Inverness Botanic Gardens (Floral Hall)

Highlights of the Inverness Botanic Gardens include the Tropical Greenhouse, which mimics a humid climate to create ideal growing conditions for tropical plants such as coffee and birds of paradise; the aptly named Cacti House; and Cobbs Café, which offers a light food and drink menu for lunch or tea.

You can book guided tours, held regularly, by calling or emailing the visitor center in advance. While the gardens are within walking distance of the downtown core, hop-on hop-off bus tours stop here and offer hassle-free navigating.

• The Inverness Botanic Gardens are ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a quiet respite from the city.

• Entry is free; donations are appreciated.

• Visitors typically spend about an hour and a half exploring the gardens.

• Cobbs Café offers a selection of beverages, pastries, and light lunch options.

• The majority of the outdoor gardens is wheelchair accessible, as are the visitor center and garden café.

Located about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the city center, the Inverness Botanic Gardens is about a 30-minute walk or 8-minute drive from Inverness Castle. By foot, take the scenic riverside Ness Way to Great Glen Way and cross the river at the Ness Islands. Alternatively, take bus 4 or 513 to Cemetery Gates.

The gardens are open from 10am to 4pm daily; last entry is 30 minutes before closing. While the gardens are busiest on weekends, they rarely feel overcrowded. Inverness’ peak season is during the warmer summer months, June to August, so go in the early spring or late autumn for a quieter experience of the city.

The Scottish Highlands are one of the rainiest locations in Western Europe, which makes the Inverness Botanic Gardens a fantastic place to escape overcast weather. Duck out of the drizzle and into the Cacti House or Tropical Hot House for a balmy change of scenery. Free entry means you can come and go as you please during bouts of rain.