Inverness
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Logistics
Getting There
Inverness is a city found in the far North part of Scotland and is most easily accessed by plane to the Inverness airport. Alternatively, you can reach the town on a large road trip or consider trains, but as the town is quite far north, flights will be the most efficient way to visit. Inverness is a great place to start a road trip because of its airport accessibility. Consider starting or ending a Scottish highlands road trip from Inverness and fly to or from your respective destination.
Getting Around
Inverness is not a big city, but it is helpful to have a car when visiting unless you only plan to stay in the city center. The city center itself can be covered on foot, using taxis if needed or the local buses. However, it is likely that when visiting Inverness, you also want to leave the city and check out other sights like Loch Ness or venture further and climb Ben Nevis. To provide options for taking advantage of activities outside the city, having a car is helpful.
Accommodations
An ideal location to stay while visiting Inverness is in the city centre. This enables you to explore the downtown easily and take advantage of local restaurants and pubs for meals. If only passing through Inverness for a short period of time, or you desire to stay near the airport for ease, the Courtyard Inverness Airport Marriott is a nice hotel walkable from the airport with ample parking. A car or taxi will be required to travel between the hotel and the town centre as it is about a 20 minute drive from the airport to downtown Inverness.
Things to do and see
Loch Ness
Found near Inverness, this is a famous fresh water Loch in Scotland. Largely famous for the fairytale on the Loch Ness monster, visitors come to see the mysterious Loch. You can view it from the side of the Loch or get in a boat and explore the Loch itself.
Inverness Castle Viewpoint
Viewpoint from the Inverness Castle that has nice views over the city.
Ness Islands
Found in River Ness, this is a collection of islands in the river running through Inverness. Walk over to visit these and enjoy wandering through the town.
Culloden Battlefields
The site of one of Britain’s important battles, you can visit the battlefields and visitor center.
Urquhart Castle
Ruined castle on the side of Loch Ness, which you can visit to learn more about
Beach at Dores Inn
Found next to Loch Ness, this Inn is a great spot to stop for lunch. If it’s a nice day, you can walk along the beach looking out onto the Loch.
Food and Drinks
Dores Inn
Snack
Near Loch Ness
The Dores Inn is a cute, family-run pub along Loch Ness. There are outdoor tables set-up and indoor restaurant seating available.
Other Notes
Duration
One night in Inverness is plenty to be able to check out Loch Ness nearby and see the town. It provides a great place to start or end a road trip to the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands due to its location.
Weather
As mentioned on other Scotland pages, Scotland is not known for its weather. Expect rain when visiting Inverness so pack a rain jacket and umbrella just in csae!