Nestled on the fringes of Loch Ness, Inverness is usually 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 initially of your journey.
Over time, 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 essentially 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 essentially the most wonderful time visiting Scotland.
1.) Inverness Cathedral
While exploring Inverness, make sure 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 received’t take longer than 20 minutes, nevertheless it’s value a bit of gander should you’re excited about a number of 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: Greatest locations to go to on the NC50o in Scotland
2.) Inverness Citadel
visiting Inverness Citadel is definitely the most effective issues to do in Inverness if 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 Avenue (proper outdoors the cathedral). Inverness Citadel is on the opposite facet of the River Ness and appears so attractive.
For those who fancy exploring past Inverness, guide 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 should definitely guide this Isle of Skye tour prematurely. Tickets promote out quick for this one.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do on the Isle of Skye
3.) Urquhart Citadel
Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, visiting Urquhart Citadel is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Inverness for a bit of day journey.
Round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Inverness, the ruins of Urquhart Citadel date again to the Early Center Ages. These days, you possibly can tour Urquhart Citadel and discover the grounds and the banks of Loch Ness while you’re right here.
To make issues straightforward, guide this Urquhart Citadel 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 received’t make a devoted journey to Falcon Sq. while visiting Inverness in itself. You see, Falcon Sq. is correct outdoors Inverness Practice 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 notice 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 searching for excessive avenue shops, head into the Eastgate Buying 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 residence to a set of native craft outlets, cafes, eating places, and boutiques. It’s solely small, however you’ll discover it’s far more ‘native’ than Eastgate Buying Centre.
5.) Loch Ness
I imply, you possibly can’t not go to Loch Ness if you’re in Inverness. It’s really easy to see and doubtless essentially the most well-known loch in the entire world!
Now, you possibly can simply drive round Loch Ness (should you’re hiring a automotive) however you may as well guide this Loch Ness tour that may take you to a number of the key spots to go to. Alternatively, guide this tour from Inverness which additionally features a go to to Urquhart Citadel 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 effectively value taking a stroll. We beloved the Loch Inn for its do-it-yourself 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 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 all the time assured to see dolphins; however they do like to play within the waters right here. Ensure 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 Courtroom Highlands
Visiting Eden Courtroom is definitely the most effective issues to do in Inverness if you wish to guide a neighborhood efficiency. You see, not solely is Eden Courtroom a serious arts venue within the metropolis, nevertheless it additionally has performing areas which you’ll be able to guide tickets for.
The entire advanced would possibly 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 plenty of methods, as I discussed beforehand, Inverness acts as a gateway metropolis to the nice outdoor 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 essentially the most unbelievable time. They’re the proper 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 nice outdoor. The realm round Ben Macdui Mountain is gorgeous.
That being mentioned, you must be an skilled hiker as it may be powerful 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.
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 vital 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 value popping over for a go to. Simply you should definitely guide your tickets earlier than arriving; tickets aren’t available should you simply rock up.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to study extra concerning the distilling course of, what makes Glenmorangie distinctive and actually have a tipple. It’s value a visit; even should you’re not a whisky drinker.
10.) Cawdor Citadel
Round a 20-minute drive from Inverness, visiting Cawdor Citadel is without doubt one of the finest 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 Citadel itself.
Courting again to the 1400s, Cawdor Citadel has a historical past spanning centuries. The entire citadel buildings are so stunning to see and you may 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 beneath the tree. It had heaps of gold and is claimed 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, make sure that to discover the Walled Gardens and see the attractive grounds.
A go to will take round 2 hours and it’s effectively value 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 value a go to for a number 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 make sure that to remain for sundown and guide 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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