What to do in Inverness April 3rd, 2019 • by Matt Holmes While Inverness is the capital of the Highlands, the center is easily managed on foot for a day or so before our Scotland: Highlands & Islands Hiking. It’s best to check with your hotel concierge for the best way to get to locations farther afield. Tourist Center This is an easy, all-in-one stop as it is a great resource for restaurant, transportation, and sightseeing recommendations. It’s located on High Street in the city center. Inverness Castle Built in 1836, the castle was built on the site of an 11th-century defensive structure. Climb the North Tower to the viewing platform for incredible vistas. It currently houses the Sheriff Court, so it is not open to the public. However, you can climb the tower for a fantastic viewpoint over the city and walk the grounds around the impressive red sandstone structure. Dolphin Watching Just to the north of Inverness lies the village of North Kessock. The shoreline offers excellent dolphin spotting opportunities over the Beauly Firth. Or, search online for some of the boat trips that leave from the area. Culloden Battlefield For those who are history buffs, this historical site just outside of town is where the Jacobite rising of 1745 had their final confrontation, a significant event in Highlands history. A visitor center brings the battle to life and artifacts include weapons, clothing, and coins. Cawdor Castle Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, having been built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor (think Shakespeare’s Macbeth). Still home to the Cawdor family, it’s filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects, and amazing tapestries. River Walk A short, easy walk from the city center will bring you to the Ness Islands, a beautiful natural park connected by short, Victorian suspension bridges. Cruise Loch Ness Home to the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie,” Loch Ness offers stunning scenery. We visit Urquhart Castle on the tour, but the tourist center can direct you to a boat adventure if you’d like.