Explore Inverness and the wider Scottish Highlands
Where to Eat
There are a wide range of places to eat in Inverness, with something to suit all tastes.
This is just a small selection of some of the places we recommend most frequently, for more options, please ask at the front desk during your stay.
Restaurants
You will find lots of restaurants in Inverness, including some of our favourites - listed below.
It's worth noting that in the busier season some of these restaurants will require a booking ahead of time. You might also find that some of them close a little earlier than on some other European and North American countries, which may be helpful to know when planning your itinerary.
Pubs with food
If you'd like to experience a Scottish style pub with food, there's also plenty to explore!
Cafes
For light bites, snacks to carry out, or somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.
For families
As a family business, we know that sometimes, dinner with kids needs to be quick and easy!
Zizzi for Italian Pizza and Pasta
Nandos at Inverness Retail Park for Chicken
And yes, we have a McDonalds!
Coffee shops
Whether you're looking for a quick morning caffeine fix, or an afternoon pick me up, the Inverness Coffee Scene is growing, with lots of new choices.
Day Trips and Exploring further afield
There are a wide range of places to eat in Inverness, with something to suit all tastes.
This is just a small selection of some of the places we recommend most frequently, for more options, please ask at the front desk during your stay.
Boat Trips on Loch Ness
Boat trips are available from a few different locations to explore Loch Ness, and from a variety of companies, including Jacobite Cruises and Cruise Loch Ness.
The Jacobite Cruises stop at Dochcarroch offers the option to have a coffee or meal at An Talla before or after your cruise, and is also easily accessed by public transport from the city centre.
Inverness Open Top Bus Tours
Open top bus tours of Inverness offer a selection of routes to explore locations both within and outwith the city, including Inverness Cathedral, which is located at the end of our street!
Exploring The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a roadbridge, which is approximately a 2hr drive from Ardross Glencairn Guesthouse.
You can also take public transport to the centres of Portree or Broadford, although we recommend having access to a vehicle to explore most of Skye.
A range of tour groups also offer one day trips to the island from Inverness, including Highland Experience, Highland Explorer, Timberbush and Rabbies.
Shopping in Inverness
From unique Scottish gifts, to essential supplies, these are some of the shops you might like to know about in Inverness.
Gift Shops
You will find a range of gift shops on the High Street in Inverness, some more obvious than others.
Whisky
John and the team at Inverness Whisky will offer a warm welcome, and are incredibly knowledgable about all things Whisky. They have a range of smaller travel sized items in stock, and the neighbouring Malt Rooms is a great spot for a little dram, or extended tasting.
The Highland Whisky Shop is located just opposite the castle, and The Whisky Shop also has a location on Bridge Street.
It's worth noting that the rules around alchol consumption and driving in Scotland are very strict, so we'd reccomend booking a tour with Gavin at Inverness Whisky Tours, to help ensure you have time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the tour!
Essential Supplies
There is a Tesco supermarket located a short 5 minute walk from the Guesthouse, where you will be able to get most supplies.
In town, you will find a few different pharmacies, including Boots and Superdrug.
Both pharmacy chains also operate a slightly larger store at the out of town Inverness Retail Park, as does Tesco.
Inverness Attractions
Some of the things you might like to see when in Inverness
Explore the Heritage of the Highlands
Inverness Castle
Recently refurbished, and now open to explore! Inverness Castle offers great views of the surrounding city, and information galore on the city, and the wider Scottish Highlands.
FAQ
Information on frequently asked questions
What's the best time of year to visit Inverness?
Each of the seasons offers something a little different in Inverness, and although we’re biased, we’d say there’s no bad time to visit!
The summer months are the busiest, but also offer the longest daylight hours and warmer weather.
The colours in Autumn are beautiful, and perfect for walking and taking in some slow time exploring the Highlands.
Winter is the quietest time to visit, and although the weather is colder, you’ll benefit from a warm welcome.
As the day light hours get longer and the weather gets warmer in spring, the busier tourist season begins.
Do we need a car?
Although you don’t necessarily need a car in Inverness, you’ll likely get benefit from having one for exploring locations outwith the city. There are lots of bus and travel tour groups also available for those who would prefer to sit back and let someone else take on the driving.
Can you accommodate larger groups?
Yes, dependant on availability we would welcome group booking enquiries. We have a range of room sizes available.
Should we book ahead?
We’d always reccommend booking ahead of time to ensure your choice of room. Booking directly will also ensure you access our best available rates.
When do restaurants open and close?
Most restaurants will offer a lunch service in mid afternoon, with dinner service from approx 4.30pm to 8pm.
These hours will vary by season, with slighlty extended hours in the busier spring and summer tourist months, and shorter hours in the winter months.
Are their family friendly activities in Inverness?
Yes, you will find a lot of activities for families in Inverness. This includes lots of tourist attractions that are child friendly and other atttractions such as softplay and indoor trampoline parks that are a great option for wet weather days.
Farm Ness is a short drive just outside of the city, and is a great spot for kids to let off some steam, and possibly meet some Highland Cows.
What's the best castle to visit?
There are lots of castles to visit in the nearby vicinity. Inverness Castle has just reopened for visitors after a multi year development and is a short ten minute walk from the guesthouse.
Eilean Donan Castle, Cawdor Castle and Urquhart Castle are some of the most popular castle visits for daytrips from the guesthouse.
If we only have 1 day, what should we do?
There are lots of options to make the most of your time to explore in Inverness.
Joining a group tour to The Isle of Skye can be a great way to see a lot of the Highlands in a short period of time.
Please ask at the front desk during your stay, and we’ll be glad to help with any questions that you have.
Your base to explore
The North Coast 500
Our two properties are centrally located in Inverness, and just a short walk from Inverness Castle, the official start and end point of the North Coast 500 route.