The Top Things to Do and See in Inverness

A beautiful morning at Urquhart Castle, Inverness
A beautiful morning at Urquhart Castle, Inverness | Unsplash | Sergey Konstantinov
Madeleine Bazil

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.

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Explore the Caledonian Canal

© Michelle Howell / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Learn about the Battle of Culloden

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

© Angus McComiskey / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

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