When it comes to enjoying the Good Life off the course during a golf trip to Scotland, few areas match the blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty found in The Highlands. So much, in fact, that one could easily spend an entire week in this region and never grow bored of the Golf and Good Life activities at hand. But for most travelers, time is short and the available slots on the itinerary are limited. Thankfully, when you travel with Haversham & Baker you have the H&B Concierge at your disposal to help narrow the field.
For the golfer in just such a predicament, here’s 5 must-see attractions while sightseeing on Scotland golf tours of The Highlands.
Dunrobin Castle
Just a short drive north of Royal Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle and the surrounding estate has served as the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century. Designed with a French influence, the castle features 189 rooms and is the largest house in the Northern Highlands. In addition to the interior collections, visitors to the castle can also stroll the magnificent gardens and take in a falconry display. The exhibition of the Sport of Kings usually runs daily and should not be missed if time allows.
Culloden Battlefield
The Jacobite uprising ended here on April 16, 1746 when the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (a.k.a. Bonnie Prince Charlie) was crushed by the forces led by the Duke of Cumberland. The scene proved to be the last major battle fought on mainland Britain. The drama of the Battle of Culloden is told through a variety of presentations in the original Leanach Cottage and modern Visitor’s Centre, as well as additional sites like the Graves of the Clans and the Cumberland Stone.
Glenmorangie Distillery
One of the most recognizable brands of whisky, Glenmorangie is located about ten minutes south of Dornoch in the town of Tain. Legend has it that whisky was first produced on the Morangie Farm in the early 1700s, but the distillery didn’t garner its legal license until 1843. Glenmorangie is said to mean The Glen of Tranquility. A feeling that is sure to come over every golfer after a tasting of their finest export, regardless of what the scorecard might have read earlier in the day. The tour is insightful and the gift shop is extensive, leaving little wonder why this is a fixture of whisky and golf tours in Scotland.
Dornoch Cathedral
Set in the heart of Dornoch, the cathedral was built around 1225 by Gilbert de Moravia, the Bishop of Caithness, who later became St. Gilbert. Although it has seen many restorations in the centuries since, the medieval core of the cathedral remains intact, featuring fine stained glass from the late 19th and 20th Century. There is also a memorial to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who lived nearby at Skibo Castle. If your visit can be timed with a performance of the Dornoch Pipe Band, by all means, do so. They traditional play on Saturday evenings during the travel season.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Loch Ness is a place of brilliant natural beauty, yet it’s the legend of a famous – and still unfound – Monster which draws thousands to its shores each year. The loch is over 700 feet deep in areas and surrounded by rolling hills of nearly the same height. The spectacular scene is best surveyed from the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which has stood prominently on Strone Point since the 13th century and was partially destroyed by Jacobite forces in the 17th century. For a unique view of both the castle and the loch, you can enjoy a 2-hour sailing aboard Jacobite Cruises.
Bonus Attractions
Fort George
Located a stone’s throw from Castle Stuart, the Highlands Military Tattoo presentation here is one of the best you’ll find.
Highlands Games
During the summer, many towns and villages host Highlands Games. If you come across one, by all means go. They’re a great and unique way to soak in the culture of The Highlands.
As always, the best way to enjoy these sites as well as others around The Highlands of Scotland is in the company of an H&B Personal Guide. Not only will you visit places not frequented by the massive bus tours, such as the aptly named Millionaire’s View, but learn about the history and culture of the area in more insightful detail, but you’ll discover The Highlands in the company of a local. And as any seasoned traveler will attest, it’s simply the only way to fly.
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