Our most recommended things to do in Beauly, Scotland

Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour

1. Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour

Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness on a cruise to Urquhart Castle on this guided tour from Inverness. Immerse yourself in local history at Culloden Battlefield. Enter the world of the hit TV show Outlander at the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness. Glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a 1-hour cruise to Urquhart Castle. Have free time to explore the 13th-century ruins on foot. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the charming local cafés in Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, which was featured in the Outlander novel series. Enjoy an optional Highland whisky distillery experience, where you can choose to sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on a visit to Culloden Battlefield. Step into the world of Outlander at the burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history that inspired the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all. Return to Inverness in the early evening.

From Inverness: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train

2. From Inverness: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train

Ride a ferry to the beautiful Isle of Sky. Tour around on a Mercedes mini coach. Enjoy 2 nights' accommodation in a 3-star B&B with full Scottish breakfasts. Hop on board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train. Enjoy whisky tasting at Glen Ord. Arrive for check-in at 7:30 AM on day 1. Head to Loch Ness and appreciate the view of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, which is now derelict. See the Commando Memorial, built to pay tribute to the men of the original British Commando Forces who lost their lives during World War II. Continue to Fort William and board the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train. Ride this classic train along the West Highland Line between Mallaig and Fort William and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the west coast. Pass by the beaches of Arisaig and Morar. Finish your steam train journey at Mallaig. Choose to eat lunch in Mallaig, where fish and chips are popular. Stretch your legs and head to Skye. Visit Sligachan Old Bridge and the River Sligachan, which offers eternal youth according to a local legend. Gaze at the spectacular view of the Cuillin Hills. Travel overnight to Portree. Begin day 2 by taking in the natural beauty of the fairy pools. Hear about the island's folklore from your guide. Explore Dunvegan village. Stare at Quiraing, a landslip offering a display of cliffs along the Trotternish Peninsula. Impress yourself with the view of Kilt Rock, a cliff resembling a kilt. See the amazing Mealt Waterfall running into the ocean. Visit one of Skye's most famous sights, the Old Man of Storr, and be amazed by the steep rocky pinnacles dotted along the green hills. Commence your tour on day 3 as you travel from Portree to Inverness. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland. Journey to the quaint highland village of Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, a derelict former monastic community which dates back to the 13th century. Go to Glen Ord for a Highland whisky experience. Choose to taste whisky as your guide explains how it is made. Gain new knowledge about the history of whisky in Scotland. Keep going to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Uprising of 1746. Go to the bronze age burial site at Clava Cairns. See the standing stones, which were one of the inspirations behind the Outlander television series. Return to Inverness at roughly 5:30 PM to finish your tour.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

3. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

4. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands 5-Day Tour

5. Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands 5-Day Tour

Departing from Edinburgh, travel through Scotland’s Central Belt to Glasgow, here there's time to visit the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, opened in 1901. Then cross the Kingston Bridge over the River Clyde and head north to the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Next, it’s onwards and upwards over the steep pass of 'Rest and be Thankful' in the village of Inveraray, a town lapped by the sea water of Loch Fyne and famed for its oysters and seafood. Next head to Dunadd Iron Age Fort, the coronation site of kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic speaking kingdom. Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens and take the steep but thankfully short path to the summit of the hill. After a stop at Kilmartin Museum, drive through the stunning Argyll scenery to the bustling port and fishing town of Oban, the location of your first night’s stay. In the morning discover the beautiful Glencoe, considered to be the most impressive glen in Scotland. After a short hike and photograph stop, head to the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. Fom Glenfinnan travel to Fort William where you have two options – a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky distillery or a visit to Inverlochy Castle and Neptune’s Staircase. Time to head north and arrive at the southern banks of Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Your route then takes you into some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the Highlands as you pass through Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail to the meeting point of 3 sea lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh – the wonderful setting for Eilean Donan Castle. On Day 3, explore the sights of the Trotternish Peninsula to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, hear about the local folklore of how the Fairies, Fishermen and Giants created the landscape. Next, visit the Museum of Island Life, and then loop around north Skye to take in magnificent views across the sea, east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Journey onto the Cuillin Mountains and travel through Kyle of Lochalsh to the unbelievably pretty village of Plockton. At Plockton there is the option of taking a one-hour cruise or a short hike through nearby woodland. In the evening, visit a local highland pub to drink some Scotch whisky or beer and eat some traditional Scottish food, whilst listening to some local musicians perform. On Day 4, visit Kessock bridge and then head to the North West Highlands. The first stop of the day is at Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scotland’s deepest gorge, and then onto the legendary North Coast 500 Route traveling passed towering peaks to the ancient ruin of Ardvreck Castle. After this fascinating slice of Scottish history, head to the very wonderful Knockan Crag to learn more about the incredible geology of this area, next head to the pretty ferry port and fishing town of Ullapool. After lunch, travel to Rogie Falls and find frothing water cascading down the falls and gentle trails among the forest. From Rogie Falls it’s a short drive to the town of Beauly, the one time favorite town of Mary Queen of Scots. On the last day the first stop is Clava Cairns, the site of incredible standing stones and burial chambers dating back to at least 4000 years ago. Culloden Battlefield is the next stop location of the last battle to be fought on British soil. Onto Cairngorms National Park next, and then the final stop of the tour at the ancient east Fife town of St Andrews. This medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland, as well St Andrews Cathedral. It’s always hard to drag yourself away from St Andrews but in the early evening it's time to start winding your way through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge with views of the 1890 Railway Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing, and back into Edinburgh.

