Location: Inverness
Top Things to do in Inverness
- 1. In Your Element Scotland
- 2. North Coast 500
- 3. The Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection)
- 4. River NessVisitScotland Tourism OrganisationWonderful wildlife experiences in the Inverness area
- 5. Tomatin Distillery Visitor CentreVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 hidden gems to uncover in the Inverness area
- 6. Fort George
- 7. Inverness VisitScotland Information Centre
- 8. Inverness Botanic GardensVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 unmissable bucket list attractions in and around Inverness
- 9. Eden Court Theatre
- 10. Inverness Museum and Art GalleryVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 unmissable bucket list attractions in and around Inverness
10 Things to Do in Inverness That You Shouldn't Miss
This compact Scottish city is perfect for exploration by foot — travelers can easily find their way from the lovely River Ness to historic Inverness Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral, and beyond to the events at Eden Court and the busy Victorian Market. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Highlands, with the mysterious Loch Ness (and famed local resident Nessie), Culloden Battlefield and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns just a quick drive away.
Restaurants in Inverness
1. In Your Element Scotland
Overall Ratings
5 based on 183 reviews
In Your Element is a mobile outdoor adventure activity company offering amazing outdoor adventures across Scotland, with bases in Inverness, Aviemore and at Loch Lomond (previously known as Boots N Paddles). We offer a range of outdoor experience for families, stag/ hen groups, corporate or charity groups including canoeing, gorge walking, archery, aerial adventure courses and much more. We're the largest canoe and kayak hire operator in Scotland, with a large fleet of boats available for individuals, small groups and adventure events. With a flexible shuttle service and comprehensive outfitting service we should be your first port of call.
Reviewed By mart2611
On the spur of the moment we hired a Katakanu for the hour and had the most fantastic time, as a family of four, paddling in the Loch. The kids particularly enjoyed it. Staff are friendly and laid back and I would say the hire...MoreMany thanks for coming along to try out our katakanus at Loch Lomond Shores. It's a great place to have a bit of fun on the water with the family. Thanks too for taking the time to give us a review. Much appreciated, Calum.
2. North Coast 500
Overall Ratings
5 based on 421 reviews
The North Coast 500 is Scotland's biggest road trip measuring over 500 miles. The route begins in Inverness and flows along the stunning coastal edges of the North Highlands in one round trip. Bringing together the best of the Highlands from glistening Beaches, haunting Castles, monumental munros and hundreds more scenic stop-offs, you will be spoilt for choice on this road trip!
Reviewed By v0yageur22 - Killingworth, CT
Didn't make the whole circuit, but we spent a week from Gairloch up to Inverness and saw amazing Mountains, seacoast (with plenty of seals), and great villages. Some of the driving is a little tough so at times you have to really pay attention to the roads, but it is all well worth it.
3. The Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
The Highlanders Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection) is situated within the the stunning grounds of Fort George, Nr Inverness, overlooking the Moray Firth. In the summer months the local dolphin school can be seen from the ramparts. The Museum covers three floors of Fort George's former Lieutenant Governors' House. The museum has roughly 20,000 artifacts and an estimated 10,000 documents and photographs. The museum is the largest regimental museum in Scotland, outside Edinburgh.
Reviewed By Rtistik - Ottawa
I am so happy I visited Fort George and the Highlander’s Museum in particular. An outstanding exhibit. The age and condition of the paintings and artifacts blew my mind. The history of this regiment is critically linked to the history of Scotland and of the...MoreWe are really please you enjoyed your visit. Did you manage to visit the Chapel? The Outlander clans, Mackenzie (Seaforth) and Fraser (Lovat Scouts) are part of our display.
4. River NessVisitScotland Tourism OrganisationWonderful wildlife experiences in the Inverness area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This wide peaceful river flowing through the city of Inverness is great for fishing salmon.
Reviewed By hibs78 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
There is a couple of different walks up and down the river. Take the footbridge to Ness Island where you can explore and then return back to town. The river is quite fercious when in swell. Have been known to catch a salmon or two when it is a wee bit calmer.
5. Tomatin Distillery Visitor CentreVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 hidden gems to uncover in the Inverness area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 593 reviews
We are 4 star visitor attraction: a Highland Distillery Visitor Centre with a range of tours and award winning whiskies available. We have a shop in which you can purchase Tomatin merchandise and various expressions of Tomatin, including filling your own bottle from one of our cask strength distillery exclusive whiskies. The Tomatin Distillery lies just 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9 - extremely convenient for anyone travelling to or from the Highlands! We are open 7 days all year round! April-September 9.30am-5.30pm October-March 10.30am-4.30pm Please contact us or visit our website for more information or to book your tour. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Reviewed By MrsMDevon - Plymouth, United Kingdom
My husband visited on a Thursday afternoon and was informed the next tour began in 25 minutes. The tour began with a 10 minute video about the principles of the Tomatin distillery and how they're the softer side of the Highlands. He was then taken to the malt bins where he was given a detailed interesting history of the distillery and the malting process. Next they visited the mills where the malt is ground into grist and you're able to see inside one of the old mills. They were taken around the rest of the whiskey production process and it was nice to be able to see the process in progress and the staff were there working and were happy to talk. The tasting was 3 whiskies which were a good range of those that Tomatin produce, one of which he purchased a bottle and the shop was well stocked with great gifts.
