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Looking for epic things to do in Inverness in 2025? Our aim is to bring it all together in one in-depth comprehensive guide – so you don’t need to look anywhere else to plan your trip. We love Inverness and we think you will too. Inverness has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art, wildlife, food, history, culture, or adventure.
If you’re planning a trip to Inverness in Scotland, chances are you’ll probably only get to visit once. Therefore, it’s super important to plan your trip carefully and make sure you don’t miss any of the best bits.
We absolutely loved exploring Inverness, and we’re super excited to share the best things to do in Inverness. We have included some amazing hidden gems in this article to help you make the most of your trip. Additionally, we have included some tips, ideas, and great places to stay in Inverness.
Summary of things to do in Inverness
Here is a very brief summary of the best things to do in Inverness. Before we discuss each of these things in depth and detail we are going to answer a few questions and help you prepare for your trip to Inverness.
- Inverness Castle – no tours
- Inverness Riverside Walk – FREE
- Visit Leakey’s bookshop – FREE
- Explore the Clava Cairns – FREE
- Explore Fort George – £10 for adults £6 for children
- Take a dolphin watching trip – Adults £49 and Children £39
- Visit the Highland Folk Museum – FREE entry
- Go Seal Spotting – FREE
- Explore the Culloden Battlefield – Adults £14 and Children £11
- Visit the Inverness botanical gardens – FREE
- Take a day trip to the Highland wildlife park – Adults £20.95 and Children £15.75
- Try Cullen Skink
- Inverness Cathedral – £1
- Inverness Art Museum & Gallery – FREE
- Merkinch Nature Reserve – FREE
- Cawdor Castle and Gardens – £15 for adults and £8 for children
Map of the BEST things to do in Inverness
Why visit Inverness?
We highly recommend a visit to Inverness in Scotland. Firstly, there are so many amazing things to do in and around Inverness. It’s an excellent way to engage and connect with the history, culture, heritage, wildlife, and beauty of northern Scotland.
Inverness is a beautiful city situated in the north of Scotland. It lays claim to being the UK’s northernmost city (although there are many towns north of it). Moreover, Inverness is famous for being the starting point for the beautiful North Coast 500. So, if you’re planning to embark on the North Coast 500 journey, you may want to find some things to do around Inverness. Alternatively, if you’re planning to visit Loch Ness, the Cairngorms National Park, or the Scottish Highlands, you may want to take a little bit of time in Inverness as well.
Inverness is also an excellent stopping point to restock, refuel, and prepare for travel further north. If you’re planning a visit to John O’ Groats, you will probably want to make a stop in Inverness along the way. Whether you’re using Inverness as a base to explore the surrounding area or planning to stay in Inverness itself, we hope that you find these amazing activities and attractions inspiring and helpful for planning your trip.
What is the best way to get to Inverness?
The best way to get to Inverness depends on where you’re traveling from, your budget, the amount of time you have for your journey, and your desire for comfort and convenience.
1 Take a bus to Inverness
One of the cheapest ways to travel to Inverness is to take a bus. If you’re planning to take a bus to Inverness then we highly recommend looking at the company Megabus. Megabus offer the cheapest bus transfers around the UK and you can take buses to Inverness from many other cities around the UK. Just be aware that this is a long and tiring journey! Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to make your journey more enjoyable. Megabus do include a small but not very nice toilet on board
2 Drive to Inverness
For many people, the best way to get to Inverness is by driving. However, be aware that it is a long drive. For example, if you’re traveling from Edinburgh, it is likely to take around 4 hours to drive to Inverness. You need to drive along the A9 and be cautious of average speed cameras along the route. Additionally, be mindful of wildlife on the road, especially deer in this area. A big advantage of driving to Inverness is that you have the car to explore the area and you can also pack plenty of bags in your car!
3 Take a train to Inverness
Another way to get to Inverness is by taking a train. There is a train line that runs from Edinburgh to Inverness through the Scottish Highlands, offering a beautiful journey. However, trains can be quite expensive in the UK. Expect to pay between £20 and £70 for the train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness.
