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Discovering the 7 Best Parks in Inverness: A Local’s Guide
As a child, the park was always my favorite escape—a place to let my imagination run wild, play freely, or simply sit on a bench and let the world fade away for a while.
Taking my nieces and nephews out to play means finding parks that offer plenty of space for running around, a fun children’s play area, and a peaceful corner for a quiet picnic after they’ve built up quite the appetite after horsing around.
For our family, outdoor time is the perfect way to soak up some vitamin D while enjoying the unique charm of Inverness. Let me help you discover the perfect spot with our handpicked list of the best parks in Inverness.
Bellfield Park
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Address: 3 Bellfield Park
Contact Information: 07795 323245
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Amenities & Facilities:
- Children’s play area
- Tennis court
- Bandstand
- Kiosk
- Picnic areas
- Walking paths
- Public restrooms
Bellfield Park is a vibrant, family-friendly destination offering a variety of amenities, including a well-equipped children’s play area, newly refurbished all-weather tennis courts, and a refreshing paddling pool available during the summer months.
Ideal for children’s activities, the park is open year-round and occasionally comes alive with musical performances and special events hosted at its charming bandstand.
Located just a five-minute walk from Inverness city centre, Bellfield Park is a beloved green space where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll or a leisurely picnic amidst its peaceful surroundings.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the park and fancy a light snack or some refreshments, there’s a convenient kiosk to satisfy your cravings.
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
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Address: Kessock Rd
Contact Information: 07795 253727
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Amenities & Facilities: N/A
While most parks are known for playgrounds and sports fields, the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve offers a totally different vibe.
Just on the edge of Inverness, this nature reserve is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy walking paths, spot wildlife, and take in some beautiful scenery.
It might not be your typical park, but it’s a great place for those who want to get close to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pro Tip: When visiting the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the walking trails can get slippery, especially after rain.
Ness Islands
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Address: Great Glen Way
Contact Information: N/A
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Amenities & Facilities: N/A
For something truly special, be sure to visit Ness Islands. True to its name, this park is made up of small islands, all connected by charming footbridges that create a picturesque walking trail along the scenic River Ness.
As part of Inverness’s green spaces, the islands are the perfect spot for outdoor activities like birdwatching, peaceful strolls, photography, or even a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature.
The full walk takes about an hour or two, but if you’re short on time, you can easily shorten your route by using one of the several bridges that connect the islands and lead you back.
Pro Tip: The path is great for both dogs and cyclists!
Chase n’ Tails Park
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Address: Chase’n’tails Park Inverness
Contact Information: 073754 71138 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am – 11pm
Amenities & Facilities:
- Picnic tables
- Obstacle course
- Public restroom
Chase n’ Tails Park is the ultimate playground for your furry friends! This secure, enclosed space is specifically designed for dogs to run free and play off-leash. The park is surrounded by a 6-foot-tall, reinforced deer fence, ensuring a safe environment for pups of all sizes.
Open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, the park offers flexible visiting hours to suit any schedule. If you have multiple dogs or a pup that’s a bit anxious or reactive, you can even book the space exclusively for a private session.
Your dogs will love exploring the various obstacles, from running through tunnels to conquering the A-frame ramp, which helps test their balance, coordination, and confidence.
Pro Tip: The park doesn’t provide toys, so be sure to pack your own—think balls, frisbees, or your pup’s favorite playthings.
Inverness Botanic Gardens
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Address: Bught Ln
Contact Information: 01463 701019
Operating Hours:
- April to October: 10am – 5pm
- November to March: 10am – 4pm
Amenities & Facilities:
- Onsite café
- Gift shop
- Benches and seating areas
- Public restrooms
Offering a completely different vibe from a traditional park, the Inverness Botanic Gardens is a serene and tranquil escape that brings you closer to nature.
While it doesn’t feature playgrounds or sports areas, it more than makes up for it with peaceful walking paths, beautifully curated plant collections, tropical greenhouses, and themed gardens.
It’s a favorite spot for plant enthusiasts and anyone seeking to unwind with a leisurely stroll or even a calming yoga session amidst nature’s beauty.
Pro Tip: The Inverness Botanical Garden is wheelchair-friendly thanks to its well-maintained walkways and ramps.
Whin Park
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Address: Bught Rd
Contact Information: 01463 234286
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Amenities & Facilities:
- Picnic tables
- Play areas
- Ice cream shop
- Coffee shop
- Boating activity
- Public restroom
Perfect for all ages, Whin Park is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, a fun day out with children, or enjoying nature by the River Ness. The park offers a variety of activities, including 4 play zones where kids can enjoy swings, slides, climbing frames, and more.
For a tranquil experience, visitors can feed the ducks by the river or rent rowboats and paddle boats for a scenic 30-minute ride on the pond.
The park also has plenty of green spaces and designated picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends. For those looking to stay active, there’s an outdoor gym with various exercise machines suitable for older children and adults.
Pro Tip: Dogs, including well-behaved pups on a leash, are not permitted inside the park.
Walker Park
Address: 3LL, Kingsmills Rd
Contact Information: 01349 886606 (Highland Council)
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Amenities & Facilities:
- Play areas
- Fitness equipment
- Seating areas
- Public restroom
Walker Park features a spacious green area, ideal for picnics, outdoor games, and running around. The pathways are fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring easy navigation for everyone.
The play area is equipped with swings, climbing frames, and slides. For those looking to stay active, the park also offers a fitness area with equipment suitable for all ages, including calisthenics options.
Best of all, it’s a dog-friendly space—just be sure to keep your furry friends on a lead while exploring the park.
Pro Tip: There’s a small parking area nearby that’s free of charge. If that’s full, you can park in the surrounding residential streets, but be mindful of parking restrictions and permits required.
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