Guidebook for Inverness
Food Scene
It has a good selection of chef cooked food at a good price. There is an early evening menu up to 7, the food is just as good but it is a bit cheaper.
141 locals recommend
The Mustard Seed Restaurant
16 Fraser StIt has a good selection of chef cooked food at a good price. There is an early evening menu up to 7, the food is just as good but it is a bit cheaper.
Cafe One
75 Castle StExcellent food
Standard Pizza Express menu but I have always found it to be good service.
15 locals recommend
Pizza Express
Falcon SquareStandard Pizza Express menu but I have always found it to be good service.
My kids love it. Basically no seating but its walkable from the B&B and on the route back from most of the eateries in town.
18 locals recommend
Miele's Gelateria Inverness
92 Church StMy kids love it. Basically no seating but its walkable from the B&B and on the route back from most of the eateries in town.
An eco friendly place. Its up a slope but if you are looking for eco credentials its the place.
40 locals recommend
Velocity
1 Crown AveAn eco friendly place. Its up a slope but if you are looking for eco credentials its the place.
Rocpool
1 Ness WalkExcellent food.
Excellent carvery and salads. Worth the wait (and there is usually a queue because it is good). From Inverness it’s a nice drive across the Black Isle. There is a good chance you will see an oil rig or 2 in the Cromarty Firth for servicing and you can drive in to Invergordon for a closer look.
55 locals recommend
The Storehouse
Excellent carvery and salads. Worth the wait (and there is usually a queue because it is good). From Inverness it’s a nice drive across the Black Isle. There is a good chance you will see an oil rig or 2 in the Cromarty Firth for servicing and you can drive in to Invergordon for a closer look.
River House
1 Greig StLovely restaurant. Specialising is fish.
The WaterFront
70 Huntly StGood sized portions of typical pub grub
Drinks & Nightlife
Hootananny
67 Church StAlways Scottish music on the ground floor. Always a good time.
Black Isle Bar and Rooms
68 Church StExcellent selection of pints and superb pizzas.
Parks & Nature
A mini-mini Kew Gardens in the far north. An indoor tropical house, a cactus house, outdoor gardens planted in different styles. Good place for kids to run about. When finished you can get a drink etc from the adjacent cafe.
Alternatively, drop the kids at the leisure centre and cross the road to the floral hall.
42 locals recommend
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Bught LaneA mini-mini Kew Gardens in the far north. An indoor tropical house, a cactus house, outdoor gardens planted in different styles. Good place for kids to run about. When finished you can get a drink etc from the adjacent cafe.
Alternatively, drop the kids at the leisure centre and cross the road to the floral hall.
Nice falls (with not too much walking). Nice cafe adjacent to the car park. A nice drive in itself and a good spot to stop if driving all around the loch.
47 locals recommend
Falls of Foyers
45 B852Nice falls (with not too much walking). Nice cafe adjacent to the car park. A nice drive in itself and a good spot to stop if driving all around the loch.
The monument is a long and tiring walk, but fantastic views on a clear day. Treat yourself to lunch at the Storehouse of Foulis afterwards you will have earned it.
49 locals recommend
Fyrish Monument
The monument is a long and tiring walk, but fantastic views on a clear day. Treat yourself to lunch at the Storehouse of Foulis afterwards you will have earned it.
Lovely falls. Bit of a walk down (and worse going up) so good to burn off some energy but not good if mobility is an issue.
49 locals recommend
Rogie Falls
A835Lovely falls. Bit of a walk down (and worse going up) so good to burn off some energy but not good if mobility is an issue.
A nice drive through the Highlands takes you to a beautiful location. You could stop and take a picture but better to take a walk. A good half day or longer trip.
River Affric
A nice drive through the Highlands takes you to a beautiful location. You could stop and take a picture but better to take a walk. A good half day or longer trip.
Eathie Beach is on the south coast of the Black Isle. It is a good 20-30 mins walk down a trail from the small parking area. As such it is ‘underutilised’ or if you prefer ‘unspoilt’. I’m recommending it as a half day out as you are on the Black Isle and the beach is popular with fossil hunters. Note: due to the walk you are not recommend to take the usual beach accoutrements and there is virtually nothing man made there, so go for the ice-cream treat once back in the car.
Eathie Hill
Eathie Beach is on the south coast of the Black Isle. It is a good 20-30 mins walk down a trail from the small parking area. As such it is ‘underutilised’ or if you prefer ‘unspoilt’. I’m recommending it as a half day out as you are on the Black Isle and the beach is popular with fossil hunters. Note: due to the walk you are not recommend to take the usual beach accoutrements and there is virtually nothing man made there, so go for the ice-cream treat once back in the car.
A good park for families. Equipment suitable for various ages. There is a boating pond with boats to rent. There is also (seasonal) a ride on train. It is close to the river so you can have a seat on the riverbank if you want. There is an ice cream shop adjacent to the car park (seasonal) or it is a short walk to the Floral hall which has a coffee shop year round.
