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ATTRACTIONS (UPDATED 21st July 2008)

Top attractions of the past few years are;

1. Eilean Donan Castle and Visitor Centre (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2. Urquhart Castle (Kyle of Lochalsh)
3. The Official Loch Ness 200 Exhibition Centre (Inverness-Shire)
4. Cairngorm Mountain Railway (Aviemore)
5. Glencoe Visitor Centre (Ballachulish)
6. Nevis Range (Inverness-Shire)
7. Glenmore Forest Park and Visitor Centre (Aviemore)
8. Inverness Museum (Inverness-Shire)

Why not check the weather at the location you plan to visit;

GREAT GARDENS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Go on, discover and explore some of the finest gardens in the Highlands. Looking for gardening inspiration, or just looking for a great day out for all the family? Well, you wont have to look far in the Highlands and Islands. As you will see from our map, wherever you are, there is an inspirational garden to visit and enjoy. From simple horticultural plots to the grandest Highland laid-out Victorian parks. The variety and biodiversity on offer is awesome.

Gardens local to Rosegrove Guest House;

1. AUCHGOURISH GARDENS AND ARBORETUM
   Known as Scotland's Millennium Garden, is a "New" garden located 2 miles from Boat of Garten on the B970 and is the most northerly Botanic Garden open to the public having been developed in a former commercial Pine plantation. The 10 acre garden laid out mostly in Bio-Geographic areas e.g. Korea, North America, etc. The Japanese section, especially the Zen Garden is very popular. Most of the plants are grown from seed in the nursery including unfamiliar and rare hardy species with draining sand, without humus or earth worms initially but this is slowly being improved upon. There are now earth worms! Mostly accessible to all abilities with seating located in various places. There is a car parking, Plant Sales and coffee shop under construction due to be opened in the late summer.
   
   OPENING DATES AND TIMES: 1 April - 31 October 10am-5pm Daily.
   
2. INSHRIACH NURSERY GARDEN
   The informal gardens at Inshriach Nursery have evolved since 1938, when Jack Drake began clearing birch scrubland for his alpine plant collection. A large diversity of hardy plants flourish in the rockery, herbaceous borders, pond and stream margins, peat bed, troughs and alpine house. Replanting and additions to the garden over the years have followed the basic structure of the original design so that now many mature dwarf rhododendrons and slow growing pines, dwarf willows and rowans provide backdrops and shape. Enjoy a wander through this unique woodland setting with its blend of more unusual varieties alongside many old favourites presenting visitors with an exciting pallet, full of colour and texture. Whilst here, visitors can treat themselves to a cuppa and scrumptious Norwegian inspired home baked cream cakes in the Potting Shed Tearoom, overlooking a feeding station that is well attended by red squirrels and birds. Located on the B970, about 5 miles south of Aviemore.
   
   OPENING DATES AND TIMES: 1 March - 31 October daily 10.00am - 5.00pm
   www.drakesapline.com
   
3. FLORAL HALL AND GARDENS
   Enjoy a visit to the award winning subtropical indoor oasis featuring a superb array of subtropical plants within a climatically controlled glass house. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by our friendly koi carp that swim in a pool below the cascading waterfall and our tanks of exotic insects and spiders are sure to provide excitement. The adjoining cactus house is home to a fantastic range of succulents and the outdoor garden, which is sheltered by a large stone wall, presents innovative and colourful displays throughout much of the year. Their staff can be identified by their green tops and will always be pleased to find answers to any gardening questions you may have. Their coffee shop provides good value light refreshments, home baking and snacks.
   
   OPENING DATES AND TIMES: April - October daily 10am-5pm November - March 10am - 4pm latest admissions 30 minutes before closing. Closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year.
   www.invernessfloralhall.com
   
4. CAWDOR CASTLE AND GARDENS
   The oldest garden north east of the castle was enclosed with walls and bastions in 1620, and was cultivated in the old fashions manner where soft fruits, flowers, vegetables and fruit trees were mingled closely together. Today this garden has been remodeled with a holly maze, a paradise garden, knot garden and orchard. The flower garden south of the castle was laid out at the beginning of the 18th century by Lord Cawdor's brother, Sir Archibald Campbell. In 1850 Lady Cawdor added oval rose beds edges with lavender, which are still unchanged today. The garden has a distinctly Victorian feel, with a great variety of colours in the summer. The steep "wild" garden between the castle and the rocky stream of the Cawdor Burn was planted in the 1960's and is a shaggy informal ramble of azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils, primulas, willows and bamboos all set amongst tall old trees. The Cawdors Big Wood, 755 acres of old woodland, mainly oak, Scots pine, beech and larch includes 5 nature walks of varying lengths.
   
   OPENING DATES AND TIMES: Mat 1st - second Sunday in October, daily from 10am - 5.30pm, Last admission 5pm.
   www.cawdorcastle.com
   
5. CASTLE AND GARDEN
   The garden at Brodie reflects three major periods of development. The remnants of the scheme laid out in 1770s, is now thought to have been completed by James, the 21st Brodie of Brodie and his wife Lady Margaret Duff. The discovery of an estate map revealed the original design. The great limes, beeches and the pond are now all that remain of an extensive formal landscape in the French manner. The Trust has embarked on a program of restoration which will takes years to mature. The 19th century saw the creation of a Victorian setting for the house and the planting of conifers, wellingtonias and monkey puzzles. The area of the east of the castle is all that remains of this planting. Ian Brodie 24th Brodie of Brodie, was a pioneer in the breeding of the modern garden daffodil, producing over 400 different varieties himself and influencing those who succeeded him. The Trust is engaged in tracing and re-establishing his collection. You're free to explore sheltered woodland walks and stroll by the pond where you can observe the estate's varied wildlife from specially constructed hides.
   
   OPENING DATES AND TIMES: Good friday - 30th April and 1st July - 31st August daily 12pm-4pm May 1st - 30th June and 1st - 30th September Sun - Thurs 12pm-4pm Tea room and shop same dates as castle but open 11am-4pm grounds all year daily.
   www.nts.org.uk