Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is usually 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 the most effective issues to do in Inverness initially 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 lovely and unspoilt; and while you won’t make a visit to the Scottish Highlands only for Inverness, it’s price stopping for a day to discover this small Scottish city.
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 superb time visiting Scotland.
1.) Inverness Cathedral
While exploring Inverness, ensure 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 may 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, however it’s price somewhat gander should you’re inquisitive 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 may simply go to when strolling the ‘Ness Stroll’ that follows the financial institution of the River Ness and Bishops Highway.
Read more: Best places to visit on the NC50o in Scotland
2.) Inverness Fortress
visiting Inverness Castle is well the most effective 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 may nonetheless get some unbelievable views of Inverness from the River Ness space under.
For the most effective views, head to the nook of Bishops Highway and Ardross Avenue (proper exterior the cathedral). Inverness Fortress is on the opposite facet of the River Ness and appears so attractive.
For those who fancy exploring past Inverness, 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 make sure to book this Isle of Skye tour prematurely. Tickets promote out quick for this one.
Read more: Best things to do on the Isle of Skye
3.) Urquhart Fortress
Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, visiting Urquhart Fortress is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Inverness for somewhat 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 may tour Urquhart Fortress and discover the grounds and the banks of Loch Ness while you’re right here.
To make issues simple, book this Urquhart Castle tour from Inverness that can get you proper contained in the fort grounds. Not solely is the fort 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 exterior Inverness Prepare 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 outdated) 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.
For those who’re in search of excessive road shops, head into the Eastgate Buying Centre that’s simply off Falcon Sq.. You’ll see the common names which are 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 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 Buying Centre.
5.) Loch Ness
I imply, you may’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 may simply drive round Loch Ness (should you’re hiring a automobile) however you can too book this Loch Ness tour that can take you to among the key spots to go to. Alternatively, book this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Fortress 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, should you’re driving the entire stretch of Loch Ness, then cease by Fort Agustus. It’s a small canal space that’s properly price taking a stroll. We liked the Loch Inn for its selfmade pies.
Read more: Best things to do in the Scottish Highlands
6.) Inverness Dolphin Tour
One of many advantages of staying a day in Inverness is 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 peaceful day, with good climate. I discover it’s simpler to identify them with little waves.
Read more: Best places to visit on the NC50o in Scotland
7.) Eden Court docket Highlands
Visiting Eden Court is well the most effective issues to do in Inverness if you wish to ebook a neighborhood 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 be able to ebook tickets for.
The entire advanced would possibly look small however it nonetheless boasts two theatres, and numerous workshop areas, too.
Read more: Best things to do in 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, ensure that to drive over to Cairngorms Nationwide Park and discover.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 should you’re solely visiting for a day or in a single day.
Oh, and should you’re staying longer, head out on a hike into the good open air. The world 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. For those who’re uncertain of your skills, don’t go. In any case, nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Read more: Best things to do in 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 web site and it’s properly price popping over for a go to. Simply make sure to ebook your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available should you simply rock up.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of study extra in regards to the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and actually have a tipple. It’s price a visit; even should you’re not a whisky drinker.
10.) Cawdor Fortress
Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Fortress is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Inverness when heading east. Additionally, should 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 fort buildings are so lovely to see and you may even find out about how the fort 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 alleged to have chosen the location for the fort to be constructed. Nonetheless, to today, you may see the stays of the holly on the decrease areas of Cawdor.
Afterwards, ensure that to discover the Walled Gardens and see the attractive grounds.
A go to will take round 2 hours and it’s properly 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 properly price a go to for just a few hours journey; particularly for Nairn Beach.
Now, a heads up, the water is chilly in Nairn. That being mentioned, the seashore is attractive and the city is gorgeous to walk by. Simply ensure that to remain for sundown and ebook a desk at Sundancer for dinner. Their king scallops are so scrumptious.
Read more: Best places to visit on the NC50o in Scotland
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