The Highlands has a rich history and is packed with a wide range of museums and exhibitions, as well as historic houses and art galleries.
Many of these can be reached by train, with more an extra bus or ferry journey away.
Read on for local history, outdoor museums, Pictish artifacts, nuclear and hydro power, watermills, one of Europe's largest collection of crystals, gemstones and fossils, and more.
See our Guide to the busy city of Perth for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and restaurants.
The museum opened in 2024 in the former Edwardian City Hall building. Its most significant object is the Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny, which has returned to Perthshire for the first time in 700 years.
It was used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs in nearby Scone and was most recently used in the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. It is free to see the Stone, however, booking is essential. The museum also displays a wide range of objects from Perth & Kinross' history as well as loans and temporary exhibitions. There is a cafe on site.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from Perth train station
Perth Museum building (before it was cleaned!)
The gallery is situated in a magnificent landmark building which is one of the oldest purpose-built museum buildings in the UK.
It houses permanent exhibitions on influential Scottish artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as 16th and 17th century European art. It is also the new home of the JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris collection.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from Perth train station.
THE BLACK WATCH CASTLE & MUSEUM
Balhousie Castle, with its origins in the 12th century, is the ancestral home of The Black Watch.
Inside, the museum tells the history of this significant regiment from its formation in 1749 to the modern day, through uniforms, paintings, medals, photographs, diaries, weapons and military equipment, film and reminiscences. There is a bistro on site.
SAVING! Part of the 2FOR1 entry scheme when arriving by train!
Transport: 20 minutes' walk from Perth train station.
BEATRIX POTTER EXHIBITION, BIRNAM ARTS
Potter spent many of her childhood summers in Perthshire. Here you can discover the story of her connection with the area, see original memorabilia, and children can enjoy dressing up and visiting the Victorian School Room.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Dunkeld and Birnam train station.
See our Guide to Birnam for other places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
Entrance to Birnam Arts
Beatrix Potter Exhibition in Birnam Arts
This is a favourite spot for us on our many visits to Pitlochry.
It contains exhibitions where you can learn about the dam and hydro power station; the salmon life cycle and history of the salmon ladder, with thirty-four tiered pools to help them upriver; the hydro stations, dams and tunnels built all over the Highlands and the lives of those who worked on them; green energy in Scotland; and how the needs of natural habitats are managed.
There is also a good cafe and shop, with attractive views of the river. Outside you can usually walk across the dam to get closer to the power (sometimes it's closed for safety or maintenance).
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Pitlochry train station.
See our Guide to Pitlochry for other places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
The perfect hideaway
Pitlochry Dam
See our Guide to Blair Atholl for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
The watermill is so pretty, with mountains in the background, a stream running alongside, the wheel turning, and an outdoor garden tearoom surrounded by trees.
There has been a mill here since at least the 1590s and it is one of only three remaining operational watermills in Scotland. Water is from the River Tilt.
Inside there is a museum / working mill over three floors (Hopper Floor, Milling Floor and Finishing Floor) where you can watch the mill in operation, learn about its history and even have a try at grinding grains.
Visit the tearoom afterwards (inside or outside) to try something from their bakery, or buy some flour to have a go at baking yourself! This is well worth a visit.
Transport: 1 minute walk from Blair Atholl train station.
Picture perfect scene
See the waterwheel in action up close
Located in the old village school, highlights include Scotland's only stuffed Highland Cow and a reconstructed 1930s Post Office from nearby Trinafour.
Next door is a Visitor Information Centre which is unmanned but is a nice, smart space. It contains information boards and interpretation panels about the Atholl Estate, history of the area, and local wildlife, as well as comfy seating and sinks.
The setting is pleasant, among trees and next to the park with a marked walking path.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Blair Atholl train station.
