About Inverness Leisure
Inverness Leisure Centre (often called Inverness Leisure) is the Highlands’ flagship sports, recreation and events complex (www.visitscotland.com ). Opened around 1997 (the indoor pool hall was originally branded the “Aquadome”) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ), it remains the largest multi-activity leisure facility in the region. The centre houses two pools (a 25m competition pool and a leisure pool with water slides and a lazy river), as well as a modern gym, studios, sports halls, athletics facilities and a health spa (www.visitscotland.com ). Its standout attraction was the thistle-shaped outdoor paddling pool (now currently closed) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). There’s also an 8-lane running track and field stadium next door (the Queen’s Park Athletics Stadium) complete with floodlighting and seating for about 500 spectators (www.highlifehighland.com ). Overall the complex is very comprehensive – climbing walls, children’s activity spaces and a steam/jacuzzi area in the spa – making it a one-stop community hub. Decades since opening, Inverness Leisure is well established locally: as one news report notes, “the biggest compliment we get is that people say they wouldn’t know they were in a leisure centre” when attending a concert or event here (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ).
The centre serves a wide range of users. Fitness enthusiasts come for daily gym workouts and group exercise classes (from spinning and aerobics to yoga and strength training), while families enjoy the swimming pool features and children’s sports sessions (www.highlifehighland.com ) (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ). High Life Highland (the public body that runs the site) reports over a million visits per year (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ), underlining its role as a community cornerstone. In winter months the atrium can be steamy with swim lessons, whereas in summer the outdoor amenities (like the lawned Bught Park surrounding it) see picnickers and casual sports. Architecturally it’s a contemporary functional building – mostly glass and tile around the pool halls – with the three waterslides prominently protruding from the roofline (www.livebreathescotland.com ). Signature features like the underfloor-moving 25m main pool, the spa facilities, the climbing wall and running track give Inverness Leisure a unique character among Scottish leisure centres. Its riverside location and proximity to the Botanic Gardens also make it a local landmark in the city’s west side.
Events and Programming
Inverness Leisure isn’t just a gym and pool – it doubles as an events venue when needed. The large central sports hall can be reconfigured for conferences, exhibitions and live shows. The centre has hosted an eclectic mix of happenings in recent years: from competitive sports to rock concerts. Sporting events include track-and-field meets on the adjacent stadium, martial arts and judo competitions (for example the Highland Budokan Judo Grand Prix), plus community sports days and children’s activity camps (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) (www.highlifehighland.com ). The leisure programme is constantly busy: daily swim lessons and coached swim sessions, plus weekly fitness classes for all ages (indoor cycling, HIIT, pilates, dance fitness, etc.) are programmed year-round (www.highlifehighland.com ) (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ).
Beyond sport, Inverness Leisure has become a touring music and entertainment venue. High-profile Scottish acts like Texas, Wet Wet Wet and Deacon Blue have played here in recent years (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ). Band nights and ceilidh-style concerts (for example the folk-rock band Skerryvore) regularly draw crowds of up to around 2,000 people (the venue’s maximum capacity in standing configuration) (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ). Promoters even held dance and club events in the hall; for a techno night in Spring 2023, DJ Dave Clarke headlined a “giant nightclub” at the centre. Annual pop-culture festivals like Inverness Comic Con have also set up shop here – complete with cosplay contests, stalls selling comics and toys, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters (www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com ). In sum, the programming ranges from local community and fitness activities on weekdays to destination events (concerts, expos, festival gatherings) on weekends and holidays. Families might catch a children’s gymnastics meet one day; the next weekend the same floor could host a folk music gig. Ticket prices for events vary widely – a recent rock concert ticket might be in the £20–£35 range, whereas daily swim or gym sessions use the centre’s standard membership or pay-as-you-go pricing.
