Search Hotels by Independent in Loch Ness from £79

Loch Ness is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the whole of Scotland. Visited by thousands of people every year, it’s an area of stunning natural beauty that has become associated over the past century with the mythological Loch Ness Monster – or “Nessie” as she is known affectionately to locals. All Nessie-spotting aside, this part of the world is a truly spectacular holiday destination which is perfect for exploring by car and on foot.

Stay near Loch Ness

One of the best ways to visit Loch Ness is to stay in one of the nearby towns or cities. This means you’ll have plenty to entertain you in the evening after a day of monster hunting. Both Fort William, south of Loch Ness, and Inverness, north of Loch Ness, are close by and both have a great selection of hotels. No matter what you’re looking for in a hotel, be that a cosy budget bed & breakfast or a little four or five star luxury, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for you close to Loch Ness.

Top Attractions at Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a very large body of water, around 23 miles long and 2 miles wide, and the landscapes around it are breathtakingly beautiful. There are several key waterside attractions to be visited; if you’re seeking a scenic, quiet tour of the water away from the Nessie-themed tourist attractions, take a trip along the eastern banks of the loch. Be sure to stop at Drumnadrochit, the tourist heart of Loch Ness. Here you can visit the Original Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre and take a turn about the lakeside ruins of Urquhart Castle. Whichever route you take around Loch Ness, you’re sure to come across countless sightseeing spots, picnic areas and photo opportunities.

Explore Inverness

Once you’ve done the full tour of Loch Ness, it can be worthwhile heading north to Inverness for some sightseeing in the city. Situated appealingly on the River Ness, the city is home to Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, a covered Victorian Market and countless restaurants, bars, hotels, bed & breakfasts and shops to keep you busy. Alternatively, for a more rural diversion, you could head south from Loch Ness to Fort William and the pretty waterside villages there. As a whole, this area of the world is astoundingly beautiful, easily traversed by car and foot, and filled with many villages, towns, historic sites and secluded walking trails. Whichever direction you head in, you’ll be spoilt for choice.