The Best Things to Do from The Kingsmills Hotel

Historic Inverness Attractions and Unforgettable Sights

Inverness is an ancient city, with settlers first arriving around 4,000 years ago. As a result, you will certainly find a lot of history right on your doorstep when you stay at Kingsmills Hotel. Our most popular historic Inverness attractions offer a poignant glimpse into Scotland’s dramatic past, such as Culloden Battlefield, where the tragic final battle of the Jacobite Risings took place in 1746. All of this and more is essential Inverness sightseeing for any history enthusiast. In addition to visiting the battlefield, the wider visitor centre provides immersive insights into the battle’s far-reaching consequences. You can also walk the field itself and reflect on a pivotal moment in Scottish history.

Next, explore Fort George, a huge, imposing military fort near the Kingsmills Hotel. The Crown built this structure in the wake of the battle, and it stands as a testament to 18th-century military architecture. It also remains virtually unchanged since its completion. What’s more, you can visit the iconic Inverness Castle from our central location, which offers incredible viewpoints over the River Ness and, of course, a fascinating story. Also nearby are the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and the grand Inverness Cathedral. From the Kingsmills, you’ll find all of these fascinating historic sites located close together in the vibrant city centre. As a result, you can easily spend an entire day exploring these monuments when you stay with us, and they’re some of the best things to do in Inverness for culture lovers. And don’t forget to explore the historic architecture lining the riverbanks, which tells its own story of this ancient hub.

Family Attractions and Things to Do in Inverness with Kids

If you’re looking for fun and memorable things to do in Inverness with kids, you’ll find lots of dedicated family attractions to choose from. And at the Kingsmills Hotel, we offer options that keep children entertained whatever the weather. For indoor fun, check out the Rollerbowl for ten-pin bowling action, or visit the Ice Centre for exhilarating skating sessions. And for a splash of adventure, head to the Aquadome pool, which features flumes and a wave machine for hours of fun. These easily accessible venues ensure that rain never spoils your stay, and there’s availability throughout all seasons, including winter.

Inverness city also features fantastic outdoor spaces perfect for families. For example, there’s Whin Park, a large green space offering playgrounds and open areas for games, and the miniature Ness Islands Railway. And of course, a trip to the Highlands wouldn’t be complete without a search for Nessie! From the Kingsmils Hotel, you can book a thrilling Loch Ness by Jacobite boat trip, an exciting adventure that ranks high on any list of Inverness attractions for families. During this adventure, you can stand on deck and scan the deep, dark water for movement. Whatever you choose, we make sure your family holiday is packed with joy and discovery from the perfect base for exploring Inverness, UK. By staying with the Kingsmills Hotel, your children will leave with stories they’ll share for years.

Sustainable Experiences: Treading Lightly in the Highlands

As you probably know, the Scottish Highlands offer an abundance of outdoor activities, and we’re right in the thick of them all at the Kingsmills Hotel. As a result, you have a hugely varied collection of activities, experiences, and sights available on your doorstep. And for those passionate about preservation and sustainability, you can enjoy it all without leaving a negative ‘footprint’! Because we curate experiences for those seeking unusual things to do in Inverness that respect the environment as part of our sustainability ethos. So, you can explore this majestic landscape responsibly and ethically.

Still not sure where to start? Check out our top picks of sustainable experiences, which include awe-inspiring cruises on the loch using lower-impact vessels to showcase the stunning landscapes responsibly. You can also consider wildlife watching or hiking local trails where preservation is paramount. And the wider area around the hotel is home to magnificent deer, osprey, and seals, offering excellent photo opportunities. All in all, finding free things to do in Inverness often aligns perfectly with sustainable travel, like walking the beautiful River Ness path or exploring the vast forest parks. You can therefore have a lot of fun while helping to protect this stunning region. All of these are just some of the cool things to do in Inverness that truly matter, enriching your trip while preserving the land. All of which are available from the Kingsmills Hotel.

Shopping, Entertainment, and City Things to Do in Inverness

Inverness is a fantastic city for shopping breaks, and you can easily find unique Scottish souvenirs and special gifts from your base at the hotel. Start with the bustling High Street for major brands and high-street favourites, then explore the quaint, historic Victorian Market for local crafts, independent shops, and unique finds. And don’t miss out on local Highland tartans, jewellery, and artisan goods! All of the local shopping experiences are some of the essential things to do in Inverness City, and we can guide you through them all if you choose to stay with us.

We also boast a great music and theatre scene, with the Eden Court Theatre hosting everything from West End productions to local performances. In addition, we have excellent bars and our highly-rated Inverness restaurants right here at the Kingsmills, as well as Scotland’s most famous drink. From our location, you can enjoy a whisky tour to discover more about Speyside’s renowned distilleries, sampling world-class Single Malts. This allows you to combine cultural immersion with pure enjoyment, making your visit truly comprehensive, and the many urban highlights available make us one of the top Inverness tourist attractions destinations.

Nature, Scenery, and Outdoor Adventure Near Inverness

As the capital of the Highlands, Inverness and the Kingsmills Hotel is surrounded by breathtaking beauty and wild nature. So, finding free things to do in Inverness, Scotland, is easy if you simply focus on the outdoors. So, you can enjoy walks and cycles around the beautiful Ness Islands or explore the Great Glen Way, a long-distance trail offering unparalleled views and varied terrain. Whatever you decide to do, you can truly immerse yourself in this stunning part of Scotland and benefit from the crisp, clean Highland air, all from your base at the Kingsmills.

We also encourage you to explore the wider region through Highland road trips, where you can discover hidden glens, spectacular coastal views, and charming villages like Dornoch and Plockton. And for sports lovers, there are plenty of options, from fishing on the River Ness to teeing off on a championship golf course, and a variety of outdoor adventures. Think mountain biking on rugged trails or challenging yourself with gorge walking, from which our location provides unparalleled access as a Highland Base. All of this and more make the Kingsmills Hotel the perfect launchpad for exploring attractions near Inverness and the surrounding areas.

Free Things to Do in Inverness

Exploring Inverness doesn’t have to cost a thing, and some of its best moments are free. Wander the banks of the River Ness and cross to the peaceful Ness Islands, linked by Victorian footbridges. Stroll the historic Old Town, take in Inverness Cathedral, or browse the Victorian Market’s covered lanes. For a view worth the climb, Inverness Castle grounds and the nearby viewpoints look out across the whole city. So whether you’re counting the pennies or just love a good walk, free things to do in Inverness are never far away, and most sit within a short trip of the Kingsmills Hotel.

Things to Do in Inverness with Kids

Travelling as a family? Inverness is wonderfully child-friendly. Younger visitors love hunting for Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise, spotting dolphins at Chanonry Point, and meeting the animals at nearby farm parks and wildlife spots. Whin Park has a boating pond and play areas, while the Ness Islands make an easy adventure for little legs. Rainy day? The Inverness Leisure centre and indoor attractions keep everyone happy. Ultimately, things to do in Inverness with kids are plentiful, and our family rooms give everyone space to recharge afterwards. Take a look at our rooms to plan a family stay.

Make the Kingsmills Your Base for Exploring Inverness

With so many Inverness tourist attractions within easy reach, where you stay makes all the difference. The Kingsmills Hotel sits just over a mile from the city centre, with free parking, a pool and spa, and two restaurants for winding down after a day of sightseeing. From here, Loch Ness, Culloden, Clava Cairns and the wider Highlands are all a short drive away. So, you can pack your days full and still come home to peace and quiet.

Browse our latest offers or check availability to start planning your Highland escape.