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 perfect issues to do in Inverness firstly 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 value stopping for a day to discover this small Scottish metropolis.

So, that can assist you get essentially 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 essentially the most wonderful time visiting Scotland. 

1.) Inverness Cathedral

While exploring Inverness, be certain 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’ll be able to 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, however it’s value just a little gander in the event you’re serious about among the metropolis’s iconic buildings. In case you’re getting peckish, pop into the unfussy Cafe Ness by the Cathedral. Their lemon drizzle cake is so good. 

Not solely that, you’ll be able to simply go to when strolling the ‘Ness Stroll’ that follows the financial institution of the River Ness and Bishops Street.

Learn extra: Finest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland

2.) Inverness Fortress

visiting Inverness Fortress is definitely among the best issues to do in Inverness while you go to. That being mentioned, it’s not reopening till 2025 for important works. Although, concern not, you’ll be able to nonetheless get some unimaginable views of Inverness from the River Ness space under. 

For the perfect views, head to the nook of Bishops Street and Ardross Avenue (proper exterior the cathedral). Inverness Fortress is on the opposite aspect of the River Ness and appears so beautiful. 

In case you fancy exploring past Inverness, e-book 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 e-book this Isle of Skye tour upfront. Tickets promote out quick for this one. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do on the Isle of Skye

3.) Urquhart Fortress

Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, visiting Urquhart Fortress is among the finest issues to do in Inverness for just a little 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’ll be able to tour Urquhart Fortress and discover the grounds and the banks of Loch Ness while you’re right here. 

To make issues straightforward, e-book 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 value 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 possible be the primary port-of-call you’ll see after hopping off the practice. 

Now, Falcon Sq. is comparatively new (round 20 years previous) however you will note one of many metropolis’s unicorns that stands on prime of a plinth. It’s solely small however beautiful to see. 

In case you’re searching for excessive avenue shops, head into the Eastgate Buying Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which might be on excessive streets throughout the UK. 

In search of extra native shops and cafes? Then head over to the Victorian Market. Inside, it’s dwelling to a group of native craft outlets, cafes, eating places, and boutiques. It’s solely small, however you’ll discover it’s way more ‘native’ than Eastgate Buying Centre. 

5.) Loch Ness

I imply, you’ll be able to’t not go to Loch Ness while you’re in Inverness. It’s really easy to see and doubtless essentially the most well-known loch in the entire world! 

Now, you’ll be able to simply drive round Loch Ness (in the event you’re hiring a automotive) however you can too e-book this Loch Ness tour that can take you to among the key spots to go to. Alternatively, e-book this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Fortress and a cruise on Loch Ness itself. 

In case you’re driving, pop into Glenmoriston Arms for his or her yummy fish and chips. Alternatively, in the event you’re driving the entire stretch of Loch Ness, then cease by Fort Agustus. It’s a small canal space that’s properly value taking a stroll. We beloved the Loch Inn for its selfmade pies. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands

6.) Inverness Dolphin Tour

One of many advantages of staying a day in Inverness is you could 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: Finest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland

7.) Eden Court docket Highlands

Visiting Eden Court docket is definitely among the best issues to do in Inverness if you wish to e-book an area efficiency. You see, not solely is Eden Court docket a serious arts venue within the metropolis, however it additionally has performing areas which you’ll e-book tickets for.

The entire advanced would possibly look small however it nonetheless boasts two theatres, and varied workshop areas, too.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands

8.) Cairngorms Nationwide Park

In a lot of methods, as I discussed beforehand, Inverness acts as a gateway metropolis to the good open air within the Scottish Highlands. In case you’re heading east, be certain to drive over to Cairngorms Nationwide Park and discover. 

As soon as right here, be certain 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 essentially the most unimaginable time. They’re the right exercise in the event you’re solely visiting for a day or in a single day. 

Oh, and in the event you’re staying longer, head out on a hike into the good open air. The realm round Ben Macdui Mountain is gorgeous.

That being mentioned, you have to be an skilled hiker as it may be powerful on a few of these trails.  In case you’re not sure of your skills, don’t go. In any case, nobody likes a reckless hiker. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands

9.) Glenmorangie Distillery

There are such a lot of distilleries to see within the Scottish Highlands, however some of the well-known (and near Inverness) is the Glenmorangie Distillery. 

Glenmorangie has been distilling whisky since. the 1800s at this web site and it’s properly value popping over for a go to. Simply be sure you e-book your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available in the event you simply rock up.

As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to study extra concerning the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and actually have a tipple. It’s value a visit; even in the event you’re not a whisky drinker. 

10.) Cawdor Fortress

Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fortress is among the finest issues to do in Inverness when heading east. Additionally, in the event you’re arriving or departing from Inverness by flight, then the airport is a mere 12 minutes from Cawdor Fortress itself. 

Courting 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 study 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 at the present time, you’ll be able to see the stays of the holly on the decrease areas of Cawdor. 

Afterwards, be certain to discover the Walled Gardens and see the attractive grounds. 

A go to will take round 2 hours and it’s properly value exploring when visiting the broader Inverness space.

11.) Nairn

In case you’re following the A96 street, eastbound, you’ll come throughout the little Highland’s village of Nairn. The city, overlooking the North Sea, is properly value a go to for just a few hours journey; particularly for Nairn Seaside. 

Now, a heads up, the water is chilly in Nairn. That being mentioned, the seaside is beautiful and the city is gorgeous to walk by. Simply be certain to remain for sundown and e-book a desk at Sundancer for dinner. Their king scallops are so scrumptious.

Learn extra: Finest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland

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