Things to do in Inverness United Kingdom

Inverness is a beautiful city situated on the coast of northeast Scotland where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. It is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. There is a wealth of history and culture in this quaint town. The city’s Old High Church is mostly 18th century and contains a striking 19th century cathedral. You can also wander through the Victorian Market for local crafts and foods. You can also visit the Inverness Museum to learn more about the local history.

For a more cultural experience, visit the nearby Ness Islands Railway. It runs on volunteer time, helping those in need gain work skills and qualifications. Then, take the short walk through the fjord to explore the picturesque islands connected by old bridges. This is one of the best nature walks in the city center, and you can learn about the history of the area by taking a walking tour. There are plenty of things to do in Inverness that are free and will add to your experience and enjoyment.

For more cultural experiences, visit the Inverness Indoor Market. This bustling market is a great place to window shop or eat some food. If you have an interest in traditional Scottish music, be sure to stop by the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. There are many performances and events there. It is also a great place to hear Scottish music. For more history, check out the Inverness University of Applied Arts.

For more shopping, stop by the Victorian Market. The indoor market is a picturesque area filled with unique independent businesses. The Victorian Market has a clock, red steel arches, and lanterns, and has plenty of unique gifts and souvenirs. A unique shop, this market is also home to a joke shop and a florist. A visit to the Market is a must for any visitor to the city. You’ll have the opportunity to sample local Scottish goods and enjoy the atmosphere.

The city’s Riverside is a great place to take in the sights. You can visit MacGregor’s Bar to sample traditional Scottish music. Then head to Gellions Bar for live music seven days a week. Inverness also has the famous Ness Islands, which are connected by Victorian foot bridges. The islands are one of the best places to go for a nature walk in the city.

Must do

Inverness means “at the mouth of the River Ness”, and the river is the soul of the city. Wandering along the river to the Ness Islands, about 2 km from the city centre, gives a lovely perspective on the city. You pass grand stone Victorian homes to the wilderness of the leafy islands. Then back past the modern Eden Court arts complex and the Inverness Cathedral before returning to the high street. The more adventurous can continue their journey to the mystical Loch Ness. Loch Ness is a breathtaking sight even in the harshest of weather. Loch Ness is also home to the charming village of Drumnadrochit (and its numerous Scottish-themed gift shops) and the beautiful Urquhart castle ruins, both a 20-minute drive from the city.

Fort George

If you have never been to the Scottish Highlands, a visit to Fort George in Inverness will be an unforgettable experience. Built on an isolated spit of land in the Moray Firth, the fort was constructed after an uprising in 1745. Its mission was to protect Inverness from the threat posed by the Highlands. William Skinner, King’s Military Engineer for North Britain, proposed the construction of this fortress on the site of a medieval artillery fort that Cromwell had destroyed in 1657.

The fort was commissioned by the Crown in 1746, and was built by a military engineer, William Skinner. It was designed to provide an impregnable base for the army of King George 11 in the North. It had space for about 2000 men, staff blocks, barracks, powder magazines, ordnance and provision stores, and a chapel. It took twenty years to build, and the rampart extends more than half a mile.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

There’s plenty to do in Inverness, Scotland, but a visit to the Inverness Botanic Gardens is a must. This garden includes a tropical house with a waterfall and carp pond. In addition to formal gardens, there is also a cafe. Visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping on a hot beverage. If you’re looking for more things to do in Inverness, check out the other activities in the city.

The Inverness Botanic Gardens is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Weekends are usually busier than the rest of the year, but you’ll likely see few other visitors outside of the summer months. During the off-season, early spring and late autumn are quieter. The Scottish Highlands is also among the wettest places in Western Europe. So if you’re in town during these seasons, you should plan on spending at least an hour or two exploring the garden.

The Inverness Museum is a fusion of museum and art gallery that blends historic artefacts with contemporary artwork to tell the story of Inverness and the Highlands. You can also view temporary exhibitions of local ceramics and collections of traditional Highland costumes. You can also view a letter written by a soldier to his sweetheart in 1940s Scotland, which illuminates the romance between the two.

