Whin Park
A vibrant, recently redeveloped park in Inverness with an interactive Nessie, playship, miniature railway, and duck pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Whin Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, recently redeveloped park in Inverness with an interactive Nessie, playship, miniature railway, and duck pond.
"Whin Park is a 'real destination park' with fantastic upgrades, perfect for family fun."
Bring a Towel
Swings and play equipment can be wet in the morning, so a towel is handy! :handwithsplayed_fingers:
Miniature Railway Fun
The miniature railway is a must-do for kids and adults, costing around £3. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Nessie & Playship
Main Play Area
Embark on an adventure with the Legend Seeker Playship and tame the interactive Loch Ness Monster!
Miniature Railway Ride
Near Boating Pond
Enjoy a delightful journey on the miniature railway, a charming experience for all ages.
Duck Pond Serenity
Central Pond
Relax by the duck pond, a peaceful spot often filled with ducklings, perfect for a quiet moment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Playful Spirit
Beyond the Playground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Towel
Swings and play equipment can be wet in the morning, so a towel is handy! :handwithsplayed_fingers:
Miniature Railway Fun
The miniature railway is a must-do for kids and adults, costing around £3. :train2:
Watch Little Ones
While fenced, there are openings, so keep a close eye on children. :eyes:
Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic benches available for a lovely outdoor meal. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Towel
Swings and play equipment can be wet in the morning, so a towel is handy! :handwithsplayed_fingers:
Miniature Railway Fun
The miniature railway is a must-do for kids and adults, costing around £3. :train2:
Watch Little Ones
While fenced, there are openings, so keep a close eye on children. :eyes:
Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic benches available for a lovely outdoor meal. :sandwich:
Explore the River Ness
Exit the park for a scenic walk along the River Ness banks. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Whin Park is widely praised as a fantastic, recently redeveloped family park in Inverness, offering a wide array of engaging play equipment and activities. Visitors highlight the improvements, the charming miniature railway, and the peaceful duck pond as major draws, making it a highly recommended free attraction for all ages.
"I loved Whin park. We stopped there after visiting Inverness botanic gardens. We had lunch at one of the many picnic benches. It was so nice sitting next to the duck pond which was full of baby ducks, it was like "duck nursery" as there were no adult ducks around, just ducklings playing 🦆🦆. The children's play park looked so much fun, one of the best public kids play parks I've seen, lots to do for the wee ones. There are loads of slides, swings, roundabouts you cycle, things to climb/jump on, made me wish I was a kid again. There are no dogs allowed in Whin park which was nice as there was no chance of stepping in something nasty. There is a boating pond but it was closed when we were there. If you go through the park and out the other side it brings you out on the banks of the river Ness, there is a nice walk along the riverside (not a proper path though, just where people have made a path overtime). There are toilets and plenty of parking"
Paula Dempsie
"The update to this park is absolutely fantastic! There's so much to do and every piece has been chosen and created with all ages of children in mind... maybe some adults too 🤭
We came to celebrate a 5th birthday with a group of friends and stayed all day, wven when it started to rain!
The miniature railway is fantastic for for £3 and there's so much to spot on the wee journey it takes!
All adults agreed that it was one of the best parks in the north and with plans to return again soon."
Tabitha Smith
"Lovely park for the kids. I recommend to bring a towel to dry the swings, etc as they are often wet in the morning.
While there is an outer perimeter fence it does have openings so you need to keep an eye of for your children."
Pascal Zeylmans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whin Park is easily accessible within Inverness. Many visitors find walking is a great way to get around the city, and the park is a short walk from Ness Islands. If you're coming from further afield, consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring the wider Highlands, though for Whin Park itself, public transport or walking is often sufficient. +1
Yes, there is convenient parking available at Whin Park, making it easy for families arriving by car.
Yes, cycling is a great option. The canal path from Torvean to An Talla is a good, safe route for young children, and Whin Park is a lovely destination with a treat at the end.
The recent refurbishment has improved pathways, making them smoother and more inviting, which should enhance accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.
Within Inverness, walking is often the best way to get around. For exploring outside the city, renting a car is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Whin Park is a free attraction, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for families visiting Inverness.
While specific hours aren't always listed, the park is generally open during daylight hours. The miniature railway and boating pond may have seasonal operating times, so it's best to check locally if these are a priority.
No, booking is not required as Whin Park is a public park with free entry.
The play areas are designed for children of all ages, with various equipment catering to different age groups.
The miniature railway is often seasonal, so it's advisable to check its operating schedule before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Whin Park features an interactive Nessie, a Legend Seeker Playship, a climbing mound, a duck pond, and a miniature railway. The recent upgrades have made it a 'real destination park'. +1
Yes, the park has a variety of equipment suitable for toddlers, including slides, swings, and climbing structures.
Yes, there is a boating pond where you can rent row boats, though it may be seasonal.
No dogs are allowed in Whin Park, which helps keep the play areas clean and safe. :dog2:
You can often spot ducks and ducklings in the pond, and sometimes herons and other birdlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an ice cream and coffee shop located within the park, offering refreshments.
Absolutely! Whin Park has numerous picnic benches, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.
Yes, there are various dining options in Inverness, including Pizza Express, which is a short distance from the park.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially for younger children. The on-site coffee shop also offers ice cream.
Yes, there is a cafe that sells ice cream and coffee, perfect for a treat during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the joy of children on the new play equipment, the charm of the miniature railway, and the serene beauty of the duck pond. The interactive Nessie is also a fun subject. 
Yes, Whin Park is beautiful in autumn, with colorful foliage around the trees and pond, creating a picturesque setting.
Certainly! The miniature railway is a popular subject for photographers, offering unique shots of the train and its surroundings.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the park's natural beauty. Early mornings can also be lovely and less crowded.
The new interactive Nessie, the Legend Seeker Playship, and the miniature train station are all great focal points for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a free attraction, making it budget-friendly, and there are plenty of picnic benches for a relaxed lunch. Don't miss the miniature railway for a fun ride, and consider renting a boat on the pond for extra enjoyment (check seasonal availability). Remember to bring a towel as the play equipment can be damp in the mornings.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Explorers
Combine your visit with a ride on the miniature railway or a peaceful moment by the duck pond. The park's recent upgrades make it a pleasant and well-maintained space to relax and recharge before continuing your exploration of the Scottish Highlands.
💰 Budget Travelers
The only costs you might incur are for the miniature railway ride (around £3) or boat rentals on the pond (seasonal). These are optional extras that offer great value for the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Whin Park Redevelopment
+1The community has responded very positively to these changes, with many visitors calling it one of the best parks in the north. The new play areas are spacious and well-maintained, catering to a wide range of ages. This investment has clearly paid off, creating a vibrant and engaging space that encourages extended visits, even in less-than-ideal weather.
Beyond the main play structures, the park retains its charm with a peaceful duck pond and the popular miniature railway. These elements, combined with the new attractions, offer a diverse range of activities for a full day out. The focus on creating a safe, clean, and fun environment underscores Whin Park's role as a cherished local amenity and a worthwhile stop for tourists.
Family Fun Beyond the Playground
The boating pond is another popular attraction, allowing visitors to rent row boats and enjoy a gentle paddle. While this is often a seasonal offering, it adds another layer of interactive fun for families. The park's location also provides opportunities for nature observation, with the duck pond frequently hosting ducklings and other birdlife, much to the delight of younger visitors.
Furthermore, Whin Park's proximity to the River Ness means you can easily extend your outing with a scenic walk along the riverbanks. This combination of dedicated play facilities, recreational activities, and natural beauty makes Whin Park a comprehensive destination for a family day out in Inverness.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit