Inverness is best known as being the capitol of the Highlands and it is one of the fastest growing cities in Scotland. There are some fantastic attractions in the city and surrounding area and it provides an excellent base for touring the highlands. There is no shortage of accommodation with a wide selection of bed and breakfasts and hotels in Inverness.

Travel

Inverness as the main hub in the Highlands has excellent transport links to the surrounding towns and to the other main cities in Scotland. There is a domestic airport which is only a few miles outside the city. From here there are flights to several Scottish islands and to Edinburgh, Dublin and London.

The main train station is in the city centre only a five minute walk from the main shopping area. You can get a direct service from Inverness to Edinburgh, Perth and Aberdeen. There are also connections to the other main cities and towns in Scotland.

The bus station is a couple of minutes from the train station again right in the city centre of Inverness. There are buses that connect Inverness to the main cities in Scotland, including a budget service operated by Megabus which has routes from only £1 one way. There are also services to the surrounding towns, including Fort Augustus and Fort William.

Accommodation

Inverness is well served by accommodation with an especially large amount of bed and breakfasts which are visible as you drive into the city. The city centre also offers a great selection of luxury and budget options with hostels and hotels in Inverness available.

One of the best Inverness hotels is the four star rated Inverness Marriott Hotel which is only a mile from the city centre and dates from the 18th century. If you go a couple of miles outside the city then the Culloden House Hotel offers excellent five star luxury accommodation.

Attractions

Urquhart castle

Urquhart castle is about 15 miles from Inverness on the road to Fort William and is well worth a visit. Although the castle was mostly destroyed during the Jacobite wars there is still much to see.

After a short presentation on entering the complex you can get out and explore the multi levels of the castle ruins. There is also a fantastic view of Loch Ness as the castle sits over looking the loch on its elevated site.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most famous loch in Scotland and at 22.5 miles long it actually holds more water than all the lakes in England combined. There are several boat trips available both from Inverness and Fort Augustus which offer the best way to see Loch Ness.

There is also information available on the history and mystery of the famous loch at Drumnadrochit visitor centre. Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars if you wish to try and see the lochs most famous resident, Nessie.

Jacobite Cruises

There are a few options when it comes to a cruise on Loch Ness but Jacobite offer the most comprehensive and diverse packages. Leaving from Inverness, you can choose one of the many packages available which range from a standard dinner cruise to a all inclusive exploration package with trips to Urquhart and Culloden.

The shortest cruise lasts only an hour and the longest is 6 hours, there is also the option to book the boat for a special occasion or if you want to indulge try one of the champagne cruises.

Inverness is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Highlands with a variety of attractions in the city and the surrounding area. Inverness accommodation is widely available with lots of B&Bs and budget hostels and some excellent hotels in Inverness.