Visiting Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral is a beautiful church located by the banks of the River Ness in Inverness. It was built between 1866 and 1869 in a Gothic Revival architectural style. The cathedral was designed by Alexander Ross, a renowned Inverness architect, and dedicated to St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

The cathedral is open to visitors all year round and entry is free, although donations are accepted. There is also a welcoming cafe and shop, which is located within the grounds.

Visiting Inverness Cathedral

Visitors are welcome all year round. You can tour the magnificent red sandstone building. Admire the dramatic Gothic-style architecture from the outside, and then enter to explore the interior. There is much to see inside. From the nave pillars, each carved from a single block of Peterhead granite, to the elaborate and brightly coloured stained glass windows.

The community cafe and shop is also open daily in the summer months, with reduced operating hours over the winter. Here, you can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, soups, sandwiches and more. The shop stocks a selection of gifts and souvenirs, such as cards, jewellery, shortbread and tartan scarves.

Regular church services are scheduled over the week, and visitors are welcome to attend. The cathedral also hosts a number of special events and concerts throughout the year.

Cathedral bells

The cathedral has a ring of 10 bells. The first of which was cast in 1869, followed by the other 9 in 1877, then the 9th out-of-tune bell was recast in 2012. They are known as the most northerly change-ringing church bells in the world. On Sunday mornings, they ring out across the city. The ringing is performed by a team of up to 12 skilled bell-ringers.

Find out more about visiting Inverness Cathedral and the history of the building on its website.

Enjoy a history break in Inverness

After a day immersing yourself in Scottish history, head back to our hotel to put your feet up. Enjoy a delicious Scottish meal in one of our two restaurants and then sample one of our most famous exports in our Whisky Bar. Get in touch below to choose your perfect room or give our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1463 257 100 for more information.

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