A Scottish Retreat: things to see & do in the Highlands
When we were invited on a press trip to the Scottish Highlands, staying at Eagle Brae, as much as I was looking forward to the peace and quiet, I was also hoping to see more of the area.
I have always wanted to see Loch Ness and so, when Jacobite offered a guided cruise on the Loch, we all jumped at the chance.
We were booked onto the Freedom tour, a ticket which allows you a 30 minute cruise across the Loch to explore Urquhart Castle, followed by another 30 minute cruise back.
Despite us all dressing for the Arctic, the weather was absolutely beautiful and it was lovely and warm in the sunshine. The Loch was lovely and still and we were able to sit back and simply enjoy the view. And it was every bit as beautiful as I had hoped it would be.
As we approached the other side we were all poised with our cameras ready to capture the first sightings of the castle. Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, situated on the north-western shore of Loch Ness, it offers visitors fascinating insights into its dramatic history and spectacular views over the world-famous Loch.
Written records show that a castle has stood on this site from at least the 13th Century and has seen many battles over the years. As a family we have visited countless castles, there is something so fascinating about exploring such ancient sites, and yet none have been in such a beautiful setting as this.
Despite the castle being a ruin there is an open stair case to the bottom, and the top, so you can not only explore, but enjoy the most spectacular views!
There are information points throughout the castle to share interesting historical facts, and also guided tours at regular intervals. We were happy to explore by ourselves and, of course, given the fact we are bloggers, enjoy the many photo opportunities!
After an hour exploring it was time to board the boat again. I would definitely recommend a visit to the castle and I’m sure that if we were to visit the Highlands as a family, my children would be in their element exploring the ruins!
That evening we were invited for dinner at The Kingsmill Hotel, a fabulous four star luxury hotel in Inverness. They offer a variety of luxurious rooms, impeccable dining options and good old fashioned Scottish hospitality. And they really did offer us the most warm and sincere welcome.
There we were given a guided tour where it was evident why The Kingsmill Hotel is the leading hotel in Inverness. The rooms are spacious, well designed and oozing in luxury and, with a spa, swimming pool and gym, it really is the perfect venue for those looking for hotel accommodation in the Highlands.
Whilst enjoying a glass of Prosecco and some canapés, we were introduced to Bill, the resident bag piper who had us all clapping along and feeling a real sense of the Scottish patriarchy.
My favourite part was undoubtedly being led to our private dining room, a room which Robert Burns himself had dined in, and served the most delicious, tradition Scottish, meal.
With a five course meal, consisting of Cullen Skink, followed by a Haggis Tower with a whisky cream sauce, Feather Blade of Scottish Beef, Spiced Apple and Raisin Crumble and finally coffee and Highland tablet, I don’t think I have ever been so full in my entire life!! At one point I had to unbutton my jeans, but it was entirely worth it!!
I have genuinely never experienced such impeccable service as we did at The Kingsmill hotel. We all left feeling a little like royalty having had them pull out all the stops to make us feel so welcome. I would recommend both the Hotel and the Restaurant to anyone visiting the Highlands, and that Feather Blade of Beef has gone down in history as one of my favourite meals of all time!
There are so many more things to see and do in the Highlands, all of which I hope to do in the coming years with my family. I definitely fell in love with the Highlands and, family aside, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have shared those three days with than these gorgeous ladies. Roll on our next retreat!!
Scotland has so much to offer – seeing all of the historic castles is a big part of the appeal for me. Along with the breathtaking landscape – just your photos leave me feeling so much calmer. And oh my goodness, I’d forgotten how much I love tablet! I used to have a work friend who would make it for me sometimes – probably accounts for the 4 fillings I had to have recently 🙂
Haha Katy I thought the same when I was eating the tablet, I’ll be paying for this in no time! It’s gorgeous though! Scotland really does have so much to offer, I LOVE it! xx
Oh wow, the pictures really make me want to visit Scotland better. So far I have been able to visit Edinburgh and to be honest, I could happily go and settle there. I’m really drawn to this country.
