Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

Visit Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition for a scientific trip out learning about the unusual properties of the Loch, and the fabled stories of this famous place.
Don't miss out on the boat trips in the Loch to truly get the full experience here and maybe you'll spot something out in the distance!
Learn all about the prehistoric history of how Loch Ness came to be.

You've heard the stories of the legendary monster that inhabits the Loch Ness, which for centuries these stories have been touted. ‘Nessie’, as Scottish people affectionately call her, has become the star of the Loch, and is thought to be a huge creature with a long neck who lives deep beneath the surface of the Loch. Various sightings and even an alleged photograph have surfaced throughout the years, but nobody has ever caught or found the Loch Ness monster. Because of advancements in technology and science, there are few believers in this folklore tale now. Nevertheless, the Loch itself is still fascinating and worth visiting for a deeper, closer inspection, which is what you can do at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience.

Discover the fabled histories of this infamous loch and explore the mysteries, uncovering hidden secrets and more at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition Experience. Your kids will love learning about the Loch Ness and its history dating all the way back to the Ice Age. This centre is home to an immersive, interactive experience for your little ones. Learn about world renowned Loch Ness monster facts, and see if you can to get to the bottom of this historic tale.

As one of the most legendary lakes around, Loch Ness's world famous reputation precedes it. In the words of Scottish Natural Heritage, the Loch Ness centre and exhibition is 'a portal to the unique natural phenomenon that is Loch Ness', and offers a huge range of souvenirs onsite, plus boat cruises on the Loch which take place throughout the summer. For more Loch Ness themed experiences, along with historical experiences of Scotland, check out Urquhart Castle, which is a ruin that sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

What makes this a family favourite trip is the theatrical production effects that the Nessie exhibition and visitor attraction centre uses. Take the tour around the exhibition to experience the mystery and intrigue of the Loch, and learn a little more about the history of Nessie and how she came to be the stuff of local legend. Tours only take about half an hour, so is the perfect way for kids to learn on their visit, without their minds wandering. With a highly stylised assortment of special effects, as well as animations as part of the exhibition, your little ones can experience the history of the Nessie monster through a multi-sensory trip by exploring Scotland’s cultural and geographic history.

Budding scientists will revel in viewing the equipment that is used to navigate the loch and your children can explore how the research here is done. Home to research exhibits of the actual past expeditions that have been undertaken by researchers, including 'Operation Deepscan', your kids will get a real sense of the work being done here, fascinated by the science and methods. Plus, the exhibition and visitor attraction centre is home to 'Machan', a submarine belonging to the Loch Ness Project which is thought to be the smallest in the world! Have fun while learning as this Scotland attraction fosters what they call 'edutainment', a mix of education and entertainment. Your little ones will be given a free glow stick at the entrance to make their experience more magical. Kids can also pick up an education pack that is National Curriculum focused and will help children make the most of their visit as they explore the Loch and the exhibition.

Don't miss out on the Nessie exhibition centre events and tours. During the summer, you and your family can enjoy a thrilling boat trip, including the 'Deepscan' experience, and start your own discovery adventure to uncover the secrets of the Loch and what lurks beneath the water! If you're after somewhere to stay to make this a really unforgettable experience, check out theThe Drumnadrochit Hotel, which also has a huge cafe and bar, with various shopping outlets, the Loch Ness Cafe and more, there is plenty to explore here.

For more Iverness experiences as you explore Scotland, check out Fort George, a large 18th-century fortress near Ardersier, known as the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, a great day out for the kids.

What to know before you go

When you're feeling peckish, relax and unwind in the modern café.
There are toilets, baby changing facilities and accessible toilets on site.
There is easy access for visitors with disabilities and most of the site is navigable by pushchair and wheelchair, although if you are going on any boat trips, check beforehand regarding access.
Under 6s go free, too.

Getting there

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is located at Drumnadrochit, Inverness.
If travelling by public transport , these bus routes pass the centre, 17, 917, 919.
If travelling by car from Inverness to Loch Ness, ensure to follow signs for Fort William and stay on the A82, until you see The Loch Ness Centre. If travelling from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, head north on the M90 then take the A9 to Inverness.
There is free parking onsite.