Inverness is steeped in history and has a range of things to do from exploring castles and burial ruins, to visiting Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. As well as showing off its historical side, Inverness has plenty to suit those with more contemporary tastes. We've pulled together a small selection of just some of the things you can do when you visit.
Loch Ness - Loch Ness is a must-see location for anyone visiting Inverness, with its beautiful scenery and rich history. You can visit the
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to find out more about the place, or take a cruise down the loch and see
Urquhart Castle. Who knows, you may even catch a sighting of Nessie!
Eden Court Theatre - Since its opening in 1976, Eden Court has been providing the region with a range of performing art including music, theatre, films, classical and contemporary dance, and children's entertainment. Following an extensive upgrade to its facilities, Eden Court became one of the best equipped arts centres in Scotland.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - As well as exploring Scotland's rich and often tumultuous history, the museum and gallery offers a place to see contemporary arts and crafts from local, national and international artists. They've also recently refurbished their café so you can have a tea and scone after a wander round the exhibits.
Eastgate Shopping Centre - To see the high street favourites under one roof, Eastgate Centre is the place to go to. If you fancy a touch of the traditional in your shopping trip though, the Victorian Market offers many shops specialising in goods and services you won't find on the high street, housed within traditional Victorian architecture.
Inverness Botanic Gardens - A great year round destination, the gardens has much to offer from glasshouses with a variety of tropical plants, to the outdoor garden displaying mixed trees and shrubs, heathers, herbs, seasonal and mixed plantings.
Have some suggestions for fun things to do in Inverness? Share your recommendations with the community below!
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My other favourite scenic walk, or cycle, within Inverness is along the Caledonian Canal - great for bikes as well as walking. Cycling south to Dochgarroch is lovely, but I particularly like heading north up to Muirtown Basin and on to Clachnaharry Sea Lock where the canal meets the Beauly Firth. Great views across to Kessock Bridge, the Black Isle and Ben Wyvis massif. And potential to see dolphins
The south side is generally much quieter. It has more mystery to me, with smaller communities, minor roads, and more opportunities to get down to the Loch side. A South Loch Ness Trail was launched in 2011 running the whole length and there are lovely views and walks all along.
Dores is the closest spot to Inverness for looking at/ padding in Loch Ness. There's a pebble beach to explore and Dores Inn for some sustenance. There are also 'monster' views down the Loch as you are looking head on onto it. The road that climbs up after Dores has fantastic views.
Further south, there's also Foyers which has the Falls of Foyers waterfall, tea rooms, and access to the Loch.
You would need a car to really explore on your own time, but there are oodles more lovely spots and communities all the way down the Loch.
fishypro
It's inside an old church and there are books everywhere.