Mika
We love Edinburgh too! It’s very different to rural Scotland but regardless if where you go, everyone is so welcoming aren’t they? xx
It looks amazing, that meal looks so delicious and the bagpiper is a lovely touch
The hotel really pulled out all the stops for us, it was so lovely to experience a proper Scottish dinner! xx
I have not visited Scotland yet, I should do as my Grandmother was Scottish and my husband has Scottish relatives. We are planning to go one day. Looks like you had a great trip x
Ahh you must! It’s such a gorgeous place, it’s hard to explain if you’ve never been but the air is just SO pure?! xx
Oh wow this looks utterly stunning. Loch Ness is definitely somewhere we would love to visit as a family. One day we will get there.
It’s such a gorgeous place, I can’t wait to take the children back to enjoy it! xx
Oh this looks absolutely lovely! I’ve never really thought about visiting Scotland but I think I’ve been convinced
Oh you should! I defy anyone to go there and not fall in love with it! xx
Great pictures – loads of fun was had. Castles are my fave!
#KCACOLS
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
Thank you! We had a fab time! xx
I just love Scotland ! There are so many beautiful places to visit and the views are simply breathtaking not to mention the people are welcoming x your photos are beautiful
Thank you Pati, the people really are so lovely! They couldn’t have done any more for us! xx
Wow the scenery looks absolutely stunning Laura and what amazing blue skies! The castle looks breathtaking too what an incredible visit you had xx
Thanks lovely, we really did have the best time. We were very lucky with the weather, I even took my coat off at one point which is unheard of!! xx
Scotland is one place I’ve never visited but would love to do so one day! Your pictures are so beautiful and you look like you had lots of fun too. I’d definitely want to visit Loch ness when I go! X
Thank you Victoria, we really did have an amazing time. I can’t wait for our next trip! xx
That cruise was definitely worth it. You got to see the views in the castle. Absolutely beautiful. Then you had a 5 course meal at the end of your day. Nice!
Yes it was so lovely to see the Highlands from the water, and the castle was gorgeous! xx
Looks so cold, but glad you had a great time! I haven’t been to Scotland in years. I would love to go back!
It actually wasn’t as cold as we had thought it would be! xx
Once again your photography is just ON POINT! Scotland looks so so beautiful! Definitely on our list of places ‘to-go’! xx
Ahh thank you Lucie!! You can’t beat the highlands! xx
So jealous of Loch Ness! I’d be on a constant Nessie hunt! Beautiful photos as always!
Thanks Jenna, haha I was too! xx
what an incredible place! You have captured amazing photographs. I would love to visit here one day. The food looks amazing. Adding this to the bucket list 🙂
Thank you Cassie, you can’t beat Scottish hospitality! xx
oh some great ideas here that I would love to go and visit and try out for myself I will keep this post in mind
Thanks Emma, I don’t think you can go to the highlands and not see loch ness! xx
I love your pictures and description, it really brings out the adventure spent there. The imagery is very descriptive.
Thank you so much Javier! xx
I am so, so jealous. Since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to visit Loche Ness. Your photos make me want to go even more.
Ahh Erin I totally recommend it! xx
Scotland is certainly on my list to visit and you have made it much more appealing. Beautiful pictures and it looks like you all had a ball.
Thanks Serena, we had a great trip! xx
Ah, such beautiful scenes! Would love to visit Scotland someday soon!
You should Chloe! it’s amazing! xx
Oh wow, it looks incredible. Those views are just stunning! X
They really are, we didn’t want to come home! xx
The photos are absolutely stunning! Scotland is surely beautiful; I especially love the scenic view by the shore and the castle!Oh it reminds me of the movies I watch..I love it!
Thank you Darlene! It felt as though we were in a movie, so stunning! xx
They were amazing Emma, so many things to photograph! xx
First of all, your pictures are beyond dreamy and amazing. For some reason, Scotland has always eluded me when it came to travel but I am definitely going to visit soon.
-Dee | | https://mydeedeesdiary.com
Thank you Dee! Scotland is definitely one of my favourite places in the whole world! xx
Such beautiful views in Scotland. I really like the images by the water. They look so dreamy.
Thank you. Loch Ness was just stunning! xx
Thank you Dana! xx
I’m so pleased we managed a trip to Loch Ness it was beautiful and so calm. The views from the castle were spectacular and we were lucky we had sunshine. Can we go back? X
They were gorgeous weren’t they? I can’t believe how lucky we were with the weather either! xx
You can’t beat a good Scottish castle 🙂 There’s loads to see and do up here in Scotland. Hope you get to explore more as it’s amazing, even if I do say so myself x
Oh I agree! I have a whole list now I want to visit, I can’t wait to cross more off my list! xx
I’ve said it previously but this is just stunning.
