on the shore of River Ness

The most beautiful city in Europe

Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland Highland, Argyll and Bute

Recommendation added: 17/09/2006 15:03
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +191)

velvet202 has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Because of its own stone buildings and floral displays, visiting Inverness in the Scottish Highlands is like entering a medieval town. The town centre constructed around River Ness and is without doubt one of the most beautiful riverside scenery in Great Britain.
The town centre, also called Old Town, mostly hosts specialist retailers that offer real Scottish knitwear, Gaelic music and memorabilia, as well as souvenirs, jewellery and housemade whiskey.

In the newer part of the town centre you will find the Victorian Market, a newly built shopping complex that offers High Street fashion as well as traditional kilts and garments. The large global chains, however, can only be found in the nearby Eastgate Centre to maintain the city's Gaelic nature and avoid too much modernization.

The local Tourist Information Centre is situated in the town centre and can book accommodation as well as most trips to see various attractions for you free of charge. Inverness has a range of accommodation ranging from small, family-owned B&Bs that offer free continental breakfast to huge four star hotel complexes. Although B&B accommodation dominates it is not less comfortable than the luxury hotels, but less heavy on the purse. In fact, most B&Bs are very picturesque and offer excellent value for the money, and staying in a Scottish house will surely give you better a taste of the Highland life.
Inverness has its own airport from where you can rent a car, which is not really necessary since the public transport system is very good. There's lots to do and see in the Inverness area. Visitors with children will love the wildlife park near Inverness as well as dolphin spotting on Moray Firth. Just book a day tour from Inverness Harbour, and you won't have to go to Florida to treat your kids to one of the most beautiful experiences that wildlife has to offer.

In the nearby area of Inverness are a total of five castles, all beautifully maintained and most impressive. The nearest and newest one is Inverness Castle, which is currently used as a courthouse and is claimed to have been featured in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. According to various sightings, the ghost of the castle's most prominent inhabitant King Duncan sometimes takes a walk along the banks of the nearby River Ness in full ceremonial dress. The other four are all open to the public and situated within short driving distance. Other historical and cultural sights include Culloden battlefield and Caledonian Castle at Clava Cairns, the biggest Gaelic archaeological site in great Britain. Inverness also hosts the huge Museum and Art Gallery as well as the Eden Court Theatre, which is Inverness's biggest venue for music, theatre and cinema.

Only 6 miles outside the city, you will find Loch Ness, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Great Britain.

If you want to dine out, the city has many excellent restaurants to choose from. La Tortilla Asesina is a small Spanish restaurant situated on Castle Street that offers excellent cuisine at low prices. For Scottish cuisine, try the Royal Highland Hotel and its variety of fresh fish and pork chops.

All in all, Inverness is a very special city with lots of attractions and picturesque scenery. Highly recommended for everyone who enjoys excellent service and true hospitality."