Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
Explore the haunting moor where the 1746 Battle of Culloden ended the Jacobite Rising, with immersive exhibits and historic memorials.
Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness, is the site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitor centre offers immersive exhibits, artefacts, and a 360-degree battle theatre that vividly recount the Jacobite Rising's tragic end. The moorland battlefield is preserved with marked graves and clan positions, providing a poignant historical experience amid scenic Highland landscapes.
A brief summary to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
- Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, IV2 5EU, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the visitor centre and battlefield for a comprehensive experience.
- Wear sturdy footwear as battlefield paths can be muddy, especially after rain.
- Photography is permitted, but avoid flash and be respectful near clan stones and memorials.
- Check visitor centre opening times in advance, especially during winter and holiday periods.
- Consider joining a guided tour or using the audio guide to gain deeper insight into the battle’s history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Inverness, take the A9 eastbound for approximately 8 km to reach Culloden Battlefield. Parking is available on-site with a £5 charge for non-members. Allow 15-20 minutes travel time depending on traffic.
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Bus
Local bus services from Inverness city centre run regularly to Culloden Battlefield, with journey times around 25-30 minutes. Check current timetables as frequency varies, