24 hours in Inverness

9:30am: Breakfast at Rendezvous Cafe 

Get ready for the day ahead with breakfast at the Rendezvous Café.  

In the late 18th century, the site was a high society hotspot known as the Northern Meeting Rooms and played a major part in the evolution of Inverness nightlife.  

By the 1960s the venue hosted The Silver Beetles (who changed their name to The Beatles a few weeks later). The Church Street café started life as a record shop selling hard to find vinyls and cassettes, before its transformation to the Rendezvous Café it is today – one of Inverness’ most popular breakfast and brunch spots. 

11:00am: Visit Loch Ness  

Head down to the mystical Loch Ness, home of the elusive Nessie, to start your day filled with folklore.  

The freshwater loch stretches for 23 miles and is the largest lake by volume in the whole of the UK, containing more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.  

Take a Loch Ness Cruise not just for views of the Highlands and the formidable Urquhart Castle but to see the ship’s sonar in action as it searches for Nessie in the depths below. 

1:00pm: Lunch at the Highland Food & Drink Trail 

Head back into the heart of Inverness for lunch at the Highland Food & Drink Trail. 

Set along the River Ness, this trail features rotating stalls of street food from local vendors. Whether you’re looking for traditional Scottish fare or something a little more international, you’ll find it here. 

Take a seat by the water or go for a stroll along the river as you refuel for the rest of the day, taking in plenty sights along your way. 

1:30pm: Inverness Botanic Gardens 

After you’ve eaten, take a peaceful stroll through Inverness Botanic Gardens. Discover a huge variety of tropical plants in the hothouse, which also features a waterfall and a pool full of very friendly koi carp.  

You can also visit the Secret Garden. Over the last 20 years it has been transformed from wasteland into an innovative gardening project that includes bug hotels, vertical gardens, wildflower meadows, and vegetable beds. 

3:00pm: Head to Culloden Battlefield 

Visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1745 Jacobite Rising’s final stand. 

A 360-degree immersive theatre puts you right at the heart of the action, and gets you closer than ever before to the legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie 

Enjoy a panoramic view from the roof garden and keep your eye out for the restored 18th-century Leanach Cottage and the odd Highland Cow grazing on the battlefield. 

5:30pm: Check out the Clava Cairns 

On your way back from Culloden, stop by Clava Cairns, an ancient Scottish burial site. 

Dating back to the Bronze Age, the site remains almost the same as it was around 4000 years ago. Built to align with sun during the winter solstice, the cemetery on the banks of the River Nairn is spiritually significant for many Celtic and Scottish religions. 

6:00pm: Dinner at the Kitchen Brasserie 

Looking for dinner with a view? Head to the Kitchen Brasserie on the bank of the River Ness.

The family run restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and offers a menu that changes with the seasons, so you know you’re getting the freshest flavours no matter when you visit. 

8:00pm: Drinks and music at the Highlander 

Head down to the Highlander after dinner for some traditional Scottish music. 

Kilts are optional but the sounds of Scotland’s finest trad music are always guaranteed as acts and puts on a ‘Dinner and Ceilidh’ experience throughout the year. 

And it wouldn’t be a Scottish affair without a wee dram of whisky or a pint or two of locally brewed beers, you’ll find both in abundance at this late night spot in the heart of town. 

11:30pm: Bedtime 

Head back to your Best Western base for a good night’s sleep at one of three unique hotels in Inverness.  

Choose from Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa with stunning views of Inverness Castle sat directly opposite, that you can soak up from the comfort of your room.  

Ness Walk, WorldHotels Luxury lies a little further down the river and offers 5-star comforts and world class cuisine. Further from the bank of the river is Kingsmills Hotel, WorldHotels Elite, offering elegant and stylish accommodation. It also boasts Inverness’ best stocked whisky bar. 

8:30am: Breakfast at the hotel 

Your 24 hours aren’t quite done yet. You’ll want to start your day with a delicious meal. A traditional Scottish breakfast is always good choice, but we also offer a continental buffet if you prefer to eat light in the mornings. 

10:00am: Inverness Castle 

Stop in at Inverness Castle before you say goodbye to the city. 

Previously a prison, the castle has been turned into an interactive celebration of the Highlands. Travel through the sensory experience in the gardens and learn about the people and cultures from across the region. You’ll then enter the castle to experience the very best of the Highlands in the form of stories, music, food, and drink. The perfect parting gift.