Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Coffee and ice cream? This is a traditional Scottish social gathering that involves music, folk dancing, and storytelling! Leakeys Second-Hand Bookshop is one attraction you dont want to miss out on while exploring Church Street in Inverness. With the rugged landscape and moody weather, youll find many romantic things to do in Inverness, Scotland! Read more. There are 50 graves of various sizes in a lush forest setting, making the site very evocative. While the whiskey distilleries are some distance from Inverness, you can still taste the best that the region has to offer in bars, such as MacGregors Bar. Free Wifi access is provided and the hotel features a restaurant and a bar. This, coupled with seals and the occasional Minke Whale, makes any boat trips you have along this Firth one of the most spectacular voyages you can have while visiting Inverness. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Just a short journey outside of Inverness is the Black Isle where you will find expressions of a unique Celtic tradition! Climb aboard a small cruise boat for a truly inspiring tour of Loch Ness, departing from Clansman Harbour, just south of Inverness, and sailing as far as Urquhart Castle and back. The Best Things to do in Inverness, Scotland - DJI Mavic Pro 4K Drone, DJI Osmo. Over the years, Graham has travelled the length and breadth of Scotland and knows Inverness very well. Your email address will not be published. For visitors in search of some culture, Eden Court Theatre and Cinema is the place. Gateway to the Highlands: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Inverness. Not much to it changed a bit since my days of going to the ice disco. The theater is an arts venue famous for hosting film screenings. Exploring the greenhouses and gardens is a delight to the senses, even more so when you cap off your visit by sampling the excellent lunch options available at the cafe theres even a cactus house! Required fields are marked *. Airbnb Experiences is full of even more ideas for days out with your brood. Youll find Scottish whiskey and bagpipe music at the center of the social gathering! Wondering what to do in Inverness come nightfall? Today, the castle grounds and the north tower are open to the public, with a scenic viewpoint located in the upper part of the tower. All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Nature & Parks Museums Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Traveler rating & up & up Good for Good for Kids document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Inverness may be a small city but its long history has given it plenty of grand attractions and dramatic folklore! It's easy to walk along and everyone should visit. The well stocked shop is great for a drink and snack after youve played. In Celtic culture, cloths are hung on the trees that surround a sacred spring or well, which is believed to be a source of healing. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Inverness may boast a long and proud history, but this is a modern and cosmopolitan city that boasts wonderful bars, restaurants, and shops within its city limits. Staff were amazing with the girls putting them at ease and ensuring they had the best experience ever. Things to do in Fort William and Glencoe Meeting the locals 1. What better place could there be to sample a dram or two of Scotlands finest whisky creations? They serve Scottish food and use local ingredients; you can't go wrong with any order. Most people have heard of the Battle of Culloden that took place in 1746. This fascinating historical site is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and has an incredibly informative visitor centre that aims to recount the details of this Jacobite rebellion. There is public transport: take Bus 26A or 26C from Farraline Park and then walk 20 minutes. The Moray Firth is a sea loch that you can find just north of Inverness and is host to numerous amounts of things to do! Hop on board a Dolphin Cruise out into the Moray Firth and experience 75 minutes of action on the water. Loch Ness is the stuff of legends around the world so it should definitely be on your itinerary! The spectacular design and atmosphere of this Church will undoubtedly draw you in and is well worth a visit. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. There are only 50 000 residents in Inverness but its history dates back to the 6th century, at least! Its the largest artillery fortification in Britain and the imposing buildings will seize childrens imaginations! You could see dolphins, whales, seals, and bird species, but the dolphins would are undoubtedly the stars of the show! This tumultuous history is core to the buildings style and design, making it one of the unique attractions you can visit while in the city. Exploring the pretty shops in the Victorian Market is one of the most quirky things to do in Inverness. Inverness is jam-packed with exciting history and culture, and nowhere else can you fully realise this fact than at the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. Visit the statue at night, and the twinkling lights of the city centre are one of the most pretty ways to enjoy Inverness, with the Great Glen and Inverness Cathedral visible on clear days. While the trail is not steep, it can get slippery and muddy, so sturdy shoes are highly recommended. The shop is located in the old town of Inverness, making it a good stop as you make your way through downtown. Your email address will not be published. Top city centre sights and attractions include Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Eden Court Theatre, River Ness and Ness Islands, and so much more. Scotland is renowned around the world for its excellent whiskeys and one of the best things to do in Scotland is sampling this liquor! Afterwards, you can sample one of the many tasting sessions that Tomatin Distillery offers and get a worldwide perception of whiskies. Let's start your day in Inverness by indulging in takeaway coffee and doughnuts from Perk Coffee on Church Street - vegan options are available! A staple marketplace since the late 19th-century and now holds a fantastic amount of things to do here, including arcade gaming, shopping for souvenirs, or even grabbing a haircut! The Highland House of Fraser is one of the most well-known shops in Inverness, famous for its custom and high-quality traditional Scottish kilts. For more Places to Stay, check out our full Inverness Neighborhood Guide! Inverness is a vibrant, bustling, and picturesque place filled with things to do and see. You cant miss the bike hanging in the window. