- Things to do in Inverness
- Near Inverness
- History & Castles
- Outdoor Activities
- Shopping
- Distilleries
- Places to Eat
Inverness
“The Highland Capital”. The name Inverness comes from the Scottish Gaelic “Inbhir Nis” which means mouth of the River Ness. It has an old city centre for shopping, along with the more modern Eastgate Centre. Inverness is pretty lively with some great bars, bistros and restaurants. There are plenty of things to do and see in the city.
explore-inverness.com– a great site for places to visit, where to eat and shop
City Sightseeing– hop on and hop off bus tours of Inverness
Inverness Botanic Gardens– an oasis of calm and beauty within walking distance of the busy city centre
A Jacobite Tour– Take a Loch Ness cruise or depart from Tomnahurich Bridge through the Caledonian Canal. Many cruises on offer including a visit to Urquhart Castle
Other Places to Visit & Towns
Nairn Beach– wonderful sands with excellent golf courses nearby
Landmark Forest Adventure Park– a forest adventure park an hour’s drive away, for a great day out for families
Strathconon’ in the valley of unforgettable scenery!
Applecross bay
Dolphin Watching – one of the most popular places to see dolphins is at Chanonry Point between Fortose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle.
John O’ Groats – last point on the UK mainland, the iconic ‘end of the road’
The Isle of Skye – worth a day trip with magnificent views of the Cuillin Mountains (with many local things to do and see.
Findhorn Centre – eco-friendly arts and crafts village established as an alternative community over 50 years ago.
History & Castles
Urquhart Castle – sitting beside Loch Ness by Drumnadrochit, a castle in a glorious setting with cafe
Culloden Battlefield – a tribute to the battle which took place in April 1746, Culloden has an impressive visitor centre and exciting interactive exhibition
Cawdor Castle – a splendid house with gardens – home of the Cawdor family to this day
Dunrobin Castle– like a French château with a wonderful selection of paintings, tapestries and furniture, with the route to Dunrobin through some spectacular scenery
Eilean Donan Castle– perhaps one of the most well-known, iconic castles in Scotland, made famous by the movie Highlander, and also used in James Bond’s, The World is Not Enough. A 13th century castle with visitor centre and restaurant
Gordon Castle– in the heart of the beautiful Speyside, Gordon Castle has a wonderful walled garden, restaurant and shop with their own gardens and provisions
Blair Castle and Falls of Bruar– next door to House of Bruar, a super place to shop
Timespan– Helmsdale, developed from a small local heritage centre to an award-winning museum and art gallery. A wonderful drive along the coast, via Dornoch. Couple this with a visit to Dunrobin Castle to make the most of the day
Mountains, Walks & Activities
Walk Highlands has some great walks listed on their website – Beauly and Glen Affric walks
Ben Wyvis – only 7.5miles away ( Munro ) Ben Wyvis is a vast mountain. The ascent to its spacious plateau is reasonably straightforward in good summer conditions by Munro standards and there are very extensive views from the summit
Ben Nevis – The highest mountain in the UK and only a 2 hour drive away
Glen Affric Forest Park – a step back in time, walking through the natural trees of Scotland in The Great Wood of Caledonia. A chance to see deer, buzzards, pine marten and an abundance of other wildlife
Cairngorms National Park – including the highest and most extensive range of arctic mountain landscape anywhere in the British Isles. Walks in the mountain range from easy rambles to more challenging hikes. Or just take the railway to the top!
Great Glen Way – stretching 117km from coast to coast across the Highlands, linking the main centres of Fort William and the regional capital of Inverness.
Bella Jane Boat Trips /Aqua Xplore
Fishing– there are some very good local places nearby for fly fishing, for both salmon and trout.
Shopping
Dingwall– A short drive away, 20 mi, It has hotels that serve food, a butchers, baker, greengrocers
Strathpeffer – Local hotels offer bagpipes on Saturday nights in summer
Brodie Country Fare– another great Highland shopping experience with food and drink, clothing boutique, men’s and ladies wear, gifts and souvenirs, with a lovely restaurant
House of Bruar – one of Scotland’s great shopping experiences – everything for the home and you, with a food hall, ladies wear, men’s wear, sporting goods, country living and present shop, and knitwear hall. There’s an excellent restaurant too
Distilleries near Inverness
Glen Ord Distillery– on the edge of the Black Isle, take a tour of the distillery and watch the distillers at work creating a magical malt whisky
Tomatin Distillery– visitor centre has tours and extensive range of whiskies – with tastings for those not driving
Glenfiddich Distillery– along the Whisky Trail there are many distilleries to visit – Glenfiddich is probably the most famous
Glenmorangie – we are not short of distilleries near Pinewood Steading, with Glenmorangie situated in Tain.
Benromach Distillery – a traditional Speyside distillery owned by a family of whisky-lovers intent on making single malt the right way with true character.
Places to Eat
Cottage Bar – one of our favourites, about a 20 minute drive. A small, family-run restaurant with an extensive menu and daily specials. They do a great choice of vegan and vegetarian foods,
Bunchrew House– on the banks of the Beauly Firth with spectacular views.
Red poppy’s in Strathpeffer, this is a village and spa town
Fiddlers– an award winning whisky selection with pub food in Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness Inn– in Drumnadrochit, a great pub with super food and a log fire for those cold winter nights! Copes well with vegetarian and vegan food too, so one of our favourites
Rocpool Restaurant– in Inverness, so only 25 minutes away by car. A buzzy and contemporary brasserie on the banks of the River Ness. Booking is essential. Serves up great vegetarian and vegan food