Best Things To Do In Inverness 2025

Inverness

Nestled along the banks of the River Ness, Inverness serves as the ideal gateway for exploring the Highlands, with world-famous sites like Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the Isle of Skye all within easy reach. Whether you’re soaking in the city’s rich heritage at Inverness Castle, enjoying a scenic riverside walk, or setting off on a Highland adventure, Inverness offers a warm and welcoming base for travelers. With excellent accommodations, lively pubs, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to stay while discovering Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes.

Top Inverness tourist attractions

Loch Ness

Just a  short 30 minute drive from Inverness, Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most legendary and breathtaking destinations, famous for its deep, mysterious waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Stretching 23 miles (37 km) long and plunging to depths of 755 feet (230 meters), it’s the UK’s largest lake by volume, holding more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!

There are an overwhelming number of activities to suit everybody’s taste: take a guided boat tour or river cruise to explore the loch’s depths and hear tales of Nessie. Visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic castle ruins that sit on the water’s edge. Take a hike on one of the many trails around the loch, visit the Loch Ness Centre to learn more about science, myths, and history surrounding the Loch Ness Monster and the loch itself.

Whoever you are, Loch Ness is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. 

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is one of the most significant historical sites in Scotland, marking the location of the final battle of the Jacobite Rising on April 16, 1746. The loss to the British army changed Scottish history forever.

Explore the battlefield, where stones mark the fallen Highland clans, and then learn more about the battle in the Culloden Visitor Centre, where history is brought to life with interactive exhibits, 360-degree battle reenactments, and authentic artifacts.

The battlefield is free to visit but there are a range of private tours available to give you the best experience.

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is an ancient and mystical site located just a few miles from Inverness. This 4,000-year-old burial ground, built during the Bronze Age, consists of stone cairns, standing stones, and passage graves, all arranged in a fascinating circular pattern. It’s one of Scotland’s best-preserved prehistoric sites and is believed to have been a place of ritual and astronomical significance.

These ancient cairns predate even some of the pyramids of Egypt! Walking among the stones gives you a rare glimpse into Scotland’s distant past.

If you’re a fan of Outlander, Clava Cairns is said to have inspired the Craigh na Dun standing stones from the series. Many visitors come hoping for their own time-travel moment!

Only a 5 minute drive away from the Culloden Battlefield, these 2 activities are a great pairing for an afternoon of ancient scottish history.

Whisky Distilleries

If you're in Inverness and looking to explore some fantastic whisky distilleries, you're in luck! The Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s finest single malts, and several excellent distilleries are within easy reach of the city, many of which offer fantastic tours including whiskey tastings.

A great example is the Tomatin distillery, offering an authentic and welcoming whisky experience just a 25-minute drive from Inverness. Established in 1897, Tomatin has a rich history of whisky-making, known for its smooth, fruity, and slightly spicy single malts. Unlike some of the bigger distilleries, Tomatin provides a more personal and intimate tour, making it a fantastic stop for whisky lovers and curious travelers alike.

There are many tours from Inverness that will take you to multiple distilleries giving you the opportunity to see the differences in production and taste even within such a small area.

Inverness Cultural experiences 

Inverness castle 

Perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While the current red sandstone structure dates back to 1836, the site itself has been home to fortifications for over a thousand years, playing a key role in Scottish history. It has been associated with Macbeth, clan battles, and Jacobite uprisings, making it a must-visit for history lovers. 

From the castle’s viewpoint, you’ll get panoramic views of Inverness, the River Ness, and the surrounding Highlands for some stunning photography opportunities 

The castle is currently free to visit and explore but there are many guided tours throughout inverness that also guide you through this ancient piece of Scottish heritage. 

The castle is currently closed for significant improvements but is due to open in 2025 - check here for live updates to the progress of the project.

Fort George 

Just 30 minutes from Inverness, Fort George is one of the most impressive and well-preserved military fortifications in Scotland. Built in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), it was designed as an impenetrable stronghold to suppress further Jacobite uprisings. Today, it remains one of the best-preserved 18th-century forts in Europe and offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s military history.

