Top Things to do in Loch Ness
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Loch Ness, Scotland
With depths reaching 700 feet and a length of more than 20 miles, Loch Ness provides plenty of hiding places for its legendary monster. Should you tire of searching for Nessie, this scenic section of the Scottish Highlands also delivers charming villages like Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, open-air Shakespearean productions, multiple golf courses and medieval Urquhart Castle. Wildlife of the non-mythological variety and ancient Caledonian pine forests can be found in the Glen Affric nature reserve.
Restaurants in Loch Ness
1. Boleskine House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By swampduck
I knew a bit about the history of the house, so when I found out you could book visits I was straight in there. Anyone wanting to make a great day out in the area could do the nearby Boleskine Cemetery and the Foyers Falls, with lunch in their café. NOTE, if you want to visit the house, make sure you book in advance by email - [email protected]. All the team ask is that you make a small donation to the restoration fund, which gives you a COVID safe guided tour of the grounds, a close-up walk round the outside of the house and any structurally safe places at the time, with a guide who provides all the history and detail you need - I never knew Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) had owned the property for a while. I would thoroughly recommend you make the trip, the road to the property is narrow but accommodated my big old SUV no problems. The views alone are worth it!
2. Loch Ness View Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By vickyj0rdan - Scotland, United Kingdom
Fantastic view on a beautiful day, we were so lucky. There is also a small stone beach that you can go on to and dip your feet in the loch which was lovely and helped calm the sting of midgie bites! Lol
3. Urquhart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,250 reviews
Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café. Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film. The castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and the site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s history. This is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.
Reviewed By 882davidh - Seamill, United Kingdom
What an amazing castle, even though it is a ruin. We were there nearly 2hrs wandering around and taking pictures. It was a brilliant day of still water and bright sunshine, almost shorts and tee shirt weather, and this was in mid November!! We were told in the summer that is very busy. If I was going to make one recommendation, be there as soon as it opens. We were able to walk around, take loads of pictures solely of the castle and grounds, and not other visitors. There is an excellent visitor centre as well, full of information (including a short film on the history), things to buy (obviously), and a large café with panoramic views of the castle (indoor and outdoor seating). There is also disabled facilities, a lift to the lower level and they provide 4 wheel mobility scooters as well to get down the pathway to the castle. The staff are really friendly, so helpful and very knowledgeable about the ruin.
4. Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,707 reviews
Many people believe that this brooding lake in Northern Scotland, 21 square miles in size at an average depth of 800 feet, could certainly hide a large dinosaur-like "monster," the lake's long-time and elusive resident.
Reviewed By Elksmommy - Frisco, United States
Loch Ness is beautiful. Any view of it is just gorgeous. Thankfully, there are several places along the loch designated for stopping so that people can enjoy the view and take pictures.
5. Corrimony Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Getaway21242946528 - Palm Harbor, United States
We love seeing the old sites from ancient civilizations, so this one was a quick stop after Urquhart Castle. A 15 minute drive with a slight detour on our way back to Inverness took us to a small car park about 150 yards away from the Cairn that is simply on the edge of the road. An amazing, almost intact cairn dating 4,000 years old.
6. Village Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By lowribevans
The village green is very pretty, and a lovely place to enjoy some local food when the weather permits. The floral displays and well maintained grass really make the experience, as do the pretty B&Bs around the outside Whilst the tourist shops can be a little tacky, they’re a necessary boost for the economy in these areas so try not to be too harsh on them!
7. General Wade’s Military Roads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Markybug73 - Perth, United Kingdom
Lovely scenic drives along this road. Well maintained too. Road was quiet at this time of year , might be trickier driving in summer.
8. St Ninians Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Historic church in lovely setting by Loch Meiklie. Built 1853 by architect Alexander Ross, features crowstepped gable and belfry, oriel and lancet windows. Early Christian cross, possibly 4th. century, set into altar. Walks and picnic table by the loch. Visitors welcome at services and at any time.
9. Suidhe Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By chicurbanhippie - Inverness, United Kingdom
When driving around Loch Ness you will come across this view point. If the weather is good it is amazing. Worth pulling over & going for a walk along the the trail.
