The Best Things to Do In and Around Inverness

Inverness Castle and Viewpoint

Inverness Castle comprises of two buildings; a courthouse and prison. It sits on the banks of the River Ness and is a dominant structure in the city. While the main building now houses the Sheriff Court, you can climb the Castle Viewpoint and experience amazing 360-degrees views of the city - ideal for photography lovers. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery houses a fascinating range of artefacts and collections from Inverness and the Highlands. The Art Gallery has temporary and permanent collections on offer, including work from local artists.

Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral is open to the public and tours are available of this grand structure. It was completed in 1869 and sits by the River Ness. It was built out of red stone and granite and designed by a local architect. Since it first opened its doors, it has been open for service every day.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Formerly known as the Floral Hall and Gardens, the Inverness Botanic Gardens is free to the public and walking distance from the city centre. There is a wide selection of local and exotic plants, as well as a tropical and cactus house.

There is a wealth of attractions to see and explore beyond Inverness, all of which can visited in one day. Here is a selection of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.

The Isle of Skye

Cross the Skye Bridge and discover the Isle of Skye, famous for its dramatic landscapes, the colourful harbour town of Portree, and the magical Fairy Pools - shrouded in mystery and legends. While it may seem far from other places in Scotland - Inverness is the perfect base for an Isle of Skye adventure, you can even get there and back in just 1 day!

Join a tour to the Isle of Skye from Inverness:

• 1-day Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
• 2-day Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools and Highland Castles. This tour is perfect for when one day just isn't enough to explore one of Scotland's most beautiful islands.

Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most iconic castles in the world, and most visited, Eilean Donan Castle laid in ruins for 200 years until it was restored in 1932.

Used many times as a filming location for TV and movies, the castle is now open to the public and has a visitor centre, café, and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

You can find out more information about the castle here.

Join a tour to Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness:

• 1-day Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
• 2-day Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools and Highland Castles.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Easily Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness is home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster and fantastic Highland scenery. You can visit the Loch Ness Centre, go Nessie hunting on one of the cruises, and explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Join a tour to Loch Ness from Inverness:

• 1-day Loch Ness and the Highlands tour

John O’ Groats

John O’ Groats is the most northerly point of Britain and is a small coastal village, made famous by people doing the ‘End to End’ journey to Land’s End in England.

Continue heading North and you’ll reach the Orkney Islands, known for its seal colonies and sandstone cliffs.

Visit John O'Groats from Inverness:

• 1-day John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle and the Far-North

Try Rewilding

Want to try something completely different when you visit Inverness and the Highlands - why not try rewilding? Visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn all about the fantastic work that Trees for Life to do rewild the historic Caledonian Forest, protecting vital ecosystems and Scotland's environment for generations to come.

You can visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre on our Highland Adventure: Lochs, Waterfalls and Rewilding Adventure. Taking in some of the most beautiful scenery of the highlands including Loch Ness and Plodda Falls, before giving you a first-hand look at rewilding.

Experience Rewilding from Inverness with Timberbush Tours

✔️ Expert local guides

✔️ Comfortable, modern coaches

✔️ Daily departures from Inverness

✔️ Unique 1 and 2-day itineraries

✔️ Book today, travel tomorrow

✔️ Buy now, pay later with Klarna

✔️ One of the most flexible cancellation policies around

✔️ Rated ★★★★★ by travellers worldwide

Whether you're here for a day or a week, Timberbush Tours can help you uncover the very best of the Highlands.

These were just some of the best places to visit in and around Inverness; there are lots of things to see and do in the Scottish Highlands! There are many other ways to discover the many fantastic things going on in Inverness and the surrounding areas, for example, you can visit our friends at Visit Inverness Loch Ness, who provide loads of information and can help you plan the best holiday in the area. 

Or, you could even download the LoveInverness app - for loads of information and special offers for the city and surrounding areas, helping make your visit to Inverness even better.

Timberbush Tours also offer daily tours from Inverness to some of the very best locations in Scotland including Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, the Isle of Skye, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

To learn more about our Inverness tours, click here to browse the full list, or get in touch with our friendly reservations team by calling 0131 226 6066, emailing tours@timberbushtours.com, or, click the wee live chat button at the corner of the screen!

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