THINGS TO DO IN inverness: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Famed for its association with the great Loch Ness monster, Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands. Its northerly location makes it the perfect starting point for driving the North Coast 500 or venturing to some of Scotland’s breathtaking isles but before you head off on a road trip, the city itself is well worth a visit.

Our two-day itinerary takes in the top attractions of Inverness city centre as well as providing some suggestions if you’d like to explore the beautiful and historic local surroundings. We’ve also gathered together the best spots to eat, drink and stay to ensure you make the most of your visit to the Highlands.

Day 1

Morning: Victorian Market

Kick off your tour of central Inverness with a trip to the covered Victorian Market. The market in its current form opened here in 1891 and the red cast-iron arches continue to enclose a huge variety of independent businesses selling everything from chocolates to tartan. This is just the spot to pick up a unique Scottish souvenir or stop for a quick coffee.

Abertarff House

A short walk away, discover more of Inverness’s historic architecture at Abertarff House. The city’s oldest house dates back to the 16th century and is a typical example of local style during this period. There is a small exhibition with displays about 17th century Inverness downstairs.

Leakey’s Book Shop

A little further along Church Street, you’ll find the book lovers’ paradise that is Leakey’s Bookshop. With shelves bursting with second-hand books and teetering piles of antiquated volumes just waiting to be read, you’d be forgiven for losing an hour or two perusing the various levels and nooks and crannies, while a log fire in the centre adds to the cosy feel. Now over 45 years old, Leakey’s Bookshop is Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop and has become something of an institution in the city.

Greig Street Bridge

The River Ness with its many bridges bisects the city centre. Stroll over Greig Street Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge and admire the city’s architecture from the riverbank as you continue along Huntly Street, returning back to the opposite bank via the Ness Bridge.

Afternoon: Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle, the 19th century red sandstone building which stands impressively atop a hill on the banks of the River Ness, was not actually built to be a castle but rather to be the location of the Sheriff Court and other judicial functions. The site, however, has been home to a series of castles since 1057. Ongoing renovations of the building and grounds mean the area isn’t currently open to the public, however it’s still well worth taking a look from the riverbank and nearby streets while renovations are underway.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

At the foot of the castle, you’ll find the entrance to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the exhibitions detailing the history of the Highlands from ancient natural history to the Jacobites and beyond. There’s also a café and gift shop.

Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery

Take a tour of this city centre riverside ‘brewstillery’, which focuses on sustainable craft beers and whiskeys. Uile-bheist was inspired by the region’s many myths and legends and this is evident throughout the tour thanks to the impressive artwork designed by Ken Taylor, which appears throughout the building and on the beer and whisky packaging. Of course no tour would be complete with a tasting and if you want to sample the rest of the Uile-bheist collection, be sure to stop by the Uile-bheist Taproom.

Day 1 - inverness Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Culloden Battlefield

Head slightly out of town this morning for a trip to one of the city’s most famous spots: Culloden Battlefield. It was here that the Jacobite rebellion came to an end in 1746 at the bloody Battle of Culloden. Make sure to stop in at the visitor centre to learn more about the significance and backdrop of this historic battle.

Clava Cairns

Not far from moors of Culloden Battlefield, you’ll find the Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site thought to date back more than 4000 years. Of particular note are three chambered cairns, each enclosed by large stone circles. This is also a popular spot for fans of the Outlander books and TV series.

Nairn Viaduct

Opened in 1889, Nairn Viaduct, also known as Culloden Viaduct, is an impressive sandstone structure featuring 29 arches. With a total length of 549 metres spanning the River Nairn valley, this is the longest masonry viaduct in Scotland. It’s possible to drive under the imposing feat of engineering, although photo stop opportunities are limited or alternatively, you can walk along the road from the Clava Cairns carpark for a good view.

Day 2, morning - inverness Tour Map

Afternoon: Inverness Cathedral

Return to Inverness city centre and the western bank of the River Ness this afternoon for a visit to Inverness Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew. The red brick building dates back to the 19th century and it’s worth popping in to see the beautiful carvings and stained-glass windows.

