Inverness and surrounds

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After searching in vain for an October half term break abroad in our budget, we've finally booked a hotel in...Inverness! I've never been to Scotland before so tips for what to see in the area would be fantastic. We have kids aged 4, 6 and 8 and I'm imagining nice walks, scenic drives, castles, pubs, nice food, whisky... Need a relaxing break so low-key suggestions would be perfect. TIA

Pack something warm it's nippy in inverness just now lol

Haha yeah themals are on the packing list. And that's also why pubs and whisky are on the itinerary ;)

Inverness is fabulous - Dores beach is gorgeous, a 10 min drive out of Inverness and Dores Inn is great for dinner or lunch. Really cosy and great food. Nairn beach is good for a walk. There's a fab place called The Potting Shed which is in he middle of nowhere not far from Aviemore that makes the most amazing cakes - doesn't do lunch so is purely a coffee and cake stop but has a plant nursery too. Simpson's garden centre is fab too.

Lots of places to go dolphin watching too. If you have a car, trips up to Tain/Dornoch/Golspie are meant to be well worthwhile, though haven't been.

Pack warm clothes and wet weather gear - Scotland is WET!!

Swimming pool in Inverness is nice enough for the kids for if (when) it rains. Town centre shopping area is nice, had a good sandwich in their foodcourt once ;-) Drive 30 mins down to Aviemore - you can go up the mountain on a funicular (restaurant/cafe ain't great but it has an amazing view), walk out to meet the reindeer (not a long walk), walk around Rothiemurchas estate, go on the steam train. Good Italian buffet restaurant in Aviemore too, my kids love it. Coast along to Lossiemouth is nice if you have a dry day, Fort George is out that way if you happen to be NT members.

Highland wildlife park is fantastic
Had one of the best meals I've ever had at the Clansman hotel on banks of ness
Ness boat trip

Best hire a car though they cheap enough these days

How could I forget Landmark at Carrbridge too, kids all time fave!!!

Great, thanks everyone! We will be driving up from Yorkshire so will be mobile and happily where we are staying has a pool (so the kids will probably be perfectly content even if we never leave the hotel...). Will look up all your suggestions :)