Inverness

The City of Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland and the surrounding area. It makes an ideal place for you to visit prior to picking up your vessel or on your final night, with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, cafes and activities to keep all members of your party satisfied.  There are many B&B’s, hotels and other accommodation options to allow you to explore the old town with all its charm. The City Centre is within walking distance of the boat yard (approximately 30 minutes) or alternatively only about 5-10 minutes in a car or taxi (depending on traffic).

The Tourist Information Inverness iCentre is located on the High Street. They offer a wide range of services including free local and national information, tour and transport advice, including tickets and local and national accommodation bookings. Free Internet access is available.
Tel: 01463 252 401
Alternatively: Visit Inverness Loch Ness


Restaurants, Bars & Cafes 

The Clachnaharry Inn – If you fancy some pub grub and real ale within walking distance then this is the place to go. Walk along the canal, down Muirtown Lock flight. You’ll see traffic lights are to the left; go across there and continue along the road until you see the Inn on the right. Approx. 15 minutes by foot. Dogs are welcome in the pub area.
Tel: 01463 239 806 

Rocpool Restaurant – A trendy and very popular city-centre brasserie offering local produce and seafood dishes. Excellent quality & service. Located on the banks of the River Ness on the corner to Ness Bridge. Pre-booking is essential.  
Tel: 01463 717 274 

River House Restaurant - A small local restaurant specialising in quality local seafood. Located at the western banks of the river Ness and only about 20 min. walk from the charter base. 
Tel. 01463 222 033 

Black Isle Bar - Local Brewery owned pub offering large selction of craft beer, organic wine & whiskies. Small food menu. 
Tel: 01463 229 920 

MacGregor's Bar - Scottish bar & restaurant - frequent traditional live music events.
Tel: 01463 719 629

Pizza Express – Located right next to Inverness Railway Station this chain restaurant has a vast pizza menu, including pasta and salad dishes. 
Tel: 01463 709 700 

Rajah – This is the longest established Indian Restaurant in the Highlands (since 1982), giving you the authentic taste of India in the heart of the Highlands. Take away menu available (collection only). 
Tel: 01463 237 190 or 01463 711 525 

Sam’s Indian Cuisine – Great Indian Restaurant in the city centre. Friendly service and lovely atmosphere. Delivery available. 
Tel: 01463 713 111 

Cinnamon – Specializing in Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine Cinnamon is popular with locals and tourists alike. Behind the Eastgate Shopping Centre. 
Tel: 01463 716 020 

 The Waterside Restaurant and Nicky Tam's Whisky & Wine Bar are part of the Glen Mhor Hotel, located on the east side of the River Ness, a short walk from Ness Bridge.  
Tel: Waterside Restaurant 01463 233 065 , Nicky Tam's 01463 234 308 

Café 1 – This popular, family owned restaurant in the city-centre serves fresh local produce cooked with creativity and flair. Norman and his dedicated team are always on hand to help and keen to please. They can get extremely busy for both lunch and dinner so pre-booking is essential. 
Tel: 01463 226 200 

Contrast Brasserie – Another one of Inverness’ popular restaurants is Contrast, located within the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel on the River Ness. 
Tel: 01463 223 777 

The Waterfront - Very popular, traditional pub on the river side. Within walking distance from the boat yard (about 1.2 miles/20min.). 
Tel: 01463 233 870

Velocity - Social enterprise café and bicycle workshop, located just off the High Street. 
Tel: 01463 419 956

Beefeater Restaurant - Loch Ness House (attached to the Premier Inn Hotel), just along from the Tomnahurich Swing Bridge. 
Tel: 01463 701 111 

Loch Ness Country House Hotel & Restaurant - 1.5 miles from Caley Cruisers boat yard in a lovely rural setting, just outside Inverness. Pickup service for dinner may be available on request.
Tel: 01463 230 512 

Dog friendly places and activities:
Dog Friendly Inverness  
Dog Friendly Days Out

Shops 

Co-op – Only a few minutes by car or a 12 minute walk from the boat yard. 
74 Telford Street, Telford Retail Park, Inverness, IV3 5LS. Open daily 06:00-22:00, Tel: 01463 711 500

Lidl – Located just along the road past the co-op shop. 
Telford Street, Inverness, IV3 5LU. Opening Times: daily 08:00-22:00

Aldi - About 15-20 min walk from the charter base (passed Co-op and Lidl).
Friars Bridge, Inverness, IV3 5JP. Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-22:00, Sun 09:00-20:00

Note: Opening times may be subject to change

Tesco, Morrisons and Asda have also stores in Inverness, but those are located further away from the boat yard. 
Shopping delivery to the boat yard can be arranged prior to your holiday via the online shopping departments of Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's. Many of our customers already use this facility, which usually makes for a more relaxed arrival day. Ideally have your shopping delivered between 11am and 1pm, as the boats are not accessible in the morning and please avoid frozen food. We'll be happy to accept the shopping delivery on your behalf. Should you have any queries regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us. 