The fort’s location offers stunning coastal views, and it's one of the best places in Scotland to see bottlenose dolphins from the ramparts!

Explore historic barracks, weapon collections, and interactive displays that bring 18th-century soldier life to reality.

The fort is also home to the famous Highlander’s museum (which is free to enter once inside the grounds of the fort) which is dedicated to the history, bravery, and legacy of Scotland's Highland regiments, which have played a crucial role in British military history. It is the largest military museum in Scotland and holds an impressive collection of artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and personal stories from over two centuries of Highland military service.

The fort is not free to enter - check here for admission prices

Inverness Museum 

Located in the heart of Inverness, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors keen to learn about the region’s rich history, culture, and art. Established in 1881, the museum showcases a broad range of exhibits that span the prehistoric past, medieval history, local traditions, and the arts, making it a wonderful destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and those looking to dive deeper into the soul of the Scottish Highlands. 

The museum is free to enter, you can find out more about accessibility, facilities and opening hours here.

Inverness nature and wildlife activities 

Black Isle

Despite its name, the Black Isle is neither an island nor black! This picturesque peninsula, located just north of Inverness, offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. The name "Black Isle" is thought to come from the dark soil of the area, which is great for farming. The peninsula is known for its peaceful countryside, stunning coastline, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. 

The shores of the black isle is also one of the best places in Scotland to spot bottlenose dolphins. Head to Chanonry Point near Fortrose for a chance to see these magnificent creatures, especially in the summer months.

This area has a great deal of deep history and is rarely on the agenda for most Inverness itineraries, making it a great hidden gem if you want to explore off the beaten track 

Botanic garden 

Located just a short distance from the city center, the Inverness Botanic Gardens are a beautiful green oasis that offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These beautiful gardens cover nearly 10 acres and feature a diverse range of plants, both native to Scotland and from around the world. The gardens are free to visit 

The Inverness Botanic Gardens are family-friendly, with plenty of interactive areas to explore, and they also host various workshops and events throughout the year, such as gardening talks and family activities.

Inverness family friendly fun

Almost every activity mentioned in this article is great for kids, but if you’re looking for something more relaxed, look no further than Whin park.

Whin park

Whin Park in Inverness is a delightful destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to children of all ages. Located along the River Ness, the park features multiple adventure play zones equipped with swings, slides, climbing frames, and zip lines, ensuring hours of entertainment for the little ones.

For those interested in water activities, the park boasts a boating pond where children can enjoy rowing or paddle boating. The pond is home to friendly ducks, adding to the charm of the experience.

A highlight of Whin Park is the Ness Islands Railway, the most northerly miniature railway in the UK. Operating during the summer months, this narrow-gauge train offers a fun and scenic ride around the park, delighting both children and adults. 

Things to do near Inverness 

Inverness is surrounded by incredible experiences, from island adventures brimming with myths and fairy tales, to mountains for you to climb and conquer. Whatever it is that you want to do in the Scottish Highlands, there will be a tour leaving Inverness to whisk you away for a day or three. Here are some ideas

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, located off the west coast of Scotland, is one of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful and dramatic destinations. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, secluded lochs, and castles, Skye is a paradise for outdoor lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to experience Scotland’s natural beauty at its finest. Whether you're hiking the famous Old Man of Storr or simply soaking in the views, the Isle of Skye offers a stunning combination of wild nature, rich history, and charming villages.

Skye is home to mythical places like the Fairy Pools, crystal-clear pools with waterfalls, and the Fairy Glen, a strange and magical landscape filled with small hills and rock formations.

It is home to several historic castles, including the famous Dunvegan Castle (the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan) and the ruins of Armadale Castle, which offer a fascinating insight into Scotland’s feudal past

Jacobite Train

The Jacobite Steam Train offers a captivating journey through the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. Operating between April and October, this iconic train ride is a must for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

A standout feature of the journey is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a 21-arched bridge that has gained fame as the "Hogwarts Express" route in the Harry Potter films. This iconic structure offers panoramic views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains.

Due to its popularity, especially among Harry Potter fans, it's recommended to book tickets well in advance to secure your seat.