What are the Must See Inverness Sights And Landmarks? We explore the essential attractions to visit while in Inverness, Scotland.
Things To See & Do In Inverness
Inverness will astound and thrill you with its various things to see and do. Take a sightseeing bus trip to see all of the city's highlights, explore the streets along the river's edge to discover fantastic museums, galleries, and shopping opportunities.
It's a great site to study the Jacobite Risings, one of Scotland's most turbulent periods in history. Visit Culloden, the last war fought on British soil, or Fort George, a magnificent 18th-century military fortification. You never know where a day in the Highland capital will lead you.
You may follow in the footsteps of fallen troops on a battlefield or see a Bronze Age chambered tomb. There are countless things to see and landmarks to explore in Inverness.
Inverness is in many ways open to the public and is well worth seeing. The years of culture are always updated and show a wide variety of architecture from the 1600s onwards. In addition, Inverness is one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland; although times change, Inverness will always be the heart of Scotland.
Read through our guide and choose the excursions that suit you; each is easy to be spotted and is made to leave a good impression. Our guide can help answer any questions you have and provide the information you need; we can help you find the facts you need and recommend the experiences best suited to you today.
Look through our guide and click on the locations you want to explore - don't leave any stone unturned in your quest to learn everything there is to know about Inverness. You no longer have to stay at home; you can plan a comprehensive schedule of places to visit with our guidebook.
There are many places and performances to pay attention to that you're sure to be impressed with on a visible scale. There's a wide range of content worth seeing while in Inverness. Uncover Ullapool, a harbour and community of around 1,500 people in Ross and Cromarty, Scottish Highlands, some 45 miles northwest of Inverness.
Despite its small size, it is the most populous community for several kilometres around and an important port and tourist attraction. Feel free to observe the country's and the world's wealth of gorgeous seabirds, otters and more. There is also an incredible tradition of the Highland games that immerse you in nature and incredible bagpipes.
The Highlands has the best places for photos, such as luscious waterfalls, markets, Clava cairns and architectural remains. There are always interesting shops and places to explore across Inverness city centre suitable for both adults and children; when in Inverness, your itinerary is always growing as there are always destinations to seek out.
One of the top things to explore has to be the ancient ruins of castles such as Cawdor Castle or Urquhart castle. These locations are a famous source of interest for most tourists that visit Scotland - across Glasgow, Cumberland and Aberdeen; there's always something to find yourself exploring.
This website is here to help guests across England, and the UK have a great day within Inverness city. One of the finest things about Inverness is its centuries-old history, including visitable ruins and a variety of heritage.
If you're looking for more sedate outdoor activities and attractions in Inverness, visit the Victorian Market, explore Leakey's bookstore, or visit the Cactus House for a delicious café meal. Even better, visit Abertarff House, Inverness' oldest house.
What are the Top Attractions to visit in Inverness?
Fort George
Fort George is Britain's most powerful artillery position. It was constructed following Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat at Culloden in 1746. It was established by George II as the strongest defence against further Jacobite uprisings.
Fort George, as a result, is the most powerful weaponry stronghold in Britain, if not Europe. Its fortifications, weapon defences brimming with guns, and amazing collection of armaments.
Bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords, and ammunition bags are all examples of this. The fort gives an intriguing insight into 18th-century soldier life.
There is plenty of remnants and architecture to explore, such as Fort George, formerly known as Macbeth's Castle - the fort itself garners popularity through excursions and wandering hikers. The castle itself is steeped in rich history and many attractive walking routes.
Furthermore, there are also tourist attractions such as visiting the official site of the last battle at Culloden battlefield and having a look into the nearby Fort George. There is a plethora of historic attractions and historical sites to witness while taking a tour guide across Inverness.
Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre
The Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre is a Highland distillery with tours and award-winning whiskies. It contains a shop where you can purchase Tomatin merchandise, sample several Tomatin expressions, and fill your bottle with one of our cask strength distillery-exclusive whiskies.
The Tomatin Distillery is conveniently located 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9, making it excellent for Highland visitors. It's open 365 days a year, seven days a week.
From April to September, the hours are 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and from October to March, the hours are 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. There's a range of distilleries to pop into and give a try - with fancy drinks and pleasance music, the distilleries across Inverness are always a joy to visit.
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is Scotland's longest road trip, with a total distance of nearly 500 miles.
Inverness is the starting point, and the route takes you across the North Highlands' magnificent shoreline fringes.
