Things to do in North Coast 500
Discover the best attractions and experiences North Coast 500 has to offer
Historic Monuments
The North Coast 500 is threaded with medieval castles and fortifications along its dramatic coastline.
Dunrobin Castle
A fairy-tale castle overlooking the Moray Firth with lush gardens and a storied history.
Castle of Mey
Seaside fortress once owned by the Queen Mother, offering strong architecture and sea views.
Clava Cairns
Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones set among the pine-scented moorlands near Inverness.
Museums
Explore Highland history and Caithness culture through compact, accessible museums along the route.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
A compact collection covering Highland history, geology and art in the city.
Wick Heritage Museum
Local history exhibits housed in a former railway building by the harbor.
Caithness Horizons
A small museum in Thurso dedicated to Caithness archaeology and regional culture.
Religious Monuments
Historic churches and sacred sites offer a quieter counterpoint to coastal drama.
Dornoch Cathedral
A striking Gothic-style cathedral overlooking the sands of Dornoch.
Beauly Priory
Ruin of a 13th-century Augustinian priory in a scenic river valley.
National & Theme Parks
Nature reserves and protected landscapes showcase the region’s rugged beauty.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
One of Scotland’s oldest nature reserves with granite peaks and ancient pines.
Assynt-Coigach National Nature Reserve
Remote moorlands, dramatic geology and stunning coastline in the far north.
Neighborhoods
Towns along the NC500 each have their own character and charm.
Inverness
The Highland capital with riverside walks, shops and a lively cafe scene.
Ullapool
A picturesque fishing village with a bustling harbor and ferry links.
Wick
Caithness town with a historic harbor and coastal views.
Free Things to Do
Many of the best experiences are free or easy to enjoy on a tight budget.
Smoo Cave (Durness)
Explore a dramatic sea cave system along the shore with free access from the beach.
Whaligoe Steps
Cliffside staircase down to a tiny harbour with breathtaking coastal views.
Achmelvich Beach
A pristine white-sand beach backed by crystal-clear water and rugged scenery.
Gastronomy
Seafood and maritime whisky define Highland flavors along the NC500.
Old Pulteney Distillery
Maritime whisky with a coastal character, anchored by Wick’s harbour.
Ullapool Seafood Experience
Fresh local seafood experiences showcasing the best of the Ullapool catch.
Nightlife
Cozy pubs and live music spots light up the evenings in coastal towns and Inverness.
Hootananny Inverness
A famous folk-music pub offering lively sessions and a welcoming crowd.
The Market Bar (Inverness)
A central pub with regular live music and a warm, friendly vibe.
Entertainment
Cultural venues provide theatre, cinema and performances across the region.
Eden Court Theatre (Inverness)
A versatile venue hosting theatre, cinema and concerts.
Vue Cinemas Inverness
Modern cinema complex showing current releases for a relaxed night out.
Sports
Tee off on renowned courses or explore the rugged outdoors by land and sea.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Historic links course regarded as one of the world’s great golf venues.
Castle Stuart Golf Links
Stunning seaside course with spectacular views of the Beauly Firth.
Nairn Golf Club
Classic Scottish links famed for high-quality greens and coastal vistas.
Off the Track
Push beyond the obvious with remote landscapes and high-adventure routes.
Stoer Lighthouse & Stoer Head
Dramatic coastal walk to a remote lighthouse and sea cliffs.
Bealach na Bà Pass
Historic single-track pass with hairpin bends and sweeping views.
Cape Wrath Trail
Challenging long-distance route for experienced hikers seeking solitude.