Things to do in and around Inverness apart from Loch Ness - top ideas for a Scottish Highlands trip
- teamthomastravels
- Jul 28
- 12 min read
Inverness, gateway to the wild and romantic Scottish Highlands and jumping off point for the iconic NC500 road trip is most famous for the legendary monster that supposedly lives in nearby Loch Ness - and while you should definitely include a cruise on these mysterious waters in your itinerary, there are lots of other amazing things to do in and around Inverness to really fill out a city break in the north of Scotland. Here are a few ideas to help inspire your planning:
Top things to do in Inverness itself:
Visit Scotland's only "Brewstillery": New kid on the block, Uile-bheist (monster in Scottish Gaelic) is the city's first new distillery in over a century and it's also a brewery – making it Scotland's first and only "Brewstillery." Located on the banks of the River Ness, it's known for its commitment to sustainability. You can take a behind the scenes tour to learn about their whisky and craft beer production and then enjoy tastings of their Uile-bheist Lager, Colpach whisky, and New-Make spirit.
Old High Church: This is Inverness's oldest church, with a continuous history of worship stretching back an incredible 1400 years to the 6th century. While the current building primarily dates from the 16th and 18th centuries, it stands on foundations where early Christian missionary Saint Columba (founder of Iona's monastery) likely preached to King Brude in around 565 AD. Its historic graveyard is particularly poignant, serving as the grim site of executions for Jacobite prisoners following the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Abertarff House: Step back in time at Abertarff House, officially recognised as the oldest surviving house in Inverness. This charming, whitewashed building dates back to 1593, a period of significant change and unrest in the Highlands. Originally built as a town house for the Clan Fraser of Lovat, it features a distinctive "turnpike" or spiral staircase, a common architectural feature of the era. Over its long life, it served various purposes before being lovingly restored by the National Trust for Scotland, who now operate it as a small museum and shop.
Leakey's Bookshop: Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop and a true icon of Inverness is housed within the impressive former Old Gaelic Church (originally built in 1649 and reconstructed in the 18th/19th centuries). Books are stacked floor-to-ceiling, spilling onto every available surface, with a spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine level bursting with even more hidden gems. A must-visit for any book lover, this felt like something out of Harry Potter!
Inverness Castle: While much of the interior is undergoing renovation (planned to open to the public this year as an incredible new interactive visitor attraction celebrating Highlands stories, culture, music and landscapes), for now, you can still enjoy the panoramic views of the city, River Ness, and surrounding hills from the castle grounds. Built on the site of a medieval fortress which changed hands frequently before being destroyed by the Jacobites in 1746, the pinkish brown building that you see today was built in the 19th century not as a baronial home, but as a courthouse and prison. A statue of Flora MacDonald, the Scottish heroine famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden, stands in front of the castle.
Inverness Cathedral, Uile-bheist Brewstillery and Inverness Castle
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: This free museum offers a fascinating journey through all things Inverness, from its ancient geological formations and prehistoric archaeological finds to its vibrant social history, Highland culture and impressive art collections. You can explore intriguing exhibits on Jacobite history, local folklore, wildlife, and even a gallery showcasing contemporary Highland artists. It's an excellent first stop to gain a deeper understanding of Inverness and its unique place within Scottish history.
Inverness Cathedral (St. Andrew's Cathedral): A striking landmark on the west bank of the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral, officially known as St. Andrew's Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and the most northerly Anglican cathedral in the UK. Consecrated in 1869, its imposing pink freestone facade with two grand towers creates a beautiful contrast with the river and grey Scottish skies. Step inside to admire its soaring arches, intricately carved choir stalls and beautiful stained-glass windows.
City Sightseeing open top bus: Get your bearings and discover the highlights of Inverness with ease aboard the City Sightseeing open top bus tour. This hop-on, hop-off service is an ideal way to see the city's main attractions, from the iconic Inverness Castle and the historic Old High Church to the picturesque Ness Islands and the bustling Victorian Market. With commentary providing fascinating insights into Inverness's history, landmarks, and local legends, you can choose to stay on for the full loop or jump off at your leisure to explore sites more closely, before rejoining when you're ready. It's a convenient and enjoyable way to cover a lot of ground and gain a comprehensive overview of the Highland capital.