25 locals recommend
Whin Park
Bught RoadA good park for families. Equipment suitable for various ages. There is a boating pond with boats to rent. There is also (seasonal) a ride on train. It is close to the river so you can have a seat on the riverbank if you want. There is an ice cream shop adjacent to the car park (seasonal) or it is a short walk to the Floral hall which has a coffee shop year round.
A good park with equipment suitable for various ages including the very young. Adjacent to a park so suitable for a frisbee or a kick about. No shops/ice cream nearby.
Fraser Park station
A good park with equipment suitable for various ages including the very young. Adjacent to a park so suitable for a frisbee or a kick about. No shops/ice cream nearby.
Lots of plants in this park and a play area good for the younger ones, not good for young teens. It has a very small paddling pool. Seasonal ice cream shop. The latter portion of the park has 6 tennis courts open to anyone.
23 locals recommend
Bellfield Park
Lots of plants in this park and a play area good for the younger ones, not good for young teens. It has a very small paddling pool. Seasonal ice cream shop. The latter portion of the park has 6 tennis courts open to anyone.
Not a spectacular destination but a nice walk. Go to the upstream end of the upstream island and have a seat to watch the river. I recommend a walk upstream from the castle, over the islands and downstream back to the B&B. Or go a bit further to the Floral hall for a look-see and/or a cuppa in their café.
42 locals recommend
Ness Islands
Great Glen WayNot a spectacular destination but a nice walk. Go to the upstream end of the upstream island and have a seat to watch the river. I recommend a walk upstream from the castle, over the islands and downstream back to the B&B. Or go a bit further to the Floral hall for a look-see and/or a cuppa in their café.
A nice drive along the south coast of the Black Isle will take you to Chanonry Point. I good place to view the Moray Firth and a chance to see dolphins.
87 locals recommend
Chanonry Point Holiday Cottage
Ness RoadA nice drive along the south coast of the Black Isle will take you to Chanonry Point. I good place to view the Moray Firth and a chance to see dolphins.
The UK tallest hill. You can set off first thing in the morning and ‘conquer’ The Ben and be back in Inverness for your evening meal. Definitely not for the unprepared. Do not do it on a whim, do not do it without the appropriate equipment. Depending on your start point - there is a track (of varying quality) all the way to the top. Fantastic views at the top (if not in cloud).
133 locals recommend
Ben Nevis
The UK tallest hill. You can set off first thing in the morning and ‘conquer’ The Ben and be back in Inverness for your evening meal. Definitely not for the unprepared. Do not do it on a whim, do not do it without the appropriate equipment. Depending on your start point - there is a track (of varying quality) all the way to the top. Fantastic views at the top (if not in cloud).
Sightseeing
Culloden Battlefield station
An important part of this nations history.
Excellent, intact fort. Built after the Battle of Culloden, but not needed by the time of its completion, it is still an active army unit. Multiple things to see, good views of the Black Isle and the chance to see dolphins.
93 locals recommend
Fort George
Excellent, intact fort. Built after the Battle of Culloden, but not needed by the time of its completion, it is still an active army unit. Multiple things to see, good views of the Black Isle and the chance to see dolphins.
The castle is mostly not there, but you get some great views of Loch Ness. See the movie in the visitor centre before you head outside.
191 locals recommend
Urquhart Castle
The castle is mostly not there, but you get some great views of Loch Ness. See the movie in the visitor centre before you head outside.
The castle isn’t really a castle – it was built as a Court of Law and is still being used for this purpose. However, the viewpoint has good views of the area (on a clear day). If the weather is poor or you are on a tight budget just have a look around the outside.
127 locals recommend
Inverness Castle
The castle isn’t really a castle – it was built as a Court of Law and is still being used for this purpose. However, the viewpoint has good views of the area (on a clear day). If the weather is poor or you are on a tight budget just have a look around the outside.
Fantastic castle. Lovely gardens (going through a transition) with a croquet lawn. The Bird of Prey display is a MUST SEE. Take your camera – sit at the front opposite the perch or front row at the very end.
80 locals recommend
Dunrobin Castle
Fantastic castle. Lovely gardens (going through a transition) with a croquet lawn. The Bird of Prey display is a MUST SEE. Take your camera – sit at the front opposite the perch or front row at the very end.
Dores is at the north end of Loch Ness (on the southern road). The Dores Inn beer garden (with an outside bar in season) has excellent views of the loch and is on the beach so kids can do their thing. Good food too. A good point to stop if you do a trip around Loch Ness.
74 locals recommend
The Dores Inn
Dores is at the north end of Loch Ness (on the southern road). The Dores Inn beer garden (with an outside bar in season) has excellent views of the loch and is on the beach so kids can do their thing. Good food too. A good point to stop if you do a trip around Loch Ness.
Who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Even if you don’t see Nessie it's worth the drive. If you have the time do a circuit of the whole loch - easily a day trip if you stop along the way.
