Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
A solemn and historically significant battlefield, offering a poignant glimpse into Scotland's past and the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn and historically significant battlefield, offering a poignant glimpse into Scotland's past and the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising.
"A visit to Culloden Battlefield is a moving and thought-provoking experience."
Book Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical insights. Highly recommended! :bustsinsilhouette:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven moorland, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Battlefield Moor
Culloden Moor
Walk the windswept moor where the final Jacobite battle took place. Clan stones mark the fallen.
Interactive Visitor Centre
Visitor Centre
Immerse yourself in the Jacobite Rising with engaging exhibits and a powerful battle film.
Memorial Cairn
Centre of the battlefield
A poignant stone monument honoring all who fought and died on this historic ground.
Leanach Cottage
Near the battlefield
A preserved 18th-century cottage offering a glimpse into rural life during the time of the battle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Sacred Ground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical insights. Highly recommended! :bustsinsilhouette:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven moorland, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the visitor centre and battlefield thoroughly. :clock1:
Respectful Photography
While photos are allowed, avoid disruptive behavior, especially near clan stones. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical insights. Highly recommended! :bustsinsilhouette:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven moorland, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the visitor centre and battlefield thoroughly. :clock1:
Respectful Photography
While photos are allowed, avoid disruptive behavior, especially near clan stones. :camerawithflash:
Check Opening Times
Visitor centre hours can vary seasonally. Always check before you go! :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Culloden Battlefield as a moving and thought-provoking experience, praising the Visitor Centre's immersive exhibits and the poignant atmosphere of the battlefield itself. While some find the historical narrative deeply impactful, others note occasional disruptions from inconsiderate tour groups.
"A visit to Culloden Battlefield is a moving and thought-provoking experience. The visitor centre sets the scene with interactive exhibits, artefacts, and powerful storytelling about the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and the final battle in 1746. The atmosphere is sombre, yet captivating, as you learn about both sides of the conflict and the lives it changed forever.
Walking out onto the battlefield itself, the landscape feels quiet and reflective. Markers and clan stones show where different regiments fought and fell, and the large Memorial Cairn stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives. The wind across the moor and the open sky add to the sense of history and poignancy.
It’s a place that balances history with remembrance — offering insight into Scotland’s past while inviting visitors to pause and reflect."
Tania Williams
"There is a large parking lot where you can park for a small fee. Go into the visitor center first. There are bathrooms as well. I highly recommend to take the museum along with the battlefield tour. Our guide was absolutely fantastic and you get a lot more out of your visit walking the battlefield with a guide! Absolutely worth it. For outlander fans, the “Fraser” clan grave spot is the one with the wires around next to the small monument in the middle between the front lines. The tour is about 45 minutes and starts every hour."
Martin Baumeister
"Really interesting and sobering place. Some of the tour groups though were really annoying, just literally standing and gathering infront of the information boards so people like myself can't read them until they have left! Just utter rudeness!"
Jayne Brownsword
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Culloden Battlefield is easily accessible from Inverness, located about 5 miles east of the city. You can drive there via the A9/B9006, with ample parking available for a small fee.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre. A small fee is usually charged for parking, which helps maintain the site.
Yes, public transport is available. Buses from Inverness city centre frequently stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, making it accessible for visitors without a car.
While cycling is possible around the general area, the battlefield itself is best explored on foot to fully appreciate the historical significance and terrain. The visitor centre can provide information on local cycling routes.
Many Outlander fans travel by car to easily access Culloden Battlefield and other filming locations. Guided tours from Inverness often include Culloden and can be a great way to see multiple sites without the hassle of driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the battlefield itself is free. However, there is a fee to enter the Visitor Centre, which houses the interactive exhibits and historical displays. This fee is essential for the preservation of the site.
The Culloden Visitor Centre opening times vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official National Trust for Scotland website for the most up-to-date information before your visit, as they can have brief closures for maintenance or holidays.
