Scotland is an amazing country which we truly recommend visiting. Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and castle skyline are unforgettable, however the real magic lies in Northern Scotland. With remote landscapes and the chance to truly disconnect, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. Although the Highlands can be pricey, you can still explore them on a budget. We’ve put together a budget friendly guide covering the best things to do in Northern Scotland.

The UK’s nature and national parks are sometimes underrated. As well as the Scottish Highlands we really recommend visiting some Hidden Gems in Snowdonia National Park.

Jump to:

• Getting to Northern Scotland
• Inverness Affordable Accommodation and Food Options
• Getting Around Northern Scotland
• Top Things to do in Northern Scotland
• Final Thoughts

Getting to Northern Scotland

Flying

We recommend flying to Inverness and using it as a base. Inverness has an international airport but the network is not that well-developed so you will most likely have to go to London, Glasgow or Manchester first. However, domestic flights are very affordable and will probably cost you less than a train. We got flights from London for as little as £50 return per person. 

Bus or Train

If you’re already in Scotland you can take Flixbus or Megabus directly from Glasgow. The journey takes less than 4 hours and you can find tickets for as cheap as £8 one way per person. There are also trains but they can be pricey for long distance journeys. The journey from London Euston to Inverness can cost over £100 per person.

Driving

Another option is to drive. The motorway is well-developped and the roads are fairly quiet after you get past big cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It’s a great idea for a scenic road trip to stop off along the way in charming Scottish villages. 

Inverness Affordable Accommodation and Food Options

Inverness is a perfect spot to stay and allows easy access to the top things to do in Northern Scotland. It’s located within easy reach to Loch Ness, Aviemore and Isle of Skye. There are many budget friendly accommodation options. We can personally recommend the Premier Inn Hotels as a comfortable budget option. You can book a decent room for around £60-£80 per night.

If you’re staying somewhere without a kitchen there are many cheap eats in Inverness. Some restaurants have great lunchtime deals for as little as £10 per person – Scotch & Rye and The White House are some of them. UK supermarket chains offer affordable cafes with great breakfast and lunch options. Try Morrisons cafe for a filling Scottish breakfast, it will definitely satisfy your appetite and keep you full for hours. 

If you’re feeling adventurous renting a campervan in Scotland is also a great idea. It offers you flexibility and a unique adventure. Campevan hire will cost you around £100-£120 per day in low season and £160-£200 in the peak of summer season. It might seem like a lot but that would include your transport, accommodation and you will have a kitchen to cook your meals. 

Getting Around Northern Scotland

Driving is a great option to explore at your own pace –  you can stop off where you want and truly take in the Highlands. If you’re flying in, you can rent a car from Inverness airport for around £60 per day. Roads are well-maintained and relatively quiet compared to the rest of the UK. 

There are also plenty of affordable public transport options throughout the Scottish Highlands. A direct Highland‑Citylink bus travels frequently from Inverness to Loch Ness. The journey takes around 40 minutes and you can expect to pay around £3 per person one way. For longer distances, like heading to Fort William and Isle of Skye, you can use Citylink Coaches.  

Some locations also have reliable train links, for example you can travel to the charming town of Aviemore which is located in Cairngorms National Park offering amazing trails for exploring lochs, mountains and ancient forest.  

Top Things to do in Northern Scotland

Loch Ness

A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without visiting Loch Ness. It’s a truly magical place where you can admire the natural beauty and try to spot Nessie – the legendary monster living in the deep dark waters of the lake. If you want to fully experience the enchanting atmosphere, consider visiting early in the morning as the lake is surrounded by a gentle mist at dawn. You can then beat the crowds, get amazing photos, and relax in the tranquil and mysterious setting.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle was another highlight on our trip in the Scottish Highlands. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, known for its picturesque setting by the lochs. The castle was built in the 13th century to protect against Viking invasions. Sadly it was destroyed in the 17th century but fully restored less than 100 years ago. Entry costs £12, however you can walk around the exterior for free and admire the stunning views of lochs from different sides. 

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a paradise for nature lovers offering amazing landscapes and hiking trails. Top hikes on the island include climbing to the Old Man of Storr (rock formations overlooking green hills and coastline) or visiting the Fairy Pools which is a series of crystal-clear natural pools and waterfalls. The biggest town of the island is called Portree, it’s known for its colorful harbor and great restaurant choices. If you’re short on time, we recommend Haggis Adventures Tours to visit the island and stop off in Loch Ness on the way.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in Scotland offering a blend of nature and heritage. The landscapes there are amazing. You can see dramatic views of hills, lochs and ancient pine forest. It’s also rich in wildlife and you can observe animals in their natural habitat. You can even spot free roaming reindeers there!

Inverness

The capital of the Scottish Highlands also deserves to be explored. It offers a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. We recommend walking around Inverness Castle, it’s currently not possible to go inside but it offers great panoramic views of the city. Victorian Market is a great spot for foodies, there are a variety of shops where you can savour traditional Scottish food. 

Final Thoughts

Northern Scotland is truly an amazing destination offering a blend of rich history and stunning nature. It’s definitely a place where we want to go back and explore more of its natural beauty. We’re hoping this guide has been helpful to plan your trip and to understand that it doesn’t have to break the bank!