11 Amazing Activities & Things to do in Inverness

You'll be surprised where a day out in the Highland capital might take you, there are so many things to see and do in Inverness. Pack in all the city's highlights on a sightseeing tour of Inverness, or wander through its streets and along its river banks to discover great museums, galleries and shopping experiences.

  1. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

    Vista del Lago Ness desde el Castillo de Urquhart

    One of the most iconic and well-known locations in Scotland, Loch Ness is just a 30-minute car or bus journey south from Inverness. Shrouded in mystery and legend, head out on a boat trip to learn more about the Loch Ness Monster and all the tales and stories of how she came to be. Afterwards, pay a trip to the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on a vantage point above the loch with spectacular views for miles around - a great day out in Inverness!

  2. Culloden Battlefield Inverness

    Culloden Battlefield

    If you fancy getting stuck into the turbulent past of Inverness and the Highlands, head to Culloden Battlefield. Just a short 15-minute drive from the city centre, you can learn all about the eventful details of the Jacobite Risings by exploring the final site of the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil. Make sure to check out the interactive visitor centre, with fascinating artefacts from both sides of the battle and an immersive surround cinema.

    Instalaciones destacadas
    • Aparcamiento
    • Aparcamiento accesible o área de descenso
    • Ayuda para personas con discapacidad auditiva
    • Cafetería o Restaurante
  3. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery Inverness - Centro Ciudad

    Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

    © Highlife Highland

    Delve into the art, history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. Here you can explore exciting stories from the past and learn all about the people, environment and traditions that have shaped the Highlands. Browse a range of exhibitions, including archaeology, natural history and geography, and uncover Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons, bagpipes and more.

    Instalaciones destacadas
    • Ruta de transporte público
    • Aparcamiento accesible o área de descenso
    • Cafetería o Restaurante
  4. Clava Cairns Inverness

    Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava or Clava Cairns

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    This ancient site is a well-preserved Bronze-Age cairn and is an incredible example of the historic culture and architecture of the Scottish Highlands, dating back about 4,000 years. Just a 15-minute drive from Inverness, you'll find the three cairns that make up Clava Cairns, or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava, which were once used to house the dead. The cemetery remained a sacred place in the area for millennia.

    The Clava Cairns are free to enter and open all year round.

  5. Inverness Castle Inverness

    El Castillo de Inverness

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    With its ideal city centre location, Inverness Castle is a great addition to your itinerary. This ancient fortress has stood here for centuries - since 11AD. Throughout the years it has seen many turbulent times and events, and has also been rebuilt several times; once into an 18th century citadel, known as Fort George, after the first Jacobite rebellion, and then 10 years later into the neo-Norman style structure visible today. Head up to the castle viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond to the Highlands.

  6. River Ness & Ness Islands Inverness, Lago Ness y Nairn

    The view down the River Ness running through the city centre of Inverness, from the grounds of Inverness Castle, Highlands of Scotland.

    © Paul Tomkins, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

    If you want to explore the city's nature and outdoors, why not head out on a 2-hour circuit walk through the city centre and along the banks of the River Ness? It's an ideal walk for keen nature watchers; seals and seabirds can be spotted between the two road bridges that run through the city. Make sure to look out for are the Inverness War Memorial, the stunning floral flower gardens and Inverness Cathedral along the way.

  7. Inverness Cathedral Inverness - Centro Ciudad

    Inverness Cathedral - dedicated to St Andrew

    The most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK and dedicated to Scotland's patron saint, St Andrew, Inverness Cathedral has a rich history and heritage. It's an incredible example of the architecture of Alexander Ross and you'll also be able to see the intricate craftsmanship and detailed carvings in both stone and wood alongside glorious stained-glass windows.

  8. Inverness Botanic Gardens Inverness

    Inverness Botanic Gardens

    Breathe in some fresh Scottish air as you wander through the Inverness Botanic Gardens. Located in the southside of the city, the gardens feature a colourful array of plantlife and trees, with ponds, a tropical house, a cactus house, wild flower meadow and much more to explore. The gardens are free to enter, but they are also a charity, so why not leave a donation or buy a plant to take home with you?

    Instalaciones destacadas
    • Aparcamiento
    • Ruta de transporte público
    • Aparcamiento accesible o área de descenso
    • Nivel de acceso
    • Baños accesibles
    • WiFi
    • Cafetería o Restaurante
  9. Leakey's Bookshop Inverness

    Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness

    Leakey's Bookshop is a Highlands institution and a quirky little corner to see. The biggest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, complete with a log fire and almost any book you can think of, it's a quiet little getaway to explore in Inverness city centre. If you want to escape from the adventure to get lost in a book for a few hours, it's the perfect spot to pick up a new read.

  10. Fort George Las Highlands (Las Tierras Altas)

    Fort George, Highlands

    © VisitScotland / Colin Keldie

    Why not explore the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain? Fort George boasts a fascinating insight into the 18th century military life with garrison buildings, artillery defences, cannons, and an incredible collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches.

    Instalaciones destacadas
    • Aparcamiento
    • Aparcamiento accesible o área de descenso
    • Nivel de acceso
    • Cafetería o Restaurante
  11. Eden Court Theatre and Cinema Inverness

    El Teatro Eden Court, Inverness

    Inverness has great venues if you fancy an evening show or a night at the cinema. Eden Court Theatre and Cinema is nestled on the banks of the River Ness in the heart of the city, and offers up a range of performances, from drama, dance, and shows, to opera, musicals, comedy, music and more. It's also the biggest entertainment venue in the Scottish Highlands.

    Instalaciones destacadas
    • Aparcamiento
    • Ruta de transporte público
    • Ayuda para personas con discapacidad auditiva
    • Aparcamiento accesible o área de descenso
    • Nivel de acceso
    • Baños accesibles
    • WiFi
    • Cafetería o Restaurante

Explore further

Why not extend your trip to Inverness and spend a few days in the surrounding area? 

Discover whisky, coastal adventures and walking trails in Moray Speyside or head west to the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere for incredible geology.

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