The 1700s township section was famously used as a filming location for the television series Outlander.
The turf houses are constructed using traditional methods, including a roof layer of heather thatch held down by weighted ropes.
The museum includes a reconstructed 'Clachan', representing a typical Highland village street from the early 20th century.
The site hosts a functional schoolhouse from the early 1900s, reflecting the stark classroom conditions of the era.
The collection features rare examples of 'cruck' construction, where timber frames are supported directly by the ground rather than wall structures.
The museum grounds include a working sawmill powered by a waterwheel, demonstrating early industrial Highland processes.
The Highland Folk Museum is an open-air museum in Newtonmore, Scotland, featuring over 30 historical buildings spread across an 80-acre site. It serves as Britain's first open-air museum, founded in 1935 by Dr. I.F. Grant to preserve Highland heritage. The site is divided into distinct zones, including a recreated 1700s township with authentic turf-walled houses and a 1930s working croft. Visitors can observe heritage craft demonstrations and interact with costumed historical interpreters throughout the grounds. The collection contains thousands of objects relating to domestic life, farming, and Highland culture from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. The museum is a registered charity managed by the Highland Council's culture arm, High Life Highland. It operates as a living history experience rather than a traditional static gallery.
The 1700s township, specifically from the elevated path looking down at the cluster of turf-roofed houses.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the site covers a large outdoor area with grass paths that can become muddy.
Bring a picnic, as the expansive outdoor space is designed for walking and features multiple benches.
Plan your route to prioritize either the 1700s township or the 1900s village, as they are located on opposite sides of the site.
Attempting to see every building in a single hour, as the site is physically large and requires significant walking.
The site is typically closed during the winter months, operating primarily from spring through autumn.
Dress for changeable Scottish weather; respect the historical interiors by not touching artifacts.
