The idyllic town of Beauly in Scotland sits just outside the bustling Inverness and is a great place to escape the busy city. The town has a rustic and vintage appearance that grants it an impeccable characterful charm. Believe us when we say there are many things to do in Beauly.
This beautiful village is west of Inverness, with royal roots and fascinating attractions. Legends have it that visiting royalty, Mary, Queen of Scots, commented, “C’est un beau lieu” when first seeing the town, and the name “Beau Lieu” has stuck ever since!
There are a lot of sights and places in Beauly that make it an excellent destination.
In This Post
Things to Do in Beauly
Beauly is one of the most exciting locations in the Scottish Highlands, with extraordinary things to do.
It’s a beautiful place near the River Beauly which lends the area to rich and dense woodlands. Walking trails and hikes lead you through cultivated fruit farms, offering spectacular things to see! The magnificent Beauly Priory, museums, castles, and much more stunning architecture from Scotland’s past are undoubtedly the main draws of Beauly.
There are many exciting activities and amenities in this part of Scotland. See our guide for the top things to do in Beauly.
See the Beauly Priory
Founded in the early 1200s, the Beauly Priory is one of only three priories based in Scotland!
The Beauly Priory church was built for monks of the Valliscaulian Order. The ruins of the church look stunning and present visitors with terrific views of the River Beauly. It’s just up the road from the Lovat Arms Hotel.
Beauly Priory abbey church brings hundreds of visitors to this village every year and is a location mentioned in the “Outlander” series of books by Diana Gabaldon, so check it out!
Wardlaw Museum
The Wardlaw Museum welcomes you into a world of extraordinary art, natural history, and science in Scotland!
In the town of Beauly, you can explore the boundaries of thinking from world champions while learning about the region’s history. It’s an excellent location for kids and adults, with interactive exhibits to immerse yourself in.
Kilmorack Gallery
The privately-owned Kilmorack Gallery is an excellent addition to any day out in Beauly, Scotland.
The gallery is home to extraordinary artworks from prominent Scottish artists like Pinkie Maclure, Colin Brown, and many more. You may find your next favourite piece that will grace your mantlepiece back home!
Beaufort Castle
Beaufort Castle presents stunning views of a spectacular garden that overlooks the winding River Tay.
The Castle is privately owned, so you cannot explore its interior, but even from a distance, the castle is an extraordinary attraction! The area around the castle is a great walking spot to wind down an evening with.
Reelig Glen
Explore ancient woodlands while you’re in Beauly – perfect for anyone wanting to retreat into the outdoors of the Highlands.
Reelig Glen is a few miles south of Beauly, and home to rushing waters, deep gorges, and ample wildlife along your journey! Seeing red squirrels, roe deer, and an array of bird species is par for the course!
Aigas Field Centre
The Aigas Field Centre has been providing people with sublime experiences involving the critters and animals that make up Scotland’s wildlife!
Otters, eagles, cats, birds, are more are yours to see in the centre’s immaculate wildlife holiday resort. Check out their website to see and learn about the plethora of animals that make up the Highlands.
Check out the High Street
Old School Beauly on High Street is a shopper’s paradise with many extraordinary stores to look into.
Most famous are likely Morison’s Ironmongers and Campbell’s Tweed Shop, which still makes estate tweed outfits today! With gift shops aplenty and many great contemporary products, you’ll undoubtedly find a souvenir to take home.
Redcastle & Gardens
Out of all the ruined Highland estates, the Redcastle & Gardens in Inverness-shire are some of the most stunning.
The wilderness has reclaimed the site, giving it a unique appearance of a natural sanctuary made up of stone and flora. The Castle has its original fixtures and stonework, which any historians will fawn over.
Falls of Orrin
Near the Muir of Ord, the Falls of Orrin is one the best hiking trails to undertake while you’re in Beauly.
A short trip north reveals the spectacular woodlands of the Highlands. It’s the perfect place for birding, mountain biking, and hiking, so pack your bags and hiking boots! It’s the chief seat of natural beauty around Beauly.
River Beauly
This mighty river makes up the lifeblood of the village of Beauly, and it deposits into the Beauly Firth and meets the city of Inverness.
You can go fishing, chat with the locals, and even go bird-watching to see the immense amounts of bird life in Beauly.
Ord Hill Walk
North of Beauly sits the Ord Hill Walk, with arguably some of the region’s best views.
It’s a short and amiable hike with stunning woodlands and spectacular sunsets. There are plentiful attractions along the way, like Iron Age forts and wildlife.
Muir of Ord Golf Club
Proclaimed as the Scottish Club of the Year in 2016, the Muir of Ord Golf Club is an excellent way to improve your handicap!
With 18 stunning holes, you’ll be treated to a challenging yet satisfying game of golf every time you tee up at this prestigious club.
Other Things To Do in Highlands
- Things to do in Arisaig
- Things to do in Aviemore
- Things to do in Brora
- Things to do in Caithness
- Things to do in Carrbridge
- Things to do in Drumnadrochit
- Things to do in Fort Augustus
- Things to do in Fort William
- Things to do in Gairloch
- Things to do in Invergordon
- Things to do in Inverness
- Things to do in Kingussie
- Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
- Things to do in Lochinver
- Things to do in Loch Ness
- Things to do in Nairn
- Things to do in Newtonmore
- Things to do in Strathpeffer
- Things to do in Thurso
- Things to do in Ullapool
- Things to do in Wick