Atholl Country Life Museum
Sadly you won't be able to send your postcards from here
A warm welcome awaits you in the museum
See our Guide to Newtonmore for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
This is a busy and popular one mile long open air museum which traces Highland Life from 1700 to the 1950s. It is split into three sections: the croft, the middle village and the township.
The site includes farm areas, woodland and open areas, together with a huge selection of buildings which have been recreated on the site. There are many collections of smaller items including the domestic, sports, agricultural, crafts, trade and textiles collections.
Buildings include a smoke house, school, church, clockmaker's workshop, croft house, post office, railway halt and joiner's shop. There are also regular activities, demonstrations and recreations.
It is recommended you allow three to five hours for your visit. Unfortunately we didn't have that long when we visited but agree that it would probably take that long to see everything.
Transport: 30 minutes' walk from Newtonmore train station.
We had trouble narrowing down the photos as there was so much to see!
Entrance to Highland Folk Museum
What did the world look like in 1700? Just like this!
Kirk's Stores and Glenlivet Post Office
Don't be late! There are often demonstrations of traditional classes!
Loom inside Craigdhu Tweed Cottage
Inside a traditional Highland house
Learn about the clan and their connection to the Jacobite cause. The museum opened in 1952 and was refurbished in 2020.
It has a large collection of artefacts, objects and documents connected with the clan including weapons and the prized Black Chanter. It also tells the story of famous Macphersons and their achievements in science, the military, the arts and sport.
You can find out more by viewing their Museum Video Tour as well as searching the Macpherson Electronic Museum which is a virtual tour of selected Museum artefacts.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Newtonmore train station.
Clan Macpherson Museum
See our Guides to the busy city of Inverness for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and restaurants.
INVERNESS MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
For an alternative, and free (donations welcome) showcase of the history and culture of the area, next door to the Castle is the museum and art gallery.
There are displays on local silverware, wildlife and early human history. Gallery exhibits are a mix of permanent and temporary, and include work from local artists.
There is also a shop and cafe. You can also access a free audio tour. We have enjoyed our visits here.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Inverness train station.
It's much nicer inside than outside
Built in 1593, this is the oldest residential house in Inverness. It is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and is free to visit.
Features to look out for include the projecting turnpike staircase (which one of us couldn't see for looking!), original oak timber beams and a 17th century marriage stone over the fireplace.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Inverness train station.
One of the most attractive buildings in Inverness
We deliberated about including this because the exhibition, which is in the visitor centre, is so small. It is listed on Museums Galleries Scotland's directory, so we included it.
Situated on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle is almost entirely ruined, and yet remains one of Scotland's top visitor attractions. Here you can learn about 1000 years’ of history including conflict, power struggles and being blown up in 1692.
It has amazing views over Loch Ness and is one of the few places on the west side of the loch where you can reach the water – there is a small, stony beach there (no swimming). In the visitor centre there is also a film show, shop and cafe.
You will be glad you're arriving by bus when you see the fight for car parking. During the summer this attraction gets incredibly busy (booking is essential). The quietest times of day are first thing in the morning and evenings.
Our favourite conditions for seeing the castle are on a dry, sunny summer's day in the late afternoon as the castle, grounds and surrounding landscape look lovely in the warm, late afternoon sunshine.
If you can, avoid days when there are cruise ships in Invergordon (check the timetable) as large numbers arrive by coach morning and afternoon. Coach tours arrive everyday but cruise ship days are particularly busy.
Transport
Option 1, Boat trip and Castle
'Temptation' tour covering a boat trip with Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises and visit to Urquhart Castle. You are transported by coach from Inverness Bus Station to the boat cruise which departs from Dochgarroch Lock. Afterwards you are brought back to Inverness by coach from Urquhart Castle.
From 10 November 2025 – 29 March 2026 the tour also includes admission to the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit.
Option 2, Castle only
Citylink service 917 or 919 from Inverness Bus Station to Urquhart Castle and back.