Takeaways 

Cheese & Tomatin - Fantastic, small artisan pizzeria in a quaint little terraced cottage, just off the High Street. The choice is not huge but they do an outstanding, traditional Neapolitan style pizza using a homemade sourdough base. Vegan option also available. There is only very limited seating space available, so take away or delivery are the main options.  
Tel: 01463 223 752

1st Pizza Direct – Pizzas, kebabs, burgers, fish & chips and more for collection or local delivery. 
Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NZ
Tel: 01463 717 171 

Sights & Walks

Inverness Castle – The castle overlooks the River Ness. It is a red sand stone structure and was built in 1836 by architect William Burn on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. The castle is currently the Sheriff Court but a Castle Viewpoint is open to the public (entry fee applies). You can also walk around the grounds and admire the statue of Flora MacDonald.

Inverness St. Andrew's Cathedral - On the opposite bank of the river is Inverness Cathedral (minus its spires as the funds ran out before they could be completed). The 19th century cathedral is the work of local architect Alexander Ross. The font is a copy of Thorwalden's font in Copenhagen Cathedral. Look out for the Russian gold icons. A café & shop are also onsite. 
Tel: 1463 225 553

Ness Islands - Walk down along the river banks (in the direction of the Caledonian Canal) and you'll find the Ness Islands where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on the little bridges and you can visit Bught Park. Close by you will find the Floral Hall where you will discover a superb array of subtropical plants and a lovely coffe shop.  If you plan to visit Ness Islands in the peak season from July to October, you can watch anglers casting long lines to leaping Atlantic salmon. 

Culloden Battlefield - National Trust for Scotland. The Battle of Culloden which took place on the 16 April 1746 was the final clash between the French-supported Jacobites and the Hanoverian British Government. It was the last battle ever to be fought on British soil. Nowadays you can visit the battlefield itself along with its exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition. Regular buses leave from Inverness Bus Station daily or alternatively you can take your own transport. Open daily, all year.  
Tel: 01463 796 090


Activities

Inverness Leisure – Offering a wide range of sports and leisure facilities including a 25 metre competition pool and a leisure pool for all members of the family. Inverness Leisure is located in Bught Park, close to the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal. Open daily.
Tel: 01463 667 500

Explore Highland – Bespoke canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding experience for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. Equipment hire only also available. 
Best way to contact is by email: info@explorehighland.com 

Unexplored Scotland
Outdoor activities, tours & courses, incl. kayaking and hillwalking
Tel: 01463 216 123

Kings Golf Club – Located on the outskirts of Inverness on the A82, Kings Golf Club is an 18 Hole championship Golf Course with a driving range and practice area. The club is open to the general public and the informal nature of the club appeals not only to the serious golfer but also to those wishing to try golf for the first time!
Tel: 01463 225 651


Inverness Museum & Art Gallery - Located in the same building as the Tourist Information Centre; the entrance is at the back of this building and can be accessed from Castle Wynd. The museum and Art Gallery explores Scottish history. There is also a café.
Tel: 01349 781 730

Eden Court Theatre – Located near Bught Park, this fantastic theatre, cinema and arts venue has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and major extension. The theatre hosts large array of performances and screenings daily. There is also a restaurant, cafe and licensed bar located within the theatre.
Tel: 01463 234 234

Vue Cinema – This cinema complex located within the Inverness Retail Park has over 10 screens and always has the latest movies on show. Tickets can be booked in advance online or via the number below.
Tel: 0345 308 4620

Rollerbowl – With 24 bowling lanes, 9 pool tables, a good selection of arcade games and snacks served daily, Rollerbowl has something to keep all the family entertained.
Tel: 01463 235 100


Taxis & Transport

Inverness Taxis – 01463 222 222
Note: Most taxi companies also offer bespoke tours.