27 Must-Visit Attractions in and Around Inverness, Scotland
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is surrounded by a wealth of places to visit. From naturally beautiful areas such as Loch Ness to man-made marvels including Cawdor Castle, the scope of things to see and do can be dizzying. Here are the best attractions in the area.
Loch Ness
Natural Feature
Urquhart Castle
Museum, Ruins
Hogwarts Express
Architectural Landmark
Culloden Battlefield
Memorial, Ruins
Falcon Square
Building
Cawdor Castle and Gardens
Building
River Ness and the Inverness Castle
Ruins
Clava Cairns
Cemetery, Historical Landmark
Fairy Glen
Natural Feature
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden
A subtropical wonderland in northern Scotland, the Inverness Botanic Gardens grow an astounding array of plants, from cacti to pitcher plants, with added fish ponds and even a waterfall. The sheltered outdoor garden is colourful and an excellent place to walk around on a sunny day; as the gardens sit between the Caledonian Canal and the River Ness, the opportunities to walk further are tempting.
Fort George
Ruins, Historical Landmark
Inverness Cathedral
Cathedral
One of the more defining landmarks in Inverness, the cathedral, designed by architect Alexander Ross, stands as a monument to the religious beliefs in the area. With its foundation stone laid in 1866, it was the second cathedral built following the reformation.
Eden Court Highlands
Theatre
Munlochy Clootie Well
Park
Beauly Priory
Ruins
Glenmorangie Distillery
Distillery
Glen Affric
Natural Feature
The Caledonian Canal
Natural Feature
Glen Ord Distillery
Distillery
RZSS Highland Wildlife Park
Park, Zoo
Nairn
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Apart from the miles of sand, the challenging golf course, the walks, the shops and the excellent places to eat, the beauty of this little seaside town is that it’s only a 15-minute train ride from Inverness. Actress Tilda Swinton lives here, and with good reason; it’s a lovely corner of the world.
Hootananny
Church, Music Venue
Victorian Market
Market
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Art Gallery, Museum
Built to house the artefacts that tell the story of Inverness, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers you an insight into Highland life. Meanwhile, the adjoining art galleries feature both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with a special highlight on local artists.
Leakey’s Bookshop
Church
Highlanders’ Museum
Museum
Showcasing the rich military history of Scotland’s Highland regiments, the Highlanders’ Museum is a must-visit for any history buff. Chronicling the Highland soldiers’ history from the nearby Battle of Culloden straight through to the active regiments of today, the museum shares the lives of the soldiers as well as some of their greatest victories.
Ness Islands
Natural Feature
Lying in the middle of the River Ness, the Ness Islands are the perfect destination for a leisurely Sunday stroll. Crossing Victorian suspension bridges over to the islands, you’ll find several nature trails that will lead you around the area and past other local attractions, such as the Inverness Botanic Gardens and Whin Park.
Additional reporting by Nicholas Grantham