Visitor centres and attractions, operated seasonally by High Life Highland, are set to throw open their doors to visitors again, just in time for the Easter holidays!
The Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg reopens on 26 March, meanwhile the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso and the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore will be welcoming visitors from 1 April.
At the North Coast Visitor Centre, located in the former Thurso Town Hall, visitors and locals alike can explore the rich heritage, history and culture of Caithness through its fascinating collections and displays.
Highlights include intricately carved Pictish stones and Viking runes, including the recently discovered Ulbster 2 Stone, unveiled in 2025, to botanical specimens and fossils collected by renowned Caithness naturalist Robert Dick. Visitors can also explore the story of Dounreay and the groundbreaking development of nuclear research in the region.
The centre is hosting a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and events in the coming months, with the first exhibition of 2026 titled ‘Joy’ – an exhibition of works by the Caithness Society of Artists. During the Easter holidays, the North Coast Visitor Centre will also host a number of family-friendly events including BookBug sessions and nature-based activities with the High Life Highland Rangers.
At the Highland Folk Museum in Badenoch, visitors can step into the past and experience life in the Scottish Highlands as it was lived from the 1700s through to the mid-1900s. The unique open-air museum is home to over 35 carefully reconstructed historical buildings where visitors can discover how Highland communities worked, learned, and spent their leisure time.
Over the coming months, the Highland Folk Museum will host its very popular Vintage Day and Outlander Day as well as a series of Heritage in Action Days where visitors can get hands on with a spinning wheel in the Jacobite township or watch the blacksmith in action down on the farm!
In Sutherland, the Ferrycroft Visitor Centre is a welcoming hub for history, nature, and family fun with interactive displays and games across three themed rooms: Water, Land, and People, along with seasonal exhibitions. Outside, visitors can relax in beautiful gardens with wood carvings, seating, and a play area featuring swings, a climbing frame, and a zip wire to keep children entertained.
Judi Menabney, Head of Museums & Visitor Attractions at High Life Highland, said, “It’s a really exciting time of year for our teams at Ferrycroft, the Highland Folk Museum and the North Coast Visitor Centre – they are really looking forward to welcoming back visitors. Our attractions offer visitors to the region a real insight into the rich cultural heritage of the area and with special events taking place throughout the season, there is something for everyone.
There is no admission fee to these attractions although donations are encouraged as they help us to care for the collections and the continued development of these museums, exhibitions and learning programmes.”
For opening times please visit the Museums and Attractions page on the High Life Highland website: Welcome to High Life Highland | High Life Highland