Inverness Attractions

Inverness is truly “the city in the Highlands”.  It is a well-resourced small city and an ideal touring centre with good road, rail and air connections.

Inverness is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, with a quarter of the Highland population living in or around the city. It is currently ranked fifth out of 189 British cities for its quality of life, the highest of any Scottish city.

One of the many joys of Inverness is the rich variety of places to visit and things to do. The city boasts a host of historic buildings in the Old Town to appreciate and enjoy the views from Urquhart castle and wonderful walkways along the riverside.

Minutes from Inverness, the National Trust for Scotland’s visitor centre at Culloden vividly tells the story of the defeat of the Jacobite forces led by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Must see in Inverness

Just north of Inverness (about 15 miles), Chanonry Point is said to be the best location in the UK for regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be seen just a few metres off shore.

Inverness must be one of the few cities in the world where you can take a short walk starting from the city centre and feel as though you are in the middle of the countryside. Ness Islands are a collection of small islands in the middle of the River Ness.  The islands are connected to one another by a series of suspension foot bridges, an enjoyable walk at any time of the year.

Whin Park is a favourite with families with a boating loch and miniature railway.

Hidden Treasures (only a local would know!) Alistair, Inverness YH

If you are feeling unwell the Clootie Well at Munlochy near Inverness may be the answer.  The mythical well is said to have healing powers.

The Black Isle is just a short distance north of Inverness, and an interesting road trip.  The drive along the narrow roads provides rural scenery and a few small towns.

Just outside of Inverness are the Clava Cairns, dated 3000BC, these prehistoric mounds of stones ringed by stone pillars of varying sizes, in the centre of which ancient cremations apparently took place.  A baby Stonehenge! 

December 2011 Events

Ness Islands Festive Event.  Enjoy a wonderful floodlit walk in one of the nicest parks in Inverness.  Theme to be announced.

Winter Festival. Inverness Winter Festival reaches its climax with the Highlands biggest free Hogmanay Party at Northern Meeting Park. The Red Hot Highland Fling kicks off at 8pm, hosted by Craig Hill and featuring Wolfstone, Skerryvore, Bags of Rock and Hoodja.