Option 3, Castle and Drumnadrochit
Citylink service 917 or 919 from Inverness Bus Station to Urquhart Castle. Afterwards walk 30 minutes down the hill (lovely views over the loch) or catch the 917 or 919 bus to visit the village of Drumnadrochit. Take the bus back to Inverness from Drumnadrochit (Citylink 917 or 919, or Stagecoach service 17).
What to do in Drumnadrochit: visit the Loch Ness Centre to find out all about the Loch Ness Monster, visit the tiny Great Glen Gin Distillery, have a Meet & Greet with Highland Coos, and local walks - we like Craigmonie Woods, Balmacaan Woods, and Urquhart Bay Woods.
A glorious day at Urquhart Castle
The castle is ruined
View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle beach
CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTRE
Culloden Battlefield is the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746, the last pitched battle on British soil in which 1,600 men died, 1,500 of them Jacobites. Today it is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland who have a visitor centre with a 360-degree battle immersion theatre, a museum, roof garden, shop and cafe.
Transport: 25 minutes' bus journey from Inverness - see Stagecoach service 2 and alight at stop 'Culloden Battlefield'.
Somehow we haven't got photos so this is the best we can do
See our Guide to Dingwall and Strathpeffer for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
The museum has interesting displays on local history and visiting exhibits. Located in the former toll booth with its square spire, this is an attractive building which once housed the town council.
Why not combine it with this Dingwall Heritage Trail from Ross & Cromarty Heritage which takes in many historic sites in the town.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Dingwall train station.
The clock is one of the last remaining hand-wound in Scotland
HIGHLAND MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD, STRATHPEFFER
Located the restored Victorian railway station The Old Station in Strathpeffer. This museum is small but quaint and intriguing.
There are exhibitions of children's toys, costumes and schooling, as well as information about life for children growing up in the Highlands. Wrap up warm as it was cold when we visited!
Transport: 20 minutes' bus journey from Dingwall. See Stagecoach service 27 (Inverness to Contin) and alight at stop 'Strathpeffer, opposite The Square'.
Highland Museum of Childhood, Old Station
See our Guide to Invergordon for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
The excellent community run museum is packed with information about the area's history as a base for the Royal Navy and later its role in the oil industry, as well as many other topics of interest.
We received a friendly welcome from their volunteers and were lucky to find a craft fair on too.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Invergordon train station.
Another feature of the town is its outdoor art gallery in the form of the Mural Trail which starts at the train station – look out for these interesting and colourful paintings on the station walls. Unfortunately copyright prevents us from showing you pictures.
Transport: starting at Invergordon train station.
See our Guide to Tain and Dornoch for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
This museum has an impressive collection of local artifacts, including locally produced silverware from the 18th and 19th century and a collection of Clan Ross items.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Tain train station.
Tain and District Museum
This is a small museum with displays on Viking history, the cathedral, the light railway, military history and golf in the town.
Transport: 15 minutes' bus journey from Tain. See Stagecoach service 25, X25 and alight at stop 'Dornoch, Cathedral Square'.
Ferrycroft Visitor Centre has a heritage centre with shop, cafe and toilets. There are displays and children’s activities, as well as two walks starting from the centre.
Transport: 35 minutes' walk from Lairg train station.
See our Guide to Halts on the Far North Line for more details of Lairg.
In the gardens is the castle museum. With displays of natural history and archaeology, including 1500 year old Pictish stones, it is a nationally important private collection.
Be aware the museum has a large collection of taxidermy so may not be to everyone's taste - it wasn't our favourite part.
Dunrobin Castle is known as the fairytale castle and is a popular attraction - advanced booking is recommended. It is the largest private residence in the north of Scotland and is set in its own woodland overlooking the sea. It has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since 1401.
Most of the interior of the castle is open to the public. Outside, the formal gardens are amazing in summer and are also the location for falconry displays.
There is also a tearoom and a shop. To fully explore the castle and the grounds would take a whole day.
