Cottages in Loch Ness

To the west of the Highlands, the largest lake in the UK awaits you. Monsters aside, Loch Ness is simply awesome. The surrounding scenery is epic, and the area is home to magical castles, atmospheric waterfalls, and entertaining family-friendly attractions. Looking for a holiday cottage around Loch Ness? Loch Ness’ main town is beautiful Inverness, a lovely spot to base your holiday to the region, with all the big town amenities you would expect. If a holiday away from it all is your goal, there are manifold pretty cottages dotted around the lake, some in quaint little villages, others in completed secluded locations, with truly special panoramic views of the loch and hills beyond.

With one or two bedrooms, cottages in the Loch Ness region tend to be small and cosy, ideal for couples travelling on a romantic holiday. That said, there are a small number of 3-4 bedroom cottages suitable for families and larger groups. Cottages are situated in gorgeous natural habitats, guaranteeing you, if you choose, complete seclusion on the shoreline of the lake. They boast modern, stylish interiors, and roaring fireplaces for those cool summer evenings and long winter nights.

A boat trip on Loch Ness is the best way to introduce yourself to the local landscape and, who knows, maybe even seeing Nessie herself! Today, there are many companies that offer their services from various ports, but the greatest choice is in the city of Inverness. Boats offer spacious and heated cabins with panoramic windows for those rainy days, and outdoor lounge areas for when the sun is shining!

With due respect to Nessie, Urquhart Castle is arguably Loch Ness's greatest attraction. Nestled on the west bank of the lake, it has watched over Loch Ness since the 13th century. Discover centuries of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life, and feast on the wonderful views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the most celebrated castle in the Highlands.

Whisky is so synonymous with Scotland that it is often referred to as “Scotch”. Loch Ness’ greatest distillery is Glen Ord, creators of a divine malt whisky that is sweet and fruity with a subtle undertone of spice. Take an educational guided tour around the distillery followed by a tutored tasting of one of the distillery’s exclusive bottlings from the Singleton of Glen Ord!

The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition is located in Drumnadrochit, close to Urquhart Castle. It comprises seven halls with informative displays and exhibits about the geological past of the lake, its current day biodiversity, and, of course, Nessie herself. Family friendly, it also boasts a great souvenir shop.

Culloden is known as the site of the last battle of the Highlanders, who suffered tremendous persecution after the event. Everything related to Highlander culture was banned, including dress, traditions, and culture. The Culloden interpretation centre brings to life the battlefield itself and the experiences of the highland peoples all those years ago.

Nessieland is right next to the Loch Ness Centre. Aimed at the little ones, Nessieland is all about the Loch Ness legend and the story of Nessie. Explore the cave where Nessie lives and learn about all the curious sightings throughout history. See for yourself the overwhelming evidence of Nessie's existence in the depths of Loch Ness!

Take the drive to Boleskine Graveyard, a small burial ground overlooking Loch Ness. Rich in history, it has all sorts of fascinating gravestones covered with mysterious carvings. It is also home to some spectacular views of the loch, so if the weather is complying, take a picnic and make an afternoon of it!

Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness is home to the fascinating locks of the Caledonian canal. The Caledonian Canal is an artificial diagonal strip of water that runs through Scotland, and the lock system in Fort Augustus puts on a great show as the ships pass through.

Hike a section of the Loch Ness 360° Trail, an epic 360° loop that circumnavigates the entire loch. 80 miles in length, the path begins and ends in Inverness, but you can join the well-marked trail at any point of your choice!

Plodda Falls on the north side of the loch should be at the top of every tourists’ to-do list, but it so happens that few people have heard of this hidden treasure. 150 feet of plunging, roaring water, this spectacular waterfall boasts a perfect viewing platform and unforgettable views towards the hauntingly beautiful mountains of the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. Scotland at its finest!