4 Fly to Inverness
Inverness also has an airport, and you can take both domestic and international flights to Inverness. This is a fast and convenient way to travel to Inverness. However, flying is also one of the most expensive ways to travel and is less environmentally friendly. If you are planning to take a flight to Inverness we highly recommend checking the baggage allowance with your airline to make sure that you are packing within their limitations or that you are willing to pay the additional amount for extra baggage.
Ultimately, the best way to get to Inverness depends on your specific circumstances. Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, we highly recommend a trip to Inverness.
What is the best time of year to visit Inverness?
The best time of year to visit Inverness, Scotland, largely depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here’s an overview of the different seasons and what they offer:
Summer (June to August)
This is the peak tourist season in Inverness, with longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. You can expect average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F). The city and surrounding areas are vibrant, with various festivals, outdoor events, and Highland Games taking place. However, it can be crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
These transitional seasons offer mild temperatures and beautiful landscapes. Spring brings blooming flowers and greenery, while autumn showcases stunning foliage colors. The temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F) in spring and 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F) in autumn. These seasons are less crowded compared to summer, and you might find better deals on accommodations.
Winter (December to February)
Inverness experiences colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours during winter. Average temperatures range from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F). If you’re interested in winter activities like skiing or exploring the snowy landscapes, this can be a great time to visit. The city is less crowded, and accommodation prices are generally lower. Keep in mind that some attractions and tours might have reduced hours or be closed during this time.
The best time to visit Inverness depends on your preferences. If you enjoy milder weather, vibrant festivals, and longer daylight hours, summer is a popular choice. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and want to explore nature with colorful foliage or winter activities, spring, autumn, or even winter could be ideal.
1 Inverness Riverside Walk
If you are exploring Inverness, we highly recommend taking a stroll along the riverside. There is a Riverside Path running through the town, allowing you to take scenic and peaceful walks along the riverbanks. During your walk, you can also find local pubs, restaurants, and cafes while enjoying magnificent views of the castle and Cathedral. We also highly recommend a riverside walk in the evening or at night, which is a beautiful way to enjoy the lights of Inverness.
Here is the route of a beautiful Riverside walk: Start your walk on the east side of the river at Friars Bridge and then walk south down the riverbank. Follow Douglas Road to Bank Street and continue walking south, passing the castle and Ness Bridge. Keep following the road to the Infirmary Bridge and the War Memorial. Cross Infirmary Bridge and walk back north up the west side of the river. Like all the best things in life, this is totally free for anyone who wants to walk.
2 Visit Leakey’s bookshop
If you are looking for charming, unique, and cultural things to do in Inverness, then we highly recommend visiting the authentic Leakey’s bookshop. If you’re a fan of reading a good book, then this place will make your soul happy! We love the rustic and authentic aesthetic of this traditional bookshop. The shelves are literally stacked high with a huge variety of books, including classic literature, modern novels, academic books, and educational books. There is a very calm and serene ambiance in this lovely bookshop.
Guests are welcome to peruse the books and the beautiful shop for as long as they wish. And, of course, if you have some space in your bags, why not buy a book or two for your trip? We have two regrets from visiting this bookshop. Firstly, our youngest boy was really struggling due to exhaustion from a long journey, so we were unable to appreciate it fully. Secondly, we wish we had a little bit more time to enjoy this remarkable bookshop. So, if you get a chance, we highly recommend a visit to Leakey’s bookshop.
3 Explore the Clava Cairns
The unique Clava Cairns is one of our favorite attractions near Inverness. We highly recommend a visit to the Clava Cairns. These are ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, consisting of four cairns and three stone circles. The cairns are ancient dome-shaped stone structures that are approximately 4,000 years old. They were used to bury the most important people from the community, although there are no written records to explain why these Cairns were built in this location. It is also possible to see ancient carvings and rock art in this area.