Transport: From April to October the train makes a special stop on request at the picturesque Dunrobin Castle station. This is the only remaining private railway station in Britain, dating from 1874.
The building was the private waiting room for the Duke of Sutherland. From here it is 5 minutes' walk to the castle entrance.
See our Guide to the pleasant seaside village of Golspie for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and where to eat.
Dunrobin Castle Museum
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle private train station
The centre has displays on local history. Closed for the 2025 season while a new heritage centre is being built.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from Brora train station.
See our Guide to Halts on the Far North Line for more details of Brora.
TIMESPAN HERITAGE AND ART INSTITUTION
This institution tells the history of the town and the area.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Helmsdale train station.
See our Guide to Halts on the Far North Line for more details of Helmsdale.
The Visitor Centre houses a museum telling the story of the county of Caithness. Exhibitions include Pictish artifacts and the nearby Dounreay nuclear power station, where you can see parts of the reactor as well as the interior of a control room.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Thurso train station.
See our Guide to Thurso for other places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
See our Guide to Wick and John O' Groats for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and places to eat.
Wick Heritage Centre is located near the harbour. It deals with the herring past and general history of Wick and has museum exhibits as well as recreations of significant every day life.
There are a number of fully furnished household rooms, as well as exhibits on Caithness Glass, an Art Gallery and Photographic Gallery, lighthouses, and Wick Radio which may have been the first to pick up the SOS from the Titanic.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Wick train station.
Barrels made by coopers to export the cured herring
Print of The Gospel Ship by Henry Pickering
This is the last working watermill in Caithness. Milling has taken place on this site for around 1,000 years, and the current building dates from 1901. It ceased milling in 2001 and was restored and opened to visitors in 2025 by a local trust.
Transport: 30 minutes' bus journey from Wick train station. See Stagecoach services 77 and 80, and alight at stop 'John O Groats, Mill'.
SAVING! Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass (for rail travel) includes travel with Stagecoach on the Wick to John O' Groats and Thurso to John O' Groats routes.
There is also a once daily service during school term dates and some bank holidays operated by Dunnett's Transport service 913.
Located in the original railway station buildings, this museum tells the history of Kyle Harbour, West Coast fishing and the Kyle Line Railway through films, photos, models and memorabilia.
Transport: alight at Kyle of Lochalsh train station.
See our Guide to Kyle of Lochalsh for other places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
See our Guide to Helensburgh for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and restaurants.
This is the most famous of designer Charles Rennie MacKintosh’s creations after the Glasgow School of Art. The amazing house is sited on a spectacular position overlooking the Clyde.
It is complete with its original interiors and furniture making it highly interesting to anyone with an interest in MacKintosh or design in general. There is also a garden, shop and cafe.
Transport: 30 minutes' walk from Helensburgh Upper train station.
Photo credit: “The Hill House, Helensburgh” by Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0
Consists of a series of granite bollards around Colquhoun Square. These display objects, images and texts of significance to the town.
Representations include John Logie Baird's first television image, a link with Australian coal mining, the John Muir Way long distance path, and one of the earliest registered scout troops.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from Helensburgh Upper train station.
This is Scotland's only submarine museum, featuring the X51 Stickleback which was previously resident in the Imperial War Museum. You can discover the history of this submarine through 360 immersive projections.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Helensburgh Upper train station.
BEN CRUACHAN AND THE CRUACHAN POWER STATION VISITOR CENTRE
The mountain is known as the hollow mountain on account of the hydro power station inside. The power station is 200 metres from the railway station.
It has a visitor centre with free exhibition, cafe and shop. Many people enjoy stopping here for what must be one of the world’s few hydro stations which allow visitors.
Guided tours are currently suspended while the power station is being upgraded (October 2025).
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Falls of Cruachan train station.
See our Guide to Falls of Cruachan for more details about the area.
