Free Things to Do in Inverness
Free Things to do in Inverness – There are many attractions in the capital of the Highlands that are completely free to visit and enjoy. Let’s explore…
Shinty’s Story – Free Things to Do in Inverness
FREE New for 2026, and doesn’t cost a penny. Shinty’s Story is a free museum showcasing Scotland’s community sport is housed within Bught Park, the home of the Inverness Shinty team (go on you Reds!). It covers the rise and origins of the sport, its links with Ireland and hurling, how it was played in trenches of WW1 and the POW camps of WW2, but my tweenager loved browsing through the kits, testing his reaction times with a Batak Pro device and admiring the silverware and unusual, ornate horn trophies. There’s also a table of colouring in and activities for little ones.
The highlight for both of us was watching a live shinty match from the warmth of the vast museum windows. If your kid loves sport they’ll be hooked by a match in no time, and it’s all free. You can also watch a game (free) from a covered stadium if the museum happens to be closed.
Ness Islands – Free Things to Do in Inverness
Cross the bridge over the River Ness to explore the green and glorious Ness Islands, located in the middle of the river. Cross at the south west end from Bught Road, or at the north eastern end from Island Bank Road. With sculptures and even a wee amphitheatre to find, it’s a mini adventure.
Technically it’s not free but I’m also going to add the super cute 7¼ inch gauge railway that links Ness Islands with Whin Park. For a nominal fee of £2.50 each you can ride aboard the UK’s most northerly public miniature railway. The railway is seasonal (opens around Easter and closes towards the end of October).
Whin Park – Free Things to Do in Inverness
With a vast adventure play area there’s lots to keep children occupied. Whin Park is a real Mecca for families and kids. (There’s also a boating lake but the boats cost around £6 to hire.)
Inverness Botanic Gardens – Free Things to Do in Inverness
Open seven days a week, this free garden is an oasis of calm and colour. With a tropical house, cactus house, gift shop and cafe, plus the gardens and grounds, Inverness’ Botanic Gardens is a lovely spot for all ages to explore.
Victorian Market – Free Things to Do in Inverness
This 19th-century shopping arcade on Academy Street features a mix of independent shops and food hall. Appreciate the Victoria architecture, and if you do wish to make a small purchase then perhaps head to the retro sweet shop to buy a quarter of your favourite sweets.
Town House Tour
FREE The tours of the Town House seem to run quite randomly throughout the year, but they are fantastic. The fairytale town house, with wolves guarding the front door, is stunning inside. A tour guide brings fascinating stories to life. Stained glass windows remembering legends such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns. Events, such as the British cabinet meeting here in 1921. And, portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora Macdonald on the walls. I was lucky enough to experience a Christmas tour when the building shone and sparkled. Thoroughly recommend.
Leakey’s Book Shop
Admittedly this shop’s ultimate aim is to sell books, rather than simply welcome tourists, but Leakey’s beautiful interiors and sheer size as Scotland’s largest second hand book shop, make it a unique destination. They’re naturally tolerant of potential customers having a browse.
Inverness Museum and Gallery
If you fancy a mix of local artefacts and curiosities, stories of the Romans in Inverness, the chance to wear plaid, and learn about local wildlife including an unexpected stuffed puma and wolf, drop by this free museum on Castle Wynd.
Inverness Castle Experience
The Inverness Castle Experience is the latest visitor attraction in town, securing multi-million pound investment. While touring the castle currently costs £46 for a family of four, don’t write it off if money’s tight, there’s lots you can see for free. Firstly, you can walk right up to the castle door and walk around it taking all the snapshots you want. Next, explore the gardens and their Scottish plants and info boards. Thirdly, take in the cityscape and fantastic sweeping views over the river. Fourthly, browse the gift shop, window shopping is free. Lastly, you can buy a meal/coffee at the Saltire Bistro without paying the entrance fee, all guests are welcome.
Slightly Out of Town – Free Things to Do in Inverness
Clava Cairns
This open air site was built 4000 years ago, originally as a burial site for leading members of the local community. It’s recently attracted a LOT of attention because Outlander’s fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun, is thought to be inspired by the site. The Clava Cairns feature standing stones, three cairns, and a ‘Kerb’ cairn where sparkling white quartz crystals were found. Visitors get up close and personal with prehistoric history, nothing is cordoned off. Perhaps calming or spiritual for adults, and strangely captivating for children this Historic Scotland site is worth a rural pitstop. [Easy parking but no facilities.]
