A good day out doesn’t need to cost the earth. Visiting a gallery, museum or looking round a bookstore and buying work by your favourite author shouldn’t break the bank.
Aberdeen Science Centre
This five-star venue is home to a selection of fun interactive workshops geared towards curious minds of all ages. Aberdeen Science Centre has more than 60 exhibits to explore as well as six educational zones: Energy, Space, Life Sciences, Test It, Make It and Under 6.
Visitors can develop their understanding of the pivotal role science plays in how the world itself is shaped. This can be done through a series of workshops held throughout the day where guests have the chance to participate in live experiments.
Tickets cost £12.65 for adults, £8.25 for children aged three to 17, and children under 3 years old go free.
There are also concessions for students and those 60+ at £10.45, a family ticket is £38.50, and STEM passport holders go free.
Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit
The Loch Ness Centre has undergone a major transformative refurbishment in the last year to enhance its experience and explore the legend and myths of Loch Ness.
It continues to welcome hordes of visitors through their doors as they embark on a historical deep dive into the people, places, stories and research that has kept the legend of Nessie alive for centuries.
Tickets range from £14.35 to £17.95, with discounts for pre-booking online.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Local and international creatives are celebrated at the Aberdeen Art Gallery – which features a collection of works that span across more than 700 years.
There are a total 18 galleries to explore in this free-to-visit art space – perhaps the ground-floor’s Sculpture Court may be a good place to start.
The gallery is a treasure trove for contemporary art and with an on-site cafe, you can extend your stay as long as you’d like.
Entry to the Aberdeen Art Gallery is free, and donations are welcome.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Visitors from near and far can take a look the rich Highland culture and heritage at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
The venue houses both permanent and temporary displays, featuring the work of local and international creatives.
Afterwards, why not stop by the on-site cafe before browsing the museum gift shop for a memento to take home.
There is no admission fee for the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, but donations are encouraged.
Pets Corner, Hazlehead Park
Whilst Hazlehead Park is filled with plentiful amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, the Pets’ Corner is a particular hit with guests.
The mini zoo is home to a number of adorable animals such as alpacas, goats, miniature donkeys, the Shetland pony, ducks and more. Visitors are also welcome to explore the reptile house.
Prices are £3.85 for adults, £3.10 for chidlren aged three to 16, and under threes go free.
You can also buy a family pass of two adults and three children, and one adult and four children for £7.15.
Peterhead Prison Museum
This prison-turned-museum is fascinating to explore.
Visitors can take their time to roam the halls that once belonged to the city’s most notorious criminals for more than a century. Haunting tales of the past are shared through the headsets whilst immersive displays thrust visitors straight into the action.
Tickets are £11 for adults, £6.50 for children aged six to 16, with under fives going free.
Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness
Book lovers are sure to be in their element whenever they stop by Leakey’s Bookshop on Church Street – it is a reader’s paradise!
The independently-owned second-hand bookstore is a treasure troves for good reads of all genres.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted with the site of books stacked to the nines with a gallery, spiral staircase and wood-burning stove completing the magical aesthetic.
It is free to enter daily from 10am to 5.30pm, and closed on Sundays.
Victorian Market, Inverness
Inverness’ Victorian Market sits in the heart of the city and features a variety of independent retailers, services and food from across the Highlands.
Between the two Arcades, there are more than 30 local traders prepared to greet visitors, who can browse through a collection of goods and products to take home with them for a reasonable price.
The market is free to enter, and is open every day from 8am to 6pm.
Duthie Park Winter Gardens, Aberdeen
Take a trip out to Duthie Park to explore the exotic Winter Gardens.
The gardens are home to a stunning selection of rare plants that have been collected from around the world.
In addition to being one of the largest gardens in Europe, the Winter Gardens is actually the third most visited garden across the country.
Inside the Winter Gardens is a Tropical House, Japanese Garden, Victorian Corridor, a sizeable troupe of Cacti and succulents as well as the only talking cactus in the world.
The Winter Gardens are open for free daily from 10.30am to 5pm.
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
This five-star attraction in Aberdeen brings to life the stories of those who served in the British Army regiment.
The museum boasts a World War One replica trench and also has a memorial garden.
It is shut on Mondays and Sundays, and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.
Tickets are £10 for adults, and £5 for children, with family tickets at £21.
Ice skating, hockey and curling
Inverness Ice Centre, Linx Ice Arena and the Moray Leisure Centre are just a few of the fantastic venues across the region that offer a range of sports such as ice skating, ice hockey and curling.
Not only can visitors enjoy competitive sports and watch their local hockey teams go head-to-head on the ice, they can get involved in the action with their own friendly game – or partake in lessons as well as public sessions.