Tickets and Booking
For everyday visitors, Inverness Leisure operates much like a standard leisure centre. Swim sessions, gym access and fitness classes are not “ticketed events” in the concert sense – instead, users pay at reception or book online through the High Life Highland portal (www.highlifehighland.com ). There are membership packages (individual and family) that allow unlimited use of the gym, pools and studios. For example, an adult membership is about £28.99 per month (direct debit price) (www.highlifehighland.com ). If you just want a one-off workout or swim, the centre charges day rates (as of 2025 an adult pool swim is around £10.25 (www.highlifehighland.com ) with cheaper rates for concessions and families). You can register for fitness classes (spin, yoga, etc.) on their booking site or by phone. In short, ordinary “use” events follow a membership/drop-in model and are handled through the High Life Highland system (the same one for all their Highland facilities). It’s best to check their online timetable and book classes up to a week in advance.
Major public events (concerts, shows, expos) have a separate ticketing process. Inverness Leisure does not have its own public box office; tickets are sold through promoters and external agencies. In practice, most concerts or festivals here use national ticket agents (e.g. Ticketline) or the promoters’ own websites. For instance, a recent Skerryvore show listed Ticketline and even a local menswear shop as official sellers (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Popular events often sell out, so it’s important to buy well in advance. Limited door sales may be offered on the night if the event isn’t fully sold; for example box office often opens an hour before showtime. To give a sense of pricing: a general admission standing ticket to a folk-rock concert might be in the low £30s (Skerryvore in 2025 was £32.50 + fees) (www.lcclive.co.uk ), whereas smaller local acts could be less. In all cases, you’ll work through the official channels listed on the event page rather than a leisure-centre kiosk.
Seating and Layout
The venue’s layout is flexible. The heart of the building is the large sports & events hall, which has a flat, open floor and a stage area at one end when used for shows. When configured for concerts or competitions, the entire floor becomes standing room. For example, at recent shows there were only general-admission standing tickets (no fixed seating), with a raised accessibility platform set aside for wheelchair users (www.lcclive.co.uk ). In short, there is no permanent theatre seating – events are typically floor-only. If you prefer a good vantage point, being off to the side or nearer the back can sometimes give a broader view of the stage (though many fans like to be close up front for the energy). The indoor pools have their own modest viewing stands along the competition pool side for swim meets. The outdoor Queen’s Park Athletics track has seating for about 500 spectators on one side (www.highlifehighland.com ), which is used during track meets. In everyday use, most areas are open-plan: the gym and studios have views through to the pools and courts. Acoustically, shows tend to be loud with powerful PA systems, so ear protection is wise if you’ll be near speakers or up front. One thing to avoid at concerts: do not try to bring chairs or picnic blankets – a strict “no chairs allowed” policy is enforced for safety (www.lcclive.co.uk ).
Getting There and Parking
Inverness Leisure Centre is located on Bught Lane, off Glenurquhart Road, Inverness (postcode IV3 5SS) (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ). This puts it in the western part of the city, near the River Ness and Bught Park sports fields. Visitors coming by car should note that on-site parking is limited (highly so during big events). The official site used to tout “free parking” (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ), but in reality capacity is tight. For major events, people often park at city car parks (for example the nearby Highland Archive Centre car park or other public pay lots) and/or use rideshare or taxi. Disabled parking spaces are available directly at the leisure centre car park. If you do drive, a useful route is via the A9/A82 – take the Friars Bridge crossing from city center, then follow signs to “Bught Park” or “Leisure Centre”. A park-and-ride or bus may be more convenient on event days.
Public transport access is good. The main bus lines along Glenurquhart Road (including frequent city routes) stop right outside – bus route 3 in particular serves the Bught Park bus stop opposite the centre (www.eventtravel.com ). From Inverness railway station (on Academy Street, IV2 3PY), you can catch a local bus or taxi to reach the leisure centre in a few minutes. The city’s bus station (Margaret Street) is also well-connected to local buses that run along the west side of town (www.lcclive.co.uk ). If you’re on foot, it’s a pleasant ~20-30 minute riverside walk from Inverness city centre along the Ness Islands path (www.eventtravel.com ). Cyclists can benefit: there are covered cycle racks right at the front entrance as a secure bicycle storage option (www.eventtravel.com ). For ride-shares or drop-offs, the main entrance and drop curb on Bught Lane is normally used.