Ben Cruachan
Photo credit: “Ben Cruachan” by John Mason, CC BY 2.0
Founded in 1753 and active until the 1870s, this is the most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain. The furnace itself is still fairly complete.
There is also an exhibition showing how pig iron was made including for cannonballs used in the Napoleonic Wars. It is about 20 minutes’ walk from the station.
Transport: 20 minutes' walk from Taynuilt train station.
See our Guide to Bonawe for more details about the area.
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, Taynuilt
Photo credit: “Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, Taynuilt” by René Deprez, CC BY 2.0
See our Guide to the attractive town of Oban, seafood capital of Scotland and gateway to the isles, for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and restaurants.
In this free visitor centre you can learn all about marine science through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and a cinema. There is also a cafe and shop.
Transport
Option 1: Alight at Connel Ferry train station. Then 5 minutes' bus journey from Connel Ferry to Dunbeg followed by a 20 minute walk.
See West Coast Motors services 405, 408 and 415 and alight at stop 'Road End', and also their service 918 (tickets for this service bookable through Citylink).
Also see the Citylink Glasgow to Oban service (numbers 975, 976, 977, 978).
See our Guide to the pretty village of Connel Ferry for other places to visit, as well as accommodation and restaurants.
Option 2: Alight at Oban train station. Then 10 minutes' bus journey from Oban to Dunbeg followed by a 20 minute walk. See West Coast Motors service 005 and alight at stop 'MacCallum Court'.
The museum is housed in the Old Oban Times building on the Esplanade and adjacent to North Pier.
Here you can learn about the fishing and maritime industries, the railway, local sports, and the role played by Oban during the war years with the presence of the RAF as well as Australian, Canadian and US aircrew.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Oban train station.
NEARBY DUNOLLIE MUSEUM, CASTLE & GROUNDS
Dunollie castle is a medieval ruined castle on the cliffs with wonderful views. Located in the Laird’s House is a museum covering Highland social history as well as Clan MacDougall material.
You can also explore the beautiful woodland grounds, as well as visit the Draper’s Shop and cafe.
Transport: 20 minutes' walk along the esplanade as far as the War Memorial, followed by 10 minutes along the Old Carriageway Footpath.
It is possible to catch a bus as far as the War Memorial - see West Coast Motors service 417 and alight at stop 'War Memorial'.
Corran Esplanade and Dunollie Wood
The museum holds significant collections of photographs, writing and artefacts depicting life in the West Highlands through the years from Stone Age to modern day.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Fort William train station.
See our Guide to Fort William for more places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
This museum is home to one of Europe's largest collection of crystals, gemstones and fossils set in simulation caves, caverns and mining scenes.
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Corpach train station.
See our Guide to Corpach for more details about the area.
See our Guide to Glenfinnan for more places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
As well as a museum about railway heritage and local life, there is a restored signal box from 1901 with computerised demonstrator.
There is also a restored Dining Car open for breakfasts and lunches
Reviews: 4.7 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
SAVING! Free entry to the museum when arriving by train or bus. Saving listed on the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre website.
Transport: alight at Glenfinnan train station.
Glenfinnan Station Signal Box
Photo credit: “Glenfinnan Station 3 5 2019 1a” by Alex M Shepherd, Public Domain Dedication (CC0)
GLENFINNAN MONUMENT AND VISITOR CENTRE
Built in 1815, this 18m-high tower is a monument in memory of the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause. Today you can climb to the top and enjoy stunning views over Loch Sheil (book in advance online).
The Visitor Centre tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rising, including Jacobite artefacts and a model re-creating the 1745 Gathering.
There is also a viewpoint where you can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct from a distance.
There are also two cafes. The monument and visitor centre are 15 minutes' walk from the train station.
SAVING! Part of the 2FOR1 entry scheme when arriving by train with a printed voucher.
SAVING! Free hot drink in the cafe if you arrive by train or bus.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from Glenfinnan train station.
