Free Things To Do In Inverness

Inverness Free Things To Do Itinerary

When you stay at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, you’re perfectly situated to explore the city’s rich history, stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, all without spending a penny. Here’s an itinerary of free things to do in Inverness, conveniently organised for a full day of exploring!

Breakfast: Kingsmills Hotel

Good morning! Get ready to kickstart your day of exploring with a hearty Scottish breakfast at the Kingsmills Hotel. Fuel up for your adventures ahead with a traditional cooked breakfast that promises to energise you for the day ahead!

Morning: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Start your day by heading to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. If you want to see more of the city this is a 20-minute walk from the Kingsmills Hotel. Explore fascinating exhibits on geology, Pictish culture, the Jacobite era and more. Admire works by local and international artists and see dynamic exhibitions that change throughout the year. Best of all, admission is free, offering a perfect introduction to Inverness’s past.

Morning: Inverness Botanic Gardens

After learning about history, take a break in the calm Inverness Botanic Gardens. They’re near the River Ness and have pretty gardens, a secret one and special houses for tropical plants and cacti. Walk around and see the colourful displays, check out the GROW project’s garden, and chill at the café. Donations are welcome but not required, making this a budget-friendly attraction.

Morning: Ness Islands, Whin Park & Ness Islands Railway

Continue your morning adventure with a visit to the beautiful Ness Islands, accessible via Victorian footbridges over the River Ness. Take your time exploring the interconnected islands, enjoying the peaceful stroll and scenic views along the way.

After a leisurely morning, head to Whin Park, just a short walk from Ness Islands. This family-friendly park features adventure play zones, a boating pond and the festive Winter Wonderland in winter months. Don’t miss the Ness Islands Railway, a miniature railway journey that’s perfect for kids and grown-ups.

Lunch: Inverness eateries

What to do in Inverness for lunch? By now you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Make your way back to the Kingsmills Hotel for a bite to eat from our scrumptious lunch menu, or enjoy one of the many yummy eateries around Ness Islands.

Afternoon: Culloden Viaduct

Continue your afternoon adventure with a visit to the impressive Culloden Viaduct, located a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. It’s a huge red bridge made of sandstone, with 29 arches over the River Nairn. You can check it out from the road or find a quiet spot by the river to see how amazing it is. For your sat nav, the postcode of the bridge’s location is IV2 5EJ

Afternoon: Clava Cairns

Finish off your day by visiting the ancient Clava Cairns near Culloden Battlefield. Walk around the ancient burial site from the Bronze Age and check out the circular tombs and stone buildings that are 4,000 years old. Take your time exploring the forest area and the grounds are free to visit and a hot-spot for history buffs.

Dinner: Kingsmills Restaurants

Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the Kingsmills Hotel’s three elegant restaurants. Treat yourself to an array of Scottish culinary delights and relax in style after a full day of exploring Inverness.

So there you have it – a perfect day in Inverness, complete with free and budget-friendly activities, all within easy reach of the Kingsmills Hotel. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or food enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Scottish city. To find out more about the wonderful free local attractions or to book a stay in our luxury hotel, contact us today.