Inside the Venue
Once inside Inverness Leisure, you’ll find a welcoming but busy atmosphere. The reception area has a help desk for swim or gym queries. The changing facilities are modern and clean: there are separate men’s, women’s and family-changing rooms, each with showers and toilets. Lockers are provided (no coins needed – you set a four-digit code on each locker) (www.livebreathescotland.com ). Notably, the centre includes a fully equipped “Changing Places” room for guests requiring extra help: it has an adult-sized bench, ceiling hoist, shower and toilet and space for carers (www.highlifehighland.com ). Accessibility is a priority throughout – lifts and wide corridors connect all levels, and pools have hoist lifts for disabled swimmers.
The gym and studios are well-equipped with cardio machines, weights and fitness gear. A recent refurbishment even expanded the gym into the former café space (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). The health spa area offers sauna, steam room and spa pools for members. On busy days you may need to wait a short time for machines. Wifi is available free throughout the centre (a “WiFi” symbol is listed on the official info) (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ). In terms of dining, note that the old on-site café was closed and replaced by vending machines as the permanent food option (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). For a sit-down meal or snack, you’re encouraged to try the Botanic Gardens café across the road (just down Bught Road) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) or various eateries a short drive into the city.
If you’re attending a scheduled show, allow extra time for security. Bags and coats are checked at the door (especially for concerts) and you will not be allowed to re-enter if you leave once inside (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Inside the arena, there are merchandise stalls and a cash/card bar during events. (www.lcclive.co.uk ) (www.lcclive.co.uk ) (Note: there are no ATM machines on-site, so bring cash if you need smaller bills (www.lcclive.co.uk ).) Toilets are located just outside the main arena space. Locker rooms and showers are also on hand for swimmers and athletes. Overall, staff are experienced and there are clear signs guiding you to the pool halls, gym and courts. The place can get a bit steamy by the poolside due to the warm, humid air – ventilators and fans help circulate the air, but wearing layers you can shed is sensible. Finally, for safety in noise or smoke-heavy events, remember that many concerts here use sound systems and special effects – earplugs and cool clothing might make for a more comfortable evening.
Nearby Amenities
Inverness Leisure sits in a handy location. Right across the road is the Inverness Botanic Gardens, where there is a popular café (pointed out by centre staff) for visitors (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). The gardens and Ness islands green space make a nice pre-show stroll. Within a few minutes’ drive (or a 15-20 minute walk) you reach Inverness city centre: here you’ll find hotels, restaurants and shops. For example, a Travelodge hotel is on Slackbuie Avenue (Fairways Business Park) just off the A9 (www.tripadvisor.com ). Other nearby accommodations include Premier Inns and local B&Bs in the city centre. Dining options in town range from pub grub (The Castle Tavern, The Riverside) to higher-end fare (restaurant row by the River Ness). If you need to dine closer, the Ice Centre next door has a cafeteria and the Highland Archive Centre (a couple of minutes away) has limited cafe services on site (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). Late-night transport from the centre is readily available: Inverness has 24-hour taxi services, and the city bus network runs evening routes back from the leisure area to the railway station and surrounding suburbs.
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets Inverness Leisure apart is its sheer versatility and local impact. It’s unusual to have such an advanced water park, athletics track and live concert venue all combined in one site. Locals appreciate that it brings culture and sport under one roof. The centre even chalks up bizarre firsts – for example being converted into a “giant nightclub” when a techno dance event took place there. Managers have boasted that promoters say Inverness is “on the map” now, thanks to successful gigs (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ). Indeed, this venue is the biggest indoor space in the Highlands (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ) and has secured headline acts that otherwise wouldn’t visit the region. On the community side, its milestone of serving over a million customers in a year shows it’s deeply woven into local life (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). Architecturally its focal point – the Aquadome with its slides – is eye-catching (from outside you can see the colorful flumes twisting down the façade (www.livebreathescotland.com )). Even the submerged pool floor (which can be raised for teaching) and the thistle-shaped outdoor pool give it a character of clever engineering. Legend has it the outdoor pool’s shape was meant to echo the Scottish national thistle, making it a uniquely Highland design element (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). Visitors often remark that events here feel unusually slick – the crowd often forgets they’re in a leisure centre gym rather than a dedicated theater, which is perhaps the greatest compliment to its design and staff (www.pressandjournal.co.uk ). For artists, playing here means reaching audiences that normally wouldn’t leave the Highlands, so performers tend to enjoy the enthusiastic local support.