Ness Walk

From the cathedral, take a stroll along the river away from the city centre along aptly named Ness Walk. Meander along the tree-lined path, taking in the views of the opposite bank and passing the pedestrianised Infirmary Bridge. Towards the end of Ness Walk, you’ll find the Pier Ness viewpoint, which juts out into the river, giving a chance to look out to Ness Islands beyond.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Before heading over to Ness Islands, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Inverness Botanic Gardens, which boast the accolade of the northernmost botanic gardens in the UK. With glasshouses featuring tropical plants and cacti as well as a community garden, this a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Ness Islands

Ness Islands are a series of tree-covered small islands in the centre of the River Ness with footpaths over charming Victorian suspension bridges connecting the islands with the riverbanks. To reach the islands, take the Ness Bank Footbridge and follow the paths as they wind through the various pine, fir and sycamore trees across the larger two of the islands until you reach the opposite bank. Return to the city centre along the Great Glen Way riverside footpath.

Day 2, afternoon - inverness Tour Map

Other things to see in Inverness

• Merkinch Local Nature Reserve: In Inverness city centre, you’re only ever a short stroll from beautiful scenery. On the Beauly Firth coast, you’ll find Merkinch Nature Reserve, the perfect spot to spot wildlife including wading birds, deer and owls. There’s an accessible path including boardwalks, so can explore the various tidal pools, marshland and scrub.

• Dolphin spotting tour: The Moray Firth, to the north of Inverness, is home to bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin Spirit Inverness run boat trips from Inverness Marina for those interested in exploring the scenery and spotting the area’s marine wildlife. Both speedboat and more gentle options are available depending on your preferred pace.

• Craig Phadrig: Discover the ancient fort of Craig Phadrig just a short drive from the city centre. Follow one of the two trails up to the Pictish hillfort and enjoy excellent views over Beauly Firth and Ben Wyvis.

• Reelig Glen: Home to some of Britain’s tallest trees, Reelig Glen boasts enchanting trails of historic woodland to explore. The area was owned by the Fraser family until 1949 and it’s thought that some of the tallest trees may have been planted by famous Scottish explorer James Baillie Fraser.

• Cawdor Castle and Gardens: Parts of this historic castle date back to the 15th century, while the three charming gardens each offer different planting styles to explore and enjoy. Cawdor Castle and Gardens also plays host to a number of events throughout the year including outdoor theatre and a Christmas market.

• Whiskey Distillery tours: There are three whiskey distilleries near Inverness and Loch Ness, which are the perfect opportunity to sample a dram of the local tipple. In the city centre on the banks of the River Ness, you’ll find Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery, who create sustainable whiskeys and craft beer. Further north, there’s Glen Ord distillery, which now boasts a visitor centre and to the south of the city, you can take a tour of the Tomatin Distillery, which dates back to 1897.

• Eden Court Theatre: Pay a visit to the largest entertainment venue in the Highlands for a varied programme of performances all year-round including drama, dance, music and comedy. Featuring two theatres, two multi-purpose studies, two cinemas and three art galleries, this combined arts venue boasts inside and outside permanent art displays as well as the annual Under Canvas summer music festival.

• The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre: Kilts are a proud Scottish tradition with a rich heritage dating back hundreds of years. At the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre, you can learn all about the history of Scotland’s national dress as well as the craft of kiltmaking from the centre’s masterful team.

• The Kessock Bridge: If you’re making your way north of Inverness, you’ll more than likely find yourself crossing the Beauly Firth via the Kessock Bridge. Opened in 1982, the structure is over 1000 metres long and had a transformational effect on access to the Black Isle and beyond.

• Visit Churches: For those interested in exploring the city’s religious architecture beyond Inverness Cathedral, you’ll find both Old High St Stephen’s Church and St Mary’s Catholic Church within easy reach of the town centre. Old High St Stephen’s Church is made up of two buildings, the Old High Church on the banks of the River Ness, which is the oldest church in Inverness and no longer open for general worship, and St Stephen’s Church, a twentieth-century arts and crafts style building. Meanwhile, on the opposite riverbank sits St Mary’s Catholic Church, built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style.

Day trips from Inverness

• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: One of the most iconic Scottish attractions is the wide expanse of beautiful Loch Ness. Famed for the mythical sea creature which resides within, Loch Ness makes for an excellent day trip from Inverness. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the loch is on a boat tour, where you’ll have the chance to do some ‘Nessie spotting’. There’s plenty to see on the loch’s shores, from the ruined 13th century Urquhart Castle to the cascading waters of the Falls of Foyers or Divach Falls.
  

