Best Things To Do in Inverness

Inverness is one of the most beautiful cities in the northeast of Scotland, where the famous legend of Loch Ness awaits you. Here you will feel like in a fairy tale and you will be able to navigate through an artificial channel that hides fascinating stories. I invite you to take a ride aboard the Harry Potter steam train and get lost in its colorful market.

Remember that Scotland is the birthplace of Scotch whisky, so you could take advantage of a tasting and visit the most important distilleries in the region. You will surely feel like a time traveler following the "behind the scene" of Outlander, a series filmed in the surroundings and connected to an authentic ancient clan.

The most popular place in Inverness is Loch Ness, and you've probably already been told a story about the mythological creature that roams its waters. In fact, many claim to have seen Nessie, the famous monster of the deep.

It was first seen in the 6th century and since then it has become one of the main attractions. You can try your luck and book a Loch Ness cruise from Inverness to look for a Nessie encounter. The boat has a sonar system that attracts this creature, you will also have free WiFi to get relevant information and immerse yourself in Scottish folklore.

A curious fact is that the legend went unnoticed until 1933, when a new sighting was reported, which generated a wave of worldwide interest. To give you an idea, Nessie is said to resemble an evil swan with its elongated neck, green scales and glowing eyes that seek to seduce you to plunge you into the lake. In addition, her body could be like that of a plesiosaur. However, it is difficult to know because the only photograph that exists was declared as a fraud elaborated by Marmaduke Wetherell.

The only thing for sure is that this experience will fascinate you, as you will sail through one of the largest fresh lakes in the United Kingdom. You can choose to go out on deck or sit inside. Just keep your eyes peeled for the ruins of the medieval Urquhart Castle, where some Scottish battles took place.

Inverness Castle is a major attraction and historic site that was built in 1836. It is on a cliff overlooking the River Ness and can only be visited in summer, when it opens to walk through the gardens and get closer to its history through rooms and exhibits. You also have the option to visit the North Tower of the castle, which is a fascinating viewpoint that can be visited from April to October.

Fascinating stories are hidden among the castle's corridors, some of which have been immortalized in monuments. For example, the statue of Flora MacDonald is in front of the façade and is the first thing you will see, placed here as a tribute to the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.

Originally, it was intended to be a prison, but ended up being an important enclave for Scottish kings like the Stuarts and David I, who used it to consolidate his reign. It is also famous because Shakespeare was inspired by this castle to create fragments of his play Macbeth. And pay attention because a pleasant surprise awaits you as you walk through the gardens: La Tortilla Asesina, a Spanish restaurant decorated with typical elements and offering delicious tapas in the heart of Scotland.

In short, when you arrive in Inverness you have an endless number of plans and monuments to see and the most flexible thing to do would be to book a guided tour of Inverness. This way, you will go through the castle with a guide and you will have entrance to other monuments such as Balnain House.

It's fun to walk around Inverness on foot and by boat, but if you are looking for comfort and want to move at your own pace, the tourist bus is your best ally! It's a 7-stop route where you can hop on and off at your leisure or stay on board and enjoy the full hour-long tour. Take advantage of its convertible roof and panoramic windows to appreciate the city, while an audio guide tells you everything you need to know. You will have the freedom to create your own itinerary and include fascinating sights such as Inverness Castle and the Botanic Gardens.

When you purchase tickets for the Inverness City Sightseeing sightseeing bus you have up to twelve months to activate it. Once activated, the pass is valid for 24 hours and must be printed in order to board the attraction.

Inverness Cathedral is dedicated to St. Andrew and is a Gothic temple that will surprise you with its strategic location on the banks of the Ness. It seems to me an ideal spiritual place to disconnect while you get lost in its corridors and explore the stained glass windows with biblical scenes and impressive engravings in their windows.

A curious fact is that the original design had two giant spires, but were discarded for lack of budget. Anyway, it is quite imposing and has a lot of interesting elements, such as the five Russian icons, which were a gift from Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

It is a featured stop during guided tours of the city and you can take the opportunity to connect with its history.

Another not-to-be-missed plan is to book a scenic cruise around Inverness. This activity moves away from the traditional routes and visits remote aquatic areas to coincide with the most spectacular fauna and flora of the United Kingdom. This way, you may catch a glimpse of seals, otters and birds. But don't worry, you will be given binoculars on board to enjoy the privileged views.

You may stroll around Loch Ness and hear a bit about Scottish folklore. In addition, a local guide will tell you anecdotes related to the places you will see. You'll love the Caledonian Canal, a man-made waterway that crosses Scotland and connects to the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Overall, this experience offers a space of peace and connection with nature and should not be missed. You also have the opportunity to book a Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal cruise from Dochgarroch to see one of the most beautiful harbors in Inverness.

Inverness has fun plans within walking distance and I find it crazy to be so close to, for example, the Harry Potter steam train and not take advantage of a ride. In general, you can avail yourself of a wide range of nature and adventure activities that take you to explore aqueducts, coastal villages and even to the home where the world's friendliest dogs were born.