Visitor Tips and Information
• Book ahead. Popular fitness classes and swim lessons can fill up, so reserve on the High Life website up to a week in advance. Likewise, concerts and events at Inverness Leisure often sell out quickly – buy tickets early from the promoter or official agent (Ticketline, etc.).Pool and slide schedules. The indoor swimming pools run on a timetable with dedicated public swim times. The flume slides and lazy river are not always running (they’re sometimes closed for maintenance or run only at peak sessions) – check the centre’s website or call ahead if slides are a must for your visit (www.livebreathescotland.com ) (www.livebreathescotland.com ). The outdoor thistle pool only opens in summer; note it was closed for repairs through 2024 (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) so don’t expect to use it.What to bring. For the pool, bring your swimsuit and a towel (towels are not provided). Eye protection (gaoggles) and swimcaps may be required for certain pools. Lockers use a personal 4-digit code – no coins needed (www.livebreathescotland.com ). For the gym, bring indoor trainers and a water bottle. Water fountains are available, and empty bottles can be refilled anywhere in the building (www.lcclive.co.uk ).Event essentials. For concerts or shows, allow extra time for bag checks. Only small handbags/backpacks are allowed inside (bigger bags may be refused). No outside food or drink is permitted; one sealed plastic water bottle (~500ml) is allowed per person, and you may bring an empty bottle to refill (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Cameras are fine (phone cameras or compact digital) but professional DSLRs or zoom lenses are banned (www.lcclive.co.uk ). If you need a break from noise or lights, remember smoking is not allowed inside. Earplugs are recommended if you’re near the speakers – although the concert hall is indoor, some lighting and effects (strobes, smoke) might be used. Drinks at the bar accept both cash and card (no ATMs on site) (www.lcclive.co.uk ) (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Once you enter a concert or event, re-entry is not allowed – plan on staying until the end (www.lcclive.co.uk ).Family visitors. Children are welcome but there are rules: for events any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (and under-1-year-olds usually enter for free) (www.lcclive.co.uk ). In the pools, there are shallow children’s areas with slides, and lifeguards on duty. The family-changing rooms are extra-large and include baby-changing facilities. In the gym area, there is a “YouTime” class program for young teens. Accessibility. Inverness Leisure is very wheelchair-friendly: wide doors, lifts to all levels, and dedicated changing rooms with a hoist and adult bench for those who need assistance (www.highlifehighland.com ). The athletics events have special viewing places. Ask at reception if you have any specific needs on arrival. Other advice. Check the centre’s website for any maintenance closures (e.g. some days the dive-floor or flumes may be off). It’s often busy straight after busier school and work hours, so visiting slightly earlier or later can avoid queues. If driving, give yourself time to park or find a space – on a weekend event the nearest free spots can be a short walk away. Finally, treat the venue with respect – it’s a busy community hub – and consider supporting the local area (for example, grabbing lunch in town or at the Botanic Gardens café as suggested by the centre (www.inverness-courier.co.uk )). A bit of patience and planning will ensure a smooth visit to this unique Highland facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Inverness Leisure Centre?
Inverness Leisure Centre is located at Bught Lane, Inverness, IV3 5SS. It sits on the city’s west side in Bught Park, just off Glenurquhart Road; the Botanic Gardens and ice rink are nearby (www.visitinvernesslochness.com ).
How can I get there by public transport?
The venue is well served by local buses. City buses (for example Route 3) stop at the Bught Park bus stop on Glenurquhart Road right outside the centre (www.eventtravel.com ). Inverness’s main bus station (Margaret St) and train station (Academy St) are just a short trip away; from there a local bus or taxi can reach the centre in 5–10 minutes (www.lcclive.co.uk ). If you like walking, it’s about a 20–30 minute flat route from the city centre following the River Ness (www.eventtravel.com ). There are bicycle racks at the front door if you prefer to cycle (www.eventtravel.com ).
Is there parking at the leisure centre?
There is a small on-site car park and disabled parking spaces immediately at the centre, but spaces are limited. For larger events what many people do is use nearby public car parks (such as the Highland Archive Centre or Canal Park areas) or off-street parking in Inverness city. Some event announcements even suggest city-centre parking and shuttle buses. Always allow extra time to find parking when the centre is busy.
