Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is commonly seen as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It’s the proper place to begin when driving the NC500, however there are additionally heaps of the very best issues to do in Inverness firstly of your journey.
Through the years, we’ve explored Inverness many occasions; 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 value stopping for a day to discover this small Scottish metropolis.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time, I’m popping a couple of of the highest issues to do in Inverness, or from the town, itself. Have probably the most wonderful time visiting Scotland.
1.) Inverness Cathedral
While exploring Inverness, be certain 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, nevertheless it’s value just a little gander if you happen to’re considering among the metropolis’s iconic buildings. In the event you’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: Greatest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
2.) Inverness Fortress
visiting Inverness Fortress is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Inverness while you go to. That being mentioned, it’s not reopening till 2025 for important works. Although, worry not, you possibly can 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 aspect of the River Ness and appears so attractive.
In the event 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 remember to e book this Isle of Skye tour upfront. 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 among the greatest 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 possibly can 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 may get you proper contained in the citadel grounds. Not solely is the citadel nice to go to, however you’ll additionally drive an enormous part on the banks of Loch Ness, too. It’s so value 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 exterior Inverness Prepare Station and can seemingly 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 high of a plinth. It’s solely small however beautiful to see.
In the event you’re in search of excessive road shops, head into the Eastgate Purchasing Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which might be 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 retailers, cafes, eating places, and boutiques. It’s solely small, however you’ll discover it’s rather more ‘native’ than Eastgate Purchasing 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 (if you happen to’re hiring a automobile) however you can even e book this Loch Ness tour that may 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 the event you’re driving, pop into Glenmoriston Arms for his or her yummy fish and chips. Alternatively, if you happen to’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 cherished 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 which you could be a 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 sure to decide on a relaxed 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 definitely top-of-the-line 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, nevertheless it additionally has performing areas which you’ll e book tickets for.
The entire advanced may look small nevertheless it nonetheless boasts two theatres, and numerous workshop areas, too.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 outside within the Scottish Highlands. In the event 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 probably the most unimaginable time. They’re the proper exercise if you happen to’re solely visiting for a day or in a single day.
Oh, and if you happen to’re staying longer, head out on a hike into the good outside. The realm round Ben Macdui Mountain is gorgeous.
That being mentioned, you should be an skilled hiker as it may be robust on a few of these trails. In the event you’re not sure of your talents, don’t go. In any case, 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 web site and it’s properly value popping over for a go to. Simply remember to e book your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available if you happen to 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 also have a tipple. It’s value a visit; even if you happen to’re not a whisky drinker.
10.) Cawdor Fortress
Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fortress is among the greatest issues to do in Inverness when heading east. Additionally, if you happen to’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 underneath the tree. It had heaps of gold and is alleged to have chosen the positioning for the citadel to be constructed. Nonetheless, to today, you possibly can see the stays of the holly on the decrease areas of Cawdor.
Afterwards, be certain to discover the Walled Gardens and see the gorgeous grounds.
A go to will take round 2 hours and it’s properly value exploring when visiting the broader Inverness space.
11.) Nairn
In the event 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 a couple of hours journey; particularly for Nairn Seaside.
Now, a heads up, the water is chilly in Nairn. That being mentioned, the seaside is attractive and the city is beautiful to walk via. Simply be certain to remain for sundown and e book 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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