Things to see and do Inverness

King George II started the construction of this gigantic fort to quell any future uprising. The buildings of its garrisons, its artillery and its weapons plunge into an extraordinary martial atmosphere, on this splendid citadel inspired by Vauban. Still occupied by the army to this day, the 1km long rampart surrounding the fortifications, the historic barracks, one of the only two dog military cemeteries in the country, and the Highlanders Museum, one of the oldest regiments in Scotland, are all worth a visit.

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

All year round, the famous Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises organize trips on the loch between 1h and 6h30, from several departure points. The varied possibilities make the offer very complete and popular. Indeed, it is possible to walk along the Caledonian canal and the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle, to discover the superb Aldourie Castle (luxury establishment), the Bona lighthouse... Several cruises include entrance fees to paying sites. The boat is well equipped, with toilets on board and the possibility to buy food and drinks.

April 16, 1746 marked the end of the last Jacobite revolution and hopes for the Stuart dynasty to regain the throne of Scotland. After threatening to take London, Bonnie Prince Charlie's troops retreat to the Highlands where they are pursued by the Duke of Cumberland's men. The two armies meet on the plain of Culloden, and the Scots are outnumbered to win. Their defeat is total after one hour and Charles is forced to flee. It's a must if you're passionate about Scottish history.

Museum area: It tells the story of the battle from both points of view, with period objects in support. It thus retraces everything one might want to know about this major event in national history, with reconstitution films and a great deal of information on the ins and outs of the battle. Ultra modern, it offers a 360-degree immersion theatre of combat.

Open Access: The battlefield is visible (but not accessible) in open access, as is the Leanach Cottage, which has been open for visitation since it reopened to visitors in 2019. This traditional thatched cottage built in the 18th century was still inhabited in 1912. It has been restored and has become a free temporary exhibition space.

Shop: Outlander fans, you'll find in the free shopping area what you need to add to your goodies collection

It overlooks the River Ness. The Jacobites seized it in 1746. Its present pink appearance dates from a refurbishment from 1837 to 1847. It now houses a court of justice and a military garrison. The statue of Flora MacDonald, the heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, adorns its front and was sculpted by Andrew Davidson, a native of Inverness. If the visit of the castle is not possible, its top is however accessible to the public (Castle Viewpoint). From there, you can enjoy a 360 degree view on the city and the hinterland of the Highlands.

If you combine a taste for road trips with a taste for historical mysteries and want to get off the scenic trails, this route is for you. From Inverness (first spot: Knocknagael Boar Stone) to Golspie 85 km further on, you will meander through the countryside in search of 16 points of interest inviting you to discover pictorial vestiges, either in the middle of nature or in a museum, as in Portmahomack (at the Tabart Discovery Centre). The route is signposted, but GPS can be a good ally.

Rabbie's Tour proposes to discover the splendid landscapes of Scotland aboard a modern and comfortable minibus of 16 passengers maximum via numerous tours departing from Inverness. Visiting for one day or 3 days, the company offers a range of choices to discover the country off the beaten track. The passionate driver-guides will take you on a fabulous adventure to little-known sites, far from the tourist attractions. Regardless of the number of participants, the departure is guaranteed and the experience is guaranteed or refunded.

Abertaff House is gradually opening to the public. The site presents exhibitions in a space which, in 2019, was still modest, but which should evolve rapidly over the months and years to become a cultural Mecca in Inverness. Abertaff House is a superb townhouse built on two and a half floors, built in 1593 and which, after being owned by a bank, came under the yoke of the National Trust for Scotland in 1963. Since 2022, there is a cosy tea room. Discover the history of Inverness and the National Trust sites.

Chanonry Point offers an extraordinary view. Its pointed location, opposite Fort George, at the mouth of the Moray Firth, allows you to observe bottlenose dolphins and grey seals at leisure. You will also discover the story of Coinneach Odhar, a 17th century seer who could predict the future by looking through a pierced stone. His predictions remained famous, such as anticipating the construction of the Caledonian Canal. The Chanonry Point stone commemorates his atrocious death, burnt in a barrel, accused of witchcraft.

Black Isle Brewery became in a few years emblematic of Inverness, the Highlands and another way of looking at entrepreneurship. It is that Black Isle has strong values, believes in them, and brings them to life. The visit will convince you of the company's commitment to bio, short circuits, quality and the possibility of an alternative way of producing and growing. Arriving in a kind of farm, in the middle of nowhere, you will be welcomed by the dogs. The visit? Whenever you want, without fuss. And it ends with a tasting!

The Clava Cairns will interest history buffs andOutlander fans. The former will happily discover one of the most famous and impressive prehistoric sites in Scotland. The Clava Cairns are around 4,000 years old and were built to house the deceased. The cemetery has remained sacred for millennia and is a mine of information for research into Bronze Age beliefs. Two impressive spaces are open to the public, offering a moving visit. As forOutlander fans, their mere name will speak for itself.