This road journey brings together the finest of the Highlands, including shimmering beaches, eerie castles, gigantic Munros, and hundreds of other breathtaking stop-offs.
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens, previously Inverness Floral Hall & Gardens, were opened in 1993 by Prince Edward and are an oasis of peace and beauty within walking distance of the city centre.
With each new season, the exterior gardens are an explosion of colour and texture, and boundaries are planted to display a broad diversity of species and growth conditions.
The stunning glasshouses display the drama of plant diversity ranging from lush rainforests to barren, heat-scorched deserts.
River Ness
This large, quiet river that runs through Inverness is ideal for salmon fishing. You may go over the footbridges along the river to explore both sides of the riverside.
The Ness Islands are a tiny, lovely group of islands that connect to the footbridges further upstream.
Visit the famous lake up at Loch Ness and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area, or go monster hunting for the infamous Loch Ness monster search for the elusive Nessie alongside a small group and good food.
These must-see attractions and day trips are great for nature lovers and those who love natural history.
Inverness Museum And Art Gallery
This museum blends excellent art with historical and natural items to provide visitors with a more comprehensive picture of Inverness's complicated past.
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery are situated on Castle Wynd in Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands. The original Inverness Museum opened in 1881 with a collection of Highland and Jacobite artefacts.
One of the significant early purchases was a collection of historic Stuart portraits supplied by the family of Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, which included a picture of Prince Charles Edward Stuart attributed to Pompeo Batoni and a Cromwell that Prince Freddy turned upside down. In the Highlands' capital, the Museum celebrates history and tradition.
On the ground level, you'll find Scottish geology and natural history and Highland archaeology, including Pictish stones. The artefacts on the upper level continue with more recent Highland history - Jacobite mementoes, Inverness silver, Highland weaponry, and bagpipes. The first level has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions.
Inverness Cathedral
Inverness Cathedral is located on the shores of the River Ness. The United Kingdom's most northern Anglican Cathedral. Bishop Eden's vision was designed by Alexander Ross.
It was dedicated in 1874 after being constructed between 1866 and 1869. Beautiful stained glass windows and excellent stone and wood workmanship may be found on the inside.
The Cathedral originated as the Mission in 1853, on the other bank of the River Ness from its current position.
Bishop Robert Eden then determined that the combined Diocese's cathedral should be in Inverness. So excavations for the new Cathedral began in July 1862.
The Archbishop of Canterbury lay the foundation stone in 1866. In 1869, the Cathedral was opened for public worship. This was the first new cathedral built in the United Kingdom after the Reformation. The bridge is an important feature in Inverness. It is a vital pedestrian path and a component of a riverfront boardwalk. The bridge provides views of nearby structures as well as historical capitals.
Caledonian Canal
The Caledonian Canal runs 60 miles from Fort William to Inverness via the Great Glen. This breathtaking Highlands canal connects Inverness and Fort William on the west coast.
It travels through a variety of picturesque cities and villages, lochs, and farmland, offering visitors a lovely panoramic environment.
The Caledonian Canal was built by Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford and inaugurated in 1822. A total of 29 locks mark the canal's length. Views of them may be seen from several sites along the river, including the Beauly Forth, Muirtown, Banavie, Dochgarroch, and Corpach.
Whether you prefer sailing, walking, jogging, cycling, or fishing, the Caledonian Canal offers everyone a variety of leisure opportunities.
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle is a massive Victorian structure perched on a rocky ledge overlooking the River Ness.
The existing 19th-century castle is the most recent of a line of fortifications that dates back to at least the 11th century. Inverness Castle began as earth and wooden unit fortress in the 12th century.
It was founded by King David I. During the Wars of Independence in the early 14th century, English forces led by King Edward I seized the stronghold.
In 1310, King Robert the Bruce took it and devastated it. Alexander, Earl of Mar, built a stone fortress on the hill in the early 15th century.
George Gordon, Earl of Huntly, included a high square rock tower in the 16th century.
Eden Court Theatre
Eden Court is the Highlands' principal entertainment centre, including two theatres, two cinemas, two dance studios, a beautiful café / bar, a fantastic restaurant providing the best local products, and a 19th-century castle and church. It's located on the riverbank, near Inverness Cathedral, and has wonderful views of the River Ness.
Inverness Castle Viewpoint
The Castle Viewpoint provides spectacular 360-degree views of the Highland Capital and other prominent structures in the vicinity.
Inverness's newest tourist attraction is the Castle Viewpoint. It takes advantage of stunning 360-degree views of the Highland Capital and its surroundings.
