Inverness, home to battles and festivals

Positioned on the east bank of the River Ness, Inverness is also known as the capital of the Highlands. Music, theatre, architecture and art appeal to visitors to the city and with a large population of students studying at Inverness College there is an international mix of languages and backgrounds. Gaelic appears on road signs, menus and in books and is lovingly preserved by the people of Inverness. Walk around the town and get to know the area, enjoy the exhibits in the museum and art gallery. Tour the city’s oldest church on St Michael’s Mount or the cathedral dedicated to St Andrew and visit the former Inverness Castle - now the city’s Sheriff Court. Browse the stores of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and peruse the Victorian Market for a keepsake of your trip. Hike along the nature trails located minutes from the city centre.

Why Go?

Inverness is home to a thriving student population and as a result there is energy around the city’s shops and cafes. The summer is the busiest time as two large music events take over the nearby countryside. Explore the scenery and architecture for a more laid back trip to Inverness.

When to Go?
Inverness has an Oceanic climate which means humid summer months and severe, often freezing temperatures during winter. Due to its northern location Inverness is known to be one of the coldest cities in the UK with strong gales. From November through to the beginning of February temperatures in Inverness average -16°C and can cause delays for transport on the roads and railways. The summer is a welcome relief; visitors can enjoy highs of 28°C.

How to Get There?

Inverness is served by Inverness Airport (INV) which lies 15km (approximately 9 miles) east of the city. Direct flights are available throughout the UK including London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Passengers can also choose from several scheduled flights to the islands of Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Orkney and Stornoway. A local bus service operates outside the terminal building and runs frequently. Rail links provide travellers with alternative transport; the Caledonian Sleeper connects Inverness to London.

Must See

No trip to Inverness would be complete without touring the site of the 18th century Battle of Culloden to learn about the Jacobite Rising and defeat by the English. Throughout the year re-enactments and guided tours take place. In summer Inverness becomes very busy due to Rockness and the Tartan Heart music festivals; tickets for these events sell out quickly so book in advance to join in. See more of the city’s landscape and walk along the river bank to the opening at the Moray Firth. Scale the Craig Phadrig hill for views out over the Caledonian Canal and Clava Cairn.