How do I buy tickets and what are typical prices?
For normal gym and pool use, you don’t buy “tickets” but pay for membership or a drop-in pass. (High Life Highland memberships run ~£29/month for an individual, and casual swim is about £10 for an adult (www.highlifehighland.com ) (www.highlifehighland.com ).) For special events (concerts, shows, expos), tickets are sold through the event promoters (e.g. on Ticketline or official websites). Prices vary by event – for example a recent folk concert was £32.50 + fees (www.lcclive.co.uk ) for general admission – so it’s best to check the specific event listing. There is no in-house box office at the leisure centre itself; check the promoter’s info.
Does Inverness Leisure Centre have seating or is it all standing?
The main arena (sports hall) is generally open floor. For concerts it is standing-room-only: audiences stand in the hall facing the stage. In fact, a recent show at the venue had “no seated tickets” – just general admission standing (with a raised platform area provided for wheelchair users) (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Spectator seating is only available at the adjacent athletics track (about 500 seats) (www.highlifehighland.com ) and on poolside bleachers when competitions are held. So don’t expect fixed auditorium seats in the main hall – it’s very much a loose, general-admission layout.
Are children allowed and are there any age restrictions?
Yes children are welcome. In the pools, kids have their own shallow areas and slides, with lifeguards on duty. For special events like concerts, policy is that all under-16s must be accompanied by an adult (see tickets section above). Infants under 12 months often enter free on a lap, and a child aged 1–11 would require a ticket if attending a show (www.lcclive.co.uk ). In short, it’s family-friendly but younger children shouldn’t attend unsupervised events.
What items can I bring into the venue?
For general leisure use (pool/gym), bring normal swim/fitness gear and a small locker key or code. For events, there are stricter rules: you may bring needed mobility aids (wheelchair, crutches, etc.) and clothing layers. You may carry one sealed plastic bottle of water (and empty bottles for refills) (www.lcclive.co.uk ). No outside food or drink (other than water) is allowed. Bags and coats will be searched at entry. Importantly, no folding chairs, umbrellas or canopies are allowed in the event arena (a firm “no chairs” policy is enforced (www.lcclive.co.uk )). Also, only small personal cameras are allowed – professional cameras with zoom lenses are prohibited (www.lcclive.co.uk ). If in doubt, check the event organizer’s “bag policy” before arriving.
Can I re-enter if I leave during a show?
No. The policy at Inverness Leisure events is that once you pass through security and enter the arena, you may not exit and then return. Tickets will not be valid for re-entry, so once you leave the building you cannot come back in (www.lcclive.co.uk ). Plan ahead before entry (use the restroom, store extra belongings, etc.) to avoid needing to come back in.
Are there refreshments and shops inside?
Inside the leisure centre, vending machines provide drinks and snacks (the old café area is no longer open) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). During concerts/events, there are usually pop-up bars and food stalls in the arena (cards and cash accepted) (www.lcclive.co.uk ). A “no cash machine” sign means you should bring cash if you need it, but most bars take cards. Merchandise tables with T-shirts and other souvenirs are often set up at shows (www.lcclive.co.uk ). If you need a full meal or sit-down service, the nearby Botanic Gardens café (across the road) or restaurants in town are your best bet (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ).
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The whole facility is designed for accessibility. There are ramps, lifts between floors, and accessible toilets. Uniquely, Inverness Leisure has full “Changing Places” accessible changing rooms with hoists and adult changing bench (www.highlifehighland.com ). In pool sessions you can request poolside hoist assistance if needed. During events, special platforms or spaces are reserved for wheelchair users. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are welcome. In short, persons with reduced mobility should be well accommodated here.
What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?
Any changes to scheduled events are typically handled by the event promoter or ticket vendor, not by the leisure centre staff. If a show is canceled or changes date, you should hear from your ticket provider (refunds or exchange policies will be explained on their website). Always buy tickets through official sellers so that you receive direct notifications. In cases of weather or other issues, note that concerts at Inverness Leisure are indoors, so rain or shine the performance normally goes on (www.lcclive.co.uk ).