The Clava Cairns are free to explore, and you can both walk around the area and even walk inside the ancient stone structures. There is a very peaceful ambiance in this area, and we did not find it too busy. The Clava Cairns are located around 10 kilometers to the east of Inverness. The best way to get here is by car, or you can use a local taxi. There is a small car park on-site. The Clava Cairns are also close to Culloden Battlefield, so consider visiting these sites together.
4 Explore Fort George
If you are exploring the area around Inverness then why not drop by Fort George? Named after King George II, this historical fort is located Around 15 km to the Northeast of Inverness. Fort George was built by George II after the brutal battle at Culloden. Keen to establish his authority and maintain law and order in the area, Fort George became
Fort George is dramatically situated on the South Bank of the Moray Firth. If you’re lucky you can occasionally see dolphins playing in the water from here. Fort George is both a historical landmark, and open for tourists to explore. It is also an operative army base, and as such the area is impeccably clean and well kept. Visitors can explore the garrison buildings, the towers and ramparts. There is a Highlanders Museum, cafe and gift shop on site. The prices for Fort George are as follows: £10 for Adults 16 – 64 years old, £8 for 65 years old and above, £6 for children 7 – 15 years old.
5 Take a dolphin watching trip
Seeing dolphins in the wild is definitely one of our top travel experiences and remarkably exhilarating. You may be surprised to learn that Inverness is actually an amazing place to see dolphins in their natural habitat! Whether you are observing dolphins from a distance or able to take a boat trip and get up close, the experience is truly memorable.
There is a dolphin watching company that offers dolphin watching trips and tours from Inverness. Due to water conditions, temperature, and safety considerations, it is not possible to swim with dolphins in Inverness. However, if you’re keen to see these beautiful creatures in the wild, we highly recommend taking a dolphin watching tour by boat. The dolphin watching tours are led by experienced guides who know the best places to spot pods of dolphins swimming in their natural environment.
If possible, bring along binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the moment. It’s important to be prepared for an extremely fun and exhilarating trip. Remember to wear warm clothes and bring a waterproof layer on this trip. Book a few days in advance if possible.
The best way to see Dolphins is to take the Mischief Wildlife Cruise. This is a 2 hour speedboat trip past some of the best dolphin sites. There is no guarantee of seeing dolphins, but the trips are a lot of fun. For the Mischief Wildlife Cruise the prices are as follows: Adults £49 (17 years and older) and Children £39 (10 – 16 years old)
6 Visit the Highland Folk Museum
If you’d like to learn about the culture and history of the Highlands and are willing to travel a little bit further, we highly recommend a visit to the Highland Folk Museum. It is located around an hour south of Inverness. The Highland Folk Museum offers free admission, and there are several sections and exhibitions that you can explore.
The museum houses artifacts and displays that bring the unique and beautiful history of the Highlands to life. We particularly love the thatched Highlands Cottage with traditional scenes displayed inside. They also have exhibits such as a historical Joiners Workshop and traditional classroom. Additionally, there is an outdoor play park, and the surrounding area is very beautiful.
The Highland Folk Museum provides a car park (which costs £2) and entry to the museum is free. Donations are welcome. There is also a café and gift shop available on-site. We recommend allocating around 2 hours for your visit to fully enjoy the museum and its offerings.
7 Go Seal Spotting
If you’re a fan of wildlife, then Inverness won’t disappoint. It is possible to spot seals resting on the coastline around Inverness. We highly recommend taking a trip to the Loch Fleet area. We have marked the exact location of a great seal spotting area on the map at the top of this article. If you are interested in seeing seals relaxing on the beach, these remarkable animals can often be seen lying in the sand, grunting and barking at each other, and occasionally disappearing into the water for a swim.
The best time to see seals along the coastline is when the tide is out, especially in the mornings and evenings. We do recommend bringing binoculars to get the best view of these remarkable creatures and observe them from a safe and respectful distance.
