Inverness Castle — Attraction in Crown and City Centre

The Inverness Castle Experience will be a new visitor attraction in the centre of Inverness, celebrating the 'spirit of the Highlands' through its stories of past, present and future.

The existing castle buildings and esplanade gardens are being transformed from their original use as the home of Inverness’ prison and courts into a celebration of what makes the Highlands of Scotland a special place to live, work and visit.

The Inverness Castle Experience will take you on an interactive journey through landscaped gardens to the South Tower, a sensory experience, inspired by stories from across the Highlands about its landscape, culture, heritage and people.

Through the South Tower, you will be guided by a seanchaidh - storyteller - who will help reveal stories, along your route, celebrating the Highlands' spirit and find hidden gems in every room.

Take time to enjoy a refreshment in the new café and enjoy glorious views over the River Ness from the terrace. Find the perfect gift whilst browsing in the shop.

In the North Tower of the experience, the Ceilidh Rooms will offer a place for people to come together to share the best of Highland music, food and drink. This experience will highlight and acknowledge the contribution of musicians to the rich culture of the Highlands. The opening interactive exhibition will feature the music and stories of Runrig, recognising the band’s impact on the area’s cultural scene over the past half-century.In the North Tower of the experience, the Ceilidh Rooms will offer a place for people to come together to share the best of Highland music, food and drink. This experience will highlight and acknowledge the contribution of musicians to the rich culture of the Highlands. The opening interactive exhibition will feature the music and stories of Runrig, recognising the band’s impact on the area’s cultural scene over the past...

Inverness Castle stands high other top of a mound with commanding views of the River Ness and the wider City of Inverness. Formerly the site of a wooden fortification "Fort George", not to be confused with the present day Fort George which lies to the East of Inverness some 8 miles away. Inverness Castle now has a viewing area located on the North Tower with spectacular views in and around Inverness for the budding photographer. The main building currently is the home of Inverness Sheriff Court but in the near future will be relocating to new purpose built premises, this will free up the whole Castle complex which will be turned into a visitor attraction. Enjoy the experience of visiting this Castle as I have done for the last 40 years an it...

The following review is based on a pre-pandemic trip going old school and only using paper maps and brochures to find places to stop at on a 3-week adventure to Ireland, Scotland, and England. No cell phone or internet.

We were not able to enter the castle but were able to walk around the grounds when we visited. The castle blends into the hill side so it looks like it is part of the terrain at some vantage points. If coming from the west, you can get some great shots from the river when walking across the foot bridge.

It would have been cool to see inside but even walking around the outside of the castle was fun and the town around the castle has some great shops and restaurants. In our visit we were lucky enough to have live music at one...