Best things to do in Inverness

It’s just 30 minutes up the road from Aviemore, and is called the ‘capital of the Highlands’ but how much do you actually know about Inverness? The city owes its high visitor numbers to its proximity to some famous spots, like the North Coast 500, the northern Highlands, the Speyside whisky region and, of course, Loch Ness. But the city itself is worth a visit, even if just for a day trip. Here are some of the best things to do in this historic city.

Perk Coffee & Doughnuts, 36 Church Street

If you love barista coffee and hand-crafted doughnuts (who doesn’t?) then this place is for you. You can order a box of 6 doughnuts from their website – pre-order is not essential, but they tend to start selling out around 1pm, so if you’re visiting later it’s a good idea to order in advance. They also sell a range of takeaway breakfast and lunch dishes, with vegan options too.

Inverness Castle

A number of castles have stood on the cliff, overlooking the River Ness, since 1057 with each suffering its own bloody siege. But today you’ll see a red sandstone structure which was built in 1836 that was never actually a real castle. It was built to house the Inverness Sheriff Court, which only moved to another site in March 2020.

Although you can’t tour around the whole castle (yet) there are plans to turn it into a visitor attraction and a small part is already converted to welcome visitors. There is, however, a Castle Viewpoint at the top of the northern tower, which tells the history of the castle and offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding areas. 

Tickets must be booked online in advance. Adults £6, children aged 12 and under £4.  

Leakey’s Bookshop

Established in 1979, Leakey’s Bookshop is Scotland’s biggest second-hand bookshop with 100,000 selected volumes, and something of an Instagram star. It’s housed in the old Gaelic Church, which was built in 1793, and has a roaring open fire and just about every book you can think of. According to their website: ‘We have been actively buying books throughout the Highlands for over 40 years – buying that has been immensely exciting and fruitful.’

Eden Court

Head down to the riverside and along the River Ness, then walk over the Greig Street Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge across the river. From here you’ll find the wonderful Eden Court, which is Scotland’s largest combined arts organisation and the biggest arts and culture venue in the Highlands. It boasts two theatres, two multi-purpose studios, two cinemas and three art galleries. In the summer they have a big stretch tent outside with a bar and a stage, and inside the building there’s a bustling café and bar. Have a look at their website to see What’s On.

Black Isle Bar

This busy bar/restaurant, run by the Black Isle Brewery, was the first bar of its kind to come to Inverness. They sell a wide selection of craft beers, organic wines and whiskies, and offer seriously tasty wood-fired pizzas, made using ingredients from their brewery farm. Head to the top floor to experience the secret rooftop garden, where you can enjoy some classic Scottish sunshine (har har). Kids can stay in the bar until 11pm and dogs are welcome too. 

The Botanic Gardens

If you follow the River Ness upstream you will reach some Victorian footbridges which connect the city with Ness Islands. These islands in the middle of the river are covered in charming woodlands and connected by suspension bridges. Just a stone’s throw from here is the city’s Botanic Gardens – the northernmost botanic gardens in the UK. Two glasshouses showcase different species of cacti and tropical plants, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple tree that turns bright red in autumn, a community garden, a serene pond, and a large outdoor area with places to sit in the peaceful surroundings.

Open from 10am – 4pm every day, entrance is free but donations are relied upon.

Abertarff House

This two-and-a-half-storey town house, tucked away on Church Street, is the oldest house in Inverness. Built in 1593, it was owned briefly by the Fraser of Lovat family, whose clansmen fought on the Jacobite side at the Battle of Culloden. In the 19th century, the house was acquired by the Commercial Bank of Scotland and eventually fell into disrepair. It was given to the National Trust for Scotland in 1963 and fully restored to its present glory in 1966.

Over the past 50 years Abertarff House has been used for many things including the headquarters of The Gaelic Association, a shop and the National Trust’s regional headquarters. The house is open from 1 April to 31 October, 11.00–18.00 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) and entrance is free.

Inverness at night

If you find yourself in Inverness after sundown, we’d really recommend a walk along the riverside, along the River Ness. You’ll enjoy an atmospheric view of the Castle, churches and bridges, all lit up in coloured lights. And if live music is your thing, you could head to either Gellions Bar (built in 1841) or MacGregor’s Bar, for some traditional Scottish music, seven days a week.  

*banner photo credit: Finding the Universe