Invergordon: Luxury Relaxed South Shore Excursion

6. Invergordon: Luxury Relaxed South Shore Excursion

Start your day of adventure by arriving via Port of Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands. Once there, you will be met by your friendly driver as you leave the harbour area. After listening to a safety briefing you'll hop into your luxurious and spacious vehicle and travel South. First stop, the famous Culloden battlefield where your driver will provide you with an informative narrative about the events that led to this battle. Take your time and feel free to visit the visitor centre shop Your next stop is the nearby Clava Cairns, a series of mysterious stone circles which are a free attraction to visit. Leaving Clava Cairns the tour heads East on single track roads to Cawdor Village and Cawdor Castle (admission included) for a self guided tour (handset) supported by castle staff once inside. When your visit at Cawdor Castle is complete the tour travels back through Inverness to Loch Ness for a scenic drive along the Loch with a photo stop. Maybe spot the beastie !! Taking Culnakirk Hill route we then cut over to Beauly and a visit to Beauly Priory . Continuing on our journey we stop at the Glenord Distillery at nearby Muir of Ord where you can indulge in a Whisky sampling experience. Your tour then heads North and back to the Port of Invergordon where the tour ends.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

7. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Scotland on this adventurous 5-day trip through the Highlands and the enchanting Isle of Skye. Immerse yourself in myths and legends while experiencing Glencoe, The Isle of Skye, and Inverness. Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban Marvel at the iconic Kelpies before heading north past Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. Immerse yourself in the scenic Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and explore the quaint fishing town of Oban in the late afternoon. (Overnight: Oban) Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye Journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes on the way to Skye. Get the chance to view the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct before passing romantic Eilean Donan Castle and spending the night in our enchanting island destination, the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree) Day 3: Isle of Skye to Inverness Explore the magical Isle of Skye with its far-reaching mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. Head along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 4: Inverness Search for the mysterious monster ‘Nessie’ while driving along the banks of Loch Ness before visiting the beautiful town of Beauly and stopping at the historical Culloden Battlefield. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 5: Inverness to Edinburgh Begin your final day with a visit to the chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns. Taste and learn all about the 'water of life' at a local whisky distillery before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.

Other Sightseeing Options in Beauly, Scotland

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What people are saying about Beauly, Scotland

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 129 reviews

I enjoyed the tour very much. Our guide, Jim, was knowledgeable and professional. I learned so much more about the history and the beautiful highlands of Scotland. The B&B was very comfortable and breakfast was delicious. Highly recommended and I will return for other tours. Thank you for a remarkable "Outlander" adventure.

Even though our boat cruise had to be canceled due to the high winds, this was one of the best tours I've done. The amount of places we went was amazing. I would have liked to have spent a little more time at some but obviously we wouldn't have been able to do as much as we did. Iain was wonderful.

This tour was so much fun! Our guide was fantastic and super knowledgeable about the details and history of each place we went to. We had an amazing time and got to see and experience so many beautiful places!

Our guide was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable for the history of our visited sites and gave great recommendations for things to do and try in the area.

Superb!! In every way! Beautiful, comfortable Mercedes van. Great tour guide and music along the way. Great B&B’s. We were sad when it ended!!!!