Date spot in Inverness
Hootananny
Spend an evening at the city's best-known live music pub, with trad sessions downstairs and gigs upstairs.
Church Street, city centre
Address: 67 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1ES- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Big night
Why it's a good date: There's music every night, so you don't need to plan much: just turn up. Arrive early to get a seat near the session.
Photo: Ian S, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Inverness guide
Inverness Castle
Castle Hill, city centre
Address: Castle Hill, Inverness IV2 3EG- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
Go inside the red sandstone castle above the river, which reopened as a visitor attraction in 2026, with stories of the Highlands told across its towers.
Why it's a good date: It's new, so it's something to discover together, even if one of you grew up here. The castle grounds are free, and the view over the Ness from up there is worth the short climb on its own.
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Bught Lane, beside the Ness Islands
Address: Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS- Outdoors
- Free
- Rainy day
Walk through the tropical house and the cactus house, then round the outdoor gardens, and finish with a coffee in the café.
Why it's a good date: The glasshouses are warm and green even on a dreich day, and it's free, with donations welcome. Pair it with a walk round the Ness Islands next door.
Photo: Craig Wallace, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Craig Phadrig
Leachkin, on the western edge of Inverness
Address: Craig Phadrig car park, Leachkin Brae, Inverness IV3 8PN- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
Climb the forest trail up the wooded hill on the west side of the city to the remains of an Iron Age fort at the top.
Why it's a good date: It's a proper uphill walk without leaving town, and there's a view over the Beauly Firth near the top. Wear decent shoes, as the paths get muddy after rain.
