Aultlarie Croft, Kingussie Rd, Newtonmore PH20 1AY
Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air visitor attraction in Newtonmore in Badenoch and Strathspey in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom. It is owned by the Highland Council and administered by High Life Highland. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Isabel Frances Grant.
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About
The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, Scotland is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about Scotland's rich history and culture. The museum provides an immersive experience of Highland life from the 1700s to the mid-1900s, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore traditional Highland homes, buildings, and landscapes.
The museum is set in 80 acres of stunning natural landscape, and features over 30 different buildings, ranging from humble crofts to grander estate houses. These buildings have been painstakingly reconstructed to give visitors an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Highland people in times gone by. Each building has been furnished with period-appropriate objects and artefacts, from traditional furniture and tools to historic clothing and cooking equipment.
One of the highlights of the museum is the recreated Highland township, which brings to life the sights and sounds of a bustling village in the 1700s. Visitors can explore thatched cottages, a blacksmith's forge, a tannery, and even a traditional schoolhouse. The village also features a number of costumed interpreters who bring the history to life, sharing stories and insights into Highland life with visitors.
Another popular attraction is the Clan House, which provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of Scottish clans. The house features displays of traditional Highland clothing and weaponry, as well as artefacts related to the history of specific clans. Visitors can also learn about the role of clans in Highland society and their significance in Scottish history.
In addition to the historical buildings, the museum also features a number of outdoor exhibits, including a working farm, a sawmill, and a traditional hay meadow. The outdoor exhibits provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of traditional Highland life, and to learn about the daily work and routines of Highland farmers and labourers.
The Highland Folk Museum is a fascinating and unique attraction, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the rich cultural heritage of Scotland's Highlands. It is a perfect destination for families, history buffs, and anyone with an interest in traditional Scottish culture. The museum is open all year round, with special events and activities taking place throughout the year. Visitors are advised to allow several hours to fully explore the museum and to take in all the exhibits and attractions on offer.
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Things to do nearby
Highland Folk Museum is a living museum located in Newtonmore, Scotland, that gives visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Highlanders from the 18th to the 20th century. It's a fantastic place to learn about Scottish history and culture, but if you're planning a visit, you may be wondering what else there is to do in the area. Here are some suggestions for places to visit and things to do nearby the Highland Folk Museum.
1. Cairngorms National Park - The Cairngorms National Park is the UK's largest national park, and it's right on the doorstep of the Highland Folk Museum. The park is home to stunning mountains, deep lochs, and ancient forests, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
2. Ruthven Barracks - A short drive from the Highland Folk Museum, Ruthven Barracks is a ruined 18th-century military barracks that played a significant role in the Jacobite uprisings. The site offers a fascinating insight into Scottish history and is well worth a visit.
3. The Highland Wildlife Park - Located just a 20-minute drive from the Highland Folk Museum, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to a range of animals, including Scottish wildcats, red pandas, and polar bears. There are also regular talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.
4. Loch an Eilein - Loch an Eilein is a picturesque loch situated in the heart of the Cairngorms. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the loch, or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the water. The surrounding forest is also home to a range of wildlife, including red squirrels and ospreys.
5. Newtonmore Golf Club - For those who enjoy a round of golf, the Newtonmore Golf Club is just a short distance from the Highland Folk Museum. The 18-hole course offers stunning views of the surrounding Cairngorms and is suitable for golfers of all levels.
6. Newtonmore Highland Games - If you're visiting the Highland Folk Museum in August, you may be lucky enough to catch the Newtonmore Highland Games. The event features a range of traditional Highland games, such as caber tossing and tug of war, as well as Scottish dancing and piping competitions.
7. Dalwhinnie Distillery - Located just a short drive from the Highland Folk Museum, the Dalwhinnie Distillery offers tours and tastings of their world-famous single malt whisky. The distillery is set in a picturesque location and provides a fascinating insight into the art of whisky making.
In conclusion, the Highland Folk Museum is a fantastic place to learn about Scottish history and culture, but there are plenty of other things to see and do in the surrounding area. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, wildlife, or Scottish whisky, there's something for everyone nearby. So, if you're planning a visit to the Highland Folk Museum, make sure to explore the surrounding area too!