Cawdor Castle

Take in the breathtaking Cawdor Castle, home to the Thanes of Cawdor for many centuries and famously linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Step inside to admire the beautiful interiors, filled with period furnishings, art, and history that tell the story of the Campbell/Cawdor family. Outside, explore three stunning gardens – a vibrant flower garden, a tranquil walled garden, and a wild garden, plus a delightful hedge maze for a touch of adventure. The castle remains one of the few in Scotland still inhabited throughout winter, giving it a unique living-history charm. Pause at the castle café, where you can enjoy wonderful soup, freshly baked cheese scones, and light refreshments while taking in views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. A visit to Cawdor Castle is a perfect mix of history, beauty, and Highland elegance.

Fort George

Visit Fort George – Britain’s mightiest artillery fortress. After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746, King George II ordered the creation of the ultimate stronghold to prevent further uprisings. Fort George, an immense 18th-century fortress bristling with defences, the largest of its kind in Britain. Its formidable ramparts, powder magazines, and vast parade grounds remain almost completely intact, offer one of the most impressive military sites in the country. It also has one of only two Dog cemetery's in Scotland. Today, Fort George is an active army base, home to the legendary Black Watch regiment. It is a fascinating blend of past and present. Visitors can explore the grounds, museum and shop, or take a break in the café, serving light refreshments within the fortress walls. Set on a dramatic headland overlooking the Moray Firth, It is not only steeped in history but also a prime spot for dolphin watching, with bottlenose dolphins often spotted playing just offshore.