6. Fort George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches - provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
Reviewed By derek190563 - Fife, United Kingdom
Visited after our tour of Culloden and great to be inside a working barracks though still engulfed with a fantastic history
7. Inverness VisitScotland Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
VisitScotland Information Centre based in the centre of Inverness. Let us inspire and inform you on places to visit, things to do and gifts to buy. We book accommodation, a wide range of tours and transport options, and have free wi-fi access.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
As soon as I stepped off the train I made my way here. The staff is friendly, patient and is eager to impart their knowledge of Inverness and the surrounding area to you. I got an excellent map as well as solid information on buses to/from Drumnadrochit/Loch Ness. What I really appreciated was their honesty when I had inquired about visiting Eilean Donan Castle - specifically the amount of time I would be spending on s bus vs. the amount of time I would actually be visiting the castle.
8. Inverness Botanic GardensVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 unmissable bucket list attractions in and around Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Opened in 1993 by Prince Edward, Inverness Botanic Gardens, formerly Inverness Floral Hall & Gardens, are an oasis of calm and beauty within walking distance of the city centre. With each new season the outside Gardens are an explosion of colour and texture, and borders are planted to demonstrate a wide variety of plants and growing conditions. The impressive glasshouses reveal the drama of plant diversity ranging from the tropical rainforests to arid, heat scorched desert.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
If these Gardens were located 500 meters closer to the city center, the foot traffic would be 30 times that what it is now. These Gardens include both indoor and outdoor displays. The indoor displays are separated into two green houses - one for tropical...MoreSuch lovely feedback, thank you. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
9. Eden Court Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Eden Court is the main entertainment venue in the Highlands with two theatres, two cinemas, two dance studios a superb café / bar and a fantastic restaurant serving the very best local produce plus a 19th century palace and chapel. We are situated on the riverside adjacent to Inverness Cathedral and enjoy a stunning riverside location and views of the River Ness. The building is a hub of activity with over 400 live theatre Performances each year, over 2000 cinema screenings each year and over 60 classes and activities each week - plus fully accessible state-of-the-art facilities.
Reviewed By Ian N - Durham, United Kingdom
This was the first time we'd visited the theatre itself, although we had stopped by for coffee in the cafe a few times.
We came for the pantomime (Snow White) which was a great show and which we really enjoyed, but what was happening on stage was greatly enhanced by the venue. It's a terrific little theatre - a good sized auditorium with proper-sized seats and plenty of legroom. The auditorium is well-raked so you'd be unlucky to have your view of the stage blocked. They haven't done where what many modern theatres do and cram people in; here it's a comfortable experience. That makes a difference to the whole enjoyment of the show. The staff are great, too - they're not snooty like at some theatres but are genuinely helpful.
It's also great to have a car park right next door that doesn't charge the earth - just a few steps away and less than £2:00 for the length of the show plus a bit.
We also had coffee and a Sandwich before the show - we'd intended to eat elsewhere but bad weather cut our time down a bit. We're glad we did because the special (an excellent BLT with crisps, coleslaw and an good side salad) was really good and fantastic value at £6:00. That's the same as in the restaurant bit. Quick, friendly service, too.
We were really taken by this place - it has a lovely feel about it and we will certainly be back again for more shows. Their lineup is varied and exciting. We had an idea that theatre this far north would be boring - how wrong we were.
Highly recommended.
10. Inverness Museum and Art GalleryVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 unmissable bucket list attractions in and around Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
This museum combines fine art with historical and natural artifacts to give visitors a more complete picture of Inverness's complex history. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm. Open May Day. Monday 6th of May 2013.
Reviewed By Dawn S - Ripley, United Kingdom
An interesting museum. Loved seeing The Monarch of the Glen, though the rather anti establishment installation by the artist who found it (MotG) "mawkish" did nothing for me. Maybe I am too old and conservative!
I actually expected to see a bit more art, but loved the jewellery and silver exhibits as well as the Jacobite ones. I was also interested to learn of the romanticising of Scotland by the Victorians. Very worthwhile visit & if you do visit, please make a donation to help the upkeep of the museum!
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