Thanks Su! xx
Scotland is the top of my list to visit! It looks so beautiful. #bigpinklink
I can’t wait to go back Heather, it’s gorgeous up there! xx
Oh it looks so beautiful. I absolutely love the look of Urquhart Castle, I love ruins like that, they’re so evocative. I really want to explore more of Scotland, I love it there.
Me too! They are gorgeous to wander around and we were so lucky with the weather that day too! xx
So glad you enjoyed your trip to the Highlands. As a Highlander myself, I have to agree that it is a very special place! xx
Ahh Gail you are so lucky! It’s just beautiful and I think we all left a part of our heart up in Scotland! xx
I am so jealous of your adventure here! The scenery alone is enough to make me want to go there and then that food really reels me in!!!
I am looking at holidays in Scotland for this year, so this was a perfect read and made me re-think the area of Scotland I was originally thinking of going, so thank you xx
Thanks Tanya. I would definitely recommend the highlands, it’s just the most beautiful place we’ve ever been in the UK without a doubt! xx
Oh it sounds absolutely wonderful! What a gorgeous setting, I am an absolute castle-colic and I have now put this on our list to explore one day! Thanks for co-hosting the #bigpinklink with me again this week beaut!
Oh you should definitely give this one a try Louise! It’s the most gorgeous setting!! Thanks for having me! xx
Wow gorgeous photos! I’d love to do the Loch Ness cruise, and the dinner sounds amazing! But the big question…did you see Nessie?! #BigPinkLink
Hahah unfortunately not!! I was on high alert just incase! xx
It all looks so moody and magical! And you have captured it so beautifully. I really want to visit the Highlands as my Grandad grew up there.
Thanks Amy. I think there is something very magical about Scotland somehow! xx
Glad you enjoyed your trip. The place looks fantastic although haven’t visited there before hopefully someday
It was amazing! I definitely fell in love with the highlands! xx
Oh you should! Scotland is just beautiful! xx
We loved it there last year – definitely warmer when we went, but nice to see the same blue skies. Fab place for a family holiday.
It was actually a lot warmer than we thought it would be Deb! We were all dressed for the antarctic but it was nowhere near as cold as we had prepared for! xx
Wow! I never though haggis could look so gourmet, but that tower has done it. I am quite partial to eating it too. Very topical for Burns Night. And gorgeous photos. #bigpinklink
The food was amazing, I have never been so full in my entire life though! xx
Love the photo of all the ladies together at the end like that – such a great memory to keep. I would love to visit Urquhart Castle x
Ahh thanks Melanie, its a gorgeous one isn’t it? We had the best time! xx
It sounds like you guys had the most amazing trip when you were in Scotland. The cruise and the castle look like a great place to spend a few hours x
It was a fab trip! We love a good castle and this one was just gorgeous by the loch! xx
Thanks for sharing your experience! I like the photos you shared as well. I’m glad you guys had a great time and I would like to check it out myself!
Thank you Katrina! Its an amazing trip, I recommend the highlands to anyone! xx
Wow! This is gorgeous! I’m so jealous! I would love to visit!
It was amazing Holly, I can’t wait to go back! xx
Scotland is one place I REALLY want to visit. I’ve always wanted to travel up there. It looks like you had a lovely time and the food looks lovely.
Oh you should Beth! It’s just gorgeous wherever you go in Scotland! xx
We plan on doing a tour of the highlands when our children get a little older. It looks like such a beautiful place! #bigpinklink
Oh wow that sounds amazing!! I really want to see some of the islands this year! xx
Oh I love Scotland so much, you’re making me want to go visit again. It’s one of the most beautiful places (especially if you get good weather!) my first time on your linky, love it.