8 Explore the Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden Battlefield Is the site of one of the most brutal battles of British History. And that’s saying something given how grim British history can be! On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most gory battles of British history – and also one of the last recorded battles on British soil. The Jacobite supporters were aiming to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne. At Culloden they fought the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. The battle lasted less than one hour and around 1,600 men were killed (most of them Jacobites).
There is a visitors center, a 360 degree battle immersion theater, a restored 18th-century Leanach Cottage, a roof garden with views over the battlefield and artifacts from both sides of the battle. The Culloden Battlefield It’s located around 10km to the east of Inverness if you are interested in the history of Scotland then we highly recommend a visit to Culloden Battlefield. There is a large car park, toilets, disabled accessibility, cafe and a large gift shop. Adults £14 and Children £11
9 Visit the Inverness botanical gardens
If you need some green in your life then make sure you check out the lovely Inverness Botanical Gardens. This beautiful small park has a greenhouse with an array of plants from around the world. We particularly love the fact they have tropical plants here! This would be a great place to visit with kids. The Botanical Gardens are beautifully kept with flowers, trees and water features. There is also a lovely cafe and a free car park at the Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens in Inverness are free to visit (open daily 10am – 4pm)
10 Take a day trip to the Highland wildlife park
The Highlands Wildlife Park is one of the best attractions in Scotland for seeing and appreciating wildlife. This impressive park offers a vast amount of space and a natural environment for a wide range of animals to thrive. If you visit the Highlands Wildlife Park, some of their most popular attractions include Amur Tigers, European Grey Wolves, Snow Leopards, Japanese Macaques, and Polar Bears.
The park spans 100 hectares and is home to over 200 endangered animals. Visitors have the option to explore the park by driving through the reserve, where they can encounter roaming bison, deer, and wild horses. There is a free car park available, and the park can be toured on foot using the designated footpaths. They also provide electric scooters and rough terrain wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facilities such as toilets and baby changing facilities are available, and there is a play park for kids to enjoy. Upon entry, you will be provided with a map to help you navigate the park. Don’t miss the Antler’s Cafe, which offers drinks and hot food to satisfy your hunger during the visit. It’s important to note that most of the park is outdoors, so it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the weather. Warm layers, raincoats, and suncream are advised for varying weather conditions.
The Highlands Wildlife Park is around 60km south of Inverness. The journey takes around 1 hour each way. Watch out for average speed cameras on the A9. The admission prices are as follows: Adults £20.95 (16 years and older), Children £15.75 (3-15 years old), and Infants under 3 years old can enter for free.
11 Try Cullen Skink
No visit to Inverness is complete without trying a unique and special dish called Cullen Skink. This fish soup originates in the small fishing village of Cullen, located a short drive to the east of Inverness. Cullen Skink is made using smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, leeks, and a creamy sauce. The flavor of the smoked haddock fish infuses the creamy soup, giving it a strong, rich, and distinctive flavor.
When dining out, expect to pay around £8 – £12 for a bowl of Cullen Skink. One recommended place to try it is The Water Front Gastro Pub, located on Friars Place. They serve this delicious dish, allowing you to savor the traditional flavors and experience the culinary delight of Cullen Skink.
A Few other things to do around Inverness
Ok so we have shared our 12 top pick things to do in Inverness. However, we also wanted to share a few additional things that you can do in and around Inverness…
Inverness Castle
One of the most prominent and important landmarks in Inverness is the Inverness Castle. The Inverness Castle stands by the River Ness in the center of Inverness and creates an impressive and magnificent landmark. At present, it is not possible to take tours inside Inverness Castle. However, we highly recommend making sure that you admire this beautiful structure from the outside. The Inverness Castle is nearly 1000 years old, although over the years, the structure has been destroyed and revived numerous times.
Inverness Castle is also rich with history as one of the most prominent and important castles in Scotland. We highly recommend keeping an eye on the Inverness Castle official website for updates on the availability of visits and tours. For the time being, make sure you stop by to get a selfie outside the castle.