• Cairngorms National Park: Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Cairngorms National Park with a day trip to Aviemore, where there are a huge range of walking and cycling routes and trails to choose from. Alternatively, head to Rothiemurchus to enjoy water sports, forest high rope activities or animal encounters. In winter, you can make the most of the colder weather and head to one of the park’s three ski resorts.

• Cromarty and Chanonry Point: Head out to the charming town of Cromarty, which sits at the end of the Black Isle Peninsula with views over Cromarty Firth and towards the North Sea. Take a leisurely stroll among the shops and art galleries or stop for a coffee near the lighthouse. For particularly good views, take the Hundred Steps Walk along the Sutors of Cromarty headland. On your return to Inverness, be sure to stop at Chanonry Point, a scenic headland with views over the Moray Firth and a popular spot to see dolphins.

• Forres and Elgin: The towns of Forres and Elgin to the east of Inverness boast a host of interesting spots to visit. Discover the medieval charm of Elgin Cathedral and learn more about local and global history at Elgin Museum. Meanwhile in Forres, explore the sumptuous interiors of Brodie Castle or take a stroll along the golden sands of nearby Findhorn beach.

• Fort George: Built to defend the area from future uprisings following the Battle of Culloden and set in a dramatic coastal location, Fort George is a magnificent 18th century artillery fortification and is still home to a British Army battalion today. It’s also an excellent location for a spot of bird and dolphin watching. Don’t miss the Highlanders’ Museum for an impressive collection of military artefacts introducing you to the stories of the Highland regiments from 1746 to the modern day.

• Highland Folk Museum: Immerse yourself in Highland culture and history on a visit to the Highland Folk Museum. This open-air museum features live actors in period dress, carefully restored buildings, and collections relating to all aspects of Highland life as well as a play area, shop and café. Do check opening times as the museum is closed between November and late March.

• Rogie Falls: Take a short drive out from Inverness to Rogie Falls and you’ll be rewarded with impressive views of these woodland waterfalls. The suspension bridge crossing the Black Water river means the falls are highly accessible via a short half mile walk from the car park. If you’d like to explore more of the enchanting woodland landscape, there are longer trails which include more viewpoints, such as Raven’s Crag. In August and September, be sure to look out for wild salmon.

• Fyrish Monument: Built in 1783, the Fyrish Monument was built to represent the Gate of Nagapatam in Madras, India. Its construction was ordered by Sir Hector Munro, ostensibly to provide work for local people. Climb through the surrounding woodland to the impressive views from the monument over the Cromarty Firth and towards Ben Wyvis.

• Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens: This private castle, which started as a 16th century tower house is still the family home of the Macpherson-Grants. From Easter until the end of September, you can explore the magnificent dining room, library and vaulted hall and discover the fascinating collection of paintings, antiques and memorabilia. Be sure to explore the stunning formal gardens and if travelling with younger visitors, don’t miss the playground and grass labyrinth.

• Dunrobin Castle and Gardens: Thought to date back to the 14th century, Dunrobin Castle is famed for both its age as one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Britain and its size, with an impressive 189 rooms. Inspired by the style of a French chateau, this impressively grand castle set on the shores of the Moray Firth looks out onto beautifully landscaped gardens. There’s also a tearoom and gift shop.

• Dores Beach: Among the options for breathtaking views of Loch Ness is Dores Beach. From the beach, there’s a circular walk along the shoreline towards Aldourie, which then meanders back through the woodlands. Do be aware that this area gets particularly busy in summer.

• Invermoriston Falls: The charming area around Invermoriston Bridge and Falls is a perfect spot for wonderfully picturesque photos and to see wild salmon. The bridge was built in 1813 by Thomas Telford but was replaced with a more modern alternative in 1933, leaving behind the original bridge as a great spot for views of the tumbling waterfalls below.
  

Best golf courses in Inverness

There are plenty of courses to keep golf enthusiasts entertained on a visit to Inverness. The 18-hole courses at Kings Golf Club and Inverness Golf Club are just outside the city centre, while Cabot Highlands and Nairn Golf Club both boast stunning, scenic locations further along the coast. For one of the most historic options, head slightly further afield to Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, founded in 1793.

