Inverness: The Complete Guide

Inverness Pano
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Avarim

Inverness meaning “Mouth of the River Ness” is a city in the Scottish Highlands. Inverness attracts visitors from across the world for its natural landscapes, quaint towns, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a great place for nature lovers looking to explore its vast landscape. There are many hiking and cycling trails of various lengths that run along the canals, lakes, and forests of Inverness.

Exploring the city centre gives you plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the form of Victorian-era marketplaces, cathedrals, and museums. Inverness also houses some of Scotland’s top whisky distilleries, where you can learn about the process of making this Scottish tipple while sampling some single malts. From spotting the elusive Loch Ness monster to reliving one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history, check out our guide on the best things to do in Inverness.

History of Inverness

Inverness in Ancient Times

Inverness, often referred to as the “Capital of the Highlands,” has been a significant settlement since ancient times. Its strategic location by the River Ness made it an important center of trade and culture.

Medieval Inverness

During the medieval period, Inverness gained prominence with the construction of Inverness Castle. The town played a crucial role in the local politics and history of the Scottish Highlands.

Modern Inverness

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Inverness evolved into a bustling city. It became a key administrative and commercial hub, maintaining its historical charm while adapting to modern developments.

Visiting Inverness for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Inverness on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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3 Best places to See in Inverness

This complete guide to Inverness not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Inverness and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle Scotland
CC BY-SA 3.0 / DAVID ILIFF
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness in Inverness, Scotland. The red sandstone structure, displaying an early castellated style, is the work of a few 19th-century architects. William Burn (1789–1870) designed the Sheriff Court, Joseph Mitchell (1803–1883) the bastioned enclosing walls, and Thomas Brown II (1806–c. 1872) the District Court, originally built as a prison. It is…
Location: Inverness Castle Inverness IV2 3EG United Kingdom | Hours: Opening Hours (until 31 Oct 2020) Thursday – Monday from 10.30 – 16:00 (Last booking at 15.30) Tuesday & Wednesday: CLOSED | Price: £6 per adult £4 per child (aged 12 and under) | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Inverness Castle

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Inverness . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral Scotland
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dave Conner
Inverness Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew (1866–69), is a cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church situated in the city of Inverness in Scotland close to the banks of the River Ness. It is the seat of the Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, ordinary of the Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness. The cathedral is…
Location: Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, UK | Hours: 7am to 8pm, Cafe & Shop 9am - 4pm* 7 Day's a Week | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Inverness Cathedral

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Scotland's North Coast 500

Ness Islands

Ness Islands Footbridge River Ness
CC BY-SA 2.0 / djmacpherson
The Ness islands are a collection of natural islands that sit in the middle of the River Ness, connected from the river banks and throughout by beautiful Victorian footbridges. Just a short stroll away from Inverness city centre it is a place of natural beauty to take a breath, get some exercise or just watch the world go by. You…
Visiting Ness Islands

Best Day Trips from Inverness

A day trip from Inverness offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Inverness provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre

Culloden Battlefield6
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Stablenode
The Culloden Battlefield is a powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745. On 16 April 1746, the Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart was decisively defeated by a British government force under Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland,…
| Hours: 9am-7pm Jun-Aug, to 6pm Mar-May, Sep & Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Feb | Price: adult/child £11/9.50 | Website | Distance: 7.9km
Visiting Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre

Beauly Priory

Scotlan Beauly Priory
GNU 1.2 / Wojsyl
Beauly Priory is one of three priories founded in Scotland in about 1230 for monks of the Valliscaulian order. The Valliscaulians came from Val-des-Choux (‘Valley of the Cabbages’) near Dijon in France, and adhered to strict ideals of poverty, chastity and obedience. Beauly, meaning ‘beautiful place’, must have seemed to the monks a wonderful location in which to devote themselves…
| Hours: 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm Last entry 5pm1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm Last entry 3.30pm | Distance: 13.9km
Visiting Beauly Priory

Cawdor Castle

Castell Cawdor Scotland
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lesbardd
Cawdor Castle is a castle in the parish of Cawdor in Nairnshire, Scotland. It is built around a 15th-century tower house, with substantial additions in later centuries. Located about 5 miles south west of Nairn, Cawdor Castle was built around a 15th century tower house which originally belonged to Clan Cawdor before passing into the hands of Campbells in the…
| Hours: 10am-5.30pm May-Sep | Price: adult/child £11.50/7.20 | Website | Distance: 18.5km
Visiting Cawdor Castle