If the weather is terrible, you may witness pre-recorded, narrated drone video footage in a Round Room on the first floor if the weather is bad.
Please bear in mind that due to the historic character of the building, there is no wheelchair access to the floors above the first level.
Ness Islands
The Ness Islands are a group of natural islands in the middle of the River Ness that are linked from the river banks and throughout by exquisite Victorian footbridges.
Just a short walk from Inverness's city centre, this natural beauty spot is ideal for taking a breather, doing some exercise, or simply watching the world go by.
You may stroll from one end of the islands to the other, arriving on one side of the river and departing on the other, weaving among towering tall pines and mature trees.
Greig Street Bridge
The Greig Street Bridge spans the Ness River and is a pedestrian bridge. The Greig Street Bridge may be reached from either Bank Street on the east side of the river or Huntly Street on the west side. Civil engineer C. Manners finished the suspension bridge in 1881.
It includes two 67-foot-long side spans and a 201-foot-long centre span. The entire length of the bridge is 335 feet. The bridge is made of warren trusses and rails that pedestrians may use to cross the river. Among the bridge's most striking characteristics are the magnificent towers on each side.
The towers employ latticework to give the bridge a distinct appearance that is appealing both from a distance and up close. Visitors should also note the arches beneath the towers. They're functional, but they also provide an excellent backdrop for a shot on the bridge with the Free North Church in the background.
Culloden Viaduct
The Culloden Viaduct, located on the Highland Mainline, is an amazing railway bridge with numerous arches.
It crosses the River Nairn in Clava, east of Inverness, and is also known as the Clava Viaduct or the Nairn Viaduct.
Murdoch Paterson constructed the Culloden Bridge, which opened in 1898 as part of the Highland Railway's Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway.
The 29-span viaduct crosses the broad valley of the Nairn River. It is Scotland's longest masonry viaduct, stretching 1800 feet.
Whin Park
Whin Park is Inverness's largest outdoor play area. A boating pond, a miniature train, a huge free outdoor play/picnic area, and an ice cream/coffee shop are all available. Whin Park, located on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness, is a large outdoor free playpark with a boating pond. There are 27 rowing and paddle boats available for hire.
Old High St Stephen's Church
The Old High Church is Inverness's oldest church and is located on St Michael's Mount, a low hill.
The current church was built in 1770 to a design by George Fraser of Edinburgh, although legend has it that St Columba preached from this hill by the banks of the Ness in AD 565.
The Old High congregation was Inverness's oldest congregation. The church, Inverness' old town church, dates primarily from the seventeenth century.
Overlooking the Ness River, its location has been utilised for worship since Celtic times.
As a result, the congregation might claim to have been founded by St Columba, the Irish monk who introduced Christianity to Inverness for the first time.
Bogbain Farm
Bogbain Farm is available for private hiring for weddings, parties, and other events. The Inverness Whisky Festival, BrewDog's Brew at the Bog, and the Northern Roots Festival are all held there.
Bogbain is located on the A9, only 3 miles south of Inverness. Its central location makes it accessible everywhere in the country, yet it also boasts lots of Highland flavour and spectacular views across the Moray Firth. The venue can hold up to 250 people for the evening dance and 120 people for dinner.
The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre
Scotland's sole visitor attraction is dedicated to the renowned national costume.
The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre in Inverness provides a unique insight into the kilt's history, tradition, and culture, from its roots to the present day.
The Centre, housed in a kiltmaking workshop, offers a dynamic, real, and one-of-a-kind experience brought to life by amazing audio-visual, costume, and tartan displays.
The Highlanders' Museum
The Highlanders Museum is located on the beautiful grounds of Fort George, near Inverness, and offers views of the Moray Firth.
The local dolphin school may be seen from the ramparts throughout the summer. The Museum is situated on three floors of the historic Lieutenant Governors' House in Fort George.
Outside of Edinburgh, this is Scotland's largest regimental museum. Historical artefacts, mementoes, and regimental silverware are displayed in the museum.
The main gallery, the Grant Room, and an Armoury display edged weapons and firearms and a mock-up of the Regimental Officers' Mess; a Silver Room and an exhibition area are all located within the structure. Sir George Reid's works are on loan from the city and may be seen in various settings.
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If you are interested in taking sightseeing tours to explore the breathtaking landscape throughout Inverness and the Highlands get in touch. We offer chauffeur driven tours for sightseeing in Scotland.
Chauffeur Driven Sightseeing Tours Inverness