Loch Ness
Only a fifteen minute drive away is the natural beauty of Loch Ness. Take a drive, a hike or a spot of Nessie hunting this loch is over twenty miles long and apparently holds more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined.
Free with Membership – Free Things to Do in Inverness
Culloden Battlefield
FREE for NTS members. If you’ve paid for the membership you definitely should make the most of it at this unmissable National Trust for Scotland site. Culloden is vital in understanding Scottish/British history and the pivotal battle of 1746 that crushed the Jacobites. Step onto the windswept battlefield and look out for the memorial cairn and clan graves – read a full review here. (Adult ticket – £14.00 but free with membership – click on box below. Visitor Centre, café and gift shop on site too.)
Fort George
FREE for Historic Scotland Members. This vast Historic Scotland site is a historic and an operational military base. Visitors can see how soldiers lived through the ages, tour the museum, see weapons in the magazine, spot cannons and walk the mile long walls that surround the base. (Adult ticket – £9.50 but free with membership, café and gift shop.) For a more detailed review read here.
Where to Stay – Things to do in Inverness Scotland
Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa
POOL – This stylish Palace spa hotel is situated on the banks of the River Ness. Kids love the pool but this hotel also works well for any girls’ weekend thanks to the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and Sleeping Beauty salon. Check prices and availability here.
Kingsmill Hotel
POOL – This is probably the most family friendly hotel in Inverness. The Kingsmill Hotel offers family rooms with kids’ bunkbed areas separate from the adult space – always a winner. The pool is a huge draw too.
Glenmoriston Townhouse – Self-Catering & Hotel
Glenmoriston Townhouse is situated on banks of the River Ness. It offers smart grey and red rooms, with a city chic but friendly bar and restaurant PLUS three self-catering properties on site. This means you have the benefits of self-catering but can use the four-star hotel facilities too – from booking afternoon tea, to a drink at the bar. The hotel also run four further self-catering properties in the centre of town called the Hillside Apartments.
Highland Apartments by Mansley
SELF-CATERING – Highland Apartments by Mansley are super central with lovely balconies overlooking the River Ness. Spacious dining kitchens allow families to save a bit of money by eating in. Read a full review here.
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Another riverside property offering both hotel rooms and self-catering apartments. With the Waterside Restaurant on site, plus the Uile-Bheist whisky distillery and beer brewery on location too, food and drink shouldn’t be a problem! Find prices and availability here.
Lochardil House
Lochardil House is in the city (on the outskirts) yet has that country house feel with its own gardens and woodland. This Victorian Mansion boasts an elegant conservatory where dinner and breakfast is served. The staff are notably friendly and welcoming. The twelve rooms in the original house are being redecorated (in Feb 2026), so watch this space, and we stayed in the modern Garden Wing (our room had its own patio and outdoors seating).
When it came to dining, my Highland Venison loin was done well, accompanied with simple veg such as sweed and carrots. The kids menu offers mains from £7.50 and dessert from £3, but my son tucked into a burger from the adults’ menu, followed by traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding. Check room prices and availablity here.
Self-Catering River Cottage
I recently stayed in a homely three bedroom double upper by the water called River Cottage. The master bedroom with ensuite was smart, the living space/open plan kitchen diner was very relaxed too. We loved the wood burning stove and the space. A more low key second double and twin room complete the picture, and the shared bathroom is absolutely fit for purpose but a little tired in decor. Fantastic location, and free parking for one car. Take a look here.
Drumossie Hotel
TASTING MENU – Slightly out of town, and v close to Cawdor Castle and the Clava Cairns, the Drumossie Hotel is an option for hungry travellers. Its 2 AA rosette restaurant is a welcome sight after a day’s sight-seeing.
Five Star Luxury
For five star accommodation take a look at Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, ideal for a couple’s retreat. Both central and both indulgent.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Inverness. Also take a look at:-
Things to do in Inverness with Kids
Review of the New Inverness Castle Experience
Historic Sites to visit with Kids in and around Inverness
Things to do in Loch Ness with Kids
Have fun!
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