Urquhart Castle

Scotland Urquhart Castle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LornaMCampbell
Urquhart Castle, a ruin, sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. The castle is on the A82 road, 21 kilometres (13 mi) south-west of Inverness and 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) east of the village of Drumnadrochit. The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded…
| Hours: 9.30am-8pm Jun-Aug, to 6pm Apr, May & Sep, to 5pm Oct, to 4.30pm Nov-Mar | Price: adult/child £9/5.40 | Distance: 21.5km
Visiting Urquhart Castle

Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mihael Grmek
Brodie Castle is a well-preserved Z plan castle located about 3+1⁄2 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of Forres, in Moray, Scotland. The castle is a Category A listed building and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. The original Z-plan castle was built in 1567 by Clan Brodie but was destroyed by fire in…
Location: Brodie Castle Brodie Forres IV36 2TE United Kingdom | Hours: 10am-5pm Mar-Oct, 11am-3pm Nov & Dec | Price: adult/child £11/6.50 | Website | Distance: 33.6km
Visiting Brodie Castle

Dornoch

Dornoch Beach
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Neil Aitkenhead
Dornoch is a town, seaside resort, parish and former royal burgh in the county of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland. It lies on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near to where it opens into the Moray Firth to the east. The name 'Dornoch' is derived from the Gaelic for 'pebbly place', suggesting that the area contained pebbles…
Visiting Dornoch

Sutherland

Sandwood Bay
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Phillyacct
Experience the most incredible landscapes and seascapes. Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. From the dramatic north-western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours.…
Visiting Sutherland
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Isle of Skye

Old Man Of Storr On The Isle Of Skye
Visiting the Isle of Skye is a journey into the heart of Scotland's breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From its rugged coastline to its mist-shrouded mountains, Skye captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes and ancient history. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it's home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous…
Visiting Isle of Skye

Isle of Mull

Tobermory Waterfront
CC BY-SA 4.0 / DeFacto
The Isle of Mull or just Mull is the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides (after Skye) and lies off the west coast of Scotland in the council area of Argyll and Bute. Covering 875 square kilometres (338 sq mi), Mull is the fourth-largest island in both Scotland and the United Kingdom. Much of the year-round population lives in the…
Visiting Isle of Mull
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Where to Stay in Inverness

Staying in the city center provides easy access to Inverness Castle, the River Ness, and local whisky bars. For a more scenic retreat, accommodations along Loch Ness offer breathtaking views and a quieter atmosphere.

A 2 to 3-day stay allows time to explore the city, take a boat trip on Loch Ness, and visit Culloden Battlefield. A 4-day stay is ideal for exploring the Highlands, including Glen Affric, the Black Isle, and the North Coast 500 route.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Inverness. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Inverness Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Inverness

Visiting Inverness in Spring

Spring is a delightful time to visit Inverness, with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. Enjoy scenic walks along the River Ness and explore the city’s historic sites as nature comes to life.

Visiting Inverness in Summer

Summer offers long days and warm weather, perfect for exploring Inverness and the surrounding Highlands. Take advantage of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and visiting local festivals.

Visiting Inverness in Autumn

Autumn in Inverness brings vibrant fall colors and cooler temperatures. It’s an excellent time for scenic drives, enjoying the local harvest, and experiencing the quieter side of the city.

Visiting Inverness in Winter

Winter in Inverness offers a magical atmosphere with festive events and potential snow-covered landscapes. Explore the city’s historical sites and cozy up in local cafes during the colder months.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 6°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 10°C
  • April 13°C
  • May 15°C
  • June 17°C
  • July 19°C
  • August 17°C
  • September 15°C
  • October 11°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 6°C

How to get to Inverness

By Air

Inverness Airport is the primary gateway to the city, with flights connecting it to major UK cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center.

By Train

Inverness is well-connected by rail, with regular services from cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The train station is conveniently located in the city center.

By Car

Driving to Inverness is straightforward, with the city accessible via major roads such as the A9 from the south. Parking facilities are available throughout the city.

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