Inverness holidays

How to reach Inverness

• Flight time: Flights to Inverness from London take about 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: Inverness Airport is in Dalcross, seven miles east of the city. Bus service #11 runs every 30 minutes and takes 25 minutes to reach the city centre.

• Price: A single ticket on the airport bus costs around £6. Taxis fares range between £15 and £20 for a one-way trip to the city centre.

Best time to visit Inverness

This will depend on what you want to do during your Inverness holidays; some activities are seasonal, and the weather may also play a part in your decision.

• April to June: Spring sees mild temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 17°C, making it a lovely time to explore the city’s parks and coastline. Rainfall is moderate, but you can enjoy 6-8 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August: Longer days this far north means you can invariably pack more into your schedule. Temperatures hang around at a comfortable 15°C to 20°C, while rainfall is lighter than at any other time of the year. Fine walks beckon too in the nearby Highland mountains.

• September to November: Cooler but still pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C. There’s usually more than enough rain to go around, but with 4-6 hours of sunshine daily, conditions often lend themselves to some crisp autumnal walks.

• December to March: Being so far north, days are short here. It can be chilly too, with temperatures hovering around 2°C to 6°C, and snow is not uncommon. Pack plenty of layers and an umbrella; it’s likely to rain, a lot. You might even catch a glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English. You’ll find that the locals have a distinctive Scottish accent, but they are friendly and willing to help if you’re struggling to understand. You may also hear Gaelic spoken in some areas.

• Local habits and customs: Inverness has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, so don’t be surprised if strangers greet you with a warm “hello.” Respect for nature is important, and visitors are encouraged to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which includes guidelines on littering and respecting private property.

• Currency: The local currency is the British Pound (GBP). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.

• Getting around: Inverness is a compact city, with local transport not really a necessity. However, local buses cover most parts of the city and nearby areas, with a single bus ticket costing around £2.50.

• Time zone: Inverness operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and observes British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving months.

Best things to do in Inverness

The busy hub of - and the only city in - the Highlands, Inverness is crowned by a pink crenellated castle, lavishly decorated with flowers, and still has some hints of its medieval street layout.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Craig Phadrig: Just outside the city, this hill - site of an ancient Pictish fort - offers a gentle hike to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with views across Inverness and the Moray Firth.

• Inverness Castle: For the best view over the city and the River Ness, head to the castle’s North Tower which has a viewing platform that’s worth the small admission fee.

The best districts

• Merkinch: One of the oldest parts of the city, Merkinch has a community feel, with some local shops worth investigating; and then there’s Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, home to some gentle wildlife.

Museums

• Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre: An imaginative small attraction, complete with the outfits worn by actors for the Braveheart and Rob Roy films, which sets out everything you ever wanted to know about tartan.

• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: ​​An illuminating insight into the social history of the Highlands, with treasures from the times of the Picts and Vikings, taxidermy exhibits such as Felicity the puma, caught in Cannich in 1980, and interactive features including an introduction to the Gaelic language.

Parks and gardens

• Ness Islands: This attractive, informal public park reached and linked by footbridges is laid out with mature trees and shrubs; the islands are also a favourite haunt of local anglers.

Historical monuments

• Old High Church: Founded in 1171 and rebuilt on several occasions since, those Jacobites who survived the massacre of Culloden were brought here and incarcerated prior to their execution in the cemetery. If you look carefully you may see the bullet holes left on gravestones by the firing squads.

• Inverness Castle: A predominantly 19th-century red-sandstone building perched above the river, the castle has been transformed into a new visitor attraction celebrating the culture of the Highlands.

Day trips in the area

• Loch Ness: 23 miles long, unfathomably deep, cold and often moody, Loch Ness is bound by rugged heather-clad mountains rising steeply from a wooded shoreline, with attractive glens opening up on either side. ​​* Culloden Battlefield: Experience the cannon fire in a “battle immersion theatre” and tramp the heather moor where Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand.

• The Black Isle: Located just across the Kessock Bridge, this lumpy peninsula boasts stunning coastline, quaint villages and awesome wildlife - Chanonry Point is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins.

Activities for families in Inverness

With so much water - both sea and lochs - around Inverness, there are fantastic opportunities, particularly of the wildlife variety, to be had here.

• Loch cruises: Chances of seeing the famous monster Nessie aren’t high, but the on-board sonar images are intriguing and the scenery’s fine.

• Wildlife tours: The Moray Firth, just north of the city, is one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins, and there are several boat trips that will take you out for a closer look. Try Ecoventures in Cromarty on the Black Isle, who run 2-hour wildlife cruises with the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises and grey seals.

• Adventure parks: The whole family can enjoy a host of excellent outdoor and indoor activities at Landmark Adventure Park, the best of which are treetop trails, a climbing wall, a Lost Labyrinth maze, Bamboozeleum (magical and illusory effects), and a couple of theme park-type rides.

Free things to do in Inverness

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy on holidays to Inverness, from scenic walks to cultural experiences.

