Holiday homes & rentals in Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus boasts a spectacular setting at one end of Loch Ness, and its holiday lettings are equally impressive. Choose between modern apartments in renovated historic buildings, loch-side traditional stone cottages, or larger detached properties in the surrounding countryside.

Finest Scottish produce: whisky, venison, and seafood

Fort Augustus boasts a range of restaurants, catering to all tastes. Choose a formal meal in a restaurant with loch views, or just grab some fish-and-chips takeaway and have an al fresco meal with Loch Ness as a backdrop. Further along the loch, at Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston, there are cafés and pubs serving no-nonsense family favourites.

Whisky is the drink most visitors associate with Scotland – sample it at Ben Nevis Distillery, close to Fort Augustus. Founded in 1825, the distillery offers guided tours around the production facility culminating in a tasting of the famous amber nectar. There's also a restaurant and gift shop, where you can pick up the perfect memento of your Scottish trip.

Discover the truth behind the legend of the Loch Ness Monster

Whether or not you believe there's some sort of dinosaur living in the murky waters of Loch Ness, it's an engaging tale. Find out more about the history of the monster at Nessieland in Drumnadrochit, which has presentations and audiovisual displays about searches and sightings. There are several boat companies offering tours and cruises of the loch, with fast speedboats for adrenaline junkies, as well as more sedate affairs with dinner or drinks included.

One of the best Nessie-spotting locations along the loch is Urquhart Castle. Although now in ruins, this medieval fortress is bursting with history and is worth visiting if only for the views along the length of Loch Ness.

Music festivals and traditional Highland sports in the Loch Ness area

Fort Augustus accommodation puts you right at the heart of the action, should you be fortunate enough to visit at the same time as one of the area's many events. One of Scotland's biggest music festivals, the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is held annually at the start of August, and attracts some of the UK's biggest names in music along with partygoers and music fans from across Scotland and beyond.

If traditional Scottish entertainment's more your thing, visit Fort Augutus at the beginning of July and take in the spectacular Invergarry Highland Games. This event comes complete with Highland dancing, athletic events, and feats of strength such as tossing the caber or throwing a sheaf of hay over a high pole. Bring a picnic blanket, choose from a selection of freshly-prepared food, and enjoy a relaxing day.

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