Glenfinnan Monument
This is a community owned and run heritage, wildlife and visitor hub with a small exhibition and shop.
Transport: 10 minutes' walk from Arisaig train station.
See our Guide to Arisaig for more details about the area.
Situated alongside the station, the Centre is filled with exhibits about the town, fishing and railways.
Transport: alight at Mallaig train station.
See our Guide to Mallaig for other places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
See our Guide to the stunning islands of Orkney for other places to visit.
The Museum was built as a house for the Cathedral clergy in 1574 and is well preserved. Entry is through the arched gateway that bears the coat of arms of Gilbert Foulzie who built the house.
Exhibits are of international importance and trace 5000 years of Orkney history. The Museum is located at Tankerness House (opposite the Cathedral).
Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Kirkwall travel centre.
In 1850 a huge storm unearthed a prehistoric village on the shores of the Bay of Skaill. This village was built over 5000 years ago and is remarkably well preserved. To put that time in context, the Great Pyramid of Giza was not built until 1300 BC.
The houses are remarkably well preserved with even the stone made furniture still intact. The people who lived here were fishermen, hunters and farmers.
However, they found time beyond survival to produce objects of beauty including carved stones. Many of these artefacts have been found and are preserved and on display in the on site museum.
Transport: 1 hour bus journey from Kirkwall.
From geological beginnings to the present day, the Museum tells the story of Shetland. Being famous for textiles, there are specific displays on this particular aspect of the island’s past.
Transport: 20 minutes' walk from Lerwick ferry terminal.
See our Guide to Shetland for other places to visit.
See our Guide to the Outer Hebrides for more details about this collection of islands.
This is the main attraction on the island of Lewis. It houses a museum on the history of the Isle of Lewis and Gaelic language, as well as a cafe and shop.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Stornoway.
Lews Castle
View from Lews Castle
Inside Lews Castle
Ceiling in Lews Castle
BARRA HERITAGE AND CULTURAL CENTRE
Located in Castlebay, Barra Heritage and Cultural Centre which tells the history of the islands of Barra and Vatersay.
See our Guide to Skye for more details about this hugely popular island.
ARMADALE CASTLE, GARDENS AND MUSEUM OF THE ISLES
Currently for sale, open for the 2025 season
Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles is actually two attractions in one. The site was taken over by the Clan Donald Lands Trust in 1971, who have restored this 40 acre woodland garden beside the Castle.
These beautiful gardens benefit from almost frost free conditions and have existed since the 17th century. There are also woodland walks and nature trails for those less interested in formal gardens.
These are all set within the grounds of the Castle, which although at first glimpse looks complete, is actually now a ruin without any interior.
The Museum of the Isles is housed in a purpose built building and despite its small size it has excellent displays as well as a library and archives. Also on the site is the Stable Block which now contains a gift shop and restaurant.
The Sleat Estate is currently for sale by the Clan Donald Lands Trust. The museum collections are not for sale. The Trust states that it 'intends to use proceeds from the sale to help fund a new museum and exhibition centre, ideally still based on Skye, offering an expanded focus on Clan Donald and the wider Highland clan heritage'.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Armadale.
See our Guide to Skye for more details about this hugely popular island.
See our Guide to the Inverness to the Black Isle route for other places to visit, accommodation and places to eat in Rosemarkie and Cromarty.
GROAM HOUSE MUSEUM, ROSEMARKIE
The museum's most important collection is its Pictish sculpted stones, connected with the village's early Christian monastery. It also has material about Black Isle history and celtic art.
Transport: 30 to 40 minutes' bus journey from Inverness.
HUGH MILLER'S BIRTHPLACE COTTAGE AND MUSEUM, CROMARTY
Hugh Miller was an influential local 19th century geologist and writer. You can visit the thatched cottage where he was born and the next door Georgian house which is now a museum. Outside there are also two pleasant gardens including a sundial carved by Millar.
