The summer holidays are almost here — and the Highlands are waiting. Whether your family loves history, nature, adventure, or just somewhere brilliant to spend the day, High Life Highland has a fantastic range of visitor attractions spread right across the region. Here's your guide to what's on this summer.
Step back in time at the Highland Folk Museum
If you only visit one place this summer, make it the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.
This is no ordinary museum. Spread across a beautiful open-air site, it's home to over 35 carefully reconstructed historical buildings that bring Highland life to life — from the 1700s right through to the mid-20th century. Wander down a recreated township street, step inside a working croft, and discover how Highland communities worked, learned, and played through the centuries.
One highlight that never fails to delight? Kirk's Stores sweetie shop, where you can buy traditional sweets by the quarter from jars, just as folk did generations ago. It's a proper treat for kids and grown-ups alike.
There's no charge for entry — donations are always welcome. Open daily.
highlife members save 10% at the café — just show your highlife card.
This place is amazing — loads to do and see, café and gift shop. Kids love it, adults love it. And some of Outlander was filmed here too!
Google review, The Highland Folk Museum
Explore the Inverness Castle Experience
Right in the heart of Inverness, The Inverness Castle Experience is unlike any castle you've visited before.
Rather than a traditional museum experience, it's a modern, immersive journey through the stories, legends, and landscape of the Highlands — told through vivid exhibits, interactive installations, and hands-on moments designed to spark curiosity at every turn. Follow the voices of the seanchaidh (storyteller) through the South and North Towers and discover your own connection to this extraordinary place.
The beautiful castle gardens overlooking the River Ness are worth the visit alone — perfect for a stroll, a family photo, or a moment to take in those famous views. And if everyone's hungry afterwards, the Saltire Bistro serves locally sourced food with something for all ages, including wee portions for little ones.
Open daily.
It feels more like a love letter to Scotland that just happens to be in an absolutely stunning castle. Our family (2 adults, 2 children aged 3 and 7) loved it — the interactive elements had all of us engaged for hours, and the kids loved having their own audioguide trail to follow.
Google review, The Inverness Castle Experience
Discover Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Just a short walk away in the city centre, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is one of the Highlands' best days out, and there's no charge for entry.
From fascinating museum galleries exploring the history and heritage of the Highlands to vibrant art exhibitions and a prized photographic archive, there's always something to see. Interactive exhibits keep younger visitors engaged, and the welcoming coffee shop and gift shop make it easy to round off a great visit.
There's no charge for entry — donations are always welcome. Open Tuesday to Saturday.
highlife members save 10% at the café — just show your card.
"Went with the family, it was an enjoyable experience learning more about the history of Scotland. Kids especially loved the interactive activities that were integrated into parts of it — a Pictish puzzle, homemade flour, etc."
Google review, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
Unwind at Inverness Botanic Gardens and Café
If you're looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Inverness Botanic Gardens are the northernmost botanic gardens in the UK — and well worth a visit.
The gardens change with every season, so summer is a wonderful time to visit, with colourful borders and diverse planting that changes throughout the season. It's a lovely place to slow down, let younger children explore, and take a proper breath of fresh air. Afterwards, the café is a great spot to refuel with kid's snack boxes, toasties, soups and traybakes.
If you're visiting with children, pick up a Garden Explorer Guide from the main entrance — it's a brilliant way to turn a wander through the gardens into a proper adventure. Kids can hunt for native plants and wildlife while picking up a few Gaelic phrases along the way. It's free, it keeps little ones engaged, and it makes the visit feel like something special rather than just a walk round a garden.
There's no charge for entry, donations welcome. Open daily.
highlife members save 10% at Café Botanics — just show your card.
So pretty, and free! Great for kids or all ages. Beautifully maintained. A cafe and restrooms as well.
Google review, Inverness Botanic Gardens & Cafe
Head west: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
For families heading to Fort William or the west Highlands, the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre is the ideal starting point for exploring Britain's highest mountain and the spectacular Glen Nevis.
Located just a couple of miles from Fort William town centre, it's a brilliant stop whether you're planning a walk, looking for inspiration, or simply want to find out more about this iconic landscape. You'll find expert advice, walking information, live weather updates, and interactive exhibits — plus a well-stocked shop for all your Highland adventure needs.
Open daily.
highlife members save 10% on hot drinks — just show your card.
One of the best visitor centres in the UK. Lovely, helpful staff, great coffee and a good selection of merchandise and snacks.
Google review, Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
Explore Sutherland at Ferrycroft Visitor Centre
A little further north, in Lairg, Ferrycroft Visitor Centre is a fantastic day out for families — and there's no charge for entry.
Inside, three themed rooms — Water, Land, and People — take you through the natural and human history of Sutherland through interactive displays, games, and hands-on activities. Kids can try animal hide-and-seek, colouring stations, and Nature Detective challenges. Outside, there are beautiful gardens with wood carvings and seating, and a play area with swings, a climbing frame, and a zip wire that's guaranteed to be a hit.
Two scenic walks also start from the centre, so it's easy to make a full day of it. There's no charge for entry.
Open Thursday to Monday.
highlife members save 10% on hot drinks — just show your card.
Kids would love this place — there's a zip wire which is great fun (adults too!). Carved animals, an informative visitor centre and a very friendly welcome. Well worth a stop.
Google review, Ferrycroft Visitor Centre
Discover Caithness: North Coast Visitor Centre and Caithness Broch Centre
If your summer takes you to the far north, Caithness has two brilliant attractions well worth putting in your plans.
The North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso is a vibrant hub celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories of Caithness. Fascinating exhibitions bring the area's history to life — and it's a great spot for locals and visitors alike. Open Tuesday to Saturday.
Just along the coast at Auckengill, the Caithness Broch Centre invites families to explore Scotland's Iron Age past. Set in a landscape rich with archaeological sites, the centre brings the story of brochs to life through engaging displays, artefacts, and interactive experiences. There's no charge for entry, and it's a brilliant introduction to one of Scotland's most intriguing ancient structures. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Very very good! I love it, best museum in the northern Scotland! It has everything, pictish history bits, nuclear history bits, a lot of amazing things to see and touch. Highly recommended.
Google review, North Coast Visitor Centre
There's so much to explore this summer
From museums and gardens to visitor centres — the Highlands has something for everyone.
