Things to Do in Inverness

Flaunting a majestic history of 1000 years, Urquhart Castle will amaze you at its very first glimpse. The present site dates back to 13th and 14th century and the castle played an important role in the War of Scottish Independence. Held as royal castle and raided on several occasions, the Castle was partially destroyed in the 17th century to prevent its use by the Jacobite forces.

Its one of the largest and one of the most-visited castles in Scotland and the war tales surrounding it give you goosebumps!

Climb the Grant tower and you will be stunned by the panoramic view of the Loch Ness. 

Explore the beautiful and sublime River Ness, take a boat ride or a classy cruise ride and you will be amazed! River Ness is a 20 kilometre long river flowing from the northern end of Loch Ness in Scotland through Loch Dochfour. The River Ness gives Inverness its name literally implying to Mouth of Ness. It flows through the heart of the city.

Several Bridges, Structures and parks adorn the backdrop of the River and walking around its course is a popular activity while you are exploring Inverness.

Fishing is a popular activity and Fresh Salmon from River Ness is a considered a specialty. The area around the river is also noted for bird spotting.

Set amid the gardens in the Parish of Cawdor, this castle is built around a 15th century tower house. It remains in the Campbell ownership and was passed on to Campbells from Clan Calder- the original owners in 16th century.

Known for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Macbeth’ where the title character is made ‘Thane of Cawdor’, the castle was actually built years later the life of King Macbeth.

An A-listed building with the garden listed among the significant gardens of Scotland, it is a must-visit on your Scotland trip!

One of the most striking churches of Inverness, St. Andrews Cathedral impresses with is Gothic facade overlooking the West Bank of Ness River. The cathedral is built in eye-catching pink-sandstone and the couple of square Gothic towers at the entrance is notable.

Do not miss out the beautiful stained glass window and the Austrian-oak Choir.

Plan an outstanding experience for yourself, cruise the Loch Ness- the large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands which extends for 23 miles and is one of the largest Scottish Loch by surface area.Departing from Inverness bus station, Tomnahurich Bridge, Dochgarroch Lock and Clansman Harbour; these tours are a great way to explore the beauty of Loch Ness. The friendly guides will engage you with interesting tales surrounding the attractions around and you will be stunned with the aura of this bounty.The duration of the cruise tour varies from 60 minutes to 7 hours depending on the package that you pick. Scottish meals, great ambience and the tales of Loch Ness monster add to the enjoyment.

Walk upstream along River Ness and you will be pleased to witness a cluster of small islands in the middle of the river. Connected to each other by a series of suspended foot bridges which have a charm of the Victorian era, a walk to Ness Islands is a nice activity.

Once you reach the islands, you can visit the Inverness Leisure Centre to the floral hall where you can observe an assortment of plants and trees, enjoy a cup of English Tea and click pictures by the small waterfall!

One of the top tour operators in Inverness, Wow Scotland day tours cater all your transport needs to explore the near-by attractions like Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, the Cuillin and Faerie Glen.

This is a great way to explore the Skye and Highlands if you have just a day to spare. They also arrange personalised tours with well-trained guides. 

This is where the party is! A multi-award winning pub in the Highland capital Inverness, Hootananny is renowned for its fantastic live music. The word Hootananny means celebration and this pub features local artists tuning in traditional Scottish and folk music. 

The mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, Fort George was conceptualised by George II against the Jacobite unrest.

The design of the fort is based on the shape of the star overlooking the sea and is a grand structure in itself.

The Garrison buildings, defence mechanisms with cannon, huge collection of arms and ammunition including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and pouches dating back to the 18th century will give you a brief idea of the warfare used in the times of instability.

Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection) is housed in the fort. 

A traditional Scottish pub located on the Banks of Ness Rive, Johnny Foxes is known for its wide range of cocktails and wine collection.

Dj nights, live Pianist and traditional Irish & Scottish music are some of the other crowd pullers apart from the lively ambience and great food!

A waterfall on the River Foyers, the fine cascade in its fall of 165 feet makes a wonderful sight. Located on the lower portion of the River Foyers, the fall was under danger due to the aluminum smelting project planned on the shore of Loch Ness. Although the project was opposed, it was in operation till 1967. Artist Mary Rose Hill Burton has captured the landscape around the falls before it was hampered in her paintings and drawings. 

Operating since 1976, the Eden Court theatre is a notable platform for various performing arts like opera, popular music, concerts, ballets, modern dance, drama and films. The 80-foot wide stage, the orchestra pit for 60 musicians and the horse-shoe shaped auditorium for around 830 seats make it one of the most popular venues in Inverness.

Catch a performance and experience the magic of this theatre!

Situated in the historic site of Fort George, the museum is dedicated to the history of the Highland regiment accounting the time from the Battle of Culloden to present. The museum is set-up in the former Lieutenant Governor's quarters and is a Scheduled Ancient monument which is the highest possible listing for building conservation in Scotland.

Home to 20,000 artefacts, it also includes the pieces from allied regiments in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

The museum displays Highland and Jacobite collection depicting the history, culture and heritage of the Highlands. Memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons and bagpipes are displayed in the museum and the art gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions of local art. There are also art items donated by the family of Prince Frederick Duleep Singh from the Sikh royal Family of India.

There are plenty of activities and programs for family and kids and the museum emphasizes on interactive learning. 

Formerly known as Floral hall and Gardens, this is a beautiful retreat just a walk away from the Inverness city centre. Bursting with colorful flowers and textured plants in tons of variety, the Inverness Botanical garden is a must-visit.

The Tropical house creates a hot and humid atmosphere perfect for the growth of tropical plant species whereas the cactus house displays hundred of cacti among the 75 tons of bizarrely shaped rocks. The waterfall cascading in a pond blooms the bougainvillea, bird of paradise plants and orchids.

Exotic coffee plants, flowering plants are also available on sale!