Location: Inverness
Top Things to do in Inverness
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Inverness, Scotland
This compact Scottish city is perfect for exploration by foot — travelers can easily find their way from the lovely River Ness to historic Inverness Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral, and beyond to the events at Eden Court and the busy Victorian Market. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Highlands, with the mysterious Loch Ness (and famed local resident Nessie), Culloden Battlefield and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns just a quick drive away.
Restaurants in Inverness
1. In Your Element Scotland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
In Your Element is a mobile outdoor adventure activity company offering amazing outdoor adventures across Scotland, with bases in Inverness, Aviemore, Loch Tay and at Loch Lomond . We offer a range of outdoor experience for families, stag/ hen groups, corporate or charity groups including canoeing, gorge walking, archery, aerial adventure courses and much more. We're the largest canoe and kayak hire operator in Scotland, with a large fleet of boats available for individuals, small groups and adventure events. With a flexible shuttle service and comprehensive outfitting service we should be your first port of call.
Reviewed By J_Black1987 - North Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Me and my sister decided to try something different, so we thought we'd try the Segway Adventure at Loch Lomond. It took us some time to find the place. After arriving at the main car park we walked round to the shopping centre area. We were walking around for about 15 minutes looking for the place and checked the maps and it wasn't marked on it. We asked some people for directions, but no one seemed to know where In Your Element or the 'Segway place' was. At this point we were feeling a little panicked thinking we might miss out if there's a group of people waiting to head out. We called the number on their website and they directed us - it's located on the shore next to the canoes and bikes, behind the Sea Life Aquarium. If you get lost just ask in at TreeZone for directions as they appear to be part of the same company. When we finally arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome. It was just me, my sister, and the instructor. We were pleasantly surprised there wasn't a big group. The instructor went over all the safety information and showed us how to use the Segways. We then had a little practice and when we were comfortable we went round to another practice area with hills. We practiced going down a hill a couple of times and then he took us over to a bigger hill where me and my sister attempted to go up it. We failed a few times to make it up to the top of the hill, having to do a 180 and go back down. My sister nearly fell off it once on the hill, but she was unhurt and still in happy spirits. We eventually managed to get up the hill with a couple more practice runs and felt comfortable enough to take the speed cap off. When in the practice areas you are limited to 6mph, which is then increased to 12mph if you feel comfortable enough doing so. I recommend taking the cap off as some of the hills require more speed than the capped 6mph to get up, and you are always in control of the speed by using your balance anyway, so you can slow down if you wish. After the cap was taken off, we zoomed along a grassy area which was fairly muddy. At times it felt like it was skidding, but it is designed for all terrains and we never fell off - trust the Segway! We then went through a wooded area a couple of times, and down to another part of the shore where we stopped to take photos. Our instructor happily took some photos of us with Ben Lomond in the background. This is a great spot for photo opportunities as the views are amazing, so make sure you have a phone or camera handy. We then continued and throughout the adventure went through a lot of forest areas, where you can mostly zoom about really fast, however there are tighter areas where you'll need to drop your speed so you don't end up flying off into the Loch or hitting a tree! We also went to the shopping centre area and into TreeZone where you can see the adventure course above you. This area is more technical with sharper turns, so watch your speed here! Our instructor took us around these different areas a few times and by the end of the adventure we felt like pros! We had never been on a Segway before, but it was the most fun we had both had in a long time! The instructor was lovely, and very patient with us beginners. The adventure lasts about an hour, but you have so much fun you won't want to come off it! We will definitely be going back to Loch Lomond to do this again in the future and highly recommend it to everyone to try, even beginners.
2. Highland Archive Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Highland’s Archive Service is responsible for collecting preserving and make accessible historical records relating to Inverness-shire, Nairnshire, Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty, dating from the 14th Century. The collections include charters, minute books, correspondence, accounts, maps, photographs and films and contain more than 100,000 items. If you are interested in tracing your family tree, discovering the history of your house, looking at old maps of the Highlands, or just browsing through several hundred years of history, you will find a warm welcome. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and 7.30 on Wednesdays.
Reviewed By TamaraW6
I came to Inverness primarily for genealogical research and was not disappointed. Staying at the Corran Guest House, we were able to walk to the Archives down city streets and then back to the City on the most beautiful Riverwalk along the Ness, a double treat! I had let them know we were coming ahead of time, and they were able to send me some preliminary information by e-mail. But my friend had not contacted them earlier; nevertheless, both of us were accommodated graciously and introduced to their computer systems and materials. I knew what I needed already and was able to get right to the items I needed by directon of the staff, while my friend was taken under wing and advised how and where to start her family search. We were both served well and learned much! The facility is sunny, airy and quiet and the staff most friendly and very willing to help in any way they can. Definitely, this is a place to visit and learn more about the fascinating history of the area and conveniently located to enjoy Scotland on foot. Whether you are looking for family information or just browsing for history, do plan on allowing at least 2 hours at least. We were only able to get in 1 hour the first day due to a late arrival but it was enough to get us started so when we came back next day we could hit the ground searching. Perfect place to visit in between trips to see the country or while exploring the city itself.
3. Wardlaw Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Wardlaw Mausoleum is the 17th Century Mausoleum of the Lovat Frasers. It's inhabitants inclue Simon Lord Lovat the 'Old Fox' of the Jacobite Rebellion (Grandfather of Outlander's Jamie Fraser). Open on request at Pilgrim Cottage. Contact us in advance to ensure that someone can do a tour.
Reviewed By SusanT629 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Beautiful location, great architecture, amazing history and the best guide you could ask for! Erik was fantastic: extremely knowledgeable, engaging, friendly and funny! He brought the place alive. Would highly recommend a visit and definitely check out the graveyard too.
4. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
This museum combines fine art with historical and natural artifacts to give visitors a more complete picture of Inverness's complex history.
Reviewed By CopinsayLass - Orkney Islands, United Kingdom
Located adjacent to River Ness, the castle & Inverness Old Town, museum offers free entry with lift available for prams, pushchairs & wheelchairs. Plenty of historical artifacts & examples of Scottish heritage & culture very nearly from the Big Bang (or creation theory of your choice). Below exhibit cases are drawers of items to see, with full information text in English and Gaelic. Interesting gadgets & games for hands-on experience, cafe on site. Museum staff were polite, friendly & helpful.
5. Inverness Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 624 reviews
Opened in 1993 by Prince Edward, Inverness Botanic Gardens, formerly Inverness Floral Hall & Gardens, are an oasis of calm and beauty within walking distance of the city centre. With each new season the outside gardens are an explosion of colour and texture, and borders are planted to demonstrate a wide variety of plants and growing conditions. The impressive glasshouses reveal the drama of plant diversity ranging from the tropical rainforests to arid, heat scorched desert.
Reviewed By valt644 - County Durham, United Kingdom
Visited last Sunday. Free to enter but made a donation. Took about an hour to wander round. Beautiful plants and flowers, the colours were still very vibrant and especially loved the dahlias which were glorious. Also loved the bug hotel. A lovely place to visit.
6. River Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,422 reviews
This wide peaceful river flowing through the city of Inverness is great for fishing salmon.
Reviewed By rolfk232 - Uster, Switzerland
A guided city walk offers plenty of information and views about the urban areas of Inverness. You can expand that with a walk out to the locks in the Caledonian Canal (which we did), or by taking a tour in the harbor & the Moray Firth (we just walked to the harbor) — that covers a lot of the tourist aspects of Inverness. In about an hour you can experience a vastly different aspect of Inverness—the calm, idyllic, scenic atmosphere of a park. It's best to start near the castle, or at Inverness Town House: walk down to the River Ness, then follow the East bank upstream, via Ness Bank, then don't cross the river, but continue on Lady's Walk, then cross a little bridge to the first island, continue upstream, take the next bridge, finally a third one. Soon, you will find a bridge that crosses to the other side of the River Ness. But rather continue on the island, upstream, up to the tiny resting place very end. On the way back, you could switch to the West bank — I rather recommend staying on the island, strolling back on the East side path, passing a couple of sequoia trees (impressive, even though of course not comparable to those in the West of the US). Once you have left the islands, you can still decide to switch to the West bank to visit the cathedral—but without that, you should be back in the city center5 within less than an hour: a beautiful, scenic, peaceful and relaxing walk!
7. Inverness Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Inverness Cathedral,located on the banks of the River Ness. The most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK. The vision of Bishop Eden with Alexander Ross as it’s architect. Built between 1866 and 1869 and formerly consecrated in 1874. Excellent stained glasses windows and exquisite stone and wood carving can be found inside. Free entry to Cathedral. Our Cafe and Shop is located in the cathedral grounds.
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
Inverness Cathedral was build from 1866 to 1869, on the shore of the River Ness, as the Protestant Cathedral Church of St Andrews, belonging of the Scottish Episcopal Church. This Cathedral have an impressive external aspect, with two huge towers, and a carved portal. Inside the Cathedral we admired the large nave, with two side galleries. We saw some massive columns, some beautiful stained glasses, carved wooden pews, and a wonderful mosaic on the floor. The ten bells of this cathedral sound a special song. Also, we visited an interesting souvenir shop. The Cathedral worth a visit.
8. Abriachan Nurseries - The Garden On Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Abriachan Nurseries - The Garden On Loch Ness A beautiful garden on the banks of Loch Ness. Several acres of winding woodland paths, beautiful plantings, secret discoveries and stunning views over the Loch.There is also a great plant nursery selling an extensive range of hardy shurbs and perennials, rare and unusual varieties and native Scottish plants. Mail order is available through a yearly catalogue or online. A great day trip.
Reviewed By ronniem140 - Inverness, United Kingdom
This is a very good local nursery selling plants at reasonable prices . There are a number of woodland walks from the carpark worth doing as well as its own garden walk overlooking Loch Ness Spectacular .
9. Fort George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,709 reviews
Fort George is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches - provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
Reviewed By LJH_Worcs - Worcester, United Kingdom
If you want to see the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, then this is it! Built after the '45 with the intention of being able to crush any further rebellions on their own ground, Fort George offers a wonderful chance to go around a major historical site which is still in use as a working barracks today, and that adds its own atmosphere to the place. The fort is built to the classic plan which would remain in use throughout the Napoleonic Wars and beyond, so great for history lovers, but also for children as there's a lot to explore.
10. The Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
The Highlanders Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection) is situated within the the stunning grounds of Fort George, Nr Inverness, overlooking the Moray Firth. In the summer months the local dolphin school can be seen from the ramparts. The Museum covers three floors of Fort George's former Lieutenant Governors' House. The museum has roughly 20,000 artifacts and an estimated 10,000 documents and photographs. The museum is the largest regimental museum in Scotland, outside Edinburgh.
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Located inside Fort George, this museum is dedicated to the history of the various Highland Regiments. Before coming here, I didn't realise the Highland Regiments had such a long history, fought for and made so many sacrifices for us in the many wars of our country, I really like the fact that individual regiments got their own display room with history of each including items associated with the regiment and their battle honours. Seeing all those medals on the third floor in the medals room, and all the Victoria Crosses awarded to Highlanders displayed makes me proud to be a Scot.
