Nestled amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands, Inverness is a picturesque city filled with attractions and surrounded by things to see and do. Immerse in Scottish culture, discover a castle, or simply lose yourself in the tranquil and breath-taking landscapes as you uncover Scotland’s treasures for yourself. Explore below our selection of top Inverness attractions and plan a visit today.
Where to stay in Inverness Our hotel in Inverness is conveniently located near key attractions in Inverness, such as the famous Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, and the River Ness. Guests can easily explore these iconic landmarks and immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the area.
Staff Recommends
Best Restaurant: Sitting in the heart of Inverness, The Mustard Seed offers a local independent restaurant with an inviting highland atmosphere.
Best Shopping: The Victorian Market is home to a range of independent and specialist stores that offer visitors a warm highland welcome.
Best Kept Secret: Dolphin watching at Chanonry Point offers an incredible and unforgettable experience for those of all ages! There are more sightings in summer, however, bottlenose dolphins are present in the Moray Firth throughout the year.
Culture
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery provides visitors a glimpse into the Highlands, from history to its people. Learn about the Gaelic language and culture and its importance, discover the Picts and their carved stones, or travel back to medieval Scotland and uncover Inverness’ history. The art gallery is filled with temporary exhibitions spanning across two galleries. There are a range of artists’ work to peruse from ‘old masters’ to contemporary art, craft, and digital art – take a look at ‘What’s on’ for current exhibitions, talks, and events.
In summer the museum and art gallery are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am -5pm, and at the same times Thursday to Saturday in winter. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is a leisurely twenty-five minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Inverness.
Inverness Cathedral
Idyllically situated along the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral offers an impressive Red Tarrandale Stone structure and a vibrant but spiritual interior. Enjoy a wander around the grounds and inside the cathedral to see the intricate carvings, colourful stained glass windows, and striking side entrance. Complete your visit with a stroll down the scenic River Ness.
Inverness Cathedral is a leisurely thirty-minute walk from our hotel.
Tomatin Distillery
Home of award winning Highland whisky, the Tomatin Distillery offers visitors the chance to learn about the ‘unique legacy’ of Tomatin and sample what they describe as an incredibly soft Highland whisky. Tomatin produce a range of single malt scotch whiskies of different ages and ‘wood styles’ that can suit a variety of tastes and offer a ‘softer side of the highlands’.
There are three levels of distillery tours, ‘The Legacy Tour’ explores the distillery and history, finishing with a taste of three single malts. The tours cost between £7 (£3 for under 18s) and £30. The Tomatin Distillery is situated a short fifteen minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Inverness.
For even more ideas on fun things to do and see in Inverness, be sure to explore the best places to go shopping in Inverness or check out our Inverness City Guide. It is your ticket to fully immersing yourself in this amazing city.
Days Out
Cairngorms National Park
Disappear into Britain’s highest mountain range, journey through forests and moorlands, dip your toes in rivers, lochs, and glens, and travel back in time as you explore prehistoric, Celtic, and Pictish remains. Bursting with wildlife, from wildcats to red squirrels, the Cairngorms National Park is perfect for enjoying a ramble or cycle on one of the many trails. There is also a range of activities to try including snow sports, watersports, and even bungee jumping!
The Cairngorms National Park is a forty-minute drive from our Inverness hotel.
Cawdor Castle
Dating back to the 14th century, Cawdor Castle is filled with splendour, history, heritage, and tales of its unique journey. The structure has evolved over the years adding character to the castle, with additions from the 17th century reflecting Scottish style architecture. Explore the interior’s richly decorated rooms, ornate furniture, intricate tapestries, and fine art portraits, transporting you back in time to a world of elegance and grandeur.
Visitors can also stroll three gardens: the Walled Garden, Flower Garden, and Wild Garden. Within the walled garden there’s a holly maze, as well as a paradise garden, knot garden, thistle garden, and an orchard filled with Scottish fruit trees.
Tickets cost £10.50 for adults and £6.50 for children, and opening times vary depending on the time of year. Cawdor Castle is situated a short twenty-minute drive from our hotel.
For those keen to hit the open water, Deepscan Cruises offer hourly trips across the loch where you can see the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle and search the depths of Loch Ness with on-board sonar equipment - can you spot the infamous Loch Ness Monster?
Admission to the centre costs £7.45 for adults and £4.95 for children, and opening times vary depending on the time of the year. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition is situated a twenty-eight minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Inverness.
Urquhart Castle
Picturesquely situated on the banks of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is an iconic Highlands landmark. Affording breath-taking views of Loch Ness, this site has been a hotspot for sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie’. The castle itself has 500 years of history, playing an important role in Scotland’s past. Today, the medieval castle is mostly in ruins, largely destroyed by Williamite and Jacobite groups fighting in 1692.
Explore Inverness and discover a shopping experience that mirrors the diversity and charm of its natural surroundings. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking Highland landscapes, the Inverness shopping scene seamlessly fuses traditional and modern elements. Uncover the top shopping destinations in Inverness for an ideal day of indulging in retail therapy.
Shopping
Eastgate Shopping Centre
Overflowing with your favourite brands and stores, Eastgate Shopping Centre is the perfect place to immerse in some retail therapy - pick up a new pair of shoes at Schuh, treat to yourself to something sparkly at Pandora, or find the perfect outfit at Monsoon. The centre also offers a range of eateries to enjoy a sit-down meal or a light snack.
The centre is open Monday to Saturdays 9am-6pm (bar Thursdays which closes and hour later), and 11am-5pm on Sundays. Eastgate Shopping Centre is a twenty-minute walk from our Inverness hotel.
Filled with a small selection of stores, the Inverness Shopping Park offers shoppers a range of fashion, sports, beauty, and more. The park is open 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday, opening an hour later on Sunday.
Inverness Shopping Park is a twenty-minute walk from our hotel.
Inverness offers a shopping experience as diverse and captivating as its natural surroundings. Nestled amidst the stunning Highland landscapes, the city's shopping scene effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. Check out the best places to go shopping in Inverness for the perfect day of retail therapy.
