Location: Inverness
Top Things to do in Inverness
What to do and see in Inverness, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do
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. Highland Archive Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Highland’s Archive Service is responsible for collecting preserving and make accessible historical records relating to Inverness-shire, Nairnshire, Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty, dating from the 14th Century. The collections include charters, minute books, correspondence, accounts, maps, photographs and films and contain more than 100,000 items. If you are interested in tracing your family tree, discovering the history of your house, looking at old maps of the Highlands, or just browsing through several hundred years of history, you will find a warm welcome. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and 7.30 on Wednesdays.
Reviewed By TamaraW6
I came to Inverness primarily for genealogical research and was not disappointed. Staying at the Corran Guest House, we were able to walk to the Archives down city streets and then back to the City on the most beautiful Riverwalk along the Ness, a double treat! I had let them know we were coming ahead of time, and they were able to send me some preliminary information by e-mail. But my friend had not contacted them earlier; nevertheless, both of us were accommodated graciously and introduced to their computer systems and materials. I knew what I needed already and was able to get right to the items I needed by directon of the staff, while my friend was taken under wing and advised how and where to start her family search. We were both served well and learned much! The facility is sunny, airy and quiet and the staff most friendly and very willing to help in any way they can. Definitely, this is a place to visit and learn more about the fascinating history of the area and conveniently located to enjoy Scotland on foot. Whether you are looking for family information or just browsing for history, do plan on allowing at least 2 hours at least. We were only able to get in 1 hour the first day due to a late arrival but it was enough to get us started so when we came back next day we could hit the ground searching. Perfect place to visit in between trips to see the country or while exploring the city itself.
2. Wardlaw Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Wardlaw Mausoleum is the 17th Century Mausoleum of the Lovat Frasers. It's inhabitants inclue Simon Lord Lovat the 'Old Fox' of the Jacobite Rebellion (Grandfather of Outlander's Jamie Fraser). Open on request at Pilgrim Cottage. Contact us in advance to ensure that someone can do a tour.
Reviewed By SusanT629 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Beautiful location, great architecture, amazing history and the best guide you could ask for! Erik was fantastic: extremely knowledgeable, engaging, friendly and funny! He brought the place alive. Would highly recommend a visit and definitely check out the graveyard too.
3. The Malt Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
The Malt Room is a cosy and friendly bar where you can sample a wide range of the finest whiskies, as well as whisky and non whisky cocktails, premium sprits, wines and an choice selection of wines and beers. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to guide you through our whisky menu, which contains blends and single malts from all the Scotch regions, as well as American bourbon and rye, Irish whiskey and Japanese whisky.
Reviewed By zoecH4030HL
The space is very intimate but that only adds to the allure of the experience. Matt, the owner, was able to set up a last minute tasting flight for our family who were just in town for the day. He was absolutely exceptional. He was beyond knowledgeable and accommodating, and he went so far as to change some of the flights to fit the flavor preference of each of us. Such a delightful experience that everyone should have while in Inverness!
4. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
This museum combines fine art with historical and natural artifacts to give visitors a more complete picture of Inverness's complex history.
Reviewed By CopinsayLass - Orkney Islands, United Kingdom
Located adjacent to River Ness, the castle & Inverness Old Town, museum offers free entry with lift available for prams, pushchairs & wheelchairs. Plenty of historical artifacts & examples of Scottish heritage & culture very nearly from the Big Bang (or creation theory of your choice). Below exhibit cases are drawers of items to see, with full information text in English and Gaelic. Interesting gadgets & games for hands-on experience, cafe on site. Museum staff were polite, friendly & helpful.
5. Inverness Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 624 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 valt644 - County Durham, United Kingdom
Visited last Sunday. Free to enter but made a donation. Took about an hour to wander round. Beautiful plants and flowers, the colours were still very vibrant and especially loved the dahlias which were glorious. Also loved the bug hotel. A lovely place to visit.
6. Old Kirk Yard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
7. River Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,422 reviews
This wide peaceful river flowing through the city of Inverness is great for fishing salmon.
Reviewed By rolfk232 - Uster, Switzerland
A guided city walk offers plenty of information and views about the urban areas of Inverness. You can expand that with a walk out to the locks in the Caledonian Canal (which we did), or by taking a tour in the harbor & the Moray Firth (we just walked to the harbor) — that covers a lot of the tourist aspects of Inverness. In about an hour you can experience a vastly different aspect of Inverness—the calm, idyllic, scenic atmosphere of a park. It's best to start near the castle, or at Inverness Town House: walk down to the River Ness, then follow the East bank upstream, via Ness Bank, then don't cross the river, but continue on Lady's Walk, then cross a little bridge to the first island, continue upstream, take the next bridge, finally a third one. Soon, you will find a bridge that crosses to the other side of the River Ness. But rather continue on the island, upstream, up to the tiny resting place very end. On the way back, you could switch to the West bank — I rather recommend staying on the island, strolling back on the East side path, passing a couple of sequoia trees (impressive, even though of course not comparable to those in the West of the US). Once you have left the islands, you can still decide to switch to the West bank to visit the cathedral—but without that, you should be back in the city center5 within less than an hour: a beautiful, scenic, peaceful and relaxing walk!
8. Leakey's Second-hand Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Scotland's largest collection of old, rare and second-hand books and maps.
Reviewed By alexsomersaeta - London, United Kingdom
A treasure trove of Victorian and Edwardian era books, maps and prints. We spent an hour trawling through them.
9. Inverness Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Inverness Cathedral,located on the banks of the River Ness. The most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK. The vision of Bishop Eden with Alexander Ross as it’s architect. Built between 1866 and 1869 and formerly consecrated in 1874. Excellent stained glasses windows and exquisite stone and wood carving can be found inside. Free entry to Cathedral. Our Cafe and Shop is located in the cathedral grounds.
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
Inverness Cathedral was build from 1866 to 1869, on the shore of the River Ness, as the Protestant Cathedral Church of St Andrews, belonging of the Scottish Episcopal Church. This Cathedral have an impressive external aspect, with two huge towers, and a carved portal. Inside the Cathedral we admired the large nave, with two side galleries. We saw some massive columns, some beautiful stained glasses, carved wooden pews, and a wonderful mosaic on the floor. The ten bells of this cathedral sound a special song. Also, we visited an interesting souvenir shop. The Cathedral worth a visit.
10. Abriachan Nurseries - The Garden On Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Abriachan Nurseries - The Garden On Loch Ness A beautiful garden on the banks of Loch Ness. Several acres of winding woodland paths, beautiful plantings, secret discoveries and stunning views over the Loch.There is also a great plant nursery selling an extensive range of hardy shurbs and perennials, rare and unusual varieties and native Scottish plants. Mail order is available through a yearly catalogue or online. A great day trip.
Reviewed By ronniem140 - Inverness, United Kingdom
This is a very good local nursery selling plants at reasonable prices . There are a number of woodland walks from the carpark worth doing as well as its own garden walk overlooking Loch Ness Spectacular .
