Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / USA / Florida / Gulf Coast / Inverness
 |  | Travel Reviews : Inverness |
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| | | | Review by John Frieslaar from Rugby
The Inverness area is very rural and has a more relaxing feel to it than Orlando, if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more country retreat, then this is recommended, however be prepared to travel as not much is in the area within short travel distances e.g. Beach's, theme parks, big malls etc.
Review by Jean & Graham Stroud from Oldham
Inverness is a quaint town with historic links, there are beautiful walks, good restaurants, great shopping and within reach of many theme parks, wildlife areas , water experiences etc.
Review by Tony Eatson from Enfield
Don't change Inverness, it was a real piece of Florida ,not the manufactured version
Review by Keith Watson from Falkirk
The location of the property was perfect for exploring the countryside and nature coast. Swimming with manatees in the wild was a real highlight. canoeing and motor boating were close by and good value. The golf was very good. the beaches which were a 25 minute drive away were clean and the water warm and inviting.
Swimming in the local springs with the fish and wildlife was great.
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| | Destination Guide : Inverness |
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| | | Highland city status |  | Why go on holiday to Inverness?
The gateway to Scotland's Highlands was granted city status in 2000 and has a 19th-century castle, attractive architecture and excellent shopping. Parts of the inner city and outskirts are a bit grim but nightlife is buzzing, especially in summer.
How much?
Expect to pay from £30 for a return, standard-class, off-peak rail ticket from London booked in advance, but tickets bought on the day of departure can be from £96. Budget flights are from under £80 return, depending on the day and time of travel. B&B starts at about £30 per night.
Fares will vary according to when you travel and when you book so always check with your operator.
When should I go?
May, June and September are the driest months, although rain can fall at any time because Scotland's weather is infamously changeable. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures above freezing for most of the year.
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| | | Take in the culture | | Where is it?
In the Highlands of Scotland, on the banks of the River Ness, fairly close to Loch Ness.
Unmissable sights?
A 19th-century stone castle which towers over the landscape and today acts as the sheriff's court. Visitors have access to the Drum Tower and interactive Castle Garrison Encounter.
Stroll down memory lane
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is worth a look if you're fascinated by the city's history. Period rooms with historic weapons and geological displays are the main draws.
Isn't that a bit dull?
Unfortunately, Inverness has a violent past and few ancient buildings still stand. The city's oldest structure is Abertaff House, built in 1593.
Any culture?
Contemporary Eden Court Theatre hosts regular art exhibitions, plays, ballet and dance programmes, as well as film screenings.
Only there for a night?
Take a 75-minute Davy the Ghost tour, which leaves at 7pm daily from outside the tourist information centre. Tales of witches, hangings, torture and murderers are told by an 18th-century "ghost".
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| | | Look out for Nessie | | Want to get out and about?
Bus tours to peaceful, picturesque Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, with admission to the Official Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, are available between May and September.
What's the castle like?
It was blown up in 1692 and is a ruin, but its location on the shores of Loch Ness makes it very scenic. Cruises on the loch are also possible, and well worth doing, from nearby Drumnadrochit.
Much else there?
Drumnadrochit has two Nessie exhibitions, the Official Loch Ness Exhibition Centre and the Original Loch Ness Monster Centre. The former is better, with a 40-minute audiovisual presentation. A highlight of Drumnadrochit has to be the hour-long monster-hunting cruise, complete with sonar and underwater camera aboard the Nessie Hunter boat.
Didn't see Nessie?
Then meet real local marine life on a 90-minute Moray Firth Cruises wildlife tour looking at bottlenose dolphins, seals and birds. Summer is especially good for spotting dolphins.
Further afield?
Culloden Moor, six miles outside the city, was the setting for the Battle of Culloden in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated and 1,200 Highlanders were slaughtered in 68 minutes.
Sounds grim.
The field has remained untouched for 250 years, save for a few markers and memorials dotted about. To get a real sense of what went on, watch the 15-minute audiovisual re-enactment at the visitor centre.
If you like history...
Don't miss Fort George, about 11 miles outside Inverness. It dates from the 18th century and is a super example of its kind, with great views of the sea. The site is extensive, so allow several hours to see it.
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| | | Nights out on the town | | Tell me about Cawdor Castle.
It was the setting for Duncan's murder in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, but experts have rubbished this claim as its central tower was built in the 14th century and Macbeth died in 1057.
When in Rome...
After a tour around Cawdor, stop by Cawdor Tavern to try some of the 100 or so whiskies it stocks – Scotland's best-known tipple.
Planning a night out?
Website www.nessweb.co.uk is an online guide to Inverness pubs, clubs and events. For traditional Scottish song, music and dance check out the Spectrum Centre Theatre. The area around Academy, Church and Bank streets has lots of lively pubs and clubs.
Is the food good?
Expect to see UK-wide restaurant chains, upmarket seafood places and gourmet bistros. Don't forget to try excellent Highland steaks, hearty soups, Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock fillets) at breakfast, Scottish salmon, lamb, and fat, juicy local scallops. Vegetarian restaurants are less plentiful, but options are growing.
What should I buy?
Quality woollen scarves, chunky knitwear, tartan rugs, renowned Harris tweed caps and jackets, Celtic jewellery, delicious shortbread biscuits, smoked salmon, heather honey, venison pate and single-malt whisky.
More information
Visit Scotland, 23 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 3TP. Tel 0131 332 2433.
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| | Available rental properties in Inverness |
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 |  | Family and kids (4) | | | Activity holiday (2) | | | Unspoilt and charming (2) | | | Good value (1) | | | Good dining (1) |
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