Loch Ness
Take a cruise on Loch Ness and go hunting for the famous Nessie Monster. This large, freshwater lake expands for 23 miles and is surrounded by stunning scenery. Also worth visiting is the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, which features an interesting history, pictures and famous stories of the Loch Ness Monster as well as a cafe overlooking the loch.
Culloden Battlefield
One of the most famous historic battlefields in the UK, the Battle of Culloden happened here during the Jacobite rising of 1745 as part of a religious civil war. Between 1,500 and 2000 people were killed during the battle and the newly opened visitor centre provides an interesting insight into the events of the battle, including videos, artefacts and guided tours.
Inverness Castle
Located in the heart of the city, Inverness Castle overlooks the River Ness and makes for stunning photographs from all around. The building is currently closed to the public as it houses Inverness Sheriff Court.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Learn about Scottish history and discover how the Highlands are connected with the rest of the world at this interesting museum. Experience Highland contemporary arts and crafts, and enjoy a cup of tea in Cobbs Tea House. Also features a large gift shop.
Outdoor Activities
The Inverness area has a wealth of opportunities for leisure and walking, as well as opportunities for other sports such as golfing, white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking, sailing, running, cycling, rugby and more. One walk which is highly recommended is the Ness Island Walk, a short easy walk from Inverness city centre, along the River Ness, to Ness Island and back. Other great walks include the Caledonian Canal Walks, South Loch Ness Walk and the Inverness Historic Trail. Inverness also has a wide selection of golf clubs and ranges, and sports clubs for swimming, football, tennis, etc.
Inverness Highland Games
Scheduled to take place on Saturday 15th July 2017, the Inverness Highland Games is one of the most spectacular traditional gatherings staged in Scotland and is one of the highlights of any visit to the capital of the Highlands. Watch the competitors take part in activities such as tossing the caber and tug-o-war.
Music and the Northern Meeting
Inverness hosts the annual Northern Meeting each September, a gathering of solo bagpipe players, which is the most prestigious in the calendar. Additionally, Inverness is also home to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, which is held in August. This festival features well-known bands, comedians and more and in the past has featured musicians such as Ed Sheeran, Madness, Tom Jones, Ben Howard and The Proclaimers.
Shopping
Eastgate Shopping Centre, the most notable shopping destination in Inverness, features a large selection of high street and designer stores such as Boots, Debenhams, HMV, Topshop and Michael Kors. Also worth visiting are the shops in the 'Old Town' which offers a large choice of independent retailers. The Victorian Market also has many small family run stores.
Since the Inverness Highland Games were founded in 1822 the meeting has been one of Scotland's premier highland games. As well as all the competitive events there will also be some of the finest local food and drink retailers, alongside numerous retail stalls showcasing some of the finest crafts and produce from the north of Scotland
Inverness Castle is an imposing Victorian building on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Ness. The current 19th-century castle is just the latest in a series of fortifications dating back to at least the 11th century.
Golf around Inverness - we are so lucky to have some of the top golf courses here around Inverness. There's Castle Stuart, Spey Valley and Dornoch - and plenty more!
