Parking in Inverness

• Portland Place Car Park (IV1 1NE) is a small car park to the north of the city centre and is situated close to Carnac Point, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve and Dolphin Spirit Inverness.
• Old Town Rose Street Multi Storey Car Park (IV1 1NQ) contains more than 850 spaces and provides parking nearby Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
• Urquhart Castle Car Park (IV63 6XJ) offersparking that must be booked in advance. This is the closest car park to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.

Key roads in Inverness

• The A9 southbound connects the city to Cairngorms National Park and towards Perth. It also leads north to Britain’s most northerly coast.
• The A96 connects from the A9 in the north-east of the city and travels along the Moray Firth, linking the airport to Aberdeen.
• The A82 heads south out of the city towards Loch Ness. It then continues past Ben Nevis, eventually reaching Glasgow and nearby Glasgow International Airport.

How to get from Inverness Airport to Cairngorms National Park

It takes little more than 45 minutes to drive the 35 miles from Inverness Airport to Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms.

1. Leave Inverness Airport via the 1^st exit onto the A69 at Airport Roundabout.
2. Stay on the A69 for about eight miles.
3. At the roundabout in Nairn, take the 3^rd exit to St Ninian Road/A69.
4. Follow for half a mile and turn right onto the A939.
5. Continue for around 23 miles to arrive at Grantown-on-Spey.

How to get to from Inverness Airport to Loch Ness

It’s around a 45-minute and 25-mile drive from Inverness Airport to the Loch Ness Centre and Urquhart Castle. Take the A96 from the airport into Inverness, then briefly merge onto the A9. Turn left onto the A82 and stay on it for around 18 miles to arrive at the Loch Ness Centre and Urquhart Castle.

Best hotels in Inverness

Courtyard Inverness Airport by Marriott

Fresson Circle, Dalcross, Inverness, IV2 7BL

Unwind in a modern and spacious environment at the Courtyard by Marriott, situated directly outside Inverness Airport – ideal if you’re catching an early-morning flight. With convenient luggage storage, a fitness centre and delicious meals served round the clock, you’re guaranteed to feel relaxed and reenergised after your stay.

Ness Castle Lodges

Dores Road, Inverness, IV2 6DH

These secluded and luxurious lodges can be found on the banks of the River Ness, welcoming guests with a tranquil setting and sensational natural backdrop. The cosy lodges are only 10 minutes from Inverness city centre and are a short drive from Loch Ness.

Highland Shepherd Huts

Mondhuie, Nethy Bridge, PH25 3DF

Located just inside Cairngorms National Park, these luxurious log cabins have been designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Go glamping and wake up to incredible views across the Scottish Highlands, then settle down beside the wood burner, for a warm and toasty evening – whatever the weather.

Best restaurants in Inverness

Oakwood Restaurant

Canal Side, Dochgarroch, Inverness, IV3 8JG

Found on a boat known as the Highland Lassie and floating on the Caledonian Canal is the Oakwood Restaurant, open from September to March. On the menu, you’ll find bountiful seafood dishes, all sourced from the Scottish Highlands, including mouth-watering salmon, monkfish, and scallops.

The Castle Tavern

1 View Place, Inverness, IV2 4SA

Tuck into wholesome food at this traditional pub, as you enjoy views of Inverness Castle and the River Ness. Take a seat outdoors to breathe in the fresh air or head up to the restaurant for burgers with a variety of toppings, hearty pies, steaks, and fish dishes – all made with locally sourced ingredients.

Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant

The Village Green, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Inverness-Shire, IV63 6TX

After a day searching for Nessie, head to the nearby Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while you sample traditional Scottish fare, including award-winning haggis, alongside mash, tatties, and neeps.

Best things to do in Inverness

Loch Ness

Drumnadrochit, Inverness, IV63 6XJ

You can’t visit the Scottish Highlands without looking out for Nessie. Head for the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which overlooks these famous waters, and discover the best place to spot the monster – according to local legend. Boat trips are available, where you can hear more about the folklore as you glide atop the 227-metre deep waters.

Cairngorms National Park

Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3HG

It’s a short drive to the UK’s biggest national park, home to five of its highest mountains and the largest ski resort. Hike or cycle through ancient forests and alongside lochs and rivers. You can also drive the 90-mile Snow Road Scenic Route, which takes you along the highest public road in Britain.

Dolphin Spotting

Fort George, Near Ardersier, Inverness, IV2 7TD

Bottlenose dolphins as well as harbour porpoises and Minke whale can be seen from shoreside in Moray Firth. Visit Fort George and the Inverness Kessock Bridge to check out two of the best places to spot them. There are also dolphin boat tours you can join to discover these elegant creatures.