Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is commonly seen as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It’s the proper start line when driving the NC500, however there are additionally heaps of the very best issues to do in Inverness at first of your journey.
Over time, 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 a number of of the highest issues to do in Inverness, or from the town, itself. Have probably the most superb time visiting Scotland.
1.) Inverness Cathedral
While exploring Inverness, be certain that to cease by the town’s cathedral that’s nestled proper on the banks of the River Ness. Now, it’s free to enter, however you possibly can select to donate a small quantity (round £2) that helps go to the maintenance of the cathedral itself.
A go to to Inverness Cathedral gained’t take longer than 20 minutes, but it surely’s price slightly gander when you’re excited by a number of the metropolis’s iconic buildings. If you happen to’re getting peckish, pop into the unfussy Cafe Ness by the Cathedral. Their lemon drizzle cake is so good.
Not solely that, you possibly can simply go to when strolling the ‘Ness Stroll’ that follows the financial institution of the River Ness and Bishops Highway.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
2.) Inverness Fort
visiting Inverness Fort is definitely among the finest issues to do in Inverness whenever you go to. That being mentioned, it’s not reopening till 2025 for important works. Although, concern not, you possibly can nonetheless get some unbelievable views of Inverness from the River Ness space under.
For the very best views, head to the nook of Bishops Highway and Ardross Road (proper outdoors the cathedral). Inverness Fort is on the opposite facet of the River Ness and appears so beautiful.
If you happen to 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 you’ll want to e-book this Isle of Skye tour prematurely. Tickets promote out quick for this one.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do on the Isle of Skye
3.) Urquhart Fort
Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, visiting Urquhart Fort is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Inverness for slightly day journey.
Round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Inverness, the ruins of Urquhart Fort date again to the Early Center Ages. These days, you possibly can tour Urquhart Fort and discover the grounds and the banks of Loch Ness while you’re right here.
To make issues simple, e-book this Urquhart Fort tour from Inverness that may get you proper contained in the fortress grounds. Not solely is the fortress 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 gained’t make a devoted journey to Falcon Sq. while visiting Inverness in itself. You see, Falcon Sq. is true outdoors Inverness Practice Station and can probably 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 notice one of many metropolis’s unicorns that stands on high of a plinth. It’s solely small however beautiful to see.
If you happen to’re searching for excessive road shops, head into the Eastgate Procuring Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which can 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 house 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 Procuring Centre.
5.) Loch Ness
I imply, you possibly can’t not go to Loch Ness whenever you’re in Inverness. It’s really easy to see and doubtless probably the most well-known loch in the entire world!
Now, you possibly can simply drive round Loch Ness (when you’re hiring a automobile) however it’s also possible to e-book this Loch Ness tour that may take you to a number of the key spots to go to. Alternatively, e-book this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Fort and a cruise on Loch Ness itself.
If you happen to’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 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 which 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 at all times assured to see dolphins; however they do like to play within the waters right here. Make sure that 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 finest 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, but it surely additionally has performing areas which you’ll be able to e-book tickets for.
The entire complicated would possibly look small but it surely nonetheless boasts two theatres, and varied workshop areas, too.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do within the Scottish Highlands
8.) Cairngorms Nationwide Park
In numerous methods, as I discussed beforehand, Inverness acts as a gateway metropolis to the nice outside within the Scottish Highlands. If you happen to’re heading east, be certain that to drive over to Cairngorms Nationwide Park and discover.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 unbelievable time. They’re the proper 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 nice 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. If you happen to’re uncertain 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 probably the most 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 you’ll want to e-book your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available when you simply rock up.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to study extra in regards to the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and actually have a tipple. It’s price a visit; even when you’re not a whisky drinker.
10.) Cawdor Fort
Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fort 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 Fort itself.
Relationship again to the 1400s, Cawdor Fort has a historical past spanning centuries. The entire fortress buildings are so stunning to see and you may even study how the fortress was constructed.
You see, the buildings have been constructed round a tiny holly tree. It was at this very spot {that a} donkey rested beneath the tree. It had heaps of gold and is alleged to have chosen the positioning for the fortress to be constructed. Nonetheless, to at the present time, you possibly can see the stays of the holly on the decrease areas of Cawdor.
Afterwards, be certain 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
If you happen to’re following the A96 highway, 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 a number of hours journey; particularly for Nairn Seashore.
Now, a heads up, the water is chilly in Nairn. That being mentioned, the seashore is beautiful and the city is beautiful to walk by means of. Simply be certain that 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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