Full-Day Fairytale Experience from Inverness or Invergordon

Further north stands a romantic, fairytale-like castle and the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. As we pass through the gates, Dunrobin Castle comes into view, its soaring turrets and towers rising majestically ahead. The closer we get, the more imposing it becomes, creating the feeling of arriving at a grand Highland estate from another era. Step inside to discover grand rooms filled with history and splendour, then wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, with terraces stretching towards the sea. Be sure to catch the spectacular falconry display, where magnificent birds take to the skies against the stunning backdrop of the castle.

We’ll drive past the remains of Skelbo Castle, perched across the water with views over Loch Fleet. Keep an eye on the shoreline and sandbanks, where seals can often be spotted lounging in the distance. It’s a peaceful little stretch of the journey, with the ruins, loch and surrounding Highland landscape creating a lovely photo opportunity along the way. If we’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the seals basking in the sun or resting on the sand.

Visit the quaint medieval town of Dornoch and explore at your own pace. Wander its historic streets, browse independent shops, and hunt for rare finds in the local charity shops. Pop into Milk & Honey for coffee or something sweet, or visit The Jail for stylish Scottish gifts and souvenirs. There are also welcoming cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine, including fresh seafood and our favourite Surf & Turf. At the heart of town stands the magnificent 800-year-old Dornoch Cathedral, founded in the 13th century by St Gilbert of Dornoch as the seat of the Diocese of Caithness. Inside, see its historic organ, installed in 1893 with the support of Andrew Carnegie and the first of its kind in Sutherland. With its links to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland and a dramatic history including a clan feud and fire in 1570, the cathedral remains steeped in Highland history.

A small stone with a dark and tragic story. Dornoch’s Witch’s Stone is associated with Janet Horne, an elderly local woman accused of witchcraft during a time when fear and superstition could have devastating consequences. She was tried and executed in Dornoch in 1727, becoming widely recognised as the last person judicially executed for witchcraft in Scotland. The unassuming stone marks the place traditionally associated with her death and offers a haunting reminder of the persecution faced by those accused of witchcraft. Today, it stands quietly among the houses of Dornoch, preserving the memory of one of the darkest chapters in Scotland’s history.