Speyside whisky tour

Scotch whisky is a mainstay of Inverness culture and you can take advantage of the famous distilleries in the surrounding area. By booking a Speyside whisky tour from Inverness you can follow the whisky making process up close.

It's a fairly comprehensive tour that takes you to the Benromach distillery to sample their range of handcrafted malt whiskies, made with spring water. You may also pass by the Glenfiddich distillery and learn about a globally respected brand.

At the Speyside Cooperage you will be treated to a fascinating demonstration of the process of making and repairing the special barrels used to produce and macerate this whiskey.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness Tour

Booking an excursion to Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness is a way to discover the wonders hidden in the Highlands of England. I think it is an unforgettable experience because you will go on the famous Hogwarts steam express, which appears in several scenes of the saga. You will like it because it passes through the Glenfinnan Viaduct and near the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

During this experience you will enjoy the contact with nature and you may visit the fishing village of Mallaig, Foyer Falls and lush forests ideal for a hiking route. Of course, you can not miss the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Excursion to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan castle.

Another unmissable experience is to book an excursion to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, where you will be greeted by the most beautiful landscapes of Scotland. By road it is impressive to see how they are transformed and to see the crossing of villages, passes and rock formations.

In particular, Eilean Donan Castle will transport you back to the Middle Ages and you will be able to see the crossing of three impressive lochs. The advantage of these experiences is that you have free time to move around the sites and you can visit them at your own pace.

Excursion to Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns

If you're spending several days in Inverness, you'll certainly have time to book a trip to Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns, where you'll have a moving experience at the Culloden battlefield and travel back in time to the region's turbulent past.

During the tour you'll have time to enjoy the unspoilt Glen Affric valley and discover Guisachan House, where the world's first Golden Retrievers were born. The fun continues at Clava Cairns, an archaeological site with Bronze Age burial mounds.

Excursion to John O'Groats and the Far North

The plans are endless in this region and a must is to book a trip to John O'Groats and the far north. Here, spectacular scenery and the opportunity to spot seals and orcas await you. In addition, you can meander through several charming villages and discover their history, culture and gastronomic offerings.

Inverness is where some scenes from Outlander were filmed and you should check them out. This series is about a nurse who has a double life, as she begins to travel through time as a result of a mystical ceremony. It will transport you to Scotland during the 18th century and, even if you haven't seen it, you will have a good time discovering anecdotes from the series and behind the scenes.

The best thing to do is to take a boat ride to Beauly, a village just twenty-five minutes away. This enclave has a direct relationship with the Lovat families, a Highland clan that exists outside of fiction.

You can also travel back in time like Claire, the main character, by visiting Clava Cairns. Here a megalithic enclave similar to Craigh na Dun, a location featured in the series, awaits you. You could visit the Culloden Battlefield and discover the history of the conflict between Jacobites and the British government, a rather important theme in Outlander.

One of the most colorful places in Inverness is the Victorian Market. Here you have more than 40 local stalls to buy crafts, jewelry and souvenirs at great prices. Its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere will greet you and make you feel like a real Scotsman.

On the outskirts you will find flower stalls and the gastronomic fun begins when you step inside the market. There are several stalls offering fresh fish sandwiches, fruit tarts and shots of Scotch whisky. In addition, Scots enjoy delicacies including cheese, jam and honey. There is even usually a combination tasting that contrasts sweet and savory flavors.

I would recommend you go with a guide to understand the history of the market, as you will have to imagine life in 1870, the year this space that brought joy to Inverness was inaugurated. Everything seemed to be going swimmingly until the fire of 1889, when the facade had to be completely rebuilt. Since then, the building has remained unchanged and architectural details reminiscent of the Victorian era can be appreciated.

Leaky's Bookstore is a fascinating place that should be on your itinerary. It will surprise you with stacked shelves and several floors that are a paradise for those who enjoy reading. You will find around 100,000 volumes and you must be agile to rummage, as its collection houses second-hand gems. You might find a special edition or that book you've been looking for!

Its high ceilings and stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere, ideal for imagining yourself in a romantic period story. At first glance, it looks like a bookshop that has been in Inverness for centuries and has only ever served that function. However, few know that it was a temporary hospital during the Battle of Culloden.

Of course, when you pass through Inverness you have to take a look at the Celtic culture. Have you ever wondered why there are clothes and strips hanging on some of the trees? To discover the reason you have to follow the history of the Clootie Wells tradition, something little known that you can enjoy without crowds.

The Celts used to think that trees granted wishes, cured the sick and were the guardians of the city. Therefore, they prepared offerings and tributes. But don't try to tie the strip because it won't do any good, and is even considered an insult to the culture. The ritual must be carried out with someone from the nearby villages and forests.

In addition, it is first necessary to wet the garment in a spring in order to purify it. Then, it is carefully tied to the tree and a prayer is said to the deities. The most famous is the Munlochy well, located fifteen minutes from Inverness and where there will surely be locals who will be happy to accompany you and explain the story.