Inverness Highlights
Hootananny
Hootananny is a lively pub in Inverness known for its nightly live music, featuring everything from traditional Scottish folk to indie and rock. With local ales and a vibrant multi-level setup, it's a must-visit for music lovers exploring the city!
Leakey's Bookshop
Nestled in a converted 18th Gaelic church is Scotland's largest secondhand bookstore housing over 100,000 volumes. With it's wood burning stove, spiral staircase, and stained glass windows, it offers a cozy atmospheric retreat for book lovers and curious travelers alike.
Bike tour with a Local
A bike tour with a local in Inverness is a great way to explore the city's scenic paths, historic landmarks, and hidden gems from a unique, insider perspective. These can be booked on Airbnb Experiences, GetYourGuide.com or any local tour company.
Inverness Botanic Gardens and Café
A short walk from the Ness Islands, these gardens feature a tropical house, cactus house and a coy pond. Entry is free (though donations are appreciated)!
Culloden Battlefield
Visiting Culloden Battlefield near Inverness offers a poignant insight into the site of the 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite Rising. The experience includes walking the windswept battlefield and exploring a rich, immersive museum filled with interactive exhibits and historical artefacts.
Loch Ness Boat Tour
Embarking on a Loch Ness boat tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Scotland's most iconic lochs, renowned for its scenic beauty and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. These tours typically pass by historical sites like the ruins of Urquhart Castle, providing panoramic views and a chance to delve into the area's rich history.
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle, built in the 13th century and perched on the banks of Loch Ness near Inverness, offers visitors a glimpse into medieval Scottish history amidst stunning Highland scenery. Exploring the castle's ruins, including the iconic Grant Tower, provides panoramic views of the loch and insights into the site's turbulent past.
Drumbuie Farm & Quila Cridhe Tearoom
Drumbuie Farm, located on the shores of Loch Ness (near Urquhart Castle), offers a delightful stop for afternoon tea with stunning views of the loch. Visitors can also meet and feed the farm’s friendly Highland cows, making it a fun and memorable experience in the heart of the Highlands (BEST CHEESECAKE EVER - Amanda).
Chanonry Point
Located between Fortrose and Rose Markie on the Black Isle, is renowned as one of the UK's premier spots for observing bottlenose dolphins from the shore. Multiple tour companies offer wonderful dolphin watching tours by boat and is only a ~30 min drive from downtown Inverness.
The Singleton Distillery
Visiting The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery near Inverness offers an immersive experience into the art of whisky-making, showcasing traditional distilling methods. Guests can enjoy guided tours, sample exclusive whiskeys, and explore the modern visitor center, which features a bar, deli, and retail area (You can even bottle your own whisky!).
Golfing
Scotland is the birthplace of golfing, so what a better way to take in the culture than visiting one of the many amazing golf courses around Inverness. Here are just a few of the best courses nearby: Inverness Golf Club - Located in the heart of the city. this beautiful course is perfect for a quickie. Cabot Highlands - Beautiful course overlooking Castle Stewart with seaside views. Fortrose Golf Links - A little further afield, this is a beautiful seaside course is the 15th oldest in the world (built in 1793 - though there's evidence of golf being played since 1702).