Unmissable New Things to Do in Inverness & Loch Ness in 2026
Planning a trip to Inverness and Loch Ness in 2026?
Consider this your save-for-later Highland itinerary, not just where to go, but how to enjoy each place at its best. This guide covers the must-see attractions and experiences not to miss around Inverness and Loch Ness, with practical local tips included.
This part of the Scottish Highlands is famous for castles, landscapes and legends, but the real experience comes from knowing what, when and how to visit.
New attractions for 2026.
Inverness and Loch Ness might be known for history and legend, but the destination keeps evolving with new and updated visitor attractions and experiences. Let's have a look at what's new to visit and experience in Inverness and Loch Ness in 2026.
The new must-see attraction in Inverness city centre, the Inverness Castle Experience, is one of the newest attractions in the Scottish Highlands and a natural starting point when visiting Inverness. Located above the River Ness in the heart of the city, the restored castle now offers an immersive introduction to Highland history, culture and landscapes.
Rather than a traditional castle tour, visitors move through interactive galleries that explain the stories of the Highlands, from people and communities to music, language and scenery, helping you understand the places you’ll explore around Loch Ness and beyond.
A large viewing platform giving a 360 degree views of Inverness and the surrounding landscape, making it both an orientation point and a sightseeing stop. Many visitors will choose to begin their trip here to learn about the area before heading out to nearby landmarks.
Best time to visit: We suggest sunset, to take it in from the tower, you can always get a bite to eat in the bistro before or after, take your time, there is no rush!
Top tip: You must book your tickets in advance, which also saves you a few pounds!
Also new to Inverness is the Sgeul na Camanachd -Shinty’s Story, a permanent landmark exhibition celebrating Scotland’s community sport.
This immersive indoor attraction brings the history of shinty in Scotland to life through rare artefacts, digital displays and personal stories from players past and present, exploring its origins, community traditions and modern game.
Free to visit and ideal for all ages, it’s a fascinating thing to do in Inverness for anyone interested in Scottish heritage, Gaelic culture and authentic local experiences.
Best time to visit: Don't put this in your itinerary for a Tuesday or Wednesday, as the exhibition is closed on those days.
Top Tip: Discover more, and book one of the three fantastic guided experiences on offer.
Opening to visitors in 2026, Boleskine House introduces a different kind of Loch Ness experience, one centred on heritage, landscape and curiosity. Set within a forest on the south side of the loch, the restored 18th-century manor has been carefully brought back to life after major restorations. It's now managed as a charitable heritage destination.
Visitors can explore the house, grounds and exhibitions while learning about its layered history and cultural significance, making it a meaningful stop beyond the classic viewpoints.
Local tip: Combine a visit to Boleskine House with a drive along the south side of Loch Ness and stop at nearby Falls of Foyers. Allow extra time, as this side of the loch is less about quick viewpoints and more about slowing down and spending time in the landscape with so much to see.
New experiences for visitors in 2026
As well as the familiar favourites, 2026 introduces some fresh experiences to explore around Inverness and Loch Ness.
Let’s start with tartan and kilts.
A new addition to the city’s cultural experiences, the Highland Kilt Experience offers a hands-on introduction to Scotland’s national dress. Rather than simply seeing kilts in shop windows, visitors can learn how the outfit is worn, what the different elements mean and how tartans connect to heritage and identity, all within a small, guided experience.
Top tip: French-speaking visitors are also accommodated, making it accessible to a wider range of travellers.
For a different perspective on Highland heritage, Rebel Row offers creative workshops and talks centred around the story of tartan. Visitors can weave their own piece of Prickly Thistle tartan in a guided, hands-on session, leaving with a small sample to take home along with a certificate of authenticity, and more importantly, you will have officially become a rebel weaver!
Alongside the workshop, in-store talks explore lesser-known histories connected to tartan, including the Untold Story of Tartan and Highland Heroines, adding cultural context to a pattern often recognised but not always understood.
And for the foodies, The Scottish Cooking Experience is a traditional Highland baking session
Bake, taste and experience Highland hospitality in a guided, hands-on Scottish scone-making class. This small-group experience blends practical baking with stories of food culture and Gaelic heritage, offering insight into a recipe closely tied to everyday life in Scotland. Guests prepare and enjoy their own freshly baked scones while learning about traditions you’ll encounter across the region.
Top tip: Book early in your stay, you’ll start spotting (and confidently ordering) different styles of scones and bakes throughout your trip.
For those looking to experience the landscape beyond viewpoints, Active Highs offers guided outdoor activities in the Great Glen near Fort Augustus. White water rafting and river tubing, gorge walking and funyakking, are the focus!
Activities are suitable for a range of visitors, including families, couples and groups, with qualified instructors guiding each session and adapting to conditions on the day. These experiences offer a completely different perspective on Loch Ness and the surrounding glen!
Top tip: Why not link the full-on adventuring with a speed rib cruise whilst you are in Fort Augustus, Cruise Loch Ness offer these during the summer season.
For a slower way to experience the water, Fish Loch Ness offers guided fishing trips departing from Loch Ness Hub. The sessions introduce visitors to fishing on the legendary Loch Ness and allow you to enjoy spending time in one of the Highlands’ most recognisable landscapes.
Led by experienced local guide Stuart, the trips focus as much on understanding the environment as on the catch itself, making it suitable both for beginners and those with previous fishing experience.
Top tip: Make sure to explore all the other activities offered from the Loch Ness Hub! There is something for every visitor.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Eden Court Theatre, Inverness’s cultural hub on the banks of the River Ness. Throughout the year a programme of performances, events and community activities will celebrate its role in the creative life of the Highlands, from theatre and film to music and workshops. The popular Under Canvas summer series also returns, bringing live traditional music to an outdoor setting. Make sure to check out what is on during your visit!
These are just a few of the new experiences to discover in 2026 alongside the area’s familiar favourites. If you’re looking for more ideas, we have plenty more inspiration, explore our other guides to help you uncover even more things to see and do around Inverness and Loch Ness.
Discover our history
Discover 1000 years of historic attractions and experiences when visiting Inverness and Loch Ness.
More things to do!
Discover the full range of things to see and do in Inverness, Loch Ness and the surrounding area on our interactive map.
Discover our waters
Boat tours, water sports or just relaxing scenery, there is so much to explore in, on and around our waters! Find out more.