277 locals recommend
Loch Ness
Who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Even if you don’t see Nessie it's worth the drive. If you have the time do a circuit of the whole loch - easily a day trip if you stop along the way.
The viaduct is scenic in itself (best from a distance as the construction is concrete) but iconic as the viaduct seen in the Harry Potter movies. From the same car park, you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, marking the point Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore in 1745. If you continue on to Mallaig it is a lovely drive and you might notice the island that Dumbledore was buried on.
131 locals recommend
Glenfinnan Viaduct View Point
A830 RdThe viaduct is scenic in itself (best from a distance as the construction is concrete) but iconic as the viaduct seen in the Harry Potter movies. From the same car park, you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, marking the point Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore in 1745. If you continue on to Mallaig it is a lovely drive and you might notice the island that Dumbledore was buried on.
A local company offering a variety of tours (boat, boat/bus, bus/boat) centred on the world renowned Loch Ness, so perhaps your best chance to see Nessie. There is a variety of tour lengths and a number of different pick up and drop off points.
57 locals recommend
Jacobite Cruises
Margaret StreetA local company offering a variety of tours (boat, boat/bus, bus/boat) centred on the world renowned Loch Ness, so perhaps your best chance to see Nessie. There is a variety of tour lengths and a number of different pick up and drop off points.
Fantastic castle. Been in many a movie, including: Highlander, The World Is Not Enough (James Bond), Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Rob Roy, Entrapment. Worth the drive from Inverness. Could tie in a visit to Skye which is about another 10 miles further.
102 locals recommend
Eilean Donan Castle
Fantastic castle. Been in many a movie, including: Highlander, The World Is Not Enough (James Bond), Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Rob Roy, Entrapment. Worth the drive from Inverness. Could tie in a visit to Skye which is about another 10 miles further.
I love old stuff and I love built stuff. Orkney is unbelievable. You might just end up passing a 12 century cathedral and a site of Viking significance, then around a Neolithic village enroute to your destination – a UNESCO Word Heritage site 1,000 years older than the pyrimds at Giza. Days trips start at the bus station (in season) or you can drive/ferry or fly.
6 locals recommend
Orkney
I love old stuff and I love built stuff. Orkney is unbelievable. You might just end up passing a 12 century cathedral and a site of Viking significance, then around a Neolithic village enroute to your destination – a UNESCO Word Heritage site 1,000 years older than the pyrimds at Giza. Days trips start at the bus station (in season) or you can drive/ferry or fly.
A cooper makes barrels, in this case for the whisky industry. If you are here for the whisky it should be included in your itinerary. There is a film then a visit to the factory floor.
50 locals recommend
Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
Duff TownA cooper makes barrels, in this case for the whisky industry. If you are here for the whisky it should be included in your itinerary. There is a film then a visit to the factory floor.
Entertainment & Activities
Inverness Kart Raceway
Sir Walter Scott DriveIndoor track - worth considering on a rainy day.
A ride on train (seasonal) takes you around a landscaped park.
9 locals recommend
Ness Islands Railway
Bught RoadA ride on train (seasonal) takes you around a landscaped park.
Its not Disneyland but it is local. Set in the midst of a forest there are lots of activities for all ages – waterslides, climbing, jumps, treetop trails and a small rollercoaster. There is a tree top walk with an extremely high chance you will see red squirrels. There is a fire tower with good views of the area at the top. The Bamboozeleum is full of optical illusions. There is a butterfly house, a maze, a shooting gallery etc. The food is well priced for a tourist attraction. I use the burger bar rather than the restaurant as the service is much quicker.
161 locals recommend
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
B9153Its not Disneyland but it is local. Set in the midst of a forest there are lots of activities for all ages – waterslides, climbing, jumps, treetop trails and a small rollercoaster. There is a tree top walk with an extremely high chance you will see red squirrels. There is a fire tower with good views of the area at the top. The Bamboozeleum is full of optical illusions. There is a butterfly house, a maze, a shooting gallery etc. The food is well priced for a tourist attraction. I use the burger bar rather than the restaurant as the service is much quicker.
There are 2 Loch Ness ‘Nessie’ based attractions in Drumnadrochit. The exhibition is the one to see. It is a 5* attraction taking you through the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the scientific studies.
61 locals recommend
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition
There are 2 Loch Ness ‘Nessie’ based attractions in Drumnadrochit. The exhibition is the one to see. It is a 5* attraction taking you through the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the scientific studies.
Arts & Culture
Eden Court is the main theatre and entertainment venue for the Highlands it is alongside the river and there is always a packed agenda of performances. See box office for details.
161 locals recommend
Eden Court Inverness
Bishops RoadEden Court is the main theatre and entertainment venue for the Highlands it is alongside the river and there is always a packed agenda of performances. See box office for details.
Shopping
The House of Bruar is a good point to stop on the way up/down the A9. It isn’t cheap but good quality including the food.
100 locals recommend
The House of Bruar
The House of Bruar is a good point to stop on the way up/down the A9. It isn’t cheap but good quality including the food.