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Whats open in Inverness in the Winter? Whats the weather like, does it Snow?
Short answer: Winter in Inverness is crisp, calm and gorgeous — think frost-kissed landscapes, cosy pubs and star-bright skies. Use this guide to plan your Highland winter escape, from theatre nights and whisky tours to lochside walks and Northern Lights tips. For the comfiest base, stay riverside at the 4★ Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Your Winter Escape Starts Here
Come, see & explore with our complete guide to winter in Inverness. Shorter days bring softer light, quieter paths and that Highland hush — perfect for walks, culture, wildlife and warming drams. Use this page to plan what’s on, top attractions, winter walks, foodie gems and whisky adventures. Then unwind in the pool, sauna and steam room at the Palace Spa.
Book your winter staycation and make the River Ness your base.
Top Suggestions for Winter Days Out
Eden Court Theatre & Cinema (Winter 2025/26)
Only a short walk from the Palace. Panto sparkle, live music, comedy and ballet illuminate darker evenings, with matinees ideal for families. Pair your visit with riverside strolls, pre-theatre dining and a relaxing overnight — no driving, just wander back along the River Ness under twinkling lights.
Inverness Botanic Gardens
A 20-minute River Ness walk from the hotel transports you to the tropics. Warm glasshouses, a cactus collection and seasonal displays offer a colourful antidote to winter greys. Take time for a gentle wander, then pause for coffee and cake before ambling back along the river to the city centre.
Caledonian Canal
Sunset strolls and wide-open skies await on this beautifully engineered waterway. Join the towpath from Inverness and follow it to swing bridges and working locks, with views towards the firths. It’s flat, photogenic and peaceful — perfect for a leg-stretch before dinner or a slow family cycle in clear, cool air.
Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness
Winter sailings showcase dramatic scenery and moody light, with heated lounges and panoramic decks for comfortable viewing. Scan for wildlife, pass Urquhart Castle and soak up stories of Nessie. Festive departures on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve feel especially memorable — a Highland tradition worth booking in advance.
Loch Ness Visitor Centre & Nessieland
Discover the legends and science behind Scotland’s most famous loch, then let younger adventurers loose at Nessieland’s play zones. It’s an easy day that blends learning and laughter, with plenty of photo stops. Combine with a village wander and a cosy hot chocolate to round off a relaxed winter excursion.
Culloden Battlefield
Walk the historic moor where the Jacobite Rising reached its tragic climax in 1746. The Visitor Centre’s exhibits, artefacts and immersive storytelling deepen context before you step outside to the windswept field. Paths are well marked; allow time for quiet reflection and views across the surrounding Highland landscape.
Urquhart Castle
Perched above Loch Ness, these romantic ruins deliver sweeping panoramas. Winter light paints the water steel-blue and crowds are fewer, making photographs extra special. Wander the towers, read the panels and imagine sieges past; then drop into nearby cafés or continue a scenic drive along the shoreline.
Fort George
One of Europe’s finest artillery fortifications, guarding the Moray Firth. Explore vast ramparts, barracks and the regimental story while watching for dolphins offshore. Winter hours are shorter, but low sun and long shadows make the architecture dramatic. Wrap up, bring a camera and plan a warming lunch afterwards.
Brodie Castle
A turreted delight set in expansive grounds with woodland trails. While the castle reopens in spring, winter still rewards with peaceful gardens, heritage features and a welcoming café. Combine with coastal villages or a drive through fertile Moray farmland for a gentle, restorative day in softer seasonal light.
Highland Wildlife Park
Open all winter (pre-book). Meet polar bears, snow leopards, bison and more against a dramatic Cairngorm backdrop. The mix of walk-through areas and drive-through reserve suits changeable weather. Pack layers, plan a hot drink stop and allow time for lingering at viewpoints — the scenery alone is worth it.
Castle-hopping more your thing? See our Highland Castles guide.
Winter Whisky Adventures
Inverness is perfectly placed between the Highlands and Speyside whisky regions — ideal for distillery tours and tasting flights on a crisp winter’s day. Start with local favourites from our whisky distilleries near Inverness post and browse our Explore Whisky Trails guide.
- Glen Ord (Black Isle): A transformed visitor experience for The Singleton brand, with informative tours through mashing, fermentation and tall stills. Tastings spotlight orchard fruit and toffee notes. Add a Black Isle coastal detour for dolphin-spotting before returning to your warm riverside base at the Palace.
- Tomatin (A9, ~25 mins): Legacy Tours on the hour, Taste of Tomatin flights and the option to bottle your own from cask. Expect soft fruit character and gentle spice. Warehouse aromas, friendly guides and easy access from the A9 make this a winter winner for first-timers.
- Uile-Bheist (River Ness): Inverness’s first city distillery in 130 years brings whisky and small-batch brewing together. Tours cover grain to glass with plenty of flavour chat. Ideal if you want minimal travel — stroll over from the Palace Hotel, enjoy a tasting, then wander back along the river.
- Glenmorangie (Tain, ~50 mins): Renowned for elegant, fruit-forward single malts and famously tall copper stills. Visitor experiences explain cask influence and wood management. Combine with a scenic coastal drive round the Dornoch Firth for a classic day out with sweeping winter horizons and big, luminous skies.
- The Dalmore (Alness, ~35 mins): Home of the iconic stag and richly sherried house style. Tours highlight maturation in ex-sherry casks and meticulous blending. Its Cromarty Firth setting is beautiful in crisp light; pair your visit with a harbour walk before heading back for a restorative swim at the Palace.
Winter Walks
Pack woolly scarves and a flask of hot chocolate — winter walking is sublime up here, with chances of the Aurora Borealis on crystal-clear nights.
- Ness Islands: 2-mile loop from the Palace; lit at night, with Whin Park for family fun.
- Falls of Foyers: woodland views and a dramatic waterfall; warm up in the Waterfall Café.
- Ord Hill & Moray Coast: dark-sky vantage for Northern Lights; see our Aurora guide.
- Caledonian Canal: big sunsets and easy towpaths from the city edge.
What’s On: Winter 2026 Highlights
A snapshot of the calendar — ideal for pairing with a city break. Always check organiser websites for final timings.
January 2026
- RSNO Viennese Gala — Eden Court
- The Snow Queen — Scottish Ballet (Eden Court)
- Carlos Acosta — Nutcracker in Havana (Eden Court)
- Hamza Yassin — My Life Through the Lens (Eden Court)
February 2026
- The Magic of the Bee Gees — Eden Court
- Little Wander Comedy Gala — Eden Court
- Girls Night Oot 2! Heartbreaks & Promises — Eden Court
- Benedetti plays Mendelssohn — SCO (Eden Court)
March 2026 & Beyond
Stay With Us
Choose Inverness for your winter escape and check our latest Seasonal Offers. Make it a longer luxury break with access to the Leisure Club pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Always book direct for the best value — or call 01463 223243.
