Nestled on the scenic shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland's largest castles, chronicling soul-stirring stories and secrets of the nation. It is said that Urquhart Castle has been on this site since the Iron Age. Standing in ruins for hundreds and thousands of years, parts of this stunning structure have been rebuilt with utmost precision. From Jacobite Risings to Wars of Scottish Independence, the castle, during its heyday, has braved myriad ravages and today, its ruins stand as a striking testament to its storied, legendary past. Situated strategically over a craggy promontory, the castle is further accentuated by the sweeping expanses of the Great Glen and by the iconic Grant Tower which affords astounding views of Loch Ness. The castle boasts a troupe of stirring ruins like the Great Hall which evokes unbridled fascination, the eerie prison cell where tales of the castle's eventful past still linger, and an array of artifacts like the ornate Urquhart Ewer.
Take a romantic steam train ride through magnificent Highland scenery on one of the most beautiful train journeys in Britain. Following in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobite takes you from Fort William to Mallaig, a scenic West Coast fishing port. The journey takes you past Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan, where the train stops for you to explore the station museum. An on-board shop sells snacks, drinks, souvenirs and audio guide lines. Part of the line can be seen in some of the Harry Potter movies.
Perched on a picturesque cliff, the glorious Inverness Castle mightily lords over the sparkling waters of River Ness. Having aged gracefully over the years, the castle yet stands strong as a breathing canvas of medieval opulence. Boasting a pleasant, red-brick visage complemented by elegant white windows, the castle today is awash in architectural traces of the Neo-Norman style. Built on the site of an 11th-century fortification, this imposing 18th-century castle has been fought over by an array of highland clans and Scottish royalty. Nestled in the heart of Inverness, this picture-perfect castle is the crowning glory of the city, while wonderfully illustrating the long-standing legacy of the Jacobite era. The castle is currently a centerpoint of local and civil activities, its history and heritage reverberating across space and time.
Learn about the wildlife, botany, climbing, geology, and the history of this famous glen. Glencoe Visitor Centre itself is south of Fort William on the main A82 trunk road. There is a snack bar available as well as an outside picnic area where you can enjoy a leisure time with family and friends.
The story of the young pretender's life and the full history of the ill-fated 1745 Jacobite Rising are told on this historic battleground. There is also a bookshop at Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre as well. When you have finished browsing the exhibits, you can eat at the highly recommended self-service restaurant.
Jutting out into the Moray Firth, Fort George maintains the atmosphere of a fort with a job to do. Built just after the Battle of Culloden, the fort was a barracks surrounded by angular fortifications facing seaward, and back along the peninsula affording protection from unfriendly visitors. The fort is the home for the regimental museum of 'The Queens Own Highlanders.' A gift shop is on-site and teas are served in the summer.