The Best Things to Do In and Around Inverness

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Tourist Attractions in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

Regarded as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a rapidly expanding city at the mouth of the River Ness. Inverness became a focal point of travel and trade in the Highlands and has a rich and diverse history.

These days, it is a compact and busy city, with lots of attractions bringing tourists into Inverness and the surrounding areas.

Here is a quick list of the some of the best things you can visit in the city, as well as some day trips you can do from Inverness.

Inverness Castle

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. Today it houses Inverness Sheriff Court and there is limited access to the grounds, but you can climb the Castle Viewpoint and experience amazing 360-degrees views of the city. 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.

Day Trips from Inverness

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

Hopping over Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, you’ll be able to experience the rugged landscape and pretty fishing villages it is so well known for.

Skye has grown in popularity recently due to the colourful seaside town of Portree and the magical Fairy Pools.

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.

You can find out more information here.

We offer a one day tour departing from Inverness where you can visit Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.

Loch Ness

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 ruined Urquhart Castle.

Our Loch Ness and the Highlands tour travels around Loch Ness in one day.

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.

You can book one day tours to John O’ Groats or Orkney on our website.

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! Timberbush Tours has day tours departing daily from Inverness from 1st April 2019. If you would like to learn more about our tours of the Highlands, have a look at our tours, contact us on +44 (0) 131 226 6066 or email tours@timberbushtours.com