Things to Do in Inverness: A Guide to Scotland’s Castle Capital

As Scotland’s Castle Capital, Inverness is the perfect destination for a thrilling holiday. Located on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness is the perfect blend of the old and the new, with its ancient castle and its modern-day attractions. This guide will provide you with an overview of the many things to do in Inverness, and offer you the chance to explore the best of Scotland.

Visit Inverness Castle

The most iconic destination in Inverness is the ancient Inverness Castle. Built in the 12th century, the castle has been a stronghold of power and defence in the city since its construction. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore its many nooks and crannies, and learn about the fascinating history of Inverness.

Inverness Castle is home to a number of fascinating exhibits, including a replica of the original castle, a series of rare artifacts, and a display of armour and weaponry from the Middle Ages. The castle also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from medieval re-enactments to theatrical performances.

Visitors can also view the castle from a number of vantage points, including the gardens to the south, which provide picturesque views of the city.

Explore the River Ness

The River Ness is one of the most iconic sights in Inverness, and a great way to explore the city is by taking a leisurely cruise down the river. There are a number of boat tours available, ranging from traditional rowing boats to modern speedboats, and these tours provide a unique way to view the city’s landmarks.

Alternatively, visitors can explore the river on foot by taking a walk along the banks. There are a number of scenic walking trails along the river, and visitors can take in the sights and sounds of the city from a different perspective.

The River Ness is also home to a number of wildlife species, and visitors can look out for otters, swans, and a variety of other animals.

Visit the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Inverness. Located in the city centre, the museum is home to a variety of interesting exhibits, from dinosaur fossils to rare natural artefacts. Visitors can also learn about the history of Inverness, and the many species of animals that inhabit the area.

The museum also offers a range of interactive activities, from fossil-hunting expeditions to live animal shows. There is also a café and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs of their visit.

The Natural History Museum is open every day, and visitors can explore its many exhibits in their own time.

Explore the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the largest national parks in Scotland, and it is a great place to explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to skiing and snowboarding.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, from golden eagles to red deer, and visitors can take the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of ancient castles and the remains of prehistoric settlements.

Visit the Leakey’s Bookshop

Leakey’s Bookshop is a popular destination for book lovers in Inverness. Located in the heart of the city, the bookshop is home to a collection of rare and antique books, as well as a range of modern titles. Visitors can browse the shelves and find a book to suit their taste.

The bookshop also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from author readings to book clubs and book signings. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack in the café, which is located on the ground floor.

Leakey’s Bookshop is open every day, and visitors can explore its shelves in their own time.

Visit Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and it is a popular destination for visitors. The cathedral is home to a variety of interesting artefacts, from stained glass windows to ancient religious relics. Visitors can also explore the crypt, which houses a series of tombs and monuments.

The cathedral also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from classical music concerts to religious services. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea and a snack in the café, which is located in the crypt.

Inverness Cathedral is open every day, and visitors can explore its many nooks and crannies in their own time.

Explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a popular destination for culture vultures in Inverness. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is home to a variety of interesting exhibits, from ancient artefacts to modern artworks. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, which provide a unique insight into the culture of Inverness.

The museum also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from art exhibitions to lectures and workshops. There is also a café and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs of their visit.

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is open every day, and visitors can explore its many exhibits in their own time.

Take a Tour of Loch Ness

Loch Ness is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, and a great way to explore the area is by taking a tour of the loch. Visitors can take a boat tour of the loch, which provides a unique perspective of its many sights and attractions. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus tour of the loch, which takes in a number of scenic viewpoints.

Loch Ness is also home to a number of wildlife species, and visitors can look out for otters, seals, and a variety of other animals.

The loch is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which is one of the most iconic attractions in Scotland.

Visit the Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats in Scotland, and it is a great place to explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise along the canal, which provides a unique perspective of its many locks and bridges. Alternatively, visitors can explore the canal on foot by taking a stroll along the banks.

The canal is also home to a number of wildlife species, and visitors can look out for otters, swans, and a variety of other animals.

The canal is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of the ancient Clansman Fort, which is one of the most iconic attractions in Scotland.

Visit the Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield is one of the most important historical sites in Scotland, and it is a great place to explore the history of the nation. Visitors can take a guided tour of the battlefield, which provides a unique insight into the events of the battle. Alternatively, visitors can explore the battlefield on foot by taking a stroll along the banks.

The battlefield is also home to a number of wildlife species, and visitors can look out for red deer, badgers, and a variety of other animals.

The battlefield is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of the ancient Clansman Fort, which is one of the most iconic attractions in Scotland.

Visit the Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Inverness. Located in the city centre, the gardens are home to a variety of interesting plants and flowers, as well as a range of sculptures and monuments. Visitors can explore the gardens in their own time, and take the opportunity to observe the beauty of nature.

The gardens also host a range of events throughout the year, from live music performances to flower shows. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea and a snack in the café, which is located at the centre of the gardens.

The Botanic Gardens is open every day, and visitors can explore its many paths and trails in their own time.

Summary

Inverness is the perfect destination for a thrilling holiday. From exploring the ancient Inverness Castle to taking a leisurely cruise down the River Ness, there is plenty to do in this historic city. Visitors can also explore the Cairngorms National Park and take a tour of Loch Ness, and visit the many museums and art galleries in the city.

No matter what your interests are, Inverness has something for everyone. So why not head to Scotland’s Castle Capital and explore the best of what the city has to offer.