Inverness City Centre

INVERNESS CASTLE

CLOSED FOR RENOVATION, DUE TO OPEN LATE 2025

The castle's prominent position on a hill overlooking the river, together with its attractive appearance, have made it one of the city's most famous landmarks.

A castle was originally built on the site in the 11th century and was destroyed by the Jacobite Army in 1746. The current castle was built in 1835 to house the Sheriff's court and police station, both of which now have new premises.

Today it is being renovated and is due to open as a visitor centre at some point in 2025, celebrating the ‘Spirit of the Highlands’ through stories about landscape, culture, heritage and people.

INVERNESS MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

For an alternative, and free (donations welcome) showcase of the history and culture of the area, next door to the Castle is the museum and art gallery.

There are displays on local silverware, wildlife and early human history. Gallery exhibits are a mix of permanent and temporary, and include work from local artists.

There is also a shop and cafe. You can also access a free audio tour. We have enjoyed our visits here.

INVERNESS CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral is located opposite the Castle on the banks of the river. Built in the 1860s in the Gothic style, it was the first to be built in the UK after the Reformation. Inside, visitors can view pillars of polished Peterhead granite, stained glass, sculptures, and an angel font after Thorvalsden (Copenhagen).

ABERTAFF HOUSE

Built in 1593, this is the oldest residential house in Inverness. It is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and is free to visit.

Features to look out for include the projecting turnpike staircase (which one of us couldn't see for looking!), original oak timber beams and a 17th century marriage stone over the fireplace.

LEAKEY'S BOOKSHOP

This popular destination is Scotland's largest second hand bookshop. It is located in an attractive old Gaelic Church and features a spiral staircase and log burning stove. We didn't find a book to buy but enjoyed seeing the shop.

UILE-BHEIST DISTILLERY & BREWERY

Founded in 2023, this craft beer and whisky maker offers tours and tastings which include storytelling about Scotland's history and folklore, its myths and legends. It is the first new distillery in Inverness for 130 years.

The whisky uses locally sourced barley and water from the River Ness. The beer uses locally grown and malted barley, Scottish oats and water from the River Ness. There are a range of tours on offer which include tastings.

THE VICTORIAN MARKET

This 19th century quaint market has recently been refurbished and boasts a selection of small independent shops and a food hall.

The building dates from 1890 and is full of interesting historic features such as the cast-iron and wooden domed roof and the sandstone entrance arch. Inside it is decorated with fairy lights.

NESS ISLANDS

The most attractive area of Inverness is down by the River Ness. There are riverside walks leading from the High Street past the Castle, Cathedral, and theatre and on to what is known locally as ‘the islands’.

This is an attractive park set on a series of small wooded islands in the river and connected by footbridge. Look out for a series of sculptures while soaking up the scenic trees, wildlife and views.

INVERNESS BOTANIC GARDENS

The gardens are modest sized but popular, and a favourite spot of ours. They include a tropical house (good for warming up on a cold day) and cactus house.

There is also a good cafe on site and entry is free (donations welcome). It is a pleasant 30 minutes’ walk along the river from the city centre.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

If you are travelling with children there is Inverness Leisure with swimming pools, Whin Park play park along with Whin Park Boating Lake, Ness Islands Miniature Railway, Inverness Crazy Golf, and Inverness Ice Centre all close together, a pleasant 30 minutes' walk along the river from the city centre.

DOLPHIN SPIRIT BOAT TRIPS

Dolphin Spirit run two hour wildlife watching trips out into the Moray Firth, passing Chanonry Point, which is a dolphin watching spot and Fort George, the 18th century military fortress.

They depart from Inverness Marina which is a 30 minute walk from the city centre through a dull industrial estate, so you may prefer to book a taxi.

Page last updated 13 September 2025