Kingsmills Hotel

Our beautiful city in the heart of the Scottish Highlands has a wealth of attractions, ancient sites, points of interest and activities to discover. From whisky tours, fishing and golf, to hunting for the Loch Ness monster! So, whether you’re visiting alone, as a couple or in a family group, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Inverness during your stay. See our website for more information

f you’re looking to explore some of the most dramatic castles in Scotland, then Inverness Castle is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Inverness. Perched on a cliff overlooking the beautiful River Ness, in Scotland, the red sandstone structure is the exceptional work of a few nineteenth-century architects. Did you know that there is a myriad of intriguing myths and legends associated with the castle? Visit Inverness to discover the battles which took place here, including soldiers who fought over cheese. King Malcolm II first established the site of the modern castle. He built a stronghold here in 1057 after destroying Macbeth’s castle at Crown Hill. The great reforming King David I granted Inverness its status as a royal burgh in the first half of the 12th century. Furthermore, Shakespeare’s Macbeth also features Inverness Castle. The play uses Inverness Castle as the site of Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan. So, to learn more about Inverness Castle’s rich history, look no further than this enchanting destination. There are signposts for the castle around the city of Inverness. By using the postcode IV2 3DU, the castle is easily accessed by drivers. In addition, there’s pedestrian access from High Street to the east end of Ness Bridge.

It is thought that the distillation of whisky has been going on in the Tomatin area since the 1700s. That means there is plenty of expertise in the area to produce some fine tasting whisky! The cow and sheep drovers who took their animals to market would often hold on to a ram’s horn filled with whisky. You know, just to keep them going…! Tomatin Distillery was built in 1897 by businessmen John MacDougall, John MacLeish and Alexander Allan. Ever since then, it has produced some of the most delicious Highland scotch malt whisky available. And if you want to see how it’s done, you can visit them for a tour!

The ruins of Urquhart Castle will captivate visitors with its intriguing history. Boasting half a million visitors each year, the castle is one of the most popular in Scotland. With its triangular promontory, thick stone walls and dramatic tower, Urquhart Castle is a must when it comes to discovering things to do in Inverness. Situated on a headland with breathtaking views of Loch Ness, this iconic castle in Scotland has a fascinating, rich history. Moreover, it sits on top of ruins of which many famous names have set foot. Edward I invaded the castle in 1296. The Lords of the Isles then seized the castle on various occasions in the later Middle Ages. Later, in the 1300s, Urquhart featured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence. As a consequence, the castle came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots in 1306. In 1332, in the dark days following Robert I’s death, Urquhart was the only Highland castle to hold out against the English. Accessed at Drumnadrochit, near Inverness, the romantic ruins are found using the postcode IV63 6XJ. An iconic landmark with enchanting surroundings, this will enchant visitors with some of the most dramatic chapters in Inverness’ history.

The Battle of Culloden holds a place in history as one of the most intense battles fought on Scottish soil. On April 16th 1746, the last battle of the Jacobite Risings came to a quick and bloody end, as Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites fell to the Redcoats. Culloden Moor is just a short drive from Inverness allowing you to learn exactly what happened in the lead up to this famous battle. See website for more information

Inverness Botanic Gardens is a beautiful scientific garden and tourist attraction, free to visit (donations welcome) and open to the public 7 days a week. Located in a tranquil spot by the River Ness, this is the perfect place to escape city life. With formal gardens, secret garden, tropical house and cactus house, plus a café and shop, there is much to see and do here. Take a stroll through the spectacular displays, or simply take some time to sit and relax in the lush and verdant surroundings. Whatever time of year you visit, there is always something exciting happening in the gardens!

Do you want your visit to the Highlands to be truly unforgettable? Then you must take one of the Loch Ness boat tours and cruises and experience the home to Scotland’s greatest legends! Coming to Inverness and not delving into the mysteries and myths of the famous Loch Ness is simply unacceptable. Jacobite boat tours offer cruises lasting from 60 minutes up to 7 hours where you get to capture the Loch Ness waters, the Caledonian Canal or the Urquhart Castle. And maybe you will be lucky enough to capture the famous Nessie? There is only one way to find out!

Outlander fans will be well aware of the popularity of the Clava Cairns, one of the best prehistorical sites in Scotland. Offering visitors in Scotland a similar experience to Stonehenge, the circular tomb is an ancient burial site close to Culloden Battlefield. Interestingly, the grounds are around 4,000 years old and entirely free to visit. Therefore, this is why history buffs love this hotly-tipped tourist spot. One of the most sacred historic sites in Scotland, the mystical Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age cemetery complex. Tucked away in a beautiful woodland setting near Inverness, the captivating complex has become a bucket list tourist site for fans of the TV series Outlander. For example, there are about 50 of this type of cairn in this area. The three prominent cairns form lines aligned with the winter solstice and show remnants of forgotten beliefs carved into the stones. So, for those looking to explore this atmospheric site, the Clava Cairns walk around here is majestic. This is a beautiful ancient monument site that can be found signposted from the B9101. Drivers can access the cairns by using the postcode IV3 5EU. Located close to Culloden Battlefield, this is ideal for those looking for Outlander tourist spots