• Free events: Inverness hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Highland Games in July, which celebrate traditional Scottish sports, music and dance. During the summer months, you can catch free live music sessions at venues across the city.

• Markets: Take a stroll through the town’s Victorian covered market, whose original entrance dates back to 1870. The roof itself is a statement in concise Victorian engineering, and you’ll be glad of it if/when the weather takes a turn.

Nature and outdoor activities in Inverness

Inverness is the perfect launchpad for adventures that will take you into some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, and some of the UK’s finest walking.

• Hiking and walking trails: Inverness sits at the start of the Great Glen Way long-distance footpath, which stretches 79 miles down to Fort William. It’s a relatively undemanding five-to-six-day hike that uses a combination of canal towpaths, forest trails, and hill tracks. Closer to the city, paths along the River Ness or around the Ness Islands offer gentler walks.

• Cycling: Inverness has plenty of bike rental services for those who want to cycle along the scenic paths by the River Ness. For a more active day out, take to the Caledonian Canal towpath, which provides flat, scenic routes suitable for all ages.

• Water sports: Loch Ness isn’t just about monster hunting – it’s a hotspot for water-based activities, especially kayaking and paddleboarding. For those who want more of a thrill, there’s also the option of RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours that race across the water.

Local dishes in Inverness

From high-quality meats to freshly caught seafood, the flavours of the Highlands are both comforting and satisfying - and washed down with a drop of whisky, taste even better.

Some typical dishes

• Cullen skink: A creamy, comforting soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.

• Scotch broth: A traditional soup packed with barley, vegetables and meat, typically lamb or beef.

• Haggis: Flavoursome sausage meat (spiced liver, offal, oatmeal and onion) cooked inside a bag made from a sheep’s stomach. Its traditional accompaniments are ‘bashed neeps’ (mashed turnips) and ‘chappit tatties’ (mashed potatoes).

Meat dishes

• Scottish beef: Scottish-reared beef is often delicious, especially the Aberdeen Angus breed, though Highland cattle are also rated for their depth of flavour.

• Venison Stew: The meat of the red deer is low in cholesterol and very tasty; it’s served roasted or in casseroles, and is often cooked with juniper and red wine.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fish Supper: You can’t go wrong with a classic fish supper: crispy battered haddock or cod, served with chunky chips - what could possibly be better?

• Scallops: Best eaten seared and served with black pudding, a combination that perfectly balances sweet and savoury flavours.

Sweets and desserts

Two superb Highland desserts are cranachan, a delightful blend of whipped cream, whisky, honey, raspberries and toasted oats; and clootie dumpling, a rich fruit pudding served with warm custard or ice cream.

Local drinks

• Whisky: You can’t visit Inverness without trying a dram of Highland whisky, and with countless distilleries nearby, there are plenty of opportunities. Each one has its own distinct flavour, influenced by the local water, barley and weather.

• Craft beers: The craft beer scene in Inverness has been growing; the best of the local breweries is Black Isle Brewing Company; pay a visit to its bar in the centre of Inverness for a pint of stout.

Sports and outdoor activities in Inverness

Inverness is not only a city rich in history and culture but also a fantastic destination for sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. With its stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Highlands and Loch Ness, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in a variety of sports and activities during your holidays in Inverness. Here’s a guide to some of the top sporting activities you can enjoy:

Golfing

• Scenic courses: Inverness is home to several golf courses that offer stunning views and challenging play. The Inverness Golf Club, established in 1887, features an 18-hole course that winds through picturesque scenery and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

• Loch Ness Golf Course: Located just a short drive from the city, this course offers a unique golfing experience with breathtaking views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect outing for golf enthusiasts.

Water sports

• Loch Ness: The famous Loch Ness provides a variety of water sports options. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on its tranquil waters, offering a unique perspective of this iconic location.

• Fishing: The loch is also a popular destination for fishing, with opportunities to catch trout and salmon. Several local companies offer guided fishing tours for those looking to experience the thrill of angling in this historic setting.

Hiking and biking

• Walking trails: Inverness is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, offering a range of walking and hiking trails suitable for all levels. The Great Glen Way, which runs from Fort William to Inverness, is a scenic path that provides stunning views of the Scottish countryside.

• Mountain biking: For those seeking adventure, the nearby forests and hills provide excellent mountain biking trails. Several local companies offer bike rentals and guided tours, allowing you to explore the area’s rugged terrain at your own pace.

Adventure sports

• Canyoning and climbing: For adrenaline seekers, Inverness offers opportunities for canyoning and climbing in the surrounding Highlands. Local adventure companies provide guided experiences for those looking to try their hand at these thrilling activities.

• Skiing and snowboarding: In winter, the nearby Cairngorms National Park becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering a range of slopes for all abilities. The park is just a short drive from Inverness and provides excellent facilities for winter sports.

With its diverse range of sporting activities and stunning natural surroundings, Inverness is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you're playing a round of golf, exploring Loch Ness by kayak, or hitting the hiking trails, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stay active and enjoy the beautiful landscapes during your holidays in Inverness. Embrace the spirit of adventure and make the most of your time in this captivating part of Scotland.