Things to Do

Inverness City Attractions

Shopping, eating and drinking, theatre breaks, historic sites and visitor attractions. Inverness has it all! Top city centre sights and attractions include Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Eden Court Theatre, River Ness and Ness Islands, and so much more. Make sure you take some time to discover this picturesque city for yourself.

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Local Towns and Villages

A small number of towns and plenty of villages surround Inverness. These are lovely places to stay or visit on a day trip. Such as Nairn, Beauly and Dingwall.

Travelling south, you’ll find Loch Ness and several beautiful villages that surround it. From Drumnhadrochit, home of the Loch Ness Monster, to Fort Augustus on the Caledonian Canal.

Explore our towns and villages here.

Historic Sites and Castles

With settlements dating back at least 4000 years, Inverness and the Highlands is an area steeped in history. Visit Scottish castles, pre-historic burial grounds, atmospheric battlegrounds and fascinating museums. All telling the story of this ancient land.

Outdoor Sports and Activities

Our region is popular for outdoor sports and activities, with its rugged, yet beautiful and vast landscapes. We have plenty of water sports and outdoor activities. Plus many great walking trails and cycle routes, from gentle, easy paths to challenging climbs. The Loch Ness 360° Trail loops around the whole loch, It combines the two smaller routes of the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail into one epic journey, which takes up to six days to complete. But you can choose to tackle it in smaller sections.

Road Tripping

We have a number of wonderful self-drive road trips starting from Inverness. And of course, Inverness is part of the popular North Coast 500. This 500-mile driving route travels through the six regions of Inverness, Loch Ness, Sutherland. Eater Ross, Wester Ross, Back Isle and Caithness. Featuring some of the most beautiful scenery in the world!

Whisky Tours and Tastings

The Scottish Highlands is a hub for Scotch whisky production. A true whisky lovers paradise! Our two local whisky distilleries are Glen Ord and Tomatin Distillery. Both offer tours, so you can learn how “the water of life” is created right here in Scotland. You’ll also get to sample a wee dram or two.

Monster Hunting

Here in the Highlands, we’re no strangers to myths and legends. The mystery surrounding our famous loch and the elusive Loch Ness Monster is, well, legendary. It’s why visiting Loch Ness in search of signs of the world’s most beloved beastie is a favourite pastime for anyone visiting the area. Enjoy a bit of monster hunting for yourself with a cruise on Loch Ness. Visit the award-winning Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to help you separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to the Nessie legend. Or, take the family to Nessieland for some monster-themed fun.

Theatre and Shopping

After a day out exploring all that our area has to offer, what better way to relax and unwind than by spending an afternoon or evening in Inverness at the theatre or cinema? For the seasoned shopper and bargain hunter alike, some retail therapy at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, old Victorian Market, charming boutiques, vintage stores and everything in between is a great way to spend a day.

Eating and Drinking

Take in the culinary delights of Scotland with great local pubs, restaurants, cafes and tearooms. Enjoy both Scottish and international dishes, from quick bites to fine dining. And experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Scottish pub with live music.

Family Fun

When it comes to amazing local visitor attractions for the whole family, you won’t be disappointed! Family-friendly attractions include Whin Park, Nessieland, Inverness Leisure Pool, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness by Jacobite and Frankie and Lola’s Soft Play. So, you can have fun with the kids, whatever the weather.

Annual Events and Festivals

Some attractions are only here in Inverness and Loch Ness at certain times of year. Popular annual events in our region include races and sports like the Etape Loch Ness. Loch Ness Marathon and the Glen Affric Duathon. Also, there’s plenty of arts and entertainment, such as the Inverness Film Festival, Bright Beauly Fair and Loch Ness KnitFest. Not to mention the amazing Inverness Highland Games. And our exciting festive events, including Inverness’s Christmas and Hogmanay Festivals. Whatever season you visit us, there’s always something happening.

So many things to do in Inverness and the surrounding area

Enjoy exploring the many things to do in and around Inverness. It is a magical place with so much to offer everyone. Enjoy your holiday of a lifetime and planning it with the help of Inverness Things to Do. Get exploring our site today!