LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Our guide to the best attractions locally when staying at one of our luxury highland lodges, there really is something for everybody!

P l a n Y o u r G o l f

Come and play golf in the best destination for golf in the world according to the World Golf Awards 2022

E x p l o r e S c o t l a n d

Looking to explore Scotland? Then, see our recommendations to ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Top visitor attractions include the majestic Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness. Other fun things to do in Scotland will make the most of your time outdoors – you can go hiking and island hopping or look out for the aurora borealis.

As well as sightseeing and cultural highlights, seek out the best places to eat. There is something to suit all tastes from gourmet dining to the freshest takeaway fish and chips. And when you want to create more special memories during your stay, you can experience luxury Scotland in different ways.

Skelbo Woods

Wander through the picturesque Skelbo Woods down until the Skelbu Burn, located just 3.6 miles away from Cathedral House.

The Loony Dook

Take part in Dornoch's annual Loony Dook on New Year's Day. Visit Dornoch Beach and dive into the freezing cold water to start the new year right!

Dornoch Distillery

Dornoch Distillery is a local Single Malt Whisky Distillery located at Station Square, Dornoch.

Dornoch Distillery was founded by brothers Phil and Simon Thompson in 2016. The distillery is focused on creating Single Malt Whisky using a mixture of traditional and modern methods. With maturation, bottling, dilution and filtration conducted in-house at our Dornoch bond, the team can focus on each release individually – both those distilled at Dornoch Distillery and independent bottlings – ensuring that we retain as much of the spirit’s unique character as possible. You can find their small shop at Station Square, Dornoch.

Dornoch Castle

Dornoch Castle, located just opposite of Cathedral House and Dornoch Cathedral - Great for food and drinks whilst staying in Dornoch.

Dornoch Castle is situated directly opposite the inspiring 12th century Dornoch Cathedral and Cathedral House. Whilst visiting Dornoch, indulge in the Dornoch Castle restaurant and whisky bar. The whisky bar comprises of over 200 bottles; ranging from current distillery releases, whisky from all over the world, a large old and rare collection and much more there is something to suit all tastes.

Highland Hogmanay & New Year

Visit Dornoch for the famous Hogmanay Street Party, located near Cathedral House.

Every New Year in the heart of Dornoch, there is a Hogmanay Street Party. Full of live music, a pipe band, dancing, food from local traders, a fantastic firework display and much more. This is definitely not an event that you want to miss!

Achness Falls

Explore the Rosehall Forest in Sutherland until you reach the Achness Falls.

Take a beautiful scenic walk through Rosehall Forest in Sutherland, alongside River Cassley. Half-way through one of the trails you will find the Achness Falls, also known as the Cassley Falls or Achness Waterfall.

Cassley Bridge

Take a walk alongside the Cassley River to Achness Falls, viewing the 19th century Cassley Bridge.

Explore Rosehall’s beautiful A837 Cassley Bridge in Sutherland. With a historic 1823 structure, a single track and twin stone arches, this bridge is still in-use unlike other historical bridges in the area. Take a riverside walk alongside the Cassley River to Achness Falls and Rosehall Forest.

Fairy Glen Falls

Fairy Glen Falls is a beautiful walk with the family, located just 1.5 miles from the village of Rosemarkie.

Fairy Glen Falls is historically known for well-dressing ceremonies, where a local children would gather and decorate a pool with flowers. This tradition was believed to invoke the guardianship of fairies, ensuring that the water supply would stay clean. Located just 15.5 miles from Inverness in the village Rosemarkie.

The Whisky Trail

Explore Scotland's national drink and visit famous distilleries located just a few miles from Dornoch.

Explore Scotland’s national drink and visit six famous whisky distilleries whilst staying in Dornoch. Balblair, Glenmorangie, Clynelish, Dalmore, Glen Ord and Old Pulteney are all located just a few miles from Dornoch.

Dornoch Cathedral

Located opposite to Cathedral House, Dornoch Cathedral provides a beautiful view to all guests.

Dornoch Cathedral is a 13th century church, located in the heart of Dornoch. Situated opposite Cathedral House with an astonishing inside and outside structure. Providing a beautiful view to any guests visiting the town.

Dornoch Beach

Dornoch Beach consists of miles of golden sand, located just a mile from the centre of Dornoch.

Dornoch Beach graces the serene shores of Dornoch Firth, offering a tranquil retreat. Miles of golden sands extend from Dornoch Point, passing Embo Beach to the entrance of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Continuing north, Golspie and Brora host two additional award-winning beaches, while adjacent to Dornoch Beach lies a Site of Special Scientific Interest, showcasing nesting birds, flourishing flora, and diverse fauna.

Royal Dornoch

Royal Dornoch Golf Club stands as one of the premier championship golf courses in the Highlands of Scotland, located in Dornoch, Sutherland.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, Royal Dornoch Golf Club beckons golfers worldwide with its illustrious 18-hole courses, featuring the challenging Championship Course and the scenic Struie Course. Renowned as one of the must-play courses, Royal Dornoch attracts golf enthusiasts from every corner of the globe, offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and top-tier play.

Loch Ness

A Monster and More! Discover the history, experiences, people and places that surround Inverness and Loch Ness.

Known around the world as Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster has many places to hide in her very own Highland playground. Described as large, long-necked and with one or more humps protruding from the water, the most famous of all our inhabitants has been playing hide and seek since the 6th century when St Columba had the first encounter.

Home to one of the worlds greatest unanswered questions – what is in Loch Ness? Whatever you choose to believe or discover – at 23 miles long, deeper than the North Sea, with more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined – Nessie isn’t the only thing that’s Monster about our Loch Ness

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas!