Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is commonly seen as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It’s the right start line when driving the NC500, however there are additionally heaps of the very best issues to do in Inverness at the beginning of your journey.
Through the years, we’ve explored Inverness many instances; staying within the metropolis and heading to the close by Cairngorms Nationwide Park and additional north.
This complete space of Scotland is simply so stunning and unspoilt; and while you may not make a visit to the Scottish Highlands only for Inverness, it’s price stopping for a day to discover this small Scottish metropolis.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time, I’m popping just a few of the highest issues to do in Inverness, or from town, itself. Have probably the most superb time visiting Scotland.
1.) Inverness Cathedral
While exploring Inverness, be sure that to cease by town’s cathedral that’s nestled proper on the banks of the River Ness. Now, it’s free to enter, however you may select to donate a small quantity (round £2) that helps go to the maintenance of the cathedral itself.
A go to to Inverness Cathedral received’t take longer than 20 minutes, nevertheless it’s price a little bit gander when you’re concerned about a number of the metropolis’s iconic buildings. For those who’re getting peckish, pop into the unfussy Cafe Ness by the Cathedral. Their lemon drizzle cake is so good.
Not solely that, you may simply go to when strolling the ‘Ness Stroll’ that follows the financial institution of the River Ness and Bishops Highway.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
2.) Inverness Fortress
visiting Inverness Fortress is well probably the greatest issues to do in Inverness once you go to. That being mentioned, it’s not reopening till 2025 for important works. Although, concern not, you may nonetheless get some unimaginable views of Inverness from the River Ness space beneath.
For the very best views, head to the nook of Bishops Highway and Ardross Avenue (proper exterior the cathedral). Inverness Fortress is on the opposite facet of the River Ness and appears so beautiful.
For those who fancy exploring past Inverness, guide this Isle of Skye tour that’s a day journey from Inverness. It’s an early begin, however they organise all of the transport to and from the Isle of Skye earlier than returning you to Inverness. It’s all really easy.
Simply be sure you guide this Isle of Skye tour prematurely. Tickets promote out quick for this one.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do on the Isle of Skye
3.) Urquhart Fortress
Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, visiting Urquhart Fortress is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Inverness for a little bit day journey.
Round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Inverness, the ruins of Urquhart Fortress date again to the Early Center Ages. These days, you may tour Urquhart Fortress and discover the grounds and the banks of Loch Ness while you’re right here.
To make issues straightforward, guide this Urquhart Fortress tour from Inverness that can get you proper contained in the citadel grounds. Not solely is the citadel nice to go to, however you’ll additionally drive an unlimited part on the banks of Loch Ness, too. It’s so price it for a day journey.
4.) Falcon Sq.
Now, you received’t make a devoted journey to Falcon Sq. while visiting Inverness in itself. You see, Falcon Sq. is correct exterior Inverness Practice Station and can doubtless be the primary port-of-call you’ll see after hopping off the prepare.
Now, Falcon Sq. is comparatively new (round 20 years previous) however you will note one of many metropolis’s unicorns that stands on high of a plinth. It’s solely small however pretty to see.
For those who’re in search of excessive avenue shops, head into the Eastgate Procuring Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which might be on excessive streets throughout the UK.
On the lookout for extra native shops and cafes? Then head over to the Victorian Market. Inside, it’s house to a set of native craft outlets, cafes, eating places, and boutiques. It’s solely small, however you’ll discover it’s far more ‘native’ than Eastgate Procuring Centre.
5.) Loch Ness
I imply, you may’t not go to Loch Ness once you’re in Inverness. It’s really easy to see and possibly probably the most well-known loch in the entire world!
Now, you may simply drive round Loch Ness (when you’re hiring a automotive) however you may also guide this Loch Ness tour that can take you to a number of the key spots to go to. Alternatively, guide this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Fortress and a cruise on Loch Ness itself.
For those who’re driving, pop into Glenmoriston Arms for his or her yummy fish and chips. Alternatively, when you’re driving the entire stretch of Loch Ness, then cease by Fort Agustus. It’s a small canal space that’s nicely price taking a stroll. We liked the Loch Inn for its selfmade pies.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands
6.) Inverness Dolphin Tour
One of many advantages of staying a day in Inverness is that you may be part of a dolphin tour to identify bottlenose dolphins. We went out on tour with Dolphin Spirit Inverness which takes you up the Firth of Moray.
Now, you’re not all the time assured to see dolphins; however they do like to play within the waters right here. Make certain to decide on a peaceful day, with good climate. I discover it’s simpler to identify them with little waves.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
7.) Eden Court docket Highlands
Visiting Eden Court docket is well probably the greatest issues to do in Inverness if you wish to guide a neighborhood efficiency. You see, not solely is Eden Court docket a serious arts venue within the metropolis, nevertheless it additionally has performing areas which you’ll be able to guide tickets for.
The entire complicated would possibly look small nevertheless it nonetheless boasts two theatres, and varied workshop areas, too.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands
8.) Cairngorms Nationwide Park
In plenty of methods, as I discussed beforehand, Inverness acts as a gateway metropolis to the good outside within the Scottish Highlands. For those who’re heading east, be sure that to drive over to Cairngorms Nationwide Park and discover.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to Rothiemurchus and both rent some bikes (like we did) or head out on a quad bike. We did each of those and had probably the most unimaginable time. They’re the right exercise when you’re solely visiting for a day or in a single day.
Oh, and when you’re staying longer, head out on a hike into the good outside. The world round Ben Macdui Mountain is gorgeous.
That being mentioned, it’s worthwhile to be an skilled hiker as it may be robust on a few of these trails. For those who’re not sure of your skills, don’t go. In spite of everything, nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands
9.) Glenmorangie Distillery
There are such a lot of distilleries to see within the Scottish Highlands, however one of the well-known (and near Inverness) is the Glenmorangie Distillery.
Glenmorangie has been distilling whisky since. the 1800s at this website and it’s nicely price popping over for a go to. Simply be sure you guide your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available when you simply rock up.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable to study extra in regards to the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and also have a tipple. It’s price a visit; even when you’re not a whisky drinker.
10.) Cawdor Fortress
Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fortress is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Inverness when heading east. Additionally, when you’re arriving or departing from Inverness by flight, then the airport is a mere 12 minutes from Cawdor Fortress itself.
Relationship again to the 1400s, Cawdor Fortress has a historical past spanning centuries. The entire citadel buildings are so stunning to see and you’ll even find out about how the citadel was constructed.
You see, the buildings have been constructed round a tiny holly tree. It was at this very spot {that a} donkey rested below the tree. It had heaps of gold and is claimed to have chosen the positioning for the citadel to be constructed. Nonetheless, to this present day, you may see the stays of the holly on the decrease areas of Cawdor.
Afterwards, be sure that to discover the Walled Gardens and see the gorgeous grounds.
A go to will take round 2 hours and it’s nicely price exploring when visiting the broader Inverness space.
11.) Nairn
For those who’re following the A96 street, eastbound, you’ll come throughout the little Highland’s village of Nairn. The city, overlooking the North Sea, is nicely price a go to for just a few hours journey; particularly for Nairn Seashore.
Now, a heads up, the water is chilly in Nairn. That being mentioned, the seaside is beautiful and the city is gorgeous to walk via. Simply be sure that to remain for sundown and guide a desk at Sundancer for dinner. Their king scallops are so scrumptious.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
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