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Whether its some retail therapy, highland city break or rural hideaway staycation. Inject some thrill into your holiday while in Inverness and see if you can grab one of the top places on Kart Raceways leader boards. 4 January 2023 In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is surrounded by a wealth of places to visit. Isle of Skye Full Day 8-Seater Bus Tour from Inverness. Whether youre interested in discovering the highland regions history at Clava Cairns, want to try Scottish dishes at an award-winning restaurant, or just aim to enjoy a calm day amidst might castles and botanic gardens, Inverness is the place for you! When youre not sure what to see in Inverness, this list should answer those for you. Seek out the wood-burning fire and a comfy sofa to share for an hour or two as you discover old volumes and new authors. With its array of shops, galleries, and . Highlander Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield 8 Seater Tour from Inverness. Discover the real Manchester beyond football and Coronation Street. Finish your day off with a visit to Hootananny for a pub dinner. Urqhart Castle dates back over 1,000 years, and visitors can tour the grounds and ruins for a ticketed fee. The Shetland scallops and Orkney crab sound appealing, and they also serve the classic Cullen Skink. Home to excellent pitches regularly filled with Inverness locals playing football or rugby, the Bught Park in Inverness is the go-to Park when you wind down your busy day exploring Inverness. Finding out who is the strongest man and woman is a particularly thrilling event that you cant miss. 1. The Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre will let you learn the bloody story of Britains last land battle. Having grown up between the UK and Germany, Sophie is currently living in Brighton. Nessie is Loch Ness's oldest resident, first sighted back in the sixth century. We make a (very small) commission on anything booked via the below map, and it doesnt cost our readers more.Booking.com Or head to Velocity Cafe near the castle.. Take your breakfast to go down to the riverside and take in magnificent views of the . If the weather isnt playing ball, you can head for the Victorian Market a covered building filled with independent shops. From the high street to the citys parks, you wont be lacking in things to do in Inverness while youre here. From the Victorian Market to Eden Court Theater, its a 15-minute walk. Believe us, Scotland is full of unusual quirks and thats true in Inverness, too! You can explore what remains of Clava Cairns and its standing stones and envision what rituals and society built this prehistoric structure so many years ago. Looking for a specific place to stay? The Clava Cairns, which are well paired with a trip to Culloden, can be reached by car, bike, or public bus from Inverness. With turrets rising out of the mountains and rich folklore, the Inverness area is as close as youre likely to come to real-life magic! Even when visiting the city you can take a wonderful stroll in nature along the River Ness to the Ness islands. A 20-minute train ride outside of Inverness is the picture-perfect town of Nairn. There are many establishments that provide vintage china and comfy cushions for the most blissful date! Downtown Inverness is relatively small, boasting several good dining options. See you soon. There are so many activities and events are going on in Inverness that its difficult to discern what should be at the top of your to-do list while youre here! and a fab way for small children to develop balance and core strength without even realising it. Fulfil your need for speed at this excellent kart racing venue, perfect for the family and birthday parties and corporate events and stag and hen dos too! Visiting Riverness for the first time, youll want to stay somewhere central. Dine on hearty meals in the cafe or order a whiskey in the bar while enjoying live music from passionate local musicians! Among the highlights of Inverness are its outdoor activities. Visit Elgin, as well, to stock up on souvenirs at Gordon & MacPhail, a world-famous whiskey shop! Forever encased in bronze, this famous historical figure who helped Charles Edward Stuart escape is a marvel to look upon. Its an impressive tribute to Invernesss iron-foundry industry that played a key role in the Industrial Revolution! You may well be surprised by the range of activities and attractions it has tucked away. When you travel to Inverness, Scotland, Clava Cairns may be one of the most fascinating sites you visit! Grab a Scottish Highlands map and hit the road with these day trips! Speyside Cooperage is also worth a visit. Nestled on the banks of the River Ness in northern Scotland, Inverness is the last city stop on the way up to the remote Shetland Islands. The bookshop has a warm and comforting atmosphere, partly given by the roaring fireplace that keeps Leakeys nice and toasty! The friendly bird species may even take a liking to you and come closer perfect for pictures! As the seat of the regional bishop, its an impressive building! For more ideas, check out GetYourGuide. Ive lived nearby for many years, and honestly, Ive found tons of things to do in Inverness some of which only locals know about. