Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is commonly seen as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It’s the right place to begin when driving the NC500, however there are additionally heaps of one of the best issues to do in Inverness in 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 entire 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 wonderful time visiting Scotland. 

1.) Inverness Cathedral

While exploring Inverness, make 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 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 received’t take longer than 20 minutes, nevertheless it’s price slightly gander in the event you’re enthusiastic about among 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 possibly can simply go to when strolling the ‘Ness Stroll’ that follows the financial institution of the River Ness and Bishops Highway.

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

2.) Inverness Fort

visiting Inverness Fort is well among the finest issues to do in Inverness while you go to. That being stated, 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 one of the best views, head to the nook of Bishops Highway and Ardross Avenue (proper exterior the cathedral). Inverness Fort is on the opposite facet of the River Ness and appears so beautiful. 

For those who fancy exploring past Inverness, ebook 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 remember to ebook this Isle of Skye tour upfront. Tickets promote out quick for this one. 

Learn extra: Best 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 finest 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, ebook 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 enormous 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 Prepare Station and can probably be the primary port-of-name 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 pretty to see. 

For those who’re searching for excessive avenue shops, head into the Eastgate Procuring Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which are on excessive streets throughout the UK. 

Searching 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 rather more ‘native’ than Eastgate Procuring Centre. 

5.) Loch Ness

I imply, you possibly can’t not go to Loch Ness while 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 (in the event you’re hiring a automotive) however it’s also possible to ebook this Loch Ness tour that may take you to among the key spots to go to. Alternatively, ebook this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Fort 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, 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 effectively price taking a stroll. We liked the Loch Inn for its do-it-yourself pies. 

Learn extra: Best 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 at all times assured to see dolphins; however they do like to play within the waters right here. Be certain to decide on a relaxed day, with good climate. I discover it’s simpler to identify them with little waves. 

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

7.) Eden Courtroom Highlands

Visiting Eden Courtroom is well among the finest issues to do in Inverness if you wish to ebook a neighborhood efficiency. You see, not solely is Eden Courtroom a significant arts venue within the metropolis, nevertheless it additionally has performing areas which you’ll ebook tickets for.

The entire advanced may look small nevertheless it nonetheless boasts two theatres, and varied workshop areas, too.

Learn extra: Best issues to do within the Scottish Highlands

8.) Cairngorms Nationwide Park

In a number of methods, as I discussed beforehand, Inverness acts as a gateway metropolis to the good open air within the Scottish Highlands. For those who’re heading east, make sure that to drive over to Cairngorms Nationwide Park and discover. 

As soon as right here, make 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 unbelievable 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 stated, that you must 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 any case, nobody likes a reckless hiker. 

Learn extra: Best 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 effectively price popping over for a go to. Simply remember to ebook your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available in the event you simply rock up.

As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of be taught extra in regards to the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and also have a tipple. It’s price a visit; even in the event you’re not a whisky drinker. 

10.) Cawdor Fort

Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fort is likely one of 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 Fort itself. 

Courting 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 find out about 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 claimed 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, make sure that to discover the Walled Gardens and see the gorgeous grounds. 

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

11.) Nairn

For those who’re following the A96 highway, eastbound, you’ll come throughout the little Highland’s village of Nairn. The city, overlooking the North Sea, is effectively 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 stated, the seaside is beautiful and the city is beautiful to walk via. Simply make sure that to remain for sundown and ebook a desk at Sundancer for dinner. Their king scallops are so scrumptious.

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

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