Things to do with kids in Inverness

Inverness and its surroundings boast castles, lochs, adventure sports and of course the Loch Ness monster, so there’s much to inspire children’s imaginations and get them exploring outdoors. If you’re looking for paintball, laser tag or archery, there’s a choice of venues with both Monkey Face Combat and Wildwoodz set in the Inverness countryside. Boat tours, whether for spotting Nessie or dolphins, are also popular with families. For younger children, head to Whin Park near the Botanic Gardens for a trip on the Ness Islands Railway as well as a boating lake and playpark. Near Ness Islands, there’s plenty to keep active children busy with Inverness Crazy Golf and Inverness Skate Park. Meanwhile, when the weather means indoor activities are on the agenda, you’ll find fun climbing frames and slides as well as a dedicated baby area at Frankie and Lola’s soft play or head for a swim at Inverness Leisure Centre. Thrill seekers can bounce the afternoon away at Infinity Trampoline Park, where you’ll find over 60 inter-connected trampolines, or they can zoom about at the Highlands’ top indoor karting centre, Inverness Kart Raceway.

Where to eat and drink in Inverness

• The Mustard Seed: A former church might not be the first place you’d think to find one of Inverness’s most popular restaurants, but the Mustard Seed makes the most of the lofty ceilings to create a quirky, friendly spot for lunch or dinner. The seasonal menus focus on Scottish produce and there’s a roaring log fire, perfect for chilly evenings.

• Rocpool: Local produce, international influences and modern décor make this family-owned restaurant on the banks of the River Ness a popular spot. If you’ve got room for dessert, choose from the mouthwatering list of sweet treats or the seasonally selected cheese course.

• The Castle Tavern: Enjoy views over to Inverness Castle at this friendly pub and restaurant near the River Ness. This is an establishment that’s loved by tourists and locals alike with its wide range of real ales, beer garden and tasty menu filled with hearty dishes.

• Black Isle Bar: With over 100 craft beers available, a hidden rooftop garden lit with fairy lights and freshly made, wood-fired pizzas, Black Isle Bar makes for a great relaxed dining option. It’s family and dog friendly with plenty of other drinks available if beer isn’t your tipple of choice.

• Hootananny: This friendly, award-winning pub is famed for its regular live music nights and buzzing atmosphere. The dinner menu focuses on traditional Scottish dishes including haggis and Cullen skink.

Where to stay in Inverness

• Ness Walk Hotel (5 stars): A short stroll from Ness Islands and the city centre, you’ll find the luxurious Ness Walk Hotel. Enjoy the peaceful riverside location and impeccable service along with a glass of champagne on arrival. Dinner can be found in Torrish, the hotel restaurant located in the original drawing room of this former 19th century home.

• Rocpool Reserve Hotel (5 stars): This lovingly restored Georgian mansion offers a calming retreat in a central location. Sip a cocktail in the R Bar or pop back for a spot of afternoon tea between sightseeing. For ultimate luxury, choose an Extra Decadent room complete with private terrace or balcony and a hot tub.

• Culloden House Hotel (4 stars): Steeped in history with its connection to Bonnie Prince Charlie in the lead up to the Battle of Culloden, the Culloden House Hotel is ideal if you want the peace and tranquillity of Highland woodlands and gardens during your stay. You’re a few miles out of the city centre but the locally sourced fine dining menu at the onsite restaurant is bound to tempt you into spending the evening here. Guests are encouraged to dress for dinner and whisky tastings can be arranged for hotel residents in the Library Bar.

• Heathmount Hotel (3 stars): This friendly and conveniently located boutique hotel is family run and features a restaurant serving hearty Scottish dishes. There’s a choice of two bars to suit different tastes, so you can opt for romantic lighting and carefully crafted cocktails in one or a buzzy atmosphere with live sports in the other. If you prefer to drink and dine alfresco, there’s a cosy heated outdoor terrace.

Best time to visit Inverness

Inverness can be visited all year round but the best time to visit is in late May and early June when the weather is relatively dry and warm compared to the rest of the year and it’s not quite as busy as the peak summer months. Do expect rain whenever you visit and if you’re happy to visit in the colder, wetter months of the year, you’ll find the lowest prices and most availability for accommodation, although some attractions are closed.

Inverness Festivals

• Inverness Highland Games: A celebration of Highland heritage, this annual event in Inverness city centre features athletic competitions, piping bands and traditional dancing. There’s fun for all the family with local food and craft stalls, live music and a funfair.

• Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival: To the west of Inverness, every summer the Belladrum Estate plays host to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. This celebration of music and arts is popular with families and features a variety of musical, dance and spoken word performances.

• Black Isle Show: This large agricultural show held a short drive from Inverness includes farm animal displays, trade stands and family-friendly entertainment.