Culloden Battlefield, Inverness

Historic Site and Museum in Inverness

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Stablenode

Culloden Battlefield is one of Scotland's most moving historic sites, the place where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a brutal end. On 16 April 1746, the army of Charles Edward Stuart-Bonnie Prince Charlie-met government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland on the windswept heath of Drummossie Moor. The battle lasted less than an hour but changed the Highlands forever. Today the site remains one of the top attractions in Inverness, drawing visitors who want to understand this pivotal moment in Scottish history.

The landscape is open, quiet, and deeply atmospheric. Walking among the clan graves, the memorial cairn, and the preserved moorland evokes the tragedy of the battle and the lives lost. Inside the award-winning visitor centre, immersive exhibitions and powerful storytelling bring the conflict vividly to life.

History and Significance of Culloden Battlefield
Things to See and Do in Culloden Battlefield
How to Get to Culloden Battlefield
Practical Tips on Visiting Culloden Battlefield
Where to Stay close to Culloden Battlefield
Is Culloden Battlefield Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Culloden Battlefield
Nearby Attractions to Culloden Battlefield

History and Significance of Culloden Battlefield

Culloden represents the final and decisive battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie aimed to reclaim the British throne for the House of Stuart, gathering support from many Highland clans. After early successes, the campaign faltered, and the Jacobite army found itself exhausted, under-supplied, and ill-positioned when the government forces advanced.

On 16 April 1746, the two armies met on Drummossie Moor. The boggy ground hindered the Jacobite charge, and government artillery and infantry formations quickly overwhelmed them. It was the last pitched battle fought on British soil, and its aftermath led to harsh laws aimed at dismantling Highland culture, clan authority, and Gaelic traditions.

The battlefield today is carefully preserved to retain its appearance from the 18th century. Stone markers honour the clans who fought and fell here, and the site stands as a solemn reminder of the Highlanders’ courage and the conflict’s lasting consequences.

Things to See and Do in Culloden Battlefield

The visitor centre offers one of Scotland’s most engaging historical exhibitions. Its 360-degree immersion theatre places you at the centre of the battle, while the galleries guide you through the events leading up to 1746 from both Jacobite and government viewpoints. Weapons, letters, maps, and rare artefacts provide a tangible connection to the era.

Outside, paths lead you across the battlefield itself. You can explore the clan gravestones, the memorial cairn erected in 1881, and restored features such as the government redoubt lines. Interpretive boards help explain key positions, troop movements, and how the fighting unfolded.

The moor’s stark beauty, combined with its powerful history, makes for a moving and reflective visit-one that stays with many travellers long after they leave.

How to Get to Culloden Battlefield

Inverness Airport is the nearest airport, located about 8 miles from the city and offering domestic and limited international connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Inverness on Booking.com.

Inverness Railway Station provides rail access from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and London, with local buses and taxis connecting to the battlefield. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is easy, with Culloden located approximately 5 miles east of Inverness via the B9006. There is an onsite car park for visitors.

Practical Tips on Visiting Culloden Battlefield

Suggested tips: Spend time both indoors and outdoors to fully understand the site’s emotional and historical depth.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for quieter conditions and atmospheric light.
Entrance fee: Visitor centre requires paid admission; battlefield grounds are free.
Opening hours: Typically daily, hours vary seasonally-check in advance.
Official website: https://www.nts.org.uk
How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours including the visitor centre.
Accessibility: Visitor centre is fully accessible; paths on the moor are uneven in places.
Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, and exhibition spaces available.
Photography tip: Misty mornings or cloudy skies heighten the moody ambience on the moor.
Guided tours: Scheduled ranger-led talks are often available.
Nearby food options: Café onsite; more choices available in Inverness.

Where to Stay close to Culloden Battlefield

Several comfortable accommodations lie within easy reach of the battlefield. The welcoming Culloden House Hotel offers historic character and a location linked to Jacobite history. For modern comfort, Kingsmills Hotel provides excellent amenities in a peaceful suburban setting. A budget-friendly option close to the Highlands countryside is Holiday Inn Express Inverness.

Is Culloden Battlefield Worth Visiting?

Yes-Culloden Battlefield is one of Scotland's most significant historic sites, offering a poignant and thought-provoking experience. Its combination of preserved landscape, powerful interpretation, and moving stories makes it one of the best places to see in Inverness. Whether you're interested in Scottish history or simply wish to understand a defining moment of the Highlands, a visit to Culloden is unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (14,632)

Culloden Battlefield (National Trust for Scotland), on Culloden Moor near Inverness, presents a sobering open battlefield and a visitor centre with an interactive exhibition that explains the events and context leading up to the fighting; guided tours bring the story to life on the field itself, pointing out army positions, graves marked with clan names, Leanach Cottage, a memorial and artefacts in the centre, and visitors report well-marked paths, a pleasant café, accessible routes that are mostly wheelchair-friendly, and knowledgeable guides who help make the site understandable and memorable.

Othi

a week ago

"A very interesting and sobering place. However if you do not know much about the history leading up to the battle, then I highly recommend joining atour or visiting the museum as well. There are signs, but to really get a grasp of the history you need some more information. First time I visited I just put on a YouTube documentary about the battle in my ears while walking around, and so if you do not have the money for the museum / tour this is perhaps a good way to do it. However, museum and/or tour is highly recommended ⭐️..."

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Martin Jones

2 months ago

"What an experience. Fascinating and sobering. The visitor centre provides superb context of the events that lead up to the battle and the battleitself. We took the guided tour of the battlefield and we’re glad we did. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and brought the events to life as we stood in the exact places that the events she so vividly described actually took place. The tour comes highly recommended from us. I would not hesitate to thoroughly recommend this place as a must see...."

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Neil Low

a month ago

"Last time I was here was in the 70s so big changesnCafe very nice. Guides were very knowledgeable. Well laid out paths with notices telling you theposition of the 2 armiesnGraves had the clan names on them. Big carpark, cost me nothing as I am a national trust member. T..."

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FAQs for Visiting Culloden Battlefield

The final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, where government forces defeated the Jacobites.

The outdoor site is free; the visitor centre requires paid admission.

Most visitors spend around 1.5-2 hours.

Yes, paths lead across the moor to key landmarks.

Yes, though some content in the visitor centre is intense.

Nearby Attractions to Culloden Battlefield

Clava Cairns: Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones.
Fort George: A massive 18th-century fortress still in use.
Inverness Castle Viewpoint: Panoramic views over Inverness.
Nairn Beach: A beautiful sandy beach ideal for coastal walks.
Loch Ness: Scotland’s most famous loch, perfect for scenic exploration.

The Culloden Battlefield appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Inverness!

Moira & Andy

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