Inverness, A Cultural And Historical Adventure
Imagine stepping back in time to a city steeped in ancient legends, dramatic landscapes, and enchanting folklore. Inverness, the cultural hub of the Scottish Highlands, is a city that will leave you spellbound. With a history that dates back to the 6th century, this charming city is the perfect destination for those seeking a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past.
Located on the banks of the River Ness and surrounded by misty hills, Inverness is a city of contrasts. You can explore the bustling city center, with its vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. Or you can venture out into the wild, rugged countryside, where the rolling hills, deep lochs, and ancient ruins are waiting to be discovered.
Of course, no trip to Inverness would be complete without a visit to the legendary Loch Ness. As you gaze out across the dark, mysterious waters, you might just catch a glimpse of the infamous Loch Ness Monster, said to inhabit these depths.
But Inverness is much more than just a gateway to the Loch Ness. This is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore its history and traditions at every turn. From the imposing Inverness Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, to the stunning St. Andrew’s Cathedral, there are countless architectural marvels to discover.
So whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural immersion, Inverness is the perfect destination. In this article, we will guide you through the best places to stay and the most exciting things to do and see, so that you can make the most of your visit to this magical city.
The Best Places to Stay in Inverness
Inverness offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cosy B&Bs, from city-centre apartments to loch-side lodges. Depending on your budget, preferences, and travel plans, you can choose the best area and place to stay in Inverness.
Staying In The City
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the City Centre is the best area to stay in Inverness. This is where you will find most of the cultural and historical attractions, such as Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, St Andrew’s Cathedral, and Eden Court Theatre. You will also have easy access to the main shopping and nightlife areas, such as High Street, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Victorian Market, and Church Street. The City Centre is also well-connected by public transport and close to the train and bus stations. Some of the best hotels in the City Centre are:
Rocpool Reserve: A modern and luxurious townhouse hotel with stylish rooms, a spa bath, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant run by renowned chef Albert Roux.
Glenmoriston Town House Hotel: An elegant hotel overlooking the River Ness, with comfortable rooms and apartments, a lively whisky and piano bar, and an excellent brasserie serving local produce.
Premier Inn, Inverness Centre, River Ness: A budget-friendly hotel with cosy rooms, free Wi-Fi, a riverside restaurant, and a convenient location near the city centre attractions.
Looking For Nessie
If you want to enjoy the beauty and mystery of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit is the best area to stay in Inverness. This is a small village on the western shore of Loch Ness, about 14 miles from Inverness. This is where you will find some of the best attractions related to Loch Ness, such as The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Nessieland Adventure Park, Urquhart Castle, and Loch Ness Cruises. You will also be surrounded by stunning scenery and nature trails. One of the best hotels in Drumnadrochit is:
Drumnadrochit Hotel: A family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms with loch views, a garden with a playground, a cosy bar with live music and entertainment, and a restaurant serving Scottish dishes.
Tee Time In Ballifeary
If you want to experience a quiet and residential neighbourhood near the city centre, Ballifeary is the best area to stay in Inverness. This is an area on the west bank of the River Ness, about 15 minutes walk from the city centre. This is where you will find some of the best parks and gardens in Inverness, such as Whin Park, Bught Park, Ness Islands, and Floral Hall. You will also be close to some of the best golf courses in Inverness, such as Torvean Golf Club and Inverness Golf Club. Some of the best hotels in Ballifeary are:
Heathmount Hotel: A boutique hotel with chic rooms with colourful decor, a terrace with loch views, a cocktail bar with live music, and a restaurant serving seasonal dishes.
Ardconnel Court Apartments: A collection of modern apartments with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, balconies, and free parking.
Strathness House: A charming B&B with cosy rooms with river views, a garden, a lounge, and a breakfast room serving homemade food.
The Best Things To See In Inverness
Inverness is not only a great base to explore the Highlands, but also a vibrant and cultural city with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. Whether you are interested in history, nature, art, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in Inverness. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Inverness:
Capturing The Culture
Learn about history at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: This is a great place to discover the history and culture of the Highlands, from prehistoric times to the present day. You can see exhibits on archaeology, geology, natural history, weapons, costumes, art, and more. You can also enjoy the cafe and gift shop.
