Scottish Castles and Other Attractions

There are many Scottish castles, historic sites and other attractions within easy reach from Inverness. They are a popular choice for guests staying at Inverglen Guest House.

Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle

The Highlands is well known for its many great castles and other historic sites, many with turbulent histories. They make particularly fascinating and absorbing days out which can be planned well in advance of a visit to the Highlands.

Here are a few locations within easy reach of Inverglen guest House to whet your appetite:

Highland Castles

Urquhart Castle – Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous Loch Ness and Great Glen. Just a short drive from our Inverness Guest House and also on a bus route.

Brodie Castle – With antique furniture, paintings and ceramics, the legacy of generations of Clan Brodie, this 16th-century castle is a slice of Scottish history not to be missed. Another castle within a short drive of our bed and breakfast. You can also visit by bus from Inverness.

Dunrobin Castle – The most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. A little bit further away but still an easy drive from Inverness. You can also get to this location by train. Dunrobin Castle also has a superb falconry display that makes this a favourite day out.

Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle

Cawdor Castle – Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, having been built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor, with the ancient medieval tower built around the legendary holly tree – wherever you look, Cawdor Castle is steeped in intrigue and history. Not far from Inverglen Guest House, but only really accessible to those with a car. Many tours include a visit to Cawdor castle so even if you are without a car you can still visit this magnificent property. The gardens at Cawdor are also fantastic and are at their best during June and July.

Eilean Donan Castle – One of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. On the west coast of Scotland, this is a must visit location for a day trip from Inverness. It is also a popular stopping point for many tours.

Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle

Want to know more about the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle? – Read More

Ballindalloch Castle – Ballindalloch Castle, is a Scottish Baronial Castle just an hours drive east of Inverness. As well as a superbly maintained castle there are both formal and woodland gardens to enjoy.

Ballindalloch Castle

Other Attractions

Culloden Battlefield – The course of British, European and world history was changed here at Culloden on 16 April 1746. It was here that the Jacobite army fought to reclaim the throne of Britain from the Hanoverians for a Stuart king. One of the most popular visitor attractions for guests staying at Inverglen Guest House. It is only a short drive away from our B&B and is also served by a bus route. A must visit location for those who follow the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

Jacobite Charge
The Highland Charge

Whilst visiting Culloden Battlefield, why not add on a visit to The Clava Cairns and Culloden Woods. The Clava Cairns are surrounded by standing stones (including a split stone that will resonate with Outlander fans).

The Clava Cairns
The Clava Cairns

Learn more about the Jacobite Uprisings


Fort George – Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Fort George is also the venue for popular events in the Inverness summer season.

Re-enactment at Fort George
Re-enactment event at Fort George

The Highlanders Museum –  The museum is located at Fort George and has roughly 20,000 artefacts and an estimated 10,000 documents and photographs. The museum is the largest regimental museum in Scotland, outside of Edinburgh.


Hugh Miller’s Birthplace – Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum in Cromarty celebrates prominent 19th-century Highland polymath, Hugh Miller – an eminent geologist, writer and social commentator. Cromarty can be visited by car or by bus from Inverness.

Hugh Miller Birthplace
In the garden at Hugh Millers Cottage

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition – The exhibition was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It takes visitors through seven themed areas on a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. A chance for you to learn more about this fascinating body of water and get an insight into the famous monster.


Inverness Museum & Art Gallery – Explore the art, history and heritage of the Highlands. Just a short walk from Inverglen Guest House.


Attadale Gardens

Attadale Gardens – an artist’s garden designed to frame the magnificent views of Skye and the surrounding hills. Waterfalls, Monet bridges, meconopsis, bamboo and candelabra primula are reflected in dark pools. Sculpture lurks in unexpected places.


Abriachan Nurseries – Beautiful woodland gardens by Loch Ness, with a fantastic mix of native and exotic plantings. Walk the winding woodland paths edged by mossy stone walls leading up the hillside to stunning views over the loch.


Inverewe Gardens – A lush, sub-tropical-style, oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions. Another great location on Scotland’s west coast.

Inverewe Gardens

The above list only scratches the surface of the areas rich history and there are many more locations within an easy journey from your Inverness base.