Inverness Cathedral
If you’re interested in the culture and religious history of Inverness, make sure to visit the Inverness Cathedral. This impressive Episcopalian Cathedral showcases beautiful interior artwork and features a small café serving hot drinks and delicious cakes. Situated on the side of the River Ness, it is a truly picturesque location to explore if you have the time.
Please note that there is a humble entry fee of £1 to enter the Inverness Cathedral. This modest fee helps support the maintenance and preservation of this historical and architectural gem.
Inverness Art Museum & Gallery
Inverness art museum and gallery as an innovative and creative gallery dedicated to local art from the community and also displaying some artwork from further afield. They have a range of different exhibitions, some of which are temporary and others are permanent. There is also a cafe on site serving hot drinks and food. Entry is free. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Merkinch Nature Reserve
This is a beautiful nature reserve located in the north of Inverness on the bank of the Beauly Firth. There is a circular walk (1 and 2 miles depending on your route). The Merkinch Nature Reserve has tidal pools, marshes and reed beds supporting a diverse ecosystem. You also have a good chance to see deer, owls, weasels, herons, cormorants and various wading birds. There are also plenty of places to sit and watch wildlife. This nature reserve is FREE to visit and explore.
Cawdor Castle and Gardens
If you’re interested in culture, history, and heritage, be sure to visit the beautiful Cawdor Castle and Gardens. You have the option to buy tickets for a tour of the castle itself, where you can explore the original rooms adorned with beautiful traditional furnishings. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket to simply enjoy the stunning gardens and grounds surrounding the castle.
The gardens and grounds at Cawdor Castle are genuinely impressive, featuring well-kept flower beds, water features, and expansive lawns. The castle’s rooms house artifacts, artwork, and provide insight into the rich and impressive history of this beautiful castle.
Cawdor Castle and Gardens are located approximately 20km east of Inverness, and the journey takes around 30 minutes by road. Admission prices are as follows: £15 for adults (16 years and older) and £8 for children (6-15 years old).
What are the best places to stay in Inverness?
1 The Castle B&B
£90 – £110
Lovely Bed and Breakfast in a traditional terrace style house with clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. A delicious breakfast is included in the price. This is one of the BEST value for money hotels in Inverness. This B&B is located on the west side of the river in the central district of Inverness. They also have a deluxe family room that can sleep up to 4 people with a double bed and bunk beds.
You can book the Castle B&B on Booking.com. Alternatively, book the Castle B&B on Agoda
2 Culliss House B&B
£90 – £100
Stylish, cozy and beautiful Bed and Breakfast in a traditional Scottish home with large comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast included. Located in Central Inverness to the south side of the town.
You can book the Culliss house B&B on Agoda and you can also book Culliss House B&B on booking.com
3 Ardentorrie Guest House
£95 – £110
Beautiful Scottish style guest house situated in the city centre with impressive castle views. We love the traditional Scottish Tartan interior design theme. There is a spacious family room available which can sleep up to 3 people with a double and single bed. They also include a fantastic breakfast with your stay.
You can reserve the Ardentorrie Guest house on Agoda and Ardentorrie Guest house on booking.com
4 Beinn Mhor Lodge
£120
Lovely country home hotel located to the south of Inverness offering comfortable and beautiful double rooms.
You can book Beinn Mhor Lodge on Agoda. Alternatively you can book Beinn Mhor Lodge on booking.com
5 Heathmount Hotel
£90 – £200
Stylish hotel with a wonderful restaurant serving gourmet food. Modern, comfortable rooms with a wide range of choices available. They also include a spacious family room with a large double bed and two single beds. Amazing breakfast included. Located in the centre of Inverness.
Book Heathmount Hotel on Agoda. Alternatively book Heathmount Hotel on booking.com
6 Ness Walk
£160 – £285
Super stylish 5 star hotel with great facilities and a wide range of suites to choose from. Located to the south of Inverness. One of the most luxurious hotels in Inverness. Excellent breakfast included.
You can book Ness Walk on Agoda. You can also book Ness Walk on booking.com.
