Inverness City Breaks - Things To Do

A city break in the capital of the Highlands is always a special experience. Check out our top ten 'don't miss' things to do in the city to get your Inverness city break off to a great start. 

Visit the New Culloden Visitor Centre
The course of British, European and world history was changed at Culloden on 16 April 1746. It was here that the Jacobite army fought to reclaim the throne of Britain and the site of the ferocious last battle on British soil. See the full history of this battle at the amazing new visitor centre. More info

Visit Urquhart Castle
Once one of Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart's remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous Loch Ness and the Great Glen. The castle's history and that of the noble families who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the new visitor centre which features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle. More info

Go on a Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness
Enjoy a relaxing cruise and keep an eye out for the monster! One of the finest ways to see Loch Ness, a Jacobite cruise puts you in the heart of the loch and enables you to witness the stunning views it offers. More info

Pamper yourself at the Kingsmills Hotel Health Spa
The excellent four-star Kingsmills Hotel (formerly Inverness Marriott Hotel) offers a selection of 83 spacious apartments, classic and deluxe bedrooms and a seamless blend of style and substance. There's also a swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, gym and independent hair and beauty salons for you to make use of during your stay.
More info

Walk to the viewpoint on Ord Hill
Lying just north of Inverness across the Kessock Bridge, the main feature of the hill is an Iron Age Fort and the commanding views it offers across the Moray Firth to Inverness and the Grampian Hills beyond. A simply beautiful spot to watch the world go by. More info

Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition
You know about the Monster, now hear about the Loch. An insight into the loch's wider significance, you'll witness the results of the loch's almost continuous exploration, using the very latest multi-media systems, original research equipment and authentic underwater films. You'll also see the hoaxes and illusions of the monster - as well as other pictures that are harder to explain. What lies beneath the deep and tranquil waters? Discover for yourself at this excellent exhibition. More info

Go on a dolphin cruise
See the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise on this magical cruise. You'll also witness an abundance of bird-life such as terns, gannets, fulmers, razorbills, kittiwakes, red kites, ospreys, and a variety of wading birds on the shoreline mud flats. Located at Inverness Harbour, you're sure to see stunning views and maybe get up close to some of Scotland's most diverse wildlife. More info

Cawdor Castle
Located 12 miles east of Inverness in the eastern heart of the Scottish Highlands, this castle has a chequered history. Set in wooded grounds, the present buildings date from the early 14th century and it contains some of the best tapestries that Scotland has on public show. The old tower room incorporates a hidden trapdoor to take any unwelcome visitors straight down a chute into a dungeon. So be careful where you tread! It also has a restaurant and bookshop. More info

Fort George
Conceived in the immediate aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, the fort was intended to be the final solution to the threat posed by the Highlands, and the Jacobites in particular. Sitting behind huge fortified walls on an isolated spit of land jutting into the Moray Firth this fort is an excellent example of military might. More info

See a show at Eden Court Theatre
Following a two-year refurbishment period that has seen the only large-scale theatre in the Highlands transformed into the biggest and best arts venue in Scotland, you can now catch a show in the 850 seat auditorium, or visit the two new state-of-the-art cinemas. You could also enjoy new galleries, exhibitions, the fantastic bar and restaurant facilities or visit the Bishop's Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in Inverness. More info