Visiting more of Scotland? We also have a blog about City Sightseeing's Edinburgh route!
Eden Court Theatre: Inverness's premier cultural hub offers a diverse programme of performances, films, and arts events throughout the year, but it truly comes alive in the summer months (typically July and August) with its incredibly popular "Under Canvas" event: a large open sided tent hosting fantastic live music from local and national artists, serving up delicious street food (haggis topped loaded fries anyone?) and a pop up bar run by local Black Isle Brewing Co.
Victorian Market: This charming red and white covered market in the city center is home to a variety of independent shops and cafes. It also has a food hall with various independent food vendors offering a range of cuisines, including Scottish comfort food like Cullen Skink (a traditional smoked haddock soup) and international options.
The Victorian Market, Abertarff House and Leakey's Bookshop
Take a deep dive into whisky at the Malt Room: This is Inverness's first dedicated whisky bar and is highly acclaimed. It boasts an enormous and carefully curated selection of whiskies (Scottish, Japanese, and more), as well as other premium spirits, cocktails, and craft beers. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through the vast selection, making it a must-visit for any whisky fan. It has a cozy and intimate vibe, perfect for savoring a dram, but can get very crowded in the evenings as seating is limited.
Dolphin Watching at world famous Chanonry Point: Head to Inverness marina where you can join either a 2 hour wildlife cruise or an exhilarating high speed rib experience to Chanonry Point, renowned for its bottlenose dolphins, and other dolphin hotspots in the Moray Firth. Both trips are run by Dolphin Spirit.
Walk along the River Ness and Ness Islands: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the scenic River Ness to the Ness Islands: a collection of natural islands connected by charming Victorian suspension bridges, offering a tranquil escape within the city. Just next to the islands is Whin Park, where you'll find Ness Islands Miniature Railway, the UK's most northerly public 7 ¼ inch gauge miniature railway! Big and little kids alike will enjoy a quaint ride through the park's scenic landscape and all surplus funds go to support the Highland Hospice.
Stretch little legs at Bellefield Park: From Eden Court, turn right along Ness Walk and cross Infirmary Bridge to a hidden gem that Jamie loved: Bellefeld Park. Kids will enjoy the play area with swings, climbing frame, slide and roundabout (there's also a separate toddler play area), grassy spaces for running and picnics and colourful flowerbeds. In summer months, children can also play in the large clean paddling pool! This was a real highlight on our Inverness trip.
Enjoy live music with dinner: We have two recommendations: Sound bar (part of the An Seòmar complex) is Inverness's go-to destination for a diverse range of genres, from trad to rock and blues to jazz. Beyond the fantastic tunes, they serve up a selection of delicious comfort food, including burgers, loaded fries and wings, along with a great array of cocktails and draft beers.
Hootananny is another fantastic live music venue with a nightly ceilidh, plus a menu of more traditional Scottish pub fare. You can definitely find dishes like haggis and steak & ale pie here.
Need more food and drink ideas? We've got a whole blog for that! Our top picks for where to eat and drink in Inverness
No car? If you've arrived into Inverness by train or plane, you can still visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from central Inverness by joining Jacobite Cruise's Temptation Tour. Meet their coach at Inverness bus station for an informative guided drive to Dochgarroch Lock, where you'll board a boat to cruise down the Caledonian Canal and across the legendary waters of Loch Ness. The tour also includes an hour back on dry land to explore Urquhart Castle before driving you back to Inverness.
Further afield - if you have your own transport and more time, you might like to include some of these ideas outside of Inverness:
Inverness Botanic Gardens: Just outside the city centre, you'll find an oasis of calm: with formal gardens, a tropical house and a cactus house, Inverness's Botanic Gardens are perfect for a relaxing wander. Entry is free.
