Inverness Cathedral Tours

Inverness Cathedral showing heritage elements, night scenes and heritage architecture
Inverness Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Inverness Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Inverness Cathedral featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Inverness Cathedral featuring interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements


Discover the intriguing art and artifacts housed inside this controversial cathedral in the city center.

Inverness Cathedral, also known as St. Andrews Cathedral, is in a northern diocese of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The cathedral’s architecture prompts much debate, yet it’s one of Inverness’ most remarkable churches. View the cathedral’s controversial exterior and step inside to see its historic treasures.

The cathedral was constructed in 1869 by local architect Alexander Ross. Admire the distinctive reddish sandstone towers flanking the cathedral’s entrance. The spires that were originally intended to crown these square Gothic towers were ultimately omitted due to a lack of funds, polarizing public opinion about the cathedral’s final appearance.

As you walk inside the cathedral, look at the polished Peterhead granite pillars separating the bays of the nave. Don’t miss the gorgeous choir, which is made from Austrian oak. The choir screen was added in 1923, while the stalls date back to 1909.

Check out the white marble angel font, a copy of Copenhagen’s kneeling angel font by Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen. The angel’s face is different from the original, modeled after the wife of its donor, Colonel Learmonth.

Take your time viewing the cathedral’s beautiful stained-glass windows. Pay particular attention to the depiction of the Last Judgement in the gable above the west door, which is among the largest stained-glass windows in the country. This window is the diocese’s memorial to Bishop Eden, who inspired the building of the cathedral.

View the 19th-century icons given to Bishop Eden by Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The central icon depicts Jesus Christ, while the one on the left shows the Trinity with a group of saints. Another icon of Christ is on the right.

The cathedral continues to be one of Inverness’ most important places of worship, hosting regular Sunday services as well as various civic and community events. Try to catch one of the choral evensong performances, which are held once per month and on special occasions.

Inverness Cathedral is open daily and admission is free. Reach it by foot or bus on the west bank of the Ness River. Form your own opinion about the design of this grand Victorian cathedral.

Plan a trip to see Inverness Cathedral

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Best Lodging Options Near Inverness Cathedral

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

3 out of 5
7 Ness Walk, Inverness, Scotland
Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

4 out of 5
GLEBE STREET, Inverness, Scotland
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
CHURCH ST 83-97, Inverness, Scotland
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
B&B HOTEL Inverness

B&B HOTEL Inverness

3 out of 5
63 Academy Street, Caledonia House, Inverness, Scotland
B&B HOTEL Inverness
Mercure Inverness Hotel

Mercure Inverness Hotel

4 out of 5
Church Street, Inverness, Scotland
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Bank House

Bank House

2 out of 5
17 Old Edinburgh Rd, Inverness, Scotland
Bank House
Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness

Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness

2 out of 5
19-21 Huntly Street, Inverness, Scotland
Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness
Kingsmills Hotel

Kingsmills Hotel

4 out of 5
Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland
Kingsmills Hotel
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel

4 out of 5
20 Ness Bank, Inverness, Scotland
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Inverness Cathedral

While visiting Inverness Cathedral, explore nearby attractions such as scenic walking tours and local golf courses. Don't miss the chance to discover Instagram-worthy spots and catch a film at the local cinema. Stay updated on exciting events happening in Inverness to enhance your experience and fully immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture. Make the most of your visit by exploring all that Inverness has to offer!

Food and drinks

Visit Glen Ord Distillery, 10 miles from Inverness Cathedral, for local whisky and a romantic atmosphere. Alternatively, Black Isle Brewery, 12 miles away, offers craft beers in a lively setting. Don't miss Tomatin Distillery, also 12 miles out, for an unforgettable distillery experience.

Shopping

Near Inverness Cathedral, visit the Victorian Market, just 0.3 miles away, for a charming public market experience. The Eastgate Shopping Centre, only 0.5 miles away, offers family-friendly shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, head to Campbells of Beauly, located 9 miles away, for unique gifts.

Recreation

At Caledonian Stadium, enjoy an energetic atmosphere with various sports events just a mile from Inverness Cathedral. Torvean Golf Club, located 0.6 miles away, offers a serene golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, visit Blackmuir Wood, 13 miles away, where you can unwind in nature.

Nightlife

Inverness offers vibrant nightlife, with Eden Court Theatre just 0.1 miles from the cathedral, showcasing captivating performances. For adventure seekers, Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, 6 miles away, and Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena, 9 miles away, provide thrilling experiences for families and friends alike.

Find the best attractions near Inverness Cathedral

When visiting Inverness Cathedral, you'll find an array of attractions to explore, including the nearby Inverness Castle and the Inverness Palace. This area caters to all types of travelers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and romantic spots. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the local visitor center and the beautiful beaches around Inverness, making your trip both memorable and enriching.

  • Inverness Castle: Overlooking the River Ness, this historic castle offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into Scottish history. Its romantic architecture and cultural significance make it a perfect spot for history buffs and photographers alike.
  • Culloden Battlefield: This historic site marks the tragic turning point of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Visitors can walk the grounds, explore the visitor center, and absorb the poignant stories of those who fought here, providing a deep cultural experience.
  • Inverness Visit Scotland Information Centre: A family-friendly hub for adventurers, this center offers information on local attractions, outdoor activities, and guided tours, ensuring you make the most of your visit to Inverness and its surroundings.

Best time to go to Inverness Cathedral

The best time to visit Inverness Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Inverness Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Inverness Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Inverness Cathedral

Visiting Inverness Cathedral can be budget-friendly with several cost-saving tips. Entry is free, and nearby attractions like Castle Stuart, Clava Cairns, and Ness Islands also don't charge admission. For accommodation, consider visiting from January to February or November for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can help you find better prices. Utilize Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and package deals that combine flights and hotels for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and benefits.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Inverness Cathedral is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Inverness Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Inverness Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Inverness Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.