Inverness is often called the Capital of the Highlands. It is a good central point for branching out and seeing other sites in the highlands. But that’s a different blog – this one is about things to do in Inverness, Scotland.
The tourist information center Visit Scotland is up the hill from the River Ness on High Street, near Clark Shoes. It has good helpful people who work there plus nice souvenirs (plaid scarves, CDs, books…).
Walk around the city and see pipers or girls doing Scottish dancing.
The Whisky Shop also up the hill from the River Ness on High Street before Visit Scotland.
Highland House of Fraser, on the Riverside, has a viewing gallery upstairs, where you can watch the kiltmakers at work.
Hotter Shoes – “Great British design and a quality, stylish and comfortable range of footwear for men and women.”
St Andrew’s Cathedral – The Cathedral is the work of a local architect, Alexander Ross (1834-1925), himself a member of the congregation. The foundation-stone was laid in 1866 by Dr Charles Longley, Archbishop of Canterbury, the first official act in Scotland by an English Archbishop since the establishment of the Presbyterian Church in 1689. The Cathedral was opened for worship in 1869, and services have been held here every day since.
Old High Church – or St Stephen’s – I wandered into it one evening and loved the old high cross and beautiful building. There is an information board outside that tells about the history.
The North Tower of Inverness Castle has opened its doors to the public. The Inverness Castle Viewpoint allows for 360 degree views of the city and many of the famous landmarks in the surrounding area. Tickets should be booked in advance through Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Highland Archive Centre, for those who want to dig into history – personal or general.
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Learn about Scottish history and discover how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. Experience Highland contemporary art and crafts – or just browse around before enjoying a cup of tea in Cobbs Tea House, which is now bigger and brighter.
Wood and Winters on Church Street do whisky tastings. It’s underneath the arches of one of the fabulous 1600’s buildings.
Charles Leakey’s Bookshop is fun (especially the antiquarian Scottish section). It is the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland.
The walks around the Ness Islands. A real treasure only a short walk from Inverness city centre and a beautiful natural park. This group of islands in the middle of the River Ness are connected by suspension bridges, built in Victorian times. The paths around the Islands are level and suitable for all abilities. More of my pictures are here. This is one of the best things to do in Inverness!
Eastgate Shopping Centre – Modern shopping mall with over 70 stores, including a department store, cafes and restaurants.
MacGregor’s Bar where they “embrace the very best in Scottish craft brewing and distilling and marry it to an amazing menu of local and seasonal food. We wanted to mix this in with local culture and traditions; music, history, language and fun!” (I think they have a good selection of gin!)
Gellions Bar which is across the street from Visit Scotland has nightly live music
Hootananny is down Church Street and on their website it says “Every Sunday – Wednesday the best Scottish Traditional musicians from the local area and sometimes further afield play around our round table!” Like this:
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