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Graham Grieve is a Scottish travel blogger. Couples will love strolling along the rugged coastline or joining a cruise from the harbor. This culture and history go hand-in-hand when you visit beautifully restored buildings or pull up a chair at the local pub! Were sure that you wont have an experience quite like this while visiting Scotland anywhere else. You can use the affordable bus station terminals for accessible public transport between hotspots as you navigate the city. Another 15-minute walk across the River Ness will bring you to the elegant St Andrews Cathedral. Activities & Things to Do Find below 7 of the best days out in Inverness for dogs 1. The only downside is a slightly creepy display of stuffed animals. Its home to an awesome collection of weaponry from the period, such as canons! That's because it's compact, and free of many of the complicated road systems which blight other British towns and cities. All rights reserved. Inverness is popular with travelers who want to explore Loch Ness, the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and those looking for outdoor excursions. Rents, Sick Boy, Mother Superior, Swanney, Spuds, and Seeker are as unforgettable a clutch of junkies, rude boys, and psychos as readers will ever encounter. However, thats only one milestone in its tumultuous history. The famed lake, supposedly home to the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, is also the site of the ruins of Urqhart Castle. As you travel further from the city center, youll find lush parkland around the River Ness and dusty moorland around Loch Ness. Located conveniently near the Inverness Castle, you can take a several minutes walk and stumble upon her overlooking the city of Inverness. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. Inverness Castle is one of our favorite things to see in Inverness! Your mind will eventually wander to the Loch Ness and Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, when you think of Scotland. This attraction is located along the Loch Ness coast and has hidden secrets covering over 1000-years of Scotlands most significant historical moments. The Inverness Ice Centre is the best place to learn how to ice skate or the basics of sports like curling and ice hockey! Courtesy of Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop. Here are some of my favorite books books to read in Scotland: Trainspotting A modern day Scottish classic. It just ended up being frustrating and embarrassing. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Take a 30-minute bus trip from Farraline Park (near the railway station) to Loch Ness. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Inverness in Scotland is known as the Capital of the Highlands and is one of the most popular destinations to visit while in the gorgeous country of Scotland. Stopping by the Victorian Market after a day of travelling through the city or the surrounding area is a must. The scope of things to see and do in Inverness will amaze and delight. And its true, all those things are guaranteed with a Highland break. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Get pedalling and cover the canal and towpath along the River Ness. Fortunately, they serve sharing plates for you both to enjoy. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). An in-depth locals guide to the best things to do in and near Plymouth a lively maritime city on the south coast of Devon, England. Built in the 1800s, the Castle boasts a fantastic view of the River Ness and Inverness city centre and a bountiful garden to explore when you visit its grounds. You could also share a tempting charcuterie platter with your pal. Whether or not you believe in Nessie, Loch Ness is still worth a visit for its typically Scottish, rugged landscape. Whiskey is almost synonymous with Scotland, meaning that no trip to Inverness would be complete without a whiskey tasting! Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness. Walk along the rampart, which extends over half a mile, and visit the Highlanders' Museum to learn more about the region's military history. Fancy a spot of shopping? We saw areas of Inverness that we wouldnt have normally seen and learned so much! A show here is the perfect end to your final day in Inverness! Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! This is THE BEST traditional pub in Scotland.It's the second time I'm visiting Inverness and of course we went to thi. The course is well maintained and we all had a brilliant time. The Point also features a beautiful beach, a romantic evening hotspot for those who want a bit of personal time with loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Are you ready to get away from the city for a bit? As Scotlands largest combined arts centre it is a premier entertainment venue, that hosts theatres, cinemas, art galleries and events spaces. Thanks for giving an experience my son will never forget. Adventure & outdoor See all 8 activities What to do in Inverness For free Free Things to Do in Inverness Sightseeing on a limited budget in Inverness? John Allan / CC BY-SA 2.0 / WikiMedia Commons. Whether its walking through the Highlands or watching a local theater production, there are so many amazing activities to enjoy in the region. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews. Prepare to walk away with a list of scenic stops and detours from the main route, recommended activities and tours, yummy eateries, beautiful historic sites and many hidden gems off the beaten track. The tour covers around 6.2 miles (10km) but its all on flat ground. The market is located in the heart of the city and is your one-stop-shop while following your Inverness travel guide! Here are the best attractions in the area. At the center of the square is a statue of a unicorn, surrounded by falcons in various phases of hunting their prey. Start your vacation in Inverness by exploring the city center. Great place for the kids. It has a number of archaeological artifacts alongside natural history items, and hosts regular community events. Why not head to Inverness on a day trip from Glasgow if youre pushed for time. Children love clambering onto the battlements and gaping at the sheer size of the fort, as well as exploring the dark rooms and twisting passageways! The mighty Urquhart Castle is situated on the Great Glen a few miles south of Inverness. The Wasp Factory The polarizing literary debut by Scottish author Ian Banks, The Wasp Factory is the bizarre, imaginative, disturbing, and darkly comic look into the mind of a child psychopath. per group (up to 10) 2022. 