Known as the "Hogwarts Express" in the popular movie series, this historic steam train offers an unforgettable journey through the mystical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Departing from Fort William, the Jacobite Steam Train takes passengers on a memorable 84-mile round trip, passing by the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express was filmed crossing the bridge. The train then travels through enchanting lochs, majestic mountains and isolated wilderness, providing stunning panoramic views that can only be described as awe-inspiring. The journey culminates with a stopover in the charming fishing village of Mallaig, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood or explore the picturesque surroundings before returning to Fort William.

Postcode: PH33 6EN (Fort William)
Opening hours: The train operates daily from April-October, with various departure times
Tickets: Standard return tickets are £39 for children (16 and under) and £69 for adults. You can upgrade to first-class tickets and add-on extras like cream tea and whisky

Stay nearby: Ben Nevis Holiday Park or Fort William cottages

Book your Traitors-inspired holiday now

As you can see, the Scottish Highlands offers a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences for all the family. From exploring historic castles and whisky distilleries to experiencing breathtaking hikes amidst the majestic landscapes, this region truly has it all. Whether you've been newly inspired by The Traitors or have been longing to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Highlands for a while now, the region will not disappoint. Uncover the mysteries of ancient ruins, sail across stunning lochs and let the magic of this remarkable destination seduce you quicker than a Traitor ready to recruit!

Book your holiday in the Highlands now.

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