Inverness

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Inverness

Welcome to Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands in Scotland! This charming city is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and a plethora of activities to suit all interests. As a traveler, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to see and do, from exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor adventures.

Places to Visit

1. Inverness Castle

Perched atop a hill, Inverness Castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This 19th-century castle has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of the Highlands and the city itself.

  • Address: Castle Road, Inverness IV2 3PR
  • Opening Hours: April to September (10am-4pm), October to March (11am-3pm)
  • Admission: £6.50 adults, free for children under 16

2. Urquhart Castle

Located on the shores of Loch Ness, this 13th-century castle has a rich history and offers breathtaking views of the famous loch.

  • Address: By Drumnadrochit IV63 6TU
  • Opening Hours: April to October (9:30am-5pm), November to March (10am-4pm)
  • Admission: £7.50 adults, free for children under 16

3. Loch Ness

Take a boat tour or drive along the shores of this famous loch to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

  • Address: Various locations around the loch
  • Opening Hours: Varying hours depending on the location and activity

4. Culloden Battlefield

Visit the site of the final Jacobite rising in 1746, where British forces defeated Charles Edward Stuart’s army.

  • Address: Culloden, IV2 5EA
  • Opening Hours: April to October (9am-6pm), November to March (10am-4pm)
  • Admission: £8.50 adults, free for children under 16

5. Whin Park

Escape the city and explore this beautiful park featuring walking trails, a pond, and plenty of wildlife.

  • Address: Whin Park Road, Inverness IV2 3AB
  • Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
  • Admission: Free

Activities

1. Hiking and Walking

Explore the surrounding countryside on foot, with numerous hiking trails and walking routes in and around Inverness.

  • Recommended routes:
    • Moray Firth Coastal Path (15 miles)
    • River Ness Walkway (5 miles)

2. Cycling

Rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

  • Bike rentals available from:
    • Inverness Cycle Hire (14-16 High Street, IV3 8EN)
    • Loch Ness Cycles (34 Glenurquhart Road, IV2 5BL)

3. Water Sports

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or boat tours on Loch Ness and its surrounding waterways.

  • Rent equipment from:
    • Inverness Water Sports (21 Kessock Brae, IV2 4JL)
    • Loch Ness Kayak Hire (34 Glenurquhart Road, IV2 5BL)

4. Fishing

Try your hand at freshwater fishing in the nearby rivers and streams.

  • Recommended spots:
    • River Ness
    • River Moray

Where to Eat

Inverness has a vibrant food scene with plenty of restaurants serving local specialties, seafood, and international cuisine.

1. The Mustard Seed

Enjoy modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.

  • Address: 15-17 Church Street, Inverness IV2 5BB
  • Prices: £20-£40 per main course

2. Inchbroom Hotel Restaurant

Savor traditional Scottish dishes and stunning views of the Moray Firth from this hotel restaurant.

  • Address: Inchbroom, IV7 8AA
  • Prices: £25-£45 per main course

3. The Kitchen

Try farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

  • Address: 23 Castle Road, Inverness IV2 3PR
  • Prices: £20-£35 per main course

Where to Stay

Inverness has a wide range of accommodations, from cozy B&Bs to luxury hotels.

1. The Glenmoriston Town House

Experience opulent luxury in this boutique hotel with individually styled rooms and suites.

  • Address: 13-15 Madam’s Terrace, Inverness IV3 8EN
  • Prices: £150-£250 per night

2. Kessock Hotel

Relax in this family-run hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Moray Firth.

  • Address: 21 Kessock Brae, Inverness IV2 4JL
  • Prices: £80-£150 per night

3. Inverness Youth Hostel

Budget-friendly accommodation in a central location with shared dorms and private rooms available.

  • Address: 23-24 Church Street, Inverness IV2 5BB
  • Prices: £20-£30 per night (dorm), £40-£60 per night (private room)

Things to Know

1. Weather

Be prepared for unpredictable Scottish weather with layers and waterproof gear.

2. Transportation

Inverness has a small airport and bus station, with regular services connecting to other major towns and cities.

  • Airport: Inverness Airport (INV)
  • Bus Station: Inverness Bus Station (IV3 8EN)

3. Currency

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (£).

Tips

1. Book in Advance

Plan ahead for popular attractions and accommodations to avoid disappointment.

2. Try Local Specialties

Indulge in traditional Scottish cuisine, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, or fresh seafood from the Moray Firth.

3. Respect the Environment

Be mindful of the surrounding countryside and wildlife when exploring on foot or by bike.

Other Things to Do

1. Visit a Local Market

Browse the stalls at Inverness Market (Saturdays) or the Moray Firth Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays).

2. Take a Guided Tour

Join a guided walking tour of the city’s historic sites and attractions.

  • Recommended guides:
    • Inverness Tours
    • Highland Guides

3. Attend an Event

Check out local events, such as festivals, concerts, or sporting fixtures.

  • Recommended events:
    • Inverness Highland Games (August)
    • Loch Ness Marathon (October)