Ross-shire Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in Ross-shire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in Ross-shire helps you with your holiday planning.
Attadale Gardens is an artistic garden built for framing the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Begun in the 19th century by Baron Schroder, pathways through the hills take the visitor on a journey through 20 acres of rhododendrons and conifers. The pools in the garden reflect waterfalls, bamboo and candelabra primula, and Monet bridges. Attractive features include randomly placed sculptures, water gardens, a 35 foot sundial, a sunken garden encircled by stone walls, and a Japanese garden inspired by winter floods.
2. Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre - Ullapool, Ross-shire, IV26 2TY - Tel No: 01854 612987
Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre lies within the renovated Thomas Telford Parliamentary Church, originally erected in 1829. This museum walks visitors through the story of the land and people of Lochbroom, using a mixture of both traditional and multimedia exhibitons. The museum's audiovisual presentation relates the tale of the people through the years who took this challenging environment and made it home. The look into Lochbroom's history reaches all the way to the first settlers following the Ice Age and extends forward to present day.
3. Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve - Braemore, Ross-shire, IV23 2PJ - Tel No: 08444 932224
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve features dramatic waterfalls cascading about 100 metres down the sheer side of the gorge towards Strath Broom. Conveniently accessible from the road, this sight is best viewed by crossing the swaying suspension bridge over the gorge, though it is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those having a fear of heights. A path leading to the suspension bridge provides awesome views of the Falls of Measach and the gorge itself. The Nature Reserve is open year-round.
4. Falls Of Glomach - Ross-shire, IV40 8DN - Tel No: 08444 932230
Falls Of Glomach cascade 375 feet, making them the highest falls in Scotland. The word "glomach" means gloomy. The falls are best viewed after rain, but a thick mist that hangs over the hills in rainy conditions can cause those unfamiliar with the terrain to get lost. so hiking with a guide is best. In the summer months, ranger-guided walks are offered. An approximately 2.5 mile walk slightly uphill ends at the falls. Allow an average of 5 hours for the round trip.
5. Highland Museum of Childhood - The Old Station, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, IV14 9DH - Tel No: 01997 421031
Highland Museum of Childhood holds the history of childhood in the Highlands, where people worked hard, money was scarce, and the seasons dictated life. Displays, oral testimony, and photographs taken back when the camera was a rarity tell their stories. The museum also has a collection of about 272 dolls, along with dollhouses and toys from days past. Many other items on display, some owned by the museum and some on loan, include a school desk, cradle, large wooden toys, and a child's chair.
6. The Blackhouse, Arnol - Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DB - Tel No: 01851 710395
The Blackhouse, Arnol is the only remaining blackhouse in the world today. The residents left in 1966, but the blackhouse has been preserved almost just as they left it. A blackhouse differs from a modern house in that animals lived inside along with people, making the house warmer, and no chimney was necessary. A peat fire in the middle of the living room was maintained at all times, never going out. The smoke from it permeated the thatched roof, making a great fertiliser.
7. Torridon Countryside Centre - Achnasheen, Ross-shire, IV22 2EZ - Tel No: 01445 791368
Torridon Countryside Centre includes great Scottish mountain scenery, including Beinn Alligin, 985 metres, and Liathach, 1,054 metres, which has seven tops. Naturalists and geologists are very interested in these mountains, which contain sandstone around 750 million years old and white quartzite only 150 million years younger. This 6,500-ha estate includes a portion of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation. Highland cattle and red deer roam the fields. A shore path extends from Mol Mor to the village.
8. Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises - Charleston Harbour, Pier Road, Gairloch, Ross-shire, IV21 2BQ - Tel No: 01445 712636
Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises is located in a very scenic area of Wester Ross on the Scottish Highlands' west coast. They offer daily boat trips from March to October on which you can view Hebridean wildife such as Harbour Porpoises, Dolphins, Seals, Whales, and many seabirds, like Golden Eagles, White-Tailed Eagles, Black-Throated Divers, and Great Northern Divers. Established in 1989, they have the world's longest running porpoise survey. They continuously research marine mammal behaviour, and their cruises focus on educating visitors on marine life.
9. Black Isle Wildlife & Country Park - North Kessock, Ross-shire, IV1 3XF - Tel No: 01463 721656
Black Isle Wildlife & Country Park provides visitors with a great place for the family to experience the countryside and interact with animals. Visitors can feed the ducks, swans, and geese on the many ponds. The animals are friendly, and visitors can stroke the rabbits. Also residing there are rare sheep and cattle and pot-bellied pigs. Children will enjoy the play area, and families can picnic there. A gift shop and tearoom are available as well. Parking is available, and the park is wheelchair accessible.
10. Dingwall Museum - Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9RY - Tel No: 01349 865366
Dingwall Museum, once the local government's centre, now houses many artifacts and stories of human exploits in Dingwall. Members throughout the years have built displays to relay the past to visitors. Military Room showcases the Highland Heroes with an interactive touchscreen telling the story of local POW veterans. The Local Smiddy mimics the old Mill Street smiddy. Families donated tools of the trade. A newly restored Council Chamber contains the Provost's Chain of Office from 1874, and other artifacts of the Council.