It is run by the National Trust for Scotland, and has regular themed exhibitions and activities in the thatched cottage - we enjoyed visiting for Floral Fantasy when all the rooms were decorated with crafted flowers.
Transport: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes bus journey from Inverness.
Hugh Miller's Cottage and Museum
Next door to Hugh Miller's museum house is the old Courthouse which is also a museum. As the name suggests, this grand building dating from 1773 was once the courthouse and jail.
Today you can find out about its history as a courthouse, including observing a mock case and exploring the cells. It also has exhibitions about the local area including its history as a seaport and home to a notable rope factory.
There is even a small cinema in a converted cell, showing a short film about life in Cromarty in the 1950s and 60s. It is an interesting place to spend an hour or two.
Cromarty Courthouse Museum
The mock trial is very well done
The Trust has two venues in Cromarty, the Old Brewery which often has workshops, exhibitions and events on.
The Stables is a short walk up the hill towards the South Sutor and has a gallery, studios and open air events. Check out their website to see if there's anything on while you're in town.
Old Brewery
The Stables
CALEDONIAN CANAL CENTRE, FORT AUGUSTUS
The centre has an exhibition on the history of the canal and surrounding area, as well as a cafe and shop.
Transport: 2 minutes' walk from the main bus stop.
See our Guide to the Inverness to Fort William for more details about this route.
The Caledonian Canal Centre is towards the far left of this photo
See our Guide to the Inverness to Poolewe and Gairloch route for more places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
Part of Inverewe Garden, this interactive museum located in Inverewe House is set in the mid-20th century. It tells the history of the garden created by Osgood Mackenzie.
The current house dates from 1937, having replaced the original which was built in 1862 but destroyed by fire in 1914.
Transport: 20 minutes' walk from the centre of Poolewe.
Inverewe House
Part of the colourful Inverewe Garden
This historic home (still lived in) is open for tours where you can find out about its history as a home for Victorian gentry and its later role in World War II as a Royal Navy Command Headquarters.
It is full of 19th century interiors and collectables. There is also a Victorian style shop and a Gentleman's Club style cafe.
Transport: In the centre of the village.
Located in a converted nuclear bunker, this museum covers 7000 years of history, as well as culture and natural heritage.
There are also two art exhibitions, an outdoor museum, shop and cafe. A weekly guided walk and behind the scenes tour are also on offer.
Transport: In the centre of the village.
Formerly Solas Gallery. Displaying and selling watercolours, prints, ceramics and jewellery by local artists.
Transport: 30 minutes' walk from the centre of Gairloch.
This museum is located in an attractive Grade A listed building. It has exhibits on local life, maritime history, the fishing industry, and Gaelic culture.
Transport: In the centre of the village.
See our Guide to the Inverness to Ullapool route for more places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
The village is home to local artists including galleries, paintings & prints, ceramics, woodwork, and glass work.
There is also a geology and archaeology exhibition at Durness Deep Time.
Transport: 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Durness.
See our Guide to the Inverness to Durness route for more places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
This is a very interesting museum where you could easily spend a few hours, as we did. It is located in the old Parish Church and is around 20 minutes' walk from the village.
It tells the history of the north west of Sutherland including Clan Mackay and the 19th century Highland Clearances.
Transport: 20 minutes' walk from the centre of the village.
See our Guide to the Thurso to Durness route for more places to visit, accommodation and places to eat.
Strathnaver Museum
The museum is in an attractive building, Burnfield House, which dates from 1861 and originally housed the Grantown Female School. It contains collections related to the town, the surrounding area and Clan Grant.
For an additional fee, they also offer a bookable 'Adventures in Costume' experience where you can choose from over 20 handmade replica costumes to dress up in. There is also a shop and visitor information.
Transport: In the town centre.
See our Guide to the Aviemore to Grantown-on-Spey route for more places to visit, accommodation and restaurants.
Page last updated 24 October 2025