Inverness Leisure

The leisure centre on the outskirts of Inverness is the kind of place you'd visit on a rainy afternoon when the Highlands decide to show you their moody side. It's a proper indoor sports complex with a swimming pool, gym facilities, and various activity spaces - exactly what you need when the weather turns uncooperative, which happens regularly in this part of Scotland.

The pool is the main draw for families. It's heated, reasonably sized, and does the job without being fancy. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Go Glamping at Loch Ness is particularly good if you want to avoid facilities issues - this takes the pressure off having to entertain kids who've had enough of outdoor activities. The gym and sports halls cater to adults and teenagers looking to stay active during a holiday.

There's no denying it's functional rather than spectacular. You won't plan your Highland trip around it, but if you're based in the Inverness area for a week - especially with young children - knowing it exists is genuinely useful. Bunchrew Caravan Park and Ardtower are both within spitting distance, so it's easy enough to pop in for a couple of hours mid-week.

Best suited to families with children who need a break from walking and fresh air, or anyone serious about maintaining their fitness routine while on holiday. Worth checking their current opening hours and pool times before you go - leisure centre hours vary seasonally in Scotland.