Strathpeffer in Scotland is a quaint Victorian-era town, a superb holiday destination, and its proximity to Inverness makes reaching this Highland village easy. You’ll find many things to do in Strathpeffer, within the town and in the surrounding area.
This village was a famous spa resort during the Victorian era and contains relics you can still see today. Strathpeffer was also involved in many battles during the 1400s and the scars of these skirmishes can be seen at various points of the modern town, with Clan Mackenzie being a dominant player in most of them.
Tourism is one of Strathpeffer’s most blooming industries, so you have an excellent selection of Strathpeffer hotels and accommodation. There are also great entertainment locations, restaurants, bars, and other functions along the Strathpeffer Pavilion.
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Things to Do in Strathpeffer
This village in the Scottish Highlands is a favourite of many thanks to its top-tier attractions and sights.
With historical monuments around every corner, you don’t have to leave Strathpeffer to enjoy a vibrant music scene, charming Victorian-era architecture, and much more!
Should you explore the nearby wooded hills and leafy glens, you’ll be spoilt for a choice of things to do. Castle Leod is one of the top attractions you can find, but don’t miss out on seeing Rogie Falls, the Strathpeffer Pump Room, and many more exciting points of interest!
The town even has an annual Strathpeffer Highland Gathering – what more could you ask for? See our guide for the top things to do in Strathpeffer.
Castle Leod
Castle Leod is an unspoilt beauty amidst Easter Ross in Scotland and could very well pass for a modern castle.
Castle Leod has been home to Clan Mackenzie for over 500 years, and a trip to this castle reveals how this courageous clan made this region of Scotland a prominent political front in the 1700s.
You can explore authentically furnished rooms, immerse yourself in the retelling of the castle’s history, and see great views of the grounds afterwards – a full day of adventure!
Strathpeffer Highland Gathering
Every year in the first week of August, the air becomes electric in the lead-up to the Strathpeffer Highland Gathering.
Although not the longest established Highland games, the Strathpeffer Gathering is a vibrant and energetic event that has hosted major acts like Deacon Blue, The Kaiser Chiefs, and Edwyn Collins, to name a few.
It’s the perfect outing for the whole family and is worth planning your holiday around.
Touchstone Maze
In between Loch Ussie and Strathpeffer is the Touchstone Maze, a modern art piece containing stones from all over Scotland.
Imitating the ancient megaliths, the maze incorporates the alignment of the sun and moon in its design. Its shadows can be used as a clock to indicate important solar dates on the calendar. Visit this fascinating attraction to test it for yourself!
The modern maze megalith is entrancingly beautiful and well within walking distance of Strathpeffer.
Clach an Tiompain
More commonly known as ‘The Eagle Stone’, this Pictish symbol stone is an intriguing attraction near Strathpeffer.
The symbols carved upon the stone are still up for debate, with some saying it resembles a horseshoe or rainbow – another excellent reason to see this ancient stone for yourself.
Don’t miss out on the Eagle Stone, one of the only relics in Strathpeffer that dates back to the 400s.
Rogie Falls
Rogie Falls provide spectacular views and a short walk through the woodlands – a perfect combination.
It’s a short trip away, easily reached by heading southwest on the A834 and then northwest on the A835. This particular waterfall is one of the favourites in the Black Water and a famous spot for watching salmon from the suspension bridge.
Rogie Falls is the perfect mini-adventure for those not interested in a long hiking trail.
Blackmuir Wood
Speaking of, the Blackmuir Wood is an excellent area for long hiking trails if you’re outdoorsy.
The Wood is not only home to gorgeous mountain views but holds a saga of ancient rituals and fascinating geology. From the car park, there is an excellent variety of trails — short, long, and even some which take you to see an Iron Age hill fort — you have dealer’s choice.
Highland Museum of Childhood
A quick attraction you can fit into any day of sightseeing is the Museum of Childhood.
This quaint and cosy museum grants a unique view into the study of childhood in the Highlands. You can see the evolution of toys, games, and clothes throughout the ages in an intimate experience with outstanding guides.
Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club
The well-maintained 18 holes of Strath Spa Golf Club are the envy of many, so don’t miss out on testing your mettle.
The frequent elevation changes and challenging course design will satisfy any player at this golf club, and we haven’t even mentioned the jaw-dropping views you get of the village and expansive grounds!
Visit the Dingwall Museum
In the nearby town of Dingwall, this museum presents a fascinating collection of artefacts relevant to the town’s past.
It’s always best to get to know a region through its history, and a pass through Dingwall Museum will leave you with enriching insight into every attraction you visit afterwards. From military antiquities to crafts, this museum has it all.
Falls of Orrin
Head south from Strathpeffer, and you’ll eventually come across the broad Falls of Orrin.
This walking trail ends in a picturesque waterfall that is in plain view from the river banks. It’s a familiar spot for dog-walkers and runners, with the gurgling of the Falls of Orrin providing a gentle atmospheric calm.
Singleton Distillery
It’s fair to say that Singleton Distillery serves some of the most refreshing whiskies around, but feel free to try it yourself next time you’re in Strathpeffer.
The Distillery has a modern look with an old Highland legacy, which you’ll learn in the informative distillery tour that takes you through its processes. Afterwards, make sure to have a tasting of the fruity and rich whisky Singleton prides itself on.
Beauly Priory
Although a bit out of the way, the Beauly Priory in the town of Beauly is a world-class attraction.
This stunning priory is only one of three that was built for the monks of the Valliscaulin Order, which originally hailed from France and upheld strict ideals of chastity, obedience and poverty.
Visitors are treated to incredible carvings and statues, with a mysterious atmosphere that fills you with intrique.
Explore Loch Ussie
Anglers will delight in a trip to Loch Ussie, home to perch and pike aplenty.
This loch is located northwest of Strathpeffer and is a great place to go wild camping in the Scottish Highlands.
If you’re not committed to leaving your warm bed in one of Strathpeffer’s large hotels, this loch is also a great place for morning walks!
See the Tollie Red Kites
Flying and diving, the Red Kites of Scotland are undoubtedly one of the most graceful birds of prey.
There is usually a schedule for feeding the kites, which grants up-close and personal views of how these birds hunt. Here, you’re always ensured fantastic scenery, with a viewing hide overlooking much of Easter Ross – perfect for those interested in wildlife photography!
Redcastle Castle & Gardens
Winding country roads take you to one of the most beautiful abandoned castles in Easter Ross — Redcastle Castle & Gardens.
Although it is a ruin, volunteers and local communities aim to restore its estate, which already provides a gorgeous soiree through blooming flora.
The castle isn’t accessible, but there is plenty to occupy and intrigue visitors in the surrounding gardens.
See Cromarty Firth
The expansive Cromarty Firth provides visitors with a spectacular coastline to explore.
There are plenty of beaches, staggering cliffsides, and much more to see as you travel along the Firth. It’s also the quickest way to reach Inverness if you intend to head south from Strathpeffer.
Fyrish Monument
One of the most fulfilling hikes you can undertake is reaching the breath-taking Fyrish Monument.
This attraction is a bit out of the way, taking about 45 minutes to reach by car, but it’s well worth the drive. The Monument should take another hour to reach by foot, presenting spectacular views of Cromarty Firth along the way.
The monument itself is a wonder to behold, and if you’re looking for selfie spots, there’s no place better than the Fyrish Monument.
Other Things To Do in Highlands
- Things to do in Arisaig
- Things to do in Aviemore
- Things to do in Beauly
- 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 Thurso
- Things to do in Ullapool
- Things to do in Wick
