5 BEST THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE INVERNESS

1. Meet Highland Cows at Farm Ness

Just a mile outside of Inverness, on the scenic road to Skye, you’ll find Farm Ness—a must-visit destination for Highland cow lovers. This working farm is home to a beautiful fold of Highland cows, and it’s one of the best places near Inverness to meet these iconic Scottish animals up close.

At the heart of the Highland cow fold is Iona, a 5-year-old Highland cow and the gentle matriarch of the herd. She’s known for her calm nature and loves meeting visitors. If Iona decides you’ve passed the test, the rest of the Highland cows usually come over too. Skye the Highland cow is often next, followed by the younger and slightly more shy Mhairi Bhàn (Gaelic for Blonde Mary) and Moo-rag.

Highland cow encounters at Farm Ness are personal and unforgettable. You can stroke their shaggy coats, feed them by hand, and capture amazing photos with these friendly Highland cows. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Highlands or a local looking for a special day out, this is a Highland cow experience you won’t forget.

Farm Ness is also home to Iron Age pigs, goats, rabbits, and more—all on a farm that’s been in the Fraser family since the 1930s.

Top Tip: Book a private Highland cow tour on their website to make the most of your visit. If you’re in a hurry, pop in for a quick ‘Insta Cow’ pic—the perfect Highland cow selfie is just a feed pipe away!

2. Family Fun at Farm Ness Play Area

Got kids to entertain? Farm Ness is the perfect stop for family fun just outside of Inverness. It’s home to the Highlands’ first and largest “Jelly Belly”—a giant, colorful jumping pillow that’s a huge hit with children (and more than a few adults too!).

There’s plenty more to explore, including straw mountains and straw lakes, outdoor go-karts, and an undercover role-play village. Kids can play shopkeeper in the mini Farm Ness supermarket, or pretend to be a farmer for the day. It’s imaginative, active, and all-weather-friendly—ideal if you’re looking for things to do with kids near Inverness.

The grown-ups are well looked after too. You can grab a coffee made with locally roasted beans, enjoy a scoop of ice cream from Black Isle Dairy, and even take home some beef straight from the farm, reared right here at Farm Ness by the Fraser family.

Whether you’re stopping in for a couple of hours or planning a full day out, Farm Ness offers a brilliant mix of play, learning, and real farm life.

3. Cruise Loch Ness on a Jacobite Boat Tour

After your visit to Farm Ness, continue your adventure along the A82 (the road to Skye) and hop aboard a Jacobite boat tour—one of the best ways to experience the legendary Loch Ness.

Boats depart from both Dochgarroch Lock and The Clansman Hotel, offering peaceful cruises with stunning views of the loch, Urquhart Castle, and the surrounding Highlands. These cruises are a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the water, spot wildlife, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself!

If you’re after something with a little more thrill, opt for a high-speed RIB boat (also departing from Dochgarroch). It’s an exhilarating way to take in the sights and a brilliant option for older kids and adventurous adults.

Whether you choose a gentle cruise or a fast-paced ride, a Loch Ness boat trip is a must-do when exploring the Inverness area.

4. Walk or Cycle the Caledonian Canal

For a peaceful outdoor activity near Inverness, take a stroll or bike ride along the Caledonian Canal. Starting from Dochgarroch Lock, the towpath runs all the way back toward Inverness, offering beautiful views, fresh Highland air, and a relaxing escape from the busy roads.

It’s a flat, easy route—perfect for all ages—and ideal if you’ve got kids with bikes or just fancy a leisurely walk after your Highland cow encounters or Loch Ness cruise. Along the way, you’ll see boats passing through the locks, spot ducks and swans, and enjoy some of the best free things to do near Loch Ness.

There’s also a lovely café at Dochgarroch for a pit stop, and you might even time it right to watch a Jacobite boat begin its journey along the canal.

Whether you’re on foot or two wheels, the Caledonian Canal is a gentle, scenic way to soak in the Highland landscape.

5. Step Back in Time at Culloden Battlefield

If you’re looking to add a bit of history to your Highland adventure, head east of Inverness to the hauntingly beautiful Culloden Battlefield—just a short drive from Farm Ness. This is the site of the last battle fought on British soil, where the Jacobite uprising came to a tragic end in 1746.

The visitor centre is excellent, with interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and a powerful film that brings the events of the battle to life. Outside, you can walk the battlefield itself, where clan markers and memorial stones still stand among the moorland.

For Outlander fans, Culloden is a must-visit filming location, and for anyone interested in Scottish history, it’s a moving and unforgettable experience.

It’s the perfect stop to reflect, learn, and take in a very different kind of Highland landscape—one steeped in stories, sacrifice, and heritage.