10 Things to Do in Inverness

Inverness is one of the most beautiful cities in north-east Scotland, home to the famous Loch Ness legend. Here you will feel like you are in a fairy tale and you can sail along an artificial canal that hides fascinating stories. I invite you to take a ride on the Harry Potter steam train and lose yourself in its colourful 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'll surely feel like a time traveller following the "behind the scenes" of Outlander, a series filmed in the surrounding area and connected to an authentic ancient clan.

The most popular place in Inverness is Loch Ness, and you've probably already heard stories 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 sighted in the 6th century and has since become one of the main attractions. You can try your luck and book a cruise on Loch Ness from Inverness to seek an encounter with Nessie. The boat has a sonar system that attracts this creature, and you will also have free WiFi to get relevant information and immerse yourself in Scottish folklore.

An interesting fact is that the legend went unnoticed until 1933, when a new sighting was reported, generating a wave of worldwide interest. To give you an idea, Nessie is said to look like an evil swan with a long neck, green scales and bright eyes that seek to seduce you into sinking into the loch. In addition, its body could be like that of a plesiosaur. However, it is difficult to know for sure because the only photograph that exists was declared a fraud by Marmaduke Wetherell.

The only thing that is certain is that this experience will fascinate you, as you will be sailing on one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United Kingdom. You can choose between going out on deck or sitting inside. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ruins of medieval Urquhart Castle, where several Scottish battles took place.

Inverness Castle is one of the main attractions and a historic site that was built in 1836. It stands on a cliff overlooking the River Ness and can only be visited in summer, when it is open for walks in the gardens and to learn about its history through rooms and exhibitions. You also have the option of visiting the castle's North Tower, which is a fascinating viewpoint that can be visited from April to October.

Fascinating stories are hidden within the castle's corridors, and some have been immortalised with monuments. For example, the statue of Flora MacDonald stands in front of the façade and is the first thing you will see, located here in homage to the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.

Originally intended to be a prison, it ended up being an important enclave for Scottish kings such as 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 parts of his play Macbeth. And pay attention because as you walk through the gardens, a pleasant surprise awaits you: 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 endless plans and monuments to see, and the most flexible option might be to book a guided tour of Inverness. This way, you will visit the castle with a guide and have admission to other monuments such as Balnain House.

It's fun to explore Inverness on foot and by boat, but if you're looking for comfort and want to move at your own pace, the tourist bus is your best bet! It's a route with seven stops where you can hop on and off whenever you like or stay on board and enjoy the full one-hour tour.
Take advantage of the open-top roof and panoramic windows to appreciate the city, while an audio guide tells you everything you need to know. You'll have the freedom to create your own itinerary and include fascinating places such as Inverness Castle and the botanical gardens.

When you purchase tickets for the City Sightseeing Inverness tourist bus, you have up to twelve months to activate them. 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. I find it an ideal spiritual place to disconnect while you lose yourself in its corridors and explore the stained glass windows with biblical scenes and impressive engravings.

An interesting fact is that the original design had two giant spires, but they were discarded due to lack of funds. In any case, it is quite impressive and has many interesting features, such as the five Russian icons, which were a gift from Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

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

Another unmissable activity is to book a scenic cruise around Inverness. This activity takes you away from the traditional routes and visits remote water areas to see some of the most spectacular flora and fauna in the United Kingdom. You may even see seals, otters and birds. But don't worry! You will be given binoculars on board to enjoy the privileged views.

You may take a stroll along Loch Ness and hear a little about Scottish folklore. In addition, a local guide will tell you anecdotes related to the places you will see. You will love exploring the Caledonian Canal, an artificial waterway that crosses Scotland and connects to the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Overall, this experience offers a peaceful space and connection with nature that you shouldn't miss. You also have the opportunity to book a cruise on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal from Dochgarroch to see one of the most beautiful harbours in Inverness.

Inverness has fun things to do within easy reach, and I think it's crazy to be so close to, for example, the Harry Potter steam train and not take advantage of a trip. In general, there is a wide range of nature and adventure activities available that take you to explore aqueducts, coastal villages and even the house where the friendliest dogs in the world were born.

Speyside whisky tour

Scottish whisky is a cornerstone 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 production process up close.

It's a fairly comprehensive route that takes you to the Benromach distillery to delight in its range of craft malt whiskies, made with spring water. You may also visit 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 manufacturing and repairing the special barrels used to produce and macerate this whisky.

Excursion to Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness

Booking an excursion to Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness is a great way to discover the wonders hidden in the Scottish Highlands. I think it's an unforgettable experience because you get to ride the famous Hogwarts steam express, which appears in several scenes in the saga. You'll love it because it passes through the Glenfinnan Viaduct and near the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

During this experience, you'll enjoy contact with nature and you may visit the fishing village of Mallaig, the Foyer Falls and lush forests ideal for hiking. Of course, you can't 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 in Scotland. By road, it is impressive to see how they transform and to see the intersection of villages, ports and rock formations.

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

Excursion to Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns

If you are staying in Inverness for several days, you will probably have time to book an excursion to Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns, where you will have a moving experience on the battlefield of Culloden and travel back to the region's turbulent past.

During the walk, you will 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 northern tip

There is no end to the things to do in this region, and one essential activity is to book an excursion to John O'Groats and the northernmost point. Here you will find spectacular scenery and the chance to spot seals and orcas. You can also meander through several charming villages and discover their history, culture and cuisine.

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

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

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

One of the most colourful places in Inverness is the Victorian Market. Here you will find more than 40 local stalls selling crafts, jewellery and souvenirs at excellent prices. Its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere will make you feel like a true Scotsman.

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

I would recommend going with a guide to understand the history of the market, as you will have to imagine life in 1870, the year this space was inaugurated, bringing joy to Inverness. Everything seemed to be going wonderfully until the fire of 1889, when it was necessary to completely rebuild the façade. Since then, the building has remained largely unchanged, and you can appreciate the architectural details reminiscent of the Victorian era.

Leaky's Bookstore is a fascinating place that should be on your itinerary. You will be amazed by its stacked bookshelves and several floors, which are a paradise for those who enjoy reading. You will find around 100,000 volumes, and you will need to be quick to rummage through them, as the collection contains 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 purpose. However, few people know that it was a temporary hospital during the Battle of Culloden.

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

The Celts used to believe that trees granted wishes, healed the sick and were the guardians of the city. For this reason, they prepared offerings and tributes. But do not try to tie the strip yourself, as it will be useless and is even considered an insult to the culture. The ritual must be performed with someone from the nearby villages and forests.

In addition, the garment must first be dipped in a spring to purify it. Then, it is carefully tied to the tree and a prayer is said to the deities. The most famous is Munlochy Well, located fifteen minutes from Inverness, where locals will surely be happy to accompany you and explain the history.