Relax at Inverness Botanic Garden: This is a peaceful oasis in the city, where you can admire a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. You can explore the tropical house, the cactus house, the arid house, and the landscaped gardens. You can also visit the cafe and gift shop.
Castles Make A Kingdom
Visit Inverness Castle: Although you cannot enter the castle at the moment, you can still admire its red sandstone structure and its stunning views of the city and the river. The castle dates back to 1836 and is located on a cliff above the River Ness. It is also the end or starting point of the Great Glen Way, a long-distance walking route that runs from Inverness to Fort William.
Experience Fort George: This is a massive fortress that was built after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 to prevent further Jacobite uprisings. It is located about 11 miles from Inverness and overlooks the Moray Firth. You can see the impressive artillery defences, the garrison buildings, the cannons, and the collection of arms. You can also visit the Highlanders’ Museum there, which tells the story of Scotland’s historic regiments.
Discover Urquhart Castle: This is a ruined castle that dates back to the 13th century and was once one of Scotland’s largest castles. It is located on the western shore of Loch Ness, about 14 miles from Inverness. You can explore the remains of the tower house, the gatehouse, the chapel, and more. You can also enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness and watch for Nessie.
The Mystery
Cruise on Loch Ness: No visit to Inverness would be complete without a cruise on Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most iconic and mysterious lochs. You can join a boat tour from various locations around Loch Ness, such as Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus. You can learn about the legends and stories of Loch Ness and its famous monster, as well as admire the rolling hills and natural life that surround the Loch. Some of the best cruises are ran by: Cruise Loch Ness, Loch Ness By Jacobite, and Loch Ness Bay Cruises. Reccomended to book in advance during busier seasons
Explore Inverness Cathedral: Also known as St Andrew’s Cathedral, this is a beautiful Gothic building that was completed in 1869. It is located on the banks of the River Ness and features impressive stained glass windows, a carved stone pulpit, and a pipe organ. You can also visit the cathedral shop and cafe.
Getting To Inverness
Inverness is well-connected by various modes of transportation, such as bus, train, car, and plane. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose the best way to get to Inverness from different locations in the UK and beyond. Here are some of the best ways to get to Inverness:
Road
By bus: Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to get to Inverness from various cities in Scotland and England. You can book your tickets online with Megabus or Flixbus and enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, toilet, and wheelchair access. The bus journey from Edinburgh to Inverness takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes and costs from £9.90 The bus journey from Glasgow to Inverness takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes and costs from £8.90 The bus journey from London to Inverness takes about 12 hours and costs from £17.90
By car: Travelling by car is a great way to get to Inverness if you want more flexibility and freedom. You can rent a car online with Rentalcars.com or Auto Europe and choose from a variety of models and prices. You can also enjoy driving along some of the most scenic routes in Scotland, such as the North Coast 500 or the Loch Ness route. A car journey from Edinburgh to Inverness takes about 3 hours and covers about 156 miles. The car journey from Glasgow to Inverness takes about 3 hours and covers about 167 miles. The car journey from London to Inverness takes about 10 hours and covers about 570 miles.
Rail
By train: Travelling by train is another fast and comfortable way to get to Inverness from various cities in Scotland and England. You can book your tickets online with ScotRail or LNER and enjoy scenic views along the way. The train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes and costs from £13.50 The train journey from Glasgow to Inverness takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes and costs from £13.50 The train journey from London to Inverness takes about 8 hours and costs from £46
Once again we give another shout to Split My Fare here
Above
By plane: Travelling by plane is the fastest way to get to Inverness from faraway locations in the UK and abroad. You can book your flights online with Skyscanner or Kayak and choose from a variety of airlines and prices. You can also enjoy flying over some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Flight time from Edinburgh to Inverness is about 50 minutes. The flight time from Glasgow to Inverness is about 45 minutes. The flight time from London to Inverness is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
*Please note: All prices and journey times are best case scenarios, be aware that timings and costs can be effected by various factors such as the time of year and when and how you book.