282. The region of Speyside is home to half of Scotlands whiskey distilleries and its within easy reach of Inverness! Why go? You can also immerse yourself in the ever-rotating galleries that feature excellent pieces made by local favourite artists and craftspeople. The cafe, which serves vegetarian food, delicious pastries, and coffee-based drinks, is a great place to sit and take a break from sightseeing. This dreamy landscape is a wonderful sight, Learn all about the ancient techniques used to make whiskey, Spend the day in a plant oasis at the Inverness Botanic Gardens. The Highland Games may have its home in Braemar where the Royal Family gather, but most towns and villages and cities hold their own. At Loch Ness, enjoy walking or biking on the Loch Ness 360 Trail or embark on a boat tour. The Ness Islands are a slice of nature amidst the bustling city of Inverness, the perfect getaway if you want a bit of peace for an afternoon. Inverness Cathedral, sometimes known as St Andrews Cathedral, is a stunning church building on the edge of the River Ness and is at the centre of Inverness religious sites. Beautiful landscapes are further enhanced by fairytale castles and quaint fishing villages! (function(d, sc, u) { Freshly prepared seafood and shellfish are served daily. Just over the Kessock Bridge youve got the Black Isle, easily reached by car. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Theres nothing that says romance like a Picnic in the Highlands. From naturally beautiful areas such as Loch Ness to man-made marvels including Cawdor Castle, the scope of things to see and do can be dizzying. It was built in a former church, leaving a ton of space for seating, and even has an outdoor balcony. The emphasis is on non-fiction, although you can find books of all sorts on Leaky's vast shelves. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Abertarff House is the oldest house in Inverness, showcasing how 16th-century families lived. Its a great place to take the family and children too, and you can spend a whole afternoon messing around on the ice as you explore new skills. Just be warned its almost impossible to resist the amazing ice cream treats also served there. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. The fort is open most of the year, but the hours change depending on the season. Those who want to continue can extend the trek to the Great Glen Way or along the Caledonian Canal, both iconic trails. So even if Nessie eludes you when you visit, were sure you wont leave disappointed. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. And if you want to head further afield, check out these other posts on Scotland: How to See + Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland. The kids absolutely love it here. For some activities with cover from the (almost inevitable) Scottish rain, check out the Victorian Market and Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. We havent even spoken about the romantic walks you can take along its beaches! Things to Do in Inverness Popular things to do Bus Tours Day Trips Points of Interest & Landmarks Cultural Tours Full-day Tours Historical Tours Transfers & Ground Transport Luxury & Special Occasions Top Picks Sporting Events Likely to Sell Out Food, Wine & Nightlife Water Tours Special Offers Holiday & Seasonal Tours Weddings & Honeymoons Rafting From spotting the fruit trees to picking up insects at the bug hotel, children will love exploring the garden! In fair weather, consider a moonlight picnic. Inverness is a small city, but there is still plenty to do and see. Don't forget to stop by the IMAG Caf for coffee or a snack. The Clava Cairns are the only ancient sites around Inverness, so they should be on the top of your bucket list. Urquhart Castle contains many unique attractions; the staggering Grant Tower, artefacts left behind like Urquhart Ewer, and a trebuchet! Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. Choose from Modest, Memorable, and Magnificent drams from Scotland and worldwide. of the cockpit and graphics display is incredible. I don't think so. Children will love spotting cocoa beans and bananas, as well as watching the carp fish swim around the pond beneath a life-size waterfall. Helmets and bikes supplied. There is no better place to learn more than in their kiltmaking workshop. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Trainspotting was made into the 1996 cult film starring Ewan MacGregor. You can explore Urquhart Castle at your own pace or use the audio-guided tour that comes with the ticket. Make sure you take some time to discover this picturesque city for yourself. This river is surrounded by lush parkland, providing a relaxing oasis in the midst of the city! This boasts a tower that has been converted into a tourist attraction, offering magnificent views over the city. This battle ended the Jacobite Rising, and changed the course of history for the Highlands. Whether you're planning a trip specifically to Inverness or stopping through on a visit to the Highlands, there's a lot to see and do. The colorful gardens have numerous features, from a tropical house to a cactus house. It's less than a two-mile walk, so kids and those with limited fitness abilities can also join in the fun. It's Scotland's largest used bookstore, and it's a must-see for book lovers. Make sure you read our guide with features 32 things to do in Inverness Scotland before planning your itinerary.