Whisky Distilleries: The Highlands are famous for their whisky. Consider taking a tour and tasting at a nearby distillery such as Tomatin, Glen Ord (The Singleton), or Glen Moray.
Cycling and Walking: Inverness is a great base for exploring the Highlands on foot or by bike. There are numerous trails, including along the Caledonian Canal and sections of the long-distance Great Glen Way.
Related blogs you might find useful:
10 awesome detours off the NC500 route
15 fun and free things to do in Edinburgh
Visiting Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction: the Royal Yacht Britannia
Where to find dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye
One week road trip itinerary in the Scottish Highlands
Nairn Beach: Just a 30 minute drive east of Inverness lies the coastal town of Nairn, boasting a truly beautiful stretch of beach. Nairn Beach offers miles of golden sands backed by dunes and two lively promenades, making it perfect for leisurely strolls past grand Victorian villas, building sandcastles, or doing as the Victorians did and enjoying the fresh sea air. Nairn's sheltered position on the Moray Firth often provides a surprisingly sunny microclimate and if you're lucky, you might even spot the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins playing offshore.
Glen Affric: Often hailed as one of Scotland's most beautiful glens, Glen Affric is a truly stunning ancient Caledonian pine forest, perfect for walking and experiencing authentic Highland wilderness. Dramatic landscapes of shimmering lochs, cascading waterfalls and majestic peaks create an unforgettable backdrop for peaceful hikes and wildlife spotting, an hour from Inverness.
Fort Augustus: Head down the A82 for an hour to the southern tip of Loch Ness and explore the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Here, you can spend time watching boats navigate the impressive series of Neptune's Staircase locks on the Caledonian Canal, a marvel of Victorian engineering. While there, pop into DelightfulNess for a delicious filled baguette or a scoop or two from their impressive ice cream selection. This is an easy stop to add to your Loch Ness Cruise as it's where Cruise Loch Ness operates from - will their onboard sonar pick up anything monster shaped??
Neptune's Staircase locks , Fort Augustus Falls of Foyers: A 40 minute drive down the eastern side of Loch Ness will bring you to a dramatic waterfall plunging 165 feet into a gorge that leads to Loch Ness, creating a misty, often rainbow-filled spectacle. A short, but steep, walk down through ancient woodlands leads to viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas and a chance to spot elusive but adorable red squirrels!
Urquhart Castle: Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the iconic waters of Loch Ness, half an hour from Inverness, are the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Once one of Scotland's largest castles, it boasts a turbulent and fascinating past, witnessing centuries of conflict, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite Risings. Explore the remains of the tower house, the gatehouse and the great hall, then head to the excellent visitor centre for a detailed historical overview. The views across Loch Ness are simply unparalleled, making it a prime spot for photography – and perhaps even a lucky Nessie sighting! Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, leaving from 10 minutes drive outside of Inverness, offer a cruise that includes a 1 hour stop at the castle.
Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness Farm Ness: For an unforgettable, quintessentially Scottish experience, visit Farm Ness where you can get up close and personal with the iconic Highland "coo," famous for its distinctive orange shaggy coat and impressive horns. The farm offers a Hands On interactive experience where you can groom and brush the cows, get wonderful photo opportunities and learn about these magnificent, gentle giants of the Scottish landscape. This is an easy side trip from Inverness, only 15 minutes drive out of town.
Culloden Battlefield: Drive 15 minutes east to discover this profoundly significant historical site, where the last pitched battle on British soil took place on 16th April 1746. This brutal, decisive clash between the Jacobite forces and the Duke of Cumberland's government troops ended the Jacobite Rising and forever changed the Highlands. The state-of-the-art visitor centre offers an immersive experience, featuring a powerful 360-degree video and a detailed exhibition that vividly brings the events of that fateful day to life. Walking the battlefield itself, marked by clan flags and memorial stones will give you a sense of the scale and impact of the battle.
