About Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands in the north of Scotland. Long regarded as the de facto capital of the Scottish Highlands, it is the administrative centre for The Highland Council region whose headquarters are located close to the city centre. A regional hub for healthcare, education and research, business and economic services, public administration, culture, music and entertainment, media, communications, transport and leisure, the city provides a range of services for the wider Highlands and Islands Region, a large hinterland encompassing a population of around half a million people and an area of some 39,911 km² or 51% of Scotland's total landmass.
Places to visit in Inverness
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Loch Ness
Nature · 15 mi from centreA long, deep freshwater loch southwest of the city, famous for the legend of its monster. A boat cruise from Dochgarroch or Drumnadrochit gives the best views, and the lochside road makes a scenic drive.
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Urquhart Castle
Historic · 14 mi from centreThe ruins of a medieval castle on a headland above Loch Ness, with a tower you can climb. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid tour bus crowds, and combine it with a loch cruise.
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Culloden Battlefield
Historic · 3 mi from centreThe moor where Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. Start at the visitor center to understand the battle before walking the flagged paths across the field.
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Clava Cairns
Historic · 6 mi from centreA group of Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a quiet grove near Culloden. The site is free and open to wander, so combine it with the battlefield, which is only a short drive away.
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Cawdor Castle
Historic · 11 mi from centreA lived-in castle linked by tradition to Shakespeare's Macbeth, with furnished rooms and beautiful walled gardens. It opens only in the warmer months, so check the season before making the drive east.
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Fort George
Historic · 9 mi from centreA huge 18th-century artillery fortress on the Moray Firth that is still used as an army base. Walk the ramparts for a chance to spot dolphins swimming in the firth below.
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Inverness Castle
LandmarkA red sandstone castle on a bluff above the River Ness, built in the 19th century on an older castle site. The grounds offer good views of the river and city, and the area is being redeveloped for visitors.
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Ness Islands
Park · 1 mi from centreSmall wooded islands in the River Ness linked by Victorian footbridges, a short walk from the city center. Follow the riverside loop path from the castle for an easy, peaceful stroll.
Things to do in Inverness by type
26 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 13 experiences A Whisky Journey: Drams and Distilleries – Small Group Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 5 experiences Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Contemplation Cruise -
Art & culture 3 experiences Jacobite Temptation Cruise with Urquhart Castle -
Specialist tours 2 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and The West Highlands -
Travel Services 2 experiences European eSim Data Card
- Over 6 hours 6
- Up to 1 hour 3
- Flexible 2
- 1-3 hours 1
- Small group 9
- Wheelchair accessible 2
Top experiences in Inverness
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 26 available.
Jacobite Temptation Cruise with Urquhart Castle
From $61 per adult
Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns - Small Group Tour
From $74 per adult
Isle of Skye Explorer Day Tour and Eilean Donan Castle
From $85 per adult
The Complete Loch Ness Experience - Small Group Tour
From $111 per adult
Loch Ness Explorer, Whisky and Outlander
From $100 per adult
Skye and Eilean Donan Castle - Small Group Tour
From $83 per adult
Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Contemplation Cruise
From $36 per adult
Jacobite Freedom Cruise - Ticket
From $41 per adult
Loch Ness Inspiration Cruise
From $26 per adult
Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - United Kingdom
From $1 per adult
European eSim Data Card
From $12 per adult
NC500 and The Scottish Highlands Adventure - Full Day Tour
From $65 per adult
Where to stay in Inverness
Popular hotels in Inverness, out of 239 properties you can book.
Muthu Newton Hotel
From $138 per night
Kingsmills
From $137 per night
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinct
From $137 per night
Royal Highland
From $82 per night
Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
From $94 per night
Ness Walk
From $241 per night
Leonardo Hotel Inverness
From $85 per night
Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
From $79 per night
Mercure Inverness
From $98 per night
Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness
From $79 per night
B&B HOTEL Inverness
From $73 per night
River Ness Hotel a member of Radisson individuals
From $101 per night
Best time to visit Inverness
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Inverness is May to August, when average daytime highs are around 62–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Inverness weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 51° 40° 92%
- Thu 22 Oct 50° 33° 16%
- Fri 23 Oct 46° 33° 58%
- Sat 24 Oct 53° 44° 84%
- Sun 25 Oct 54° 46° 82%
- Mon 26 Oct 52° 46° 51%
Know before you go
- Currency
- British pound (GBP)1 US dollar ≈ £0.75
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +44
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Europe/LondonUTC+1
- Capital
- London
Upcoming public holidays in United Kingdom
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- Good Friday
- Early May Bank Holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Inverness
These are the airports closest to central Inverness. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- INV Inverness Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Getting around Inverness
Inverness is fairly small and you're unlikely to use the bus. Bus 3 runs to Culloden, and Bus 11 to the airport and the seaside town of Nairn. Bus 16 runs along the east bank of Loch Ness from Inverness to Dores, Inverfarigaig and Foyers, four times M-F and twice on Saturday.
By taxi
Operators include Inverness Taxis (☏ +44 1463 222222), A2B (☏ +44 1463 807060), Capital (☏ +44 1463 808080) and Inverness Premier Taxis (☏ +44 1463 800223).
By bike
You don't need one in town, but bike is a good way to reach Loch Ness, and the sights around Culloden. Inverness Bike Hire are based at 12A Church Street. Open daily 9AM-11PM.
Inverness travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Inverness is May to August, when average daytime highs are around 62–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
What is the weather like in Inverness?
July is usually the warmest month in Inverness, with average highs of 66°F (19°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 33°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 144 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Inverness?
Inverness Airport (INV) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Inverness.
What currency is used in Inverness?
Inverness uses the British pound (GBP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £0.75.
What time zone is Inverness in?
Inverness uses the Europe/London time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Inverness?
Inverness is fairly small and you're unlikely to use the bus. Bus 3 runs to Culloden, and Bus 11 to the airport and the seaside town of Nairn. Bus 16 runs along the east bank of Loch Ness from Inverness to Dores, Inverfarigaig and Foyers, four times M-F and twice on Saturday.
What are the best places to visit in Inverness?
Top sights in Inverness include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. A long, deep freshwater loch southwest of the city, famous for the legend of its monster. A boat cruise from Dochgarroch or Drumnadrochit gives the best views, and the lochside road makes a scenic drive.
What are the top things to do in Inverness?
Popular experiences you can book in Inverness include Jacobite Temptation Cruise with Urquhart Castle, Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns - Small Group Tour and Isle of Skye Explorer Day Tour and Eilean Donan Castle. Destina Holidays offers 26 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Inverness?
The most popular types of experiences in Inverness are day trips & excursions (13), cruise & water tours (5), art & culture (3) and specialist tours (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Inverness?
Popular areas for hotels in Inverness include Nairn and Inverness. Well-reviewed options include Muthu Newton Hotel and Kingsmills.
How many hotels can I book in Inverness?
Destina Holidays currently lists 239 properties in and around Inverness, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
