Among the many beautiful destinations to discover in Great Britain, one that is often overlooked is Inverness, on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. Here are six reasons why Inverness, Scotland is worth visiting.
Photo by kolibri5
If you are planning a UK staycation for summer 2021, then one of the most fantastic destinations you should add to your bucket list is Inverness.
The largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a city with far more fantastic attractions to explore than its size would suggest. For a start, take a walk in the city centre to see the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the 18th-century Old High Church and indoor Victorian market. Then continue along the River River Ness and Caledonian Canal circuit is one of the most beautiful experiences to have in Inverness.
Photo by parkook
You can get to Inverness by air, rail or road. The airport is located just 20 minutes from the city centre and is connected to many destinations in UK and Ireland. Alternatively, you can catch a train from London, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
These are the top six reasons why you should consider visiting this fantastic city. When planning your travel, be sure to create a to-do list to ensure that you visit all the places during your stay.
Do you enjoy history?
If you are interested in the city’s history, Inverness, being the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, has it all.
This small city captures the events that changed the history of the United Kingdom, such as the battlefield of Culloden. For this reason, many people travel from far away to come and trace their roots and houses their ancestors lived in before leaving Scotland. In addition, the Highland Archive Centre provides tantalizing clues for those interested in the history or visiting the city for the first time.
Endless nightlife
During travels, nights can be long and boring, especially when spent doing nothing. One good thing you are likely to enjoy about this small city is that the town gets exciting when the sun goes down. With pub scenes, local music, theatres, and places to dance scattered all over, the city remains one of the best to be in the evening. All these experiences occur on a regular night of the year. You can party through the night and the finish with a hearty Full Scottish Breakfast at the lovely Cafe Artysans, for sure one of the best comfort foods!
If you are looking for something extra exciting, you can consider visiting in the winter and enjoy a different nightlife. The cold nights mixed with a bottle of whisky, and some bonfire never goes wrong. Party life and accommodation go in handy, a reason why managers at the Inverness Palace advise getting a hotel room within the city. A perfect hotel should have all the necessary amenities to make your stay feel comfortable. Also, remember to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any inconveniences or missing a place to spend, as some months can be busy in this city.
Food and famous whiskeys
One of the fantastic benefits that come with traveling is the opportunity to sample excellent meals. If you are a foodie, a visit to Inverness is worth it as you get to enjoy an incredible array of fresh local ingredients, talented chefs, and not forgetting the beautiful restaurants. Whether you are looking to visit the high-end restaurants or the less formal joints, the truth is that you will be met with unique delicacies. You will always find a treat to quench your cravings for food and at every budget.
Inverness is also popularly known for whisky. A must-visit is the world famous Cardhu Distillery, located just one hour drive from Inverness, where you can taste (among many other whiskeys) Johnnie Walker Black Label. Also, if you are looking to have an experience with Scottish gins, this is the place to be as there are varieties. While there, be sure to enjoy the fantastic craft ales and organic ciders brewed locally.
Whiskey tasting at Cardhu Distillery near Inverness
Do you love nature?
The truth is that Inverness has it all when it comes to exploring nature. Talk of the wildlife to the trees and aquatic life-there is nothing to miss. If you are looking for a place to take your hiking experience to the next level, the city has you covered. There are a variety of different natural landscapes and seascapes to enjoy. The fun part is that they are easily accessible, and you don’t have to leave the city to explore them.
Urquhart Castle, Inverness | Photo by Robin Canfield
Traditions
Now and then, Inverness has been termed as a very forward-looking place. However, this doesn’t mean that the traditions and the past have faded away. They remain the key features. During your visit, you will notice that the local place-names are Gaelic. Gaelic was most widely spoken here until the 19th century.
If you are into sports, you can consider visiting and taking part in the local Highland Games, an ancient tradition. These games, combined with the Clan Culture, the wild dancing of the ceilidh, and tartan, indicate that the old traditions are alive.
Photo by Jesse Dodds
Great shopping experience
For many, Inverness may be a small city. However, the city is blessed with a fair share of shops. People travel from the north of Scotland for their shopping experience here. Whether you are shopping for a special occasion or doing your weekly groceries, the city is filled with constant surprises owing to the mixture of shops.
They say that traveling is a good healer for both the soul and mind. If you are looking for a place in Scotland to wind up while enjoying the beautiful sceneries and sampling the traditional meals and famous whiskies, Inverness is the place.
