Destination guideUnited Kingdom
27 Things to Do in Highland Council (2026)
The Highland Council area, located in northern Scotland, encompasses the largest administrative region in the United Kingdom.
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Its historical record extends from the Neolithic period to the modern era, featuring a range of archaeological and architectural classifications. The region contains numerous historical structures, including Iron Age brochs—drystone hollow-walled towers—and medieval fortresses. Notable examples include Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness and Brodie Castle, a 400-year-old ancestral home. Military architecture is further represented by the 18th-century Ruthven Barracks and Fort George.
- 27 spots
- 7 must-try dishes
- Researched November 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Highland Council7 dishes
Hand-Dived West Coast Scallops Where to order it in Highland Council
Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties Where to order it in Highland Council
Highland Venison Where to order it in Highland Council
Loch Linnhe Langoustines Where to order it in Highland Council
Arbroath Smokies Where to order it in Highland Council
Scottish Tablet Where to order it in Highland Council
Highland Wagyu Burgers Where to order it in Highland Council
The short answer
- The top things to do in Highland Council, from 24 sources researched November 2026, start with:
- Glenfinnan Viaduct (Glenfinnan)
- Eilean Donan Castle (Dornie)
- West Highland Museum (Fort William)
- North Coast Visitor Centre (Thurso)
- Steall Waterfall (Fort William)
- 7 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
27 places worth your time in Highland Council
Things to see and do
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Why it’s on the map
Completed in 1901, this mass concrete railway bridge is a Category A listed structure consisting of 21 semi-circular arches reaching heights of 30 meters.
Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, UK
Eilean Donan Castle
Why it’s on the map
This 13th-century fortress stands on a tidal island at the intersection of three sea lochs, connected to the mainland by a distinctive arched stone bridge.
Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, UK
West Highland Museum
Why it’s on the map
Located in the heart of Fort William, this museum is famous for its extensive Jacobite collection, including the 'Secret Portrait' of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Cameron Square, Fort William PH33 6AJ, UK
North Coast Visitor Centre
Why it’s on the map
Located in the historic former Thurso Town Hall, this museum reopened for the 2026 season with a world-class collection of Pictish stones and Viking runes.
High St, Thurso KW14 8AJ, UK
Steall Waterfall
Why it’s on the map
Old Military Rd, Fort William PH33 6SY, UK
Mountain Peak · Portree
Museum
Place to see · Inverness
Mountain Peak · Portree
Premise
Local Government Office · Inverness
Castle · Castle Hill
Event Venue · Inverness
Shopping Mall · Inverness
Museum
Where to eat
See the full Highland Council food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Seafood Restaurant · Inverness
Seafood Restaurant
Cafe · Tornagrain
Cafe
Place to eat · Isle of Skye
Meal Takeaway · Isle of Skye
European Restaurant · Inverness
Food Store · Kingussie
Seafood Restaurant
Cafe · Kincraig
French Restaurant · Inverness
Restaurant · Inverness
22 more places on the map
12 to eat · 9 to see and do · 1 to shop · 7 must-try dishes with where to order each
StartWhen is the best time to visit Highland Council?
- The best time to visit the Highlands is from May to September, with May and June offering the best balance of long daylight hours and lower rainfall before the peak of "midge" season. While summer provides the warmest weather (averaging 15-19°C), it is also the busiest period, so consider the "shoulder" months of April and October for stunning autumn colors and fewer crowds. Be prepared for highly unpredictable weather year-round, as rain and wind are common even in mid-summer.
How do I get around Highland Council?
- ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper Trains Direct rail services connect Inverness to Glasgow and Edinburgh via the Highland Main Line, while the overnight Caledonian Sleeper provides a direct link from London Euston to various Highland destinations.
- Inverness Airport (INV) Located just east of Inverness, this international hub offers frequent flights from London, Amsterdam, and UK regional airports, serving as the primary gateway for air travelers entering the Scottish Highlands.
- Stagecoach Highlands Bus Network The most extensive form of local public transport, Stagecoach operates a network of buses connecting major towns like Fort William, Wick, and Portree, though services in remote rural areas may be infrequent.
What should I know before visiting Highland Council?
- When driving on single-track roads, always pull into the passing place on your left or wait opposite one on your right to allow oncoming traffic or faster vehicles behind you to pass.
- Prepare for the 'Highland midge' between May and September by carrying specialized repellent like Smidge and wearing a head net during still, humid conditions at dawn or dusk.
- Always carry waterproof layers and a map even on sunny days, as Highland weather can change rapidly and mobile signal is often non-existent in remote glens.
- Observe the 'Teuchter Salute' by acknowledging other drivers with a simple wave or a raised finger from the steering wheel when using passing places.
What’s new in Highland Council in November 2026?
- Inverness Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display: A major free community event at Bught Park on 5 November 2026, featuring one of Scotland's largest bonfires and a musical fireworks show.
- Inverness Castle Experience: A new immersive visitor attraction in the historic fortress overlooking the River Ness, featuring interactive Gaelic storytelling and Highland folklore exhibits (opened 2026).
- Highland Visitor Levy Consultation: A series of high-profile public engagement events running throughout November 2026 across Fort William, Inverness, and Aviemore regarding the proposed tourism tax.
- The World Shortbread Championships: A major culinary competition and festival celebrating traditional Scottish baking, taking place at Inverness Leisure on 21 November 2026.
Research receipt
How this Highland Council guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched November 2026. A newer build for Highland Council replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Highland Council?
Start with Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle, West Highland Museum, North Coast Visitor Centre, and Steall Waterfall: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched November 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 27 places are pinned on the Highland Council map.