Family-Friendly Adventures in Inverness, Inverness-shire!

Fort George

Why Visit?

Fort George, nestled near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, offers a fascinating day out for families interested in history and military architecture. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Fort

Start your day early and drive to Fort George, about 11 miles northeast of Inverness. There"s ample parking, and the drive gives beautiful views along the Moray Firth coastline. Once at Fort George, purchase your tickets at the visitor center. Begin your exploration of this 18th-century fortress, which remains an active military base.

As you walk through the mighty gates, grab a family-friendly audio guide that tells intriguing stories making history come alive for kids and adults alike. Start with the main rampart walk, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the chance to spot dolphins in the Firth.

Midday: Museum and Exhibitions

Head to the Highlander’s Museum, housing an impressive collection of items from the famous Highland regiments. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful uniforms and military regalia. The museum is both educational and interactive, making it a hit with younger visitors.

Afternoon: Picnic and Leisure Time

Enjoy a picnic on the grassy grounds. There’s plenty of space for kids to play and explore safely within the fortress walls. Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the historic chapel, built in 1767, which is beautifully preserved with original features.

Late Afternoon: Wildlife Watching

Before you leave, use the viewing area set up for wildlife enthusiasts. The Moray Firth is home to a variety of birds and marine life, including a colony of bottlenose dolphins. Binoculars can be a great addition to spot these magnificent creatures.

Departure

As the day winds down, make your way back to the car, filled with memories of a day steeped in history and natural beauty. Fort George not only offers a glimpse into Scotland"s past but also provides a scenic and educational day out for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Clava Cairns

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Clava Cairns: A Day Trip Itinerary

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by driving to Clava Cairns, located about 6 miles east of Inverness, Scotland. It"s easily accessible by car via the B9006, providing a scenic route that will set the adventurous tone of the day. Upon arrival, gather your family for a brief introduction at the site"s entrance, where you can find informational boards detailing the history and significance of this ancient site.

Clava Cairns Tour

Step back over 4,000 years as you explore this exceptional Bronze Age burial complex. The site consists of three well-preserved cairns, each encircled by standing stones that are mysteriously aligned with the solstice sun. As you wander around, share with your kids how these structures possibly served both as graves and as astronomical observatories.

Interactive Learning

Bring along a compass and teach your children how to use it to find the south-west and north-east line, which directly aligns with the midwinter sunset - a fascinating fact that makes Clava Cairns unique. Discuss the craftsmanship and what daily life might have looked like during the Bronze Age.

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a family picnic in the lush, green area surrounding the cairns. This is a perfect time to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. Pack traditional Scottish snacks like shortbread or oatcakes to add local flavor to your meal.

Afternoon: Scavenger Hunt

Post-lunch, engage the kids with a scavanger hunt around the site, looking for specific types of stones, identifying flora and fauna, or perhaps finding the best spot that could have been used for stargazing by ancient peoples.

Wrap Up

Conclude your visit by capturing family photos with the striking cairns in the background, creating lasting memories of your journey into Scotland’s deep past. Before heading back, remind the kids about the importance of preserving such historical sites.

In just a day at Clava Cairns, your family can connect with ancient history, explore natural wonders, and engage with intriguing astronomical insights, all while making unforgettable memories.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Caledonian Canal

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family adventure along the Caledonian Canal, a stunning waterway stretching 60 miles across the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to Fort William. This picturesque canal, engineered by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical marvels, offering an array of activities suitable for all ages.

Day 1: Inverness to Loch Ness

Begin your journey in Inverness, easily accessible by train or car from major UK cities. Start at the Inverness Marina and take a leisurely boat tour along the canal into the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, the famed Loch Ness Monster. Along the way, marvel at the engineering of the lock systems, especially the Muirtown Locks, which raise boats by 24 feet using a series of four locks.

Day 2: Fort Augustus

Drive or take a local bus to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness. This charming village offers a great vantage point for watching boats navigate the impressive flight of locks. Visit the Caledonian Canal Centre to engage with interactive exhibits about the canal"s construction and history. Nearby, the Clansman Centre provides a fun, educational experience about 17th-century Highland life.

Day 3: Neptune’s Staircase and Ben Nevis

Conclude your tour at Neptune’s Staircase, near Banavie, just a short drive from Fort William. This awe-inspiring series of eight locks is Britain’s longest staircase lock and lifts boats 64 feet over a quarter of a mile. Enjoy a picnic with stunning views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. For a memorable end to your trip, take a scenic hike in the surrounding area or a cycle along the Great Glen Way.

Each stop on this itinerary offers unique insights and delightful experiences, making your visit to the Caledonian Canal a memorable family journey steeped in splendor and history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Loch Ness

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Drumnadrochit

Begin your Loch Ness adventure by staying in Drumnadrochit, a charming village located about 23 miles from Inverness. It"s easily accessible by car or bus from Inverness. Upon arrival, explore the local shops and enjoy a hearty Scottish meal at one of the cozy pubs.

Day 2: Discover the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

Start your day at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, just a short walk from most accommodations in Drumnadrochit. This fascinating museum offers a detailed look at the loch"s natural history and the famous Nessie legend. Engage with interactive displays perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Day 3: Urquhart Castle

Head to Urquhart Castle, a few minutes" drive or a pleasant boat ride from Drumnadrochit. This picturesque ruin offers breathtaking views over Loch Ness and a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. Kids will love exploring the castle grounds and imagining life as a Scottish noble.

Day 4: Cruise on Loch Ness

Book a cruise on Loch Ness to witness the stunning scenery from a different perspective. Several companies operate from Drumnadrochit and offer family-friendly tours. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! Learn about the loch"s ecology and geology from the informative commentary during the cruise.

Day 5: Hiking and Picnicking

End your trip with a relaxing day spent outdoors. Hike along the trails at the nearby Great Glen Way. The paths are well-marked and suitable for families. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the loch.

Throughout your stay, immerse in the mystery and beauty of Loch Ness and leave with memories of an enchanting Scottish adventure.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Inverness Castle

Why Visit?

Welcome to your exciting family day out at Inverness Castle, a must-visit attraction nestled in the heart of Inverness, Scotland! Here"s a family-friendly itinerary to ensure you have a memorable experience.

### Morning: Arrival and Exploring Inverness Castle

Getting There: Inverness is well-connected by train from major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Once you arrive in Inverness, the castle is a short, scenic walk from the train station, approximately 10 minutes away. If you’re driving, there are several parking facilities nearby.

Exploring the Castle: Begin your adventure at Inverness Castle, which sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. Although the castle itself is not open to the public as it serves as a courthouse, the grounds and the tower are accessible and offer rich history and stunning views. Don"t miss the North Tower, which you can climb to get panoramic views of the Highland landscape.

### Midday: Lunch and Leisure

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the nearby Castle Hill. Pack your own lunch or grab some local Scottish treats from a nearby café.

Leisure Time: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the River Ness. This offers a great opportunity for younger children to play and explore in a beautiful, natural setting.

### Afternoon: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Visit the Museum: Just a stone"s throw from the castle, visit the Inverland Museum and Art Gallery. It"s a fantastic way to dive deeper into the history and culture of the Highlands. The museum is interactive and family-friendly, with exhibits ranging from natural history to Highland art.

### Fun Fact

Did you know that Inverness Castle was mentioned in Shakespeare"s play "Macbeth"? Although the historical Macbeth never lived in this castle, it adds a touch of literary magic to your visit!

### Departure

Wrap up your day with some local ice cream and a stroll back through the charming city center to your train or car. This day trip to Inless Castle promises a blend of education, culture, and fun, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.