Clava Cairns: Only 5 minutes away from Culloden Battlefield, these 4000 year old ancient Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones are incredibly atmospheric They are also said to be the inspiration for the stone circle in the "Outlander" series.
Clava Cairns from above Fort George: A mighty 18th-century artillery fortification overlooking the Moray Firth and considered one of the most outstanding examples of military engineering in Britain, Fort George was built under the orders of George II to discourage any further Jacobite unrest after the Battle of Culloden. It's still a functioning army barracks and offers an interesting insight into Highland military history. It's about a 20 minute drive from Culloden Battlefield and half an hour from Inverness centre.
Cawdor Castle & Gardens: A magnificent 14th-century fortress with beautiful gardens, famously associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth. Continuously lived in by the same family for over 600 years, from 26th April to Sunday 5th October visitors can also explore the 12 principal rooms of the castle including the dining room, drawing room, bedrooms, and the famous "Thane's Hall" with its legendary tree. About half an hour's drive from Inverness.
Cairngorms National Park: Just a 55 minute drive from Inverness lies Grantown-on-Spey, gateway to the UK's largest National Park, the breathtaking Cairngorms. This immense natural playground offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, no matter the season. From exhilarating mountain biking trails and tranquil lochside walks (like those around Loch Morlich or Loch an Eilein) to serious Munro bagging (climbing mountains over 3,000 feet), you'll find endless opportunities to explore its ancient pine forests,striking heaths and dramatic peaks, Keep an eye out for red squirrels, ospreys and perhaps even the resident reindeer herd! If you're feeling up to the challenge, why not climb Ben Macdui, the Cairngorms highest peak and second only to Ben Nevis in the whole British Isles!
G2 Zip Trek Park Aviemore: For an exhilarating aerial adventure, join a guided journey taking on 14 zip wires along a stunning 2km river gorge course, deep in Scottish pine forest. 53 minutes drive from Inverness in Cairngorms National Park.
How to get to Inverness:
Inverness may be the most northerly city in the UK but it's still easily reachable by car or public transport.
By car: Inverness is on the A9. It's 2 and a half hours drive from Aberdeen, around a 3 hour drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow, 2 hours 40 from Portree on the Isle of Skye and 3 and a half hours from Loch Lomond. If you're heading up from England, you're looking at around a 4 hour drive from the border at Berwick upon Tweed, 5 hours from Newcastle or 4 and a half from Carlisle in the west.
By train: The journey to Inverness is one of the most beautiful in the world. If you're travelling from Edinburgh or Glasgow (3.5 - 4 hours), you'll take the Highland Main Line, passing through rolling hills and forests and passing sparkling lochs and dramatic mountains, including Cairngorms National Park. You'll also get to cross the impressive Forth Rail Bridge! You can even get a direct train all the way from London - the LNER route from Kings Cross takes about 8 hours and is very scenic.
By air: get to Inverness by plane, you'll fly into Inverness Airport (INV).
From within the UK: Inverness Airport has direct connections to several major UK cities. Common routes include:
London (Heathrow - LHR, Gatwick - LGW, Luton - LTN) with airlines like British Airways and easyJet.
Manchester (MAN) with airlines like Loganair.
Bristol (BRS) with easyJet.
Belfast (BHD) with Loganair.
Regional Scottish airports like Stornoway, Kirkwall, and Sumburgh with Loganair.
From International Locations: The primary international direct connection is from Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM. For other international destinations, you'll likely need a connecting flight through a major hub like Amsterdam, London, or Manchester.
Getting from Inverness Airport (INV) to Inverness City Centre:
Inverness Airport is located at Dalcross, approximately 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Inverness city centre.
Bus: There is a regular bus service (Stagecoach operates it) that connects the airport directly to Inverness city centre, the main bus station and train station.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The journey to the city centre takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Car Hire: All major car rental companies have desks at Inverness Airport if you plan to hire a car for exploring the Highlands.
Train: A new train station (Inverness Airport station) opened near the airport in late 2022, offering a rail link. There's a connecting bus service from the terminal to the station.
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