Top Things to do in Loch Ness
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Loch Ness, United Kingdom (UK)
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. Invermoriston Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By TubaKoseogluOkcu - Istanbul, Turkey
Visit to the Invermoriston Falls were not part of our plans during our Scotland visit but our guide recommended a short break here and we followed her suggestion.
This is small waterfall, with a nice old stone bridge. It's peacefull but that is it, nothing more, nothing less.
2. Fort Augustus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This imposing old fort, which was incorporated into the Benedictine Abbey in 1876, is bisected by the Caledonian Canal, where to the north the canal enters the famous Loch Ness and into the village itself through a series of locks.
Reviewed By ripley054 - Gateshead, United Kingdom
Ideal place to spend an hour or two whilst touring around Loch Ness. Lots of cafes, shops and amenities as well as a good car and coach park. It was also fun being able to watch boats coming down the series of locks in the town
3. Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 BarbieMegaTraveller - Sydney, Australia
The Loch (lake) itself is quite beautiful (see pics) and the Mountains surrounding the lake are great in different lighting when the sun shines, then changes when the cloud covers over.
It has a great peaceful feeling about it too, very calming. I admit I stared out across the lake hoping to see Nessy, scrutinising every little bump or wave that the wind created.
4. Urquhart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 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 quinni_224 - Cowra, Australia
Upon arrival in the Visitor’s Centre there is an introductory film which sets the scene of one Scotland’s largest Castles before you make your way to the guardhouse, remaining battlements, first floor and basement of the Grant Tower, the watergate and the ruins of the early castle and dovecot.
Whilst amongst the ruins, we also got to see some medieval-attired staff members re-enacting common occurrences from the time.
Also on our visit we were also lucky enough to see a couple deer running across the vast lawn and then up the side of the hill to the castle. This was enjoyable to watch the two of them frolic together.
5. The Falls of Foyers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By Gary H - Prague, Czech Republic
Decided to stop here and walk to the views of the waterfall. Be warned there are allot of steps and it certainly get the heart pumping. Great views of the waterfall but don't expect Niagra Falls. Such seclusion is rare. Didn't not see any squirrels but I am sure they were there. Quite a climb back up from the Loch so the Foyers Cafe at the top was very welcome. Highly recommend the scones with cream and jam once your heart has returned to normal.
6. Corrimony Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Sukanya D - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
I knew about Cairns and I thought it would be somewhat similar to the burial stupas I had heard about. So, I was determined to see at least one Cairn when in Scotland. We stayed two nights at Drumnadrochit and the nearest cairn was the Corrimony Chambered Cairn.
It was a lovely drive and there was ample place to park the car.. No admission fee. Lovely serene, green surroundings. But then it began to rain. However, we walked down to the cairn and took some photos. Then it began to rain in earnest... but the surprising bit was that the tall trees provided shelter.
This is a place to walk silently, ponder on the ephemeral nature of life BUT also to marvel at the utterly human desire to remember those long gone. This is NOT a place to take very loud people but is probably perfect for those who can resonate with the spirit of the past...the far distant Neolithic past.
It gave me goosepimples to "feel "the threads that link me to those very very old grandparents of humanity although I am not from these parts. That wa priceless.
7. Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 198 reviews
We provide information and interpretation on the history of the Caledonian Canal, as well as an activities booking service and gift shop. Come and learn about the canal, sign up for some canoeing, whitewater rafting or canyoning, and take home some unique souvenirs made by Scottish designers and manufacturers. We have maps and information on how you can travel along the length of the Caledonian Canal, or the Great Glen Way between each of the stopping-off points, how long it will take, facilities, etc. The canal and lock gates outside our door make up the living museum which is the Caledonian Canal.
Reviewed By NavG - Australia
Always wanted to see this type of stepped canal system. Boat crossing take place every hour. Brilliant educational experience for the Kids and Adults. Well worth the time to watch the crossing as water is allowed into the different section to lift or lower the boats to account for the difference in height on the two lakes it joins.
8. Village Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
Charming little area with traditional buildings (virtually all are B&B's or cafes/eating establishments). Well manicured green - it is even nicer in Spring/Summer when colorful flowers are planted. Backdrop of the surrounding hills (especially in Fall colors) makes for a postcard-like setting. Buses to/from Inverness stop right in front of the green and the tourist information center is across the street.
9. Drumnadrochit VisitScotland Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By monroundtheworld
Very friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of maps and leaflets. A must visit if you want to find out more about the area.Thank you very much for your feedback on our Information Centre and staff in Drumnadrochit. I do hope you enjoyed your visit to the Loch Ness area and we look forward to welcoming you back again to the Highlands in the future! Kind regards Alison
10. Fort Augustus iCentre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Bill C - Nova Scotia
We found out a lot of information at the Canal information spot, but this place has maps of the general area and more. Super staff helped us with our trip. Thanks!
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