St Columba's

A small church with a big history sits quietly on the edge of Inverness, and St Columba's is one of those places that rewards the few who actually bother to find it. Built in 1791, it's a proper Georgian gem - understated and dignified in that way old Scottish churches do so well, with a bell tower that catches the light nicely on a clear afternoon.

Walking through the churchyard is genuinely peaceful. The gravestones tell stories going back centuries, and there's something grounding about being surrounded by that much time and quiet. The interior is simple but dignified - whitewashed walls, wooden pews, tall windows that flood the space with light. It won't take you more than thirty minutes to have a proper look round, and you'll likely have the place to yourself.

History buffs will get the most from this - it's a solid example of late 18th-century Scottish ecclesiastical architecture, and the setting tells you something real about how communities organised themselves back then. Families with older kids won't struggle, but toddlers might find it a bit dull. Walkers doing the Inverness circuit should swing by on the way through.

It's free to visit, and honestly, it pairs well with staying at Ardtower Caravan Park just down the road - only a mile away, so you could walk it easily. The glamping spots at Loch Ness are a bit further out if you're after something with more of an event-holiday feel, but St Columba's works as a genuine quiet moment in any Highland trip.