Highland Folk Museum

Just less than an hour’s drive from Inverness, the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is a wonderfully immersive experience. It makes for a great day trip during your stay with us at the Kingsmills Hotel. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through this open-air museum. There are over 35 historical buildings, showing how Highlanders lived, worked and played, from the 18th to the 20th century.

Exploring the museum

The museum has been on its current site since 1987, but was first founded in 1935. It’s an open-air museum and you can freely wander around the different reconstructions, exploring inside and out. Set up like a village, you can walk around the paths and visit a wide range of dwellings and community buildings from different eras of history. It’s split into three areas; the croft, the middle village and the township. There are houses, workshops, shops and stores, a school, a farm steading and so much more. Performers are often on site, dressed as villagers and taking part in day to day activities.

Outlander connections

Some of the buildings in the Highland Folk Museum were used in filming for the popular TV series Outlander. Both interior and exterior locations were featured. The popularity of the museum has been boosted in recent years, as fans come to visit this favourite filming location. The museum even holds special events on occassion, such as Outlander Day. Check out their what’s on page for upcoming events.

Visiting the Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum is closed over the winter, but opens daily from around April to October. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. There is a cafe, gift shop and traditional sweet shop on site. Find out more on the Highland Folk Museum website and plan your visit today!