Things to do in Inverness: sightseeing, Culloden and Loch Ness

You are wondering What to do in Inverness The capital of the Highlands, the city is the gateway to Loch Ness, the Culloden battlefield, and the famous North Coast 500. Small and charming, it can be explored in a day and then serves as a base for further excursions. Here are our favorite sights and tips from a travel agency based in Scotland.

In short: In Inverness, start with a stroll along the River Ness to the Ness Islands, then browse the Victorian Market and Leakey's bookshop. Next, visit the Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns, about 10 kilometers away. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are approximately 30 minutes away. Inverness is about a 3.5-hour train journey from Edinburgh; allow 2 to 3 days to explore the city and its surroundings.

Things to do in Inverness: city sightseeing

The banks of the River Ness and the Ness Islands

The most beautiful walk in the city follows the river from the center to the Ness Islands, small wooded islands connected by footbridges. Allow about an hour for the round trip, a peaceful stroll right in the heart of the city.

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The castle and the cathedral

The red sandstone castle overlooks the river. It is currently being converted into a visitor centre dedicated to Highland history, so check its opening times before visiting. On the opposite bank, the neo-Gothic St Andrew's Cathedral is also worth a look.

The Victorian Market and Leakey's Bookshop

The Victorian Market is a 19th-century covered shopping arcade with shops and small restaurants. Nearby, Leakey's, one of Scotland's largest second-hand bookshops, occupies a former church with a wood-burning stove at its center.

Must-see attractions around the city

The Culloden Battlefield

On April 16, 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was crushed there by government troops: it was the last pitched battle on British soil. The visitor center of National Trust for Scotland It tells the story of the battle in an immersive way. Outlander fans will also recognize a key location from the series.

The Clava Cairns

Just a few minutes from Culloden, these Bronze Age tombs, surrounded by stone circles, are said to have inspired the Craigh na Dun stones in Outlander. The site is open to the public. Also discover our Outlander filming locations.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

About 30 minutes southwest, Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness. A boat trip from Dochgarroch or Drumnadrochit then offers a chance to see the loch from the water. Our guide What to do around Loch Ness details all the steps.

Fort George, Cawdor and the dolphins of Chanonry Point

• Fort George : a huge 18th century fortress, still used by the army, about 20 minutes away.
• Cawdor Castle : an inhabited castle, surrounded by gardens, associated with the play Macbeth.
• Chanonry Point : on the Black Isle, one of the best places in Europe to observe dolphins from the shore, especially at high tide in summer.

Inverness, starting point of the North Coast 500

The famous North Coast 500 route starts and ends in Inverness. It circles the north of Scotland for approximately 830 kilometers. Check out our North Coast 500 guide to organize it. Inverness is also an ideal stopover on the way to’Isle of Skye, about a 2.5 hour drive.

How do I get to Inverness?

• From Edinburgh : approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by train or road, through the Cairngorms National Park.
• From Glasgow : approximately 3 hours 15 minutes by train.
• By plane Inverness airport is connected to London and several European cities.
• By night train The Caledonian Sleeper connects London to Inverness.

To travel without a car, finally discover our train routes in Scotland.

How many days and when to leave?

One day is enough for the town. However, allow two to three days for Culloden, Loch Ness, and a trip to the Black Isle. From May to September, the days are very long; in winter, on the other hand, the town hosts a Christmas market. To choose the season, read our guide. when to go to Scotland.

Frequently asked questions: What is there to do in Inverness?

Is Inverness worth a visit?

Yes, especially as a base for the Highlands. The town itself is small, but Culloden, Loch Ness and the Black Isle are very close.

What to do in Inverness in one day?

Take a walk along the river to the Ness Islands, visit the Victorian Market and Leakey's, then head to Culloden and the Clava Cairns in the afternoon.

Can you see Loch Ness from Inverness?

Yes. The lake starts a few kilometers from the town, and Urquhart Castle is about a 30-minute drive away.

How to get around Inverness without a car?

Local buses serve Culloden and Loch Ness, and numerous excursions depart from the town centre. However, a car remains more practical for exploring the Black Isle and the North Coast 500.

Cover photo: Roger Davies, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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