The Top Things To Do And See In Inverness

This northeast-Scotland city is buzzing with history, easily-accessible nature, culture, and more. Read on for the seven most interesting things you must not neglect to do and see while in Inverness.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Explore the Caledonian Canal

Widely considered to be one of the most impressive waterways in the world, this 100 km canal begins in Inverness and runs across the Great Glen, a fault-line in the earth’s crust. The canal was designed in the 19th century by Thomas Telford and today is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and the towpaths are well worth exploring on foot or on bicycle on a sunny day.

Culloden Moor, the site of the bloody final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, is just a short drive out of the city. The new Culloden Battlefield visitor center features interactive historical exhibitions for all ages, a ‘battle zone’ simulation, and even an audio guide to accompany a walk around the battlefield.

See a show at the Eden Court Theatre

This striking work of contemporary architecture was originally opened in the 1970s and was recently renovated and reopened to feature two Grade A Listed theater spaces, as well as another theater, two cinemas, drama and dance studios, and dressing rooms. Whether opera, musicals, films, or dramatic theater is your cup of tea, there is something for everyone at Eden Court Theatre.

Keep an eye out for Nessie at Loch Ness

A trip to Inverness wouldn’t be complete without checking out the shores of Loch Ness, the largest freshwater body of water by volume in Britain. Drive along the northern shore for a view of Castle Urquhart, and don’t forget to look out for the storied mythical Loch Ness Monster.

Immerse yourself in history at Cawdor Castle

Famous for its appearance in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor Castle dates back to the 1300s, when it was built by the Thanes of Cawdor as a private fortress and is still owned by the Cawdor family today. After touring the interior, don’t miss the impeccably maintained gardens, the golf course, and the nature trails which encircle the castle.

Sip on whisky at Glen Ord Distillery

Distillery
This distillery, which originated in the mid-19th century, is just a short bus ride from Inverness. Book a tasting tour, where you can learn all about the process of making Glen Ord’s signature malt whisky, for which they malt their own barley, and taste various aged varieties.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.