Ahh thank you so much for joining us! I totally agree, Scotland is my favourite place I’ve ever been. xx
Oh wow, those photos are just stunning and that meal sounds delicious, I would eat it all, even the haggis! We went to the Isle of Skye this past summer and it was one of the best holidays we’ve had. I just want to go back to Scotland now. #bigpinklink
Thank you. Oh Im so jealous, I really want to visit some of the islands, Scotland is amazing isn’t it? xx
You’ve really inspired me to visit Scotland. We’ve never been as a family – my husband and I had a short break in Edinburgh pre-kids. Your photos are stunning, you were so lucky with the weather!
Ahh thank you Jen. We love Edinburgh too but the highlands feels like a million miles away somehow – in a great way! xx
Perfect place to get away from it all 🙂 #bigpinklink
If anyone deserves a press trip and some time away to enjoy herself it is you, you are one of the hardest working people that I know. As someone who is obsessed with history and castles I am slightly jealous that you were able to visit the Urquhart Castle, especially as it has over 500 years of history. And fantastic that you got to hang out with blogger friends and enjoy a delicious meal! Looking forward to meeting you when you come to London hun xx
Ahh thank you so much lovely, that means a lot to me. You would have loved the castle, and Im sure you would have got the most amazing photos amongst that back drop! Yes definitely, fingers crossed very soon. xxx
Outstanding photo ops. It looks amazing. #bigpinklink
Thank you, it really was amazing! xx
I am surprised the weather was so nice. How were the bag pipes?! Lol. Love the kilts!
The Highlands look like a great place to visit with so much to do there.
It’s amazing and we saw just a fraction! xx
I’m just dying to go to Scotland. It looks absolutely incredible.
It really is Ada, I can’t wait to go back! xx
The Highlands have such a magical quality about them. I was there the week my Mum died and somehow the landscape found a way to comfort me through that challenging time. I loved hearing about your trip and the images are amazing. Lucky you and the other lovely ladies. #BigPinkLink
Ahh Kate Im sorry to hear that but I totally get that. I always say that Scotland is magical in so many ways I can’t put my finger on. I felt that this trip was exactly what I needed. xx
I loved this castle so much, truly it has a beautiful location and a great history to visit and understand. I have a special fascination when it comes to castles, but I really loved this one due to its backdrops.
Me too Jhilmil, it felt amazing to see it there on the loch. It was just stunning! xx
Oh wow I am so jealous of you! I would love a tour in the Loch and the castle! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!
It was gorgeous, thank you so much. Loch Ness is so historic isn’t it? xx
This looks amazing your pictures really capture the beauty of such a wonderful part of our country, I have been to the castle but didn’t get as nice of weather as you !
Thanks Jenni. It was actually lovely and warm, I thought it would be baltic! xx
oh thank you for this we were just talking about what we can do when we visit in a few weeks with the kids so this is just perfect
Oh that’s fab! Thanks for reading Emma! xx
TBH, I would have never considered Scotland on my travel bucket list for the life of me, if I had not visited your blog! All the pictures are breathtaking and surreal and I will sooner or later be going to visit Scotland. Lovely pictures
Ahh thank you! I can’t recommend it enough, it’s my favourite place in all the world! xx
What a super trip. The hotel just looked and sounded amazing and the day out my children would love that, a boat trip, a castle and lots of space what a brilliant trip. So want to travel to Scotland so beautiful #bigpinklink
Thanks Sarah. Oh mine too, they were very jealous they didn’t get to go! xx
It looks like you had such an amazing time. I’ve only ever been as far as Edinburgh before but I’d love to take a trip to see the Highlands, such gorgeous scenery!
I love Edinburgh but the highlands are something else. Just stunning! xx
It looks like you guys had an amazing time in the HIghlands. We are planning on driving round parts of the country for Easter with our daughter, I shall certainly be telling the other half about here.
Oh you definitely should! Im sure your daughter would love the castle! xx
A couple of summers ago I bikepacked offroad down the Great Glen Way that runs along Loch Ness. We came out in a clearing up in the hills and could see Urquart Castle in the distance. So magical! 🙂
Oh wow that sounds amazing! I bet that was a magical sight! xx
Ooooo, your photos take me back – we visited Edinburgh, and then traveled up to Ullapool last year – and it was absolutely breathtaking! So glad you guys enjoyed Scotland.
