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By North Coast 500
Published: 23rd August 2018

A city break in Inverness

From food and drink to culture, events, history and heritage – Inverness has so much to offer! The capital of the Highlands is home to Inverness Castle, the official start and end of the North Coast 500 since the route’s launch in 2015. With its stunning central location and excellent transport links, Inverness is the perfect place from which to begin your adventure around the North Highlands.

When planning your trip around the North Coast 500, we normally recommend spending at least five to seven days on the route, to enjoy the full potential of this beautiful area. However, don’t forget to spend some time in Inverness, too, either at the beginning or end of your trip. It’s a wonderful city, and worth dedicating some time to. If you don’t have enough time to enjoy the full route, why not plan a city break in Inverness instead?

As the hub of the Highlands, Inverness has an airport, train station and bus station to ensure easy access from other cities across Scotland and beyond. However you choose to arrive and depart, make sure to spend some time getting better acquainted with all that Inverness has to offer. Visit our interactive map where you can find out where to hire a car, motorbike, bicycle or campervan and search for activities, attractions, eateries and accommodation. Start the adventure before you arrive by taking a trip on The Caledonian Sleeper! Enjoy a hassle-free journey from London to Inverness travelling through the night so you don’t waste any of that all important time for adventuring.

Food & Drink

Food and drink in Inverness is wonderful throughout the year. There’s a big foodie scene in the Capital of the Highlands and of course, plenty of places to sample a wee dram or two!

Food and drink on the North Coast 500 isn’t just a bite to eat – it’s an experience! Enjoy an evening of fine food and drink, excellent company and fascinating tales from the Highlands at the Downright Gabbler. A unique experience that showcases the best local Scottish produce alongside an exploration of history and culture through the food and drink that has shaped this incredible place. Book an evening event, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

For something in the city itself with views of the majestic River Ness, head over to Ness Walk. You’ll find a cosy fire, sweeping river views and an exquisite dining experience.

If you’re visiting Inverness in winter, check out our blog for cosy pubs and hearty restaurant ideas.

A retail experience

You won’t be short of things to see and do in Inverness. There are tonnes of independent shops, galleries and market stalls to keep you occupied. Visit the Victorian Market and browse traditional tartan crafters, artisan chocolatiers, art spaces and more.

Inverness and the surrounding area is a hub for independent retailers and so the perfect place to treat yourself to take something home for loved ones. From handmade Scottish gifts at The Old School, Beauly to sustainable homeware from Lucy Wagtail, you’re sure to find something you love that will remind you of a wonderful trip to the Highlands. If you enjoy food & drink, take some local produce home with you. Have you tried haggis? Grab yourself some at Robertsons The Larder for a true taste of Scotland.

Step back in time to 1858 by visiting Campbell’s of Beauly, a family run tailor and outfitters. Situated in the idyllic village of Beauly just outside Inverness, they are master crafters and their workshop and outlet is an absolute Highland gem!

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Photos: Campbell’s of Beauly, The Old School, Beauly , Robertons the Larder,

So much to see & do

If you want to know more about the history, heritage and culture of Inverness, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is located next to the castle, perfectly positioned for learning all about the area before you explore the city. A walking tour with Walk Inverness is a great way to learn about the city, its people, architecture, history and even fairy folk! Take a stroll along the River Ness, passing Inverness Cathedral, the castle and folk fishing for salmon and trout. After about a mile and a half you’ll reach the idyllic Ness Islands – a group of natural islands connected by suspension bridges and a real hidden gem.

Inverness is really well situated for golf enthusiasts. Play a round at the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club, while there why not stay a night at the Royal Golf Hotel for first class Highland retreat.

History enthusiasts will also enjoy Clava Cairns: a hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved prehistoric site, dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age.

See Inverness from a different perspective

The areas immediately surrounding Inverness also offer plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. For something a little different, take an exhilarating boat trip with Dolphin Spirit. You’ll see Inverness and the surrounding area from a completely different angle (and you might even see some dolphins too!). If you’re really feeling adventurous, book a trip with Ace Adventures & Hideaways and let an experienced instructor take you through some of the most amazing white water rapids and scenery within the Findhorn Valley. Situated outside of Inverness, they also offer canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, river tubing, cliff jumping, disc golf and even yoga retreats!

Take time to explore the Black Isle, there is a superb collection of Pictish and Celtic artworks. Sample whisky at Glen Ord Distillery in Muir of Ord, spot dolphins at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle – or take the family on a boat trip to see the dolphins with EcoVentures in Cromarty.

If you would rather explore the city and the Black Isle by an alternative method of transport – perhaps by bicycle – then hire a bike with Ticket to Ride in Inverness.

 

 

 

‘Coorie’

The Scottish version of hygge! ‘Coorie’ means to cuddle in, get cosy and create a feeling of warmth and familiarity. With so much to see and do, Inverness is the perfect place to visit throughout the year no matter the weather. There are plenty of cosy bars, pubs and restaurants to keep you fuelled and tonnes of warm, welcoming accommodation where you can relax and recharge with a delightful view of the River Ness. If you’re looking for somewhere to ‘coorie’, Ness Lodges, nestled on the banks of the River Ness offer a warm welcome, peace and tranquillity or the award winning Kingsmills Hotel is great if a hotel stay is on the cards.

 

Keep us posted with your North Coast 500 images on social media, and let us know how you plan to enjoy Inverness during your trip to the North Highlands. Happy travels!

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