9 great things to do in Skye

There are some fantastic things to do in Skye. The whole family will enjoy the variety of attractions to visit which include magical fairy pools, historic castles, museums, spectacular views of the natural surroundings and much more. Below we choose 9 great things to do in Skye - an ideal location for a fun and interesting holiday.

The island is located near to the north-west coast of the Scottish Highlands and is the largest and furthest north of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides. The island’s stunning coastline with its abundance of dramatic cliffs, caves and waterfalls is an ideal place for exploring.

1. Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is situated just over a mile north of Dunvegan on Skye. It is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland, having been the stronghold of the chiefs of the MacLeods for around 800 years. Families can take a pleasant tour of the castle and gardens whatever the weather and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place. This is a great way to spend an afternoon and there is a nice little gift shop too.

2. Fairy Pools

The fairy pools are located near Glen Brittle beach and are best reached by foot, being about a mile or so from the nearest car park. They are a collection of rock pools formed by the stream that runs off of the Caillin mountains. Despite there being no real explanation their a name, you can see why the pools might be associated with the magical creatures due to their vividly bright colours of blue and green that contrast so brilliantly against the grey-orange rock face. The water in the pools is quite often still and you can see brilliant reflections of the surrounding scenery as you look into them. One of Skye’s most popular attractions, you are sure to fall under the spell of these mystical pools!

3. Talisker Distillery

The Talisker Distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye and is well worth a visit. Standard tours are on offer for around £7 for adults and £3 for children aged 8-17 years old (children under 8 and not allowed in to the main production area). A tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. A Tasting tour is also available for around £25 per person. This is approximately 2 hours long and you will get to enjoy the taste of their deliciously sweet, full-bodied single malt whisky. Book in advance as the tours fill up quickly.

4. Quiraing

The Quiraing is a landslip located on the northernmost summit of the Trottemish Ride on Skye. The whole landscape here was formed by a series of landslips and the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving! Due to the movement the road located at the base of the slip is in constant need of repairs. You can enjoy a pleasant circular walking route here of about 4 miles long which heads out along the escarpment and returns via its base. The views here are spectacular – this is a must visit! For more magnificent scenery, visit the the Old Man of Storr - a rocky hill on the Trottenmish peninsula where you can also enjoy fantastic walking routes.

5. Glen Brittle Beach

Not too far from Dunvegan Castle is Glen Brittle beach. The beach is situated at the head of Loch Brittle and is a large sandy beach perfect for kite-flying, walking and relaxing. There is a convenient campsite shop nearby where you can buy drinks and ice creams. Right next to the beach there is a car park and an award-winning campsite which offers spectacular views of the Caillin mountain range behind it. Glen Brittle beach is a great way to spend some time with the family. From here you can also take a short boat ride out to visit the seal colony in Loch Dunvegan.

6. Skye Museum of Island Life

The Skye Museum of Island Life is a fascinating insight into the life of people living on Skye towards the end of the 19th Century, commonly known as the crofters. The crofters lived in little thatched cottages which are still very much a part of the scenery in Skye. Visitors can look inside the cottages and see the areas where people lived. The museum is home to wonderful artefacts like old tools, furniture, spindles and linens that would have been used at the time. It is a really interesting way to spend a couple of hours. Adult tickets are £2.50 and children are just 50p for admission.

7. Seaprobe Atlantis Boat Trips

Seaprobe Atlantis Boat Trips offer a unique opportunity to see local wildlife and scenery from glass bottom boats. Based in Lochalsh, the huge underwater galleries of the boats allow for superb viewing as you marvel at the coral reefs and rich variety of marine life including otters and, if you are lucky, dolphins. The tours last from 1-2 hours and prices vary.

8. Skye Serpentarium

The Skye Serpentarium located in Broadford is a great place to take the kids for a few hours. The centre opened in 1991 and has provided fun and educational experiences ever since. It is a wonderful refuge for unwanted and illegally imported reptiles and since opening has housed and looked after over 600 reptiles. The centre is completely not-for-profit, so donations are welcome to contribute to keeping the centre open and the intriguing animals safe and well looked after.

9. Neist Point

Neist Point has to be one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever visit! Located on the most westerly point of Skye, there’s a lighthouse here and the natural rock formations of the area, as well as the abundance of wildlife, make this spot a truly breath-taking place to visit. You can take some steep steps from the car park down to the lighthouse which stands at 62 feet high and 142 feet above sea level. The spectacular views are worth the trip!

The Isle of Skye is a wonderful holiday destination so far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Although an island, you can travel to the Isle of Skye from mainland Scotland via car across the Skye Bridge. Alternatively, you can fly from the nearest airports of Glasgow or Inverness or choose to get a ferry for a more scenic route. Make Skye your first choice for a fantastic holiday!