Oh I love Edinburgh too! The Highlands are stunning though, absolutely my favourite place in all the world! xx
I’ve spent time in Edinburgh but I really want to see this bit of Scotland, the countryside, water and beautiful places. Looks like a gorgeous trip away #bigpinklink
Oh I love Edinburgh too but this was my first time to the highlands. It’s absolutely stunning, I felt as though we were a million miles from home! xx
Outside of the cold weather, these ruins and the green grass remind me of the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza. These grounds are beautiful, and I would have been mesmerized and in search of the fabled lochness monster the entire time. The hotel accommodates looked stunning, and that dinner was a perfect window into Scottish history and culture. You’re pictures were wonderful. The green landscape was so inviting.
Thanks Stephanie, it was the most amazing trip and made me never want to leave Scotland! I’m gutted we didn’t get to see the Loch Ness monster though! xx
What an amazing trip! You make this retreat sound easy to pull off and plan. This is definitely going on the bucket list.
Thanks Bryan, it really was amazing!! We had the best time there too. xx
I haven’t been to Loch Ness since I was a child. I would love to go again and see it through the eyes of an adult as well as the highlands xxx
I can’t wait to go back with the children and see it through their eyes! xx
I’ve never been to Scotland, but I’ve always been so fascinated with Loch Ness. After reading your blog and seeing your breathtaking photos, I really feel as though I’ve been transported. Thanks for sharing ☺️
Thank you so much Melissa. Loch Ness is just beautiful! xx
How cool! Posts like this one really give me the itch to travel! I will have to add this to my travel bucket list. xo
Oh you should! I can’t recommend Scotland enough! xx
Your photographs are just beautiful Laura! I can’t believe how blue the water is and how peaceful Loch Ness looks. I have a bit of a “thing” for castles so would love to visit Urquhart Castle
Ahh thank you Helen! It’s the best place for photographs! It really was so blue and tranquil! I loved it! xx
Oh Laura your photos are stunning. What a wonderful time we had and I cant wait to do it all over again. I would never have thought to visit somewhere like this. I am sure all our kids would love it x
Thanks lovely, it really was wonderful wasn’t it? Can you imagine all the kids running about, it wouldn’t be quite as relaxing but they really would love it! xx
Looks like an amazing trip! Your pics are always stunning! Scotland is beautiful and its on my list!
Ahh thank you Suchi! xx
Beautiful pictures! I would definitely want to travel there if it wasn’t so cold!
It wasn’t actually as cold as we thought it would be! The sun was lovely! xx
Scotland is a really beautiful part of the world and Loch Ness is on my list to visit. The castle looks amazing and so does the food at the hotel. I think Scotland does food very well to be honest
Isn’t it just? Scottish food really is amazing! I have never been is full in all my life though! xx
I absolutely love living in scotland. The scenery is amazing and it’s such a beautiful country. I loved seeing your trip and what you got up to whilst there. I’ve done a cruise on Loch Lomond but not Loch ness, must do that xx
Ahh it’s just gorgeous isn’t it! We did Loch Lomond in October so it was lovely to see Loch Ness too. I want to see every bit of Scotland! xx
Oh wow what an amazing trip you all had, it looks totally gorgeous, and the weather must have been a bonus too. Urquhart Castle looks stunning, and I would have loved an hour exploring that. It must have also been nice to have a few days to yourself too. Claire x #BigPinkLink
It was just gorgeous, we had the best time! xx
It’s been a while since I last visited Scotland. I agree there’s a lot to do and see there. #bigpinklink
Oh it;’s our favourite place in all the world right now, I can’t wait to go back! xx
ohh i#ve been following this on social Laura and it just sounds and looks beautiful! thanks for joining #KCACOLS – hope to see you this week too! x
It was an amazing trip, I want to go back and do it all again! xx
This looks absolutely amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit the Scottish Highlands!
Thanks so much for linking up to #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time 🙂
It was beautiful Laura, I really can’t wait to go back! xx
So beautiful. It looks like you had a fabulous time. #KCACOLS
I’ve never been to Scotland but I hope to rectify that eventually. If only it weren’t so far away. #kcacols
That landscape is really astonishing and picturesque, Laura! The Scottish Highlands are definitely worth exploring. When’s the best time of the year to explore it?
It was amazing, we had the best time! I think it would be stunning all year round but I think I would most like to visit in the Autumn as I imagine the colours would be just beautiful! xx