While walking the battlefield is free, there is an admission fee for the Visitor Centre. This fee contributes to the upkeep and educational programs at the site. Check the National Trust for Scotland website for current pricing.
Yes, the battlefield is open year-round for exploration. However, the Visitor Centre may have reduced hours or be closed during certain winter periods, particularly around the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Members of the National Trust for Scotland and National Trust for England, Wales & Northern Ireland typically receive free entry to the Visitor Centre. Check their membership benefits for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Culloden, you can explore the historic battlefield marked with clan stones and a central memorial cairn. The Visitor Centre offers immersive exhibits detailing the Jacobite Rising and the battle's impact, including a powerful film and interactive displays.
Yes, guided tours of the battlefield are highly recommended. They provide invaluable historical context and insights from knowledgeable guides, making the experience much richer.
To fully appreciate the Visitor Centre and walk the battlefield, plan for at least 2-3 hours. A guided tour typically lasts around 45 minutes.
Yes, the Visitor Centre has restrooms, a gift shop, and a cafe. Parking is also available on-site.
Culloden offers dramatic landscapes and poignant historical markers, making it a photographer's dream. The moody atmosphere, especially on a cloudy day, can be very evocative.
📸 📸 Photography
The clan stones, the central memorial cairn, and the vast expanse of the moor itself offer iconic photo opportunities. The visitor centre's exterior also provides a modern contrast to the historic landscape.
Yes, you can photograph the clan stones, but please be respectful. Avoid touching them or disturbing other visitors. Some stones have protective barriers.
Drone usage is generally restricted at historical sites like Culloden to preserve the atmosphere and prevent disturbance. It's best to check with the National Trust for Scotland for specific regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Cloudy days can also enhance the dramatic mood of the battlefield.
While general photography is permitted, be mindful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during guided tours or moments of reflection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the battlefield itself is a place of remembrance, the open space allows children to move around. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The nearby attractions like Fort George or Cawdor Castle might offer more active engagement for younger children if the solemnity of Culloden becomes overwhelming.
📚 History Buffs & Outlander Fans
Outlander fans will find the site deeply resonant, with opportunities to visit iconic filming locations and connect with the historical events that shape the series. While the show is fictional, understanding the real history of Culloden enhances the appreciation of its role in the narrative.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Joining a guided tour can be a great way to engage with the history and potentially meet other like-minded travelers. The straightforward accessibility from Inverness also makes it an easy day trip for those exploring independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Battle of Culloden
The Jacobite forces were exhausted, ill-equipped, and outnumbered. The government troops, with superior artillery and discipline, overwhelmed the Highlanders. The aftermath was devastating, with over 1,500 Jacobites killed or wounded, marking a tragic turning point in Scottish history and leading to severe repression of Highland culture.
The Visitor Centre at Culloden provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to the battle, the strategies employed by both sides, and the profound impact it had on Scotland. Interactive displays, artifacts, and a compelling film bring this pivotal moment to life, offering a somber yet essential understanding of the past.
Culloden for Outlander Fans
While the show takes creative liberties, the battlefield itself is a real place with a profound history. Visitors often seek out the clan stones, particularly the Fraser stone, to connect with their favorite characters. It's important to remember that while Outlander brings many to Culloden, the site is a solemn memorial to a real historical tragedy.
Beyond the clan stones, the entire moor offers a tangible link to the past that Outlander fans will appreciate. The visitor centre's historical context further enriches the experience, allowing fans to understand the real events that inspired the fictional narratives.
Beyond the Battlefield: Nearby Attractions
Just a short drive away, you can explore Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site with well-preserved Bronze Age structures that evoke a sense of ancient mystery. Fort George, a formidable 18th-century military fortification, offers a glimpse into military history and stunning views over the Moray Firth.
For those interested in literary connections, Cawdor Castle is a beautiful medieval fortress with a rich history and stunning gardens.Nature lovers can also find solace in the nearby Clava Cairns or explore the woodlands around St Mary's Well, also known as the Culloden Clootie Well, a place steeped in folklore and tradition.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit