If you like golf, you will love Brora Golf Course. This stunning links course is a must play while in the highlands. Stunning views at every turn mean you will never get tired of teeing off here. With 18 beautifully designed holes, this is one of James Braid’s finest courses. If golf isn’t your thing don’t worry, head to the clubhouse for a coffee or a pint and watch the waves roll in, you might even spot a dolphin or two!

The Scottish Highlands are famed for their whiskey, so it’s no surprise to hear how popular Brora’s local distillery is. The Taste of Clynelish Tour is a fascinating journey through the process of making whiskey and is a great opportunity to learn all about the local history and how the distillery itself has developed. Why not have a taste for yourself?

Take a short drive down the single-track road along the river Brora, through the thick woodlands to reach Loch Brora. The perfect place for a picnic and maybe even a swim if you’re brave enough! Bring along some kayaks to have some fun and reach the manmade island in the middle of the loch. It’s a great place to spot some local deer as well so make sure you keep an eye out.

Now, we may be biased, but can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed by Brora beach, as this stunning stretch of sand reaches for miles and miles along the east coast. Start at the mouth of river Brora, remember to keep an eye out for seals, and walk alongside the waves. If you’re brave enough, have a little dip in the chilly water or take it easy and have a break on the rocks while looking out for dolphins. Warm up by heading to Brora Golf Club and enjoy a lovely, homemade bowl of soup or a coffee, while continuing to appreciate the views from the comfort of the indoors.

Brora has an incredibly rich history; from the coal mines, to the woollen mill. There are hundreds of fun facts that you don’t know yet. Head home and tell your friends that you had a fantastic weekend in the “electric city” and that they will have to visit Brora Heritage Centre themselves if they want to know the reason behind village nickname. Bring your kids here for an engaging and fun afternoon.

Come to Golspie Golf Club to play on the beautiful James Braid links course. Try not to be too intimidated with the Duke of Sutherland watching you from the top of Ben Bhraggie. This course offers incredible scene all year round, regardless of the season. Whether you’re looking out to the North Sea or back towards the rolling hills. After your round of golf, come in and enjoy a well-deserved drink in the club house while continuing to enjoy the views.

If you’re up for a getting a sweat on, give ben bhraggie a go. Not only is it a stunning backdrop for the village of Golspie, it also provides incredible views across the whole of Sutherland. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Portmahomack. Sitting at the top is a statue of the Duke of Sutherland. The Duke is responsible for the Highland Clearances which saw hundreds of locals evicted from their land to be replaced by sheep, which were more profitable in the 18th century. The statue invites some controversy, but for many it serves as a reminder of the history, and in fact, acts as a welcome home symbol for those returning to Sutherland.

Arguably, the most popular tourist attraction on the east coast, Dunrobin Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. Home to the Duke of Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating all the way back to the 1300s. During the First World War, the castle was used as a naval hospital, and between 1965 and 1972, it was a boys’ boarding school. The castle is a fantastic day out for the whole family; be sure to venture down into the immaculately manicured lawns and catch the birds of prey demonstration. This isn’t one you want to miss out on.

This iron age broch lies roughly halfway between Golspie and Brora. The walls are very well-preserved and at 12ft high you can still clearly see the layout that once stood. This ancient sight is well worth the visit, bring the kids along and spend the afternoon living in the iron age.

Take the 3-mile walk along the coast to Little Ferry and enjoy the gorgeous views of Golspie beach and golf course. If you’re interested in the local nature, don’t miss out on the bird hide facing out to loch fleet located in Balblair woods. Little Ferry itself looks over the loch as well and is the ideal place to bring your kayaks and have a little paddle. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the seals basking on the sandbanks.

This is an ideal walk for kids, with plenty to keep them entertained. Follow the river while wondering through the trees, until you get to the fairy tale like waterfall. Stop for a picnic on one of the many benches along the way, and if you feel like you’re up for more adventure take one of the many paths that lead on further, just remember your way home!

Ever wanted to try gold panning? Helmsdale is the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Kildonan Burn while spotting specks of Gold in the water. Why not bring the kids along to try for free?

This is the place to come if you would like to learn all about the highland clearances. Read all about the families that were thrown out of their homes in the 18th century by the Duke of Sutherland to make room for sheep. Have a look around the art gallery, check out the gift shop and finish your visit with a coffee and cake in the lovely café downstairs.

This family friendly walk is right in the heart of Helmsdale and promises a lovely day. Walk along the north side of the river and enjoy scenic views of the south riverbank, the old bridge and the River Helmsdale itself.

Home of the famous Helmsdale Hill Race held every year at the Helmsdale Highland Games in August, this climb is ideal for travellers looking for a little exercise while getting some stunning, hilltop views. Are you up for the challenge?

The Dornoch Cathedral is none other than an architectural masterpiece. The original Cathedral was burned down during a feud between the Murrays of Dornoch and the Mackay’s of Strathnaver. A new Cathedral was built between 1835 and 1837. There are so many details to absorb in this gorgeous building, from gargoyles to stained glass windows. This is not one you want to miss out on. It’s also something of a celebrity hot spot. Back in 2000, Madonna had her child christened here while she was in the area marrying Guy Ritchie, at the incredibly exclusive Skibo Castle.

The History links museum is dedicated to the parish of Dornoch and is one of Scotland’s only 5-star museums. Go for a visit to learn all about the last witch burned in Scotland, and the full history of Dornoch.

The Royal Dornoch Golf Course is one of the most prestigious natural links courses in Scotland and features on the bucket list of golfers all over the world. Along with the Royal Dornoch course, there is also an opportunity to play at the Struie course, another challenging but beautiful course well worth a visit.

It’s likely that you may have already heard of Glenmorangie Whiskey, it’s sold in bars and shops all over the globe. How would you like to enjoy a tour around the world-famous distillery located in Tain while on your holiday? Tours run all year round and if you are a whiskey lover, this is a must.

Originally built in 1830, the lighthouse stands 53 metres tall. Follow the Tarbat Ness Walk along the picturesque coastline, from the local town of Portmahomack to the lighthouse and back.

The ideal choice for a day trip. Head to the recently renovated Falls of Shin to watch the salmon leaping up the waterfall and enjoy the stunning restaurant, inspired by the salmon themselves. Take a walk through the forest, playing games and activities along the way. Be sure to bring the kids to the fantastic playpark and get in a round of mini golf! There are so many things to choose from, it really is worth a visit.

Want to know more about Lairg and the surrounding area? Ferrycroft is the place to go. Enjoy an educational afternoon with the kids here, followed by a coffee and cake in the café and a little browse around the gift shop.