River Ness

Inverness is a beautiful city on the banks of the River Ness, with many things to do. The town was once the capital of the Picts, and in 565 St. Columba visited this king. The town became a burgh in the 12th century, and in 1616, King Malcolm III built a castle here, which was a royal residence for centuries. Despite being destroyed by Jacobite forces in 1746, the castle now sits on a bluff overlooking the river. Old buildings in the city include the Town Steeple (formerly a prison), and the old High Church (1769-72).

The city of Inverness is situated on the banks of the River Ness, and walking along its banks provides the opportunity to view wildlife, from seals and sea birds to the city’s cathedral and museum. If you love nature, you can spend a day exploring the Ness Islands, which are a group of tiny islands that sit in the middle of the River. The islands are connected by a series of suspension foot bridges that look like they’re from the Victorian era.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery explores the history, culture and natural environment of the area. You can see Highland silver, carved Pictish stones and Highland history. You can learn about the region’s contemporary art as well. The museum emphasizes interactive learning, and offers a variety of activities for children and families. The museum offers accommodation in Inverness, and the Highland Museum also hosts exhibitions from local artists.

The Highland Museum explores the history of the Highland people and unique landscape. You’ll also learn about the language and culture of Gaelic, which was once a common language in the Highlands. There are also galleries dedicated to the Stuarts, music and Inverness’ silver collection. You can even visit the modern-day Inverness and learn about its history and development. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery has a rich history, and is definitely worth a visit!

Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral, also known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, is the city’s most important religious building. It holds regular Sunday services and many civic and community events, such as choral evensongs. The cathedral is open to the public and is free to visit. It is located on the west bank of the Ness River. The interior is elegant, and it features stained glass windows from the Hardman studio in Birmingham. The high altar is carved from Caen stone, which was used frequently in medieval cathedrals.

Inverness Castle is another attraction in Inverness. This castle, built in 1870, contains many exhibits on local history, natural history, and the lives of the area’s residents. Its north tower is open to the public, and its grounds are stunning. Inside, you can also see a statue of Flora MacDonald, a Jacobite heroine. A statue of Flora MacDonald honors the fallen woman who was burned to death in 1798.

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal runs 60 miles from Fort William in the west to Inverness on the east coast of Scotland. It runs through beautiful countryside, lochs and charming towns. It offers a beautiful, scenic way to travel through Scotland. The canal is a popular destination for tourists and travelers. The locks of Clachnaharry lead into Muirtown Basin. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along the towpath trails.

The canal was intended to improve trade and communication in Scotland. The Scottish government wanted to improve transport across the country and open trading stations with the Baltic countries. The canal would allow ships to travel inland. When construction started, it took more than two years to complete the canal. James Watt, a Scottish engineer, surveyed the area. The canal’s design was finalized in 1803.

The Caledonian Canal runs 60 miles along the Great Glen. Fort Augustus is a great place to see the canal’s locks in action. You can also catch a British Rail Class 156 crossing the Clachnaharry Swing Bridge at the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. You’ll have a spectacular view of the Beauly Firth and Kessock Bridge while admiring the stunning scenery along the way.

Inverness Castle

If you’re looking for some things to do in Inverness, Scotland, you might want to head to the Inverness Castle museum. This museum covers geology, natural history, and the people who inhabited this area. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the area. You can also take a look at the city’s art gallery, which hosts rotating exhibits.

While you’re in Inverness, don’t forget to visit the Clava Cairns. This prehistoric burial site was built over 4,000 years ago and features 3 chambered cairns. They are surrounded by stone circles with standing stones ranging from 3m to 10ft tall. You can also explore the National Trust for Scotland’s visitor centre to get a better understanding of the events that occurred here.

While the Inverness Castle is not generally open to the public, you can tour the north tower in April 2017. The grounds of the castle are beautiful and it’s worth spending some time exploring it. You can also visit the Flora MacDonald statue, which was erected in her honor in 1899. In addition to the Castle, you can visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

The Highlanders’ Museum

The Highlanders’ Museum is an evocative and historical tribute to the history of the Queen’s Own Scottish regiment. Housed in the former Lieutenant Governor’s House, the museum is the official regimental museum. Throughout three floors, you can admire regimental colours, weapons, paintings, documents, and a large collection of items related to the Highland clans. The Museum also houses a restored regimental chapel and includes a stained glass window.

