Things to do in Inverness

Although Inverness has a long and colourful history, there is surprisingly little to see within the city itself. It does, however, make an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the Scottish Highlands. There are a number of old castles, such as Macbeths infamous Cawdor Castle and a few interesting Neolithic sites such as Cairns. The last pitched battle on British soil took place at Culloden Moor and of course, theres the legendary Loch Ness. The city of Inverness provides a very comfortable and charming place to start from, but dont be surprised if you find yourself wandering farther abroad in search of mystery and excitement.

Beauly

French monks settled here in the 13th century because it was one of the most beautiful places in the region. Just 19kms from Inverness, there are a number of interesting things to see in this town. The Highland Craftpoint has a good exhibit of Scottish handicrafts and if you like tweeds, dont miss the Campbells of Beauly, a Highland tweed house run by the same family since 1858. This shop is one of the best in Scotland for buying all kinds of tweeds, skirts, blankets and just about anything else that gets woven. The town is also home to the ancient Beauly Priory, which dates to 1230, but is now just a romantic ruin.

Cawdor Castle

Shakespeares infamous Macbeth was actually Thane of Cawdor, who lived in this castle in the 14th century. Yet this is no crumbling ruin, and even after nearly 600 years, the castle is still being lived in and cared for. The rooms contain family portraits, fine tapestries, furniture and paraphernalia which reflect its long and colourful history. Under the castle lie dank and mysterious dungeons and outside the walls are the forests of Big Wood. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this real-life living castle.

Clava Cairns

Not far from Culloden lie the mysterious and ancient Clava Cairns, which date back to the Bronze Age. A cluster of stones and monuments form a large ring with several passage graves that make up a central chamber below the cairn, which can be accessed via a tunnel. Signs explain the significance of the graves, which help place the truly ancient history of the Highlands into context.

Culloden Battlefield

It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army were finally crushed on April 16, 1746, marking the last battle to ever take place on British soil. The battle lasted only 40 minutes, but many soldiers from both sides died before the prince finally surrendered. A pathway leads from the visitors centre through the Field of the English, where many of the Duke of Cumberlands men were buried. There are several features of interest on the battlefield, such as the massive Cumberland Stone, from which the victorious Duke surveyed his victory. The visitor centre also provides good information about the background and history of this famous battle (tel: +44 01463 790 60).

Fort George/Queens Own Highlanders Regimental Museum

Fort George was once considered the best situated and most formidable fortress in Great Britain. Built after the Battle of Culloden, the fort was used by George IIs Hanoverian army and is still an active army barracks today. The one mile rampart perimeter encloses nearly 42 acres and contains an interesting museum which depicts the history of the Highland regiments.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

This museum is one of the top attractions in Inverness and the best place to learn more about the unique culture of the Scottish Highlands. Located in the historic town centre, the museum displays the social and natural history, art, culture and archaeology of the Scottish Highlands. A reconstructed silversmiths workshop, exhibits on the life of the clans and a 1920s Inverness kitchen are just some of the interesting social displays on offer.

Loch Ness

There arent many people in this world who havent heard of the legend of Nessie, the sea monster who lives in Loch Ness. Perhaps Nessie is just a myth, but the formidable and famous Loch Ness is a reality. If nothing else, the lake has a depth of more than 800 feet, and holds more water than any other Scottish loch. If you can get past all the Nessie paraphernalia which bombards visitors, youll find one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Its also fun to tell your friends back home that you went to Loch Ness in search of the monster.

Muir of Ord

This tiny little hamlet 16kms west of Inverness is the perfect touring centre for one of the most history-rich areas of Scotland, the Black Isle. Considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the country, this scenic peninsula has lots of outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, hiking and biking.