Towns and Villages

Places to visit near Inverness

Looking for places to visit near Inverness? Here are some of our favourite towns and villages, ideal for a day trip during your stay in the Scottish Highlands.

See the locations of towns and villages below…

Towns and Villages near Inverness

The city of Inverness lies on the northeast coast of Scotland by the Beauly Firth and Moray Firth. Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, it is the perfect base for exploring our magnificent part of the world. With the most spectacular scenery, a rich and fascinating history, and lots of wonderful attractions and activities to discover.

Many lovely villages, and a small number of towns, surround our city. Places to visit nearby include Beauly, Muir of Ord, Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Dingwall and Nairn. All are within a half-hour drive of Inverness and make for a great day out.

Villages around Loch Ness

Venturing south of Inverness, you’ll find the famous Loch Ness. It’s the largest loch or lake in Britain by water volume. But of course, that’s not what makes this loch famous. That’s down to the myths and legends of Loch Ness. Everyone has heard of our Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie as she’s affectionately known. A mythical serpentine beast, said to lurk in the waters. People come from all over the world, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But even if you don’t spot her, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Loch Ness.

There are several villages to visit around the loch. Such as, Drumnadrochit (home of Nessie), Dores, Foyers, Invermoriston and Fort Augustus. The Loch Ness 360° is a circular walking and cycling route, which loops around the entire loch. With dramatic viewpoints, historic attractions and Highland villages along the way, this is a great way to see Loch Ness, if you fancy a challenge!

Towns and villages further afield

If you want to explore beyond Inverness and Loch Ness, take the scenic drive north and join the famous North Coast 500 route. This iconic road trip is packed with dramatic coastline, quiet beaches, historic castles and friendly Highland villages. As you travel through Caithness, plan a stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, Thurso — a popular choice for NC500 accommodation and one of the most welcoming hotels in Caithness. It’s the perfect stop to rest before continuing your journey around the north of Scotland. Many visitors choose to start and finish their NC500 adventure at Loch Ness, combining legendary loch views with the wild beauty of the far north for a true Highland experience.