Located in the historic centre of Inverness, this museum houses a large collection of artifacts related to Highland life. It is possible to make an online appointment and see a virtual wardrobe of Highland costumes, courtesy of the Highlanders’ Museum. You can also check out the museum’s website for more information about the collection, opening hours, and the latest news. The Highlanders’ Museum is one of the many things to do in Inverness, Scotland.

For aviation enthusiasts, there’s a display on WT660 Hawker Hunter F.1 and XK532 HS Buccaneer S.1. You can also check out the Highland Aviation Museum. If you’re interested in history, this is a great place to begin your trip to Inverness. You won’t regret it! The museum is located near Inverness airport and is easily accessible via the A9, which connects the town to Edinburgh and Perth.

What do you like best about your city?

Inverness is the perfect base to explore the Highlands. The city is surrounded by stunning scenery, most of which feels isolated and peaceful. It has the amenities of any city. Ther are supermarkets, dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs for every taste. The main British high street shops – yet the city is a manageable size. The quality of life is among the best of UK cities.

Best Walk

The easiest walk is around the islands, mentioned above. A bit further a field, a walk along the Moray Firth from Fortrose to Chanory Point. It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Especially in summer when dolphins and seals frolic in the currents. For the hardcore, Ben Wyvis is a 40-minute drive away. At 3432 feet, this challenging hike allows walkers to ‘bag’ their first Munro (the nomenclature for the 284 peaks in Scotland over 3000 ft high).

Best Restaurants in Inverness

Inverness and Highland restaurants pride themselves in using locally-sourced produce, fish and meats. Most restaurants deliver high-quality food and service at reasonable prices in comparison to other UK cities.

The Mustard Seed and its sister restaurant, The Kitchen, are both located on the river and specialise in weekly menus that feature seasonal dishes, such as salmon, venison and lamb.

Further down the river, Abstract offers elegant, stylish food that marries Highland ingredients with French cookery. Recently named a ‘Rising Star’ by the Michelin guide, it is ideal for special occasions. The less expensive Contrast Brasserie shares a chef with Abstract, so the menu includes many creative fusion dishes. Nearly all Inverness restaurants offer inexpensive two-course lunch and early evening menus that showcase their menus.

Best Music/Festival

Rock Ness is held in mid-June along the banks of Loch Ness. It’s a relatively new addition to the UK festival scene. But has already featured acts such as Razorlight, Daft Punk, Groove Armada, Mylo and the Chemical Brothers. A smaller festival, usually in August,is Belladrum, which focuses on talent local to Scotland.

The Inverness Music Festival runs over 6 days and in 2020 will have 540 individual performances for choirs, and orchestral music .

Best Nightlife

Hootananny offers the most diverse nightlife for locals and visitors. The three-floor venue features live music to suit all tastes. The Bothy highlights local acoustic musicians, Madhatters showcases indie and rock bands, and the ground floor ceilidh bar features nightly traditional music from around Scotland. “Hoots” also serves delicious, inexpensive Thai food, and nabbing dinner before the nightly ceilidh session ensures a place to sit for the evening. Be wary of an archaic but enforced midnight curfew on weekends; if you’re not inside a bar by midnight, you’re not getting in.

Best Day Trip Out of Inverness

The Black Isle is a ten-minute drive across the Kessock Bridge and seems a world away from the ominous Highlands. The Black Isle is covered in lush green and farmland, and is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. The charming stone towns of Fortrose and Cromarty offer insight into the past, and the peninsula is a perfect place for forest and coastal walks. Don’t miss the Black Isle Brewery, just a few minutes off the A-9, which specialises in tasty organic brews.

Something that not many tourists would know about Inverness

Inverness is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, and 1 in 7 residents is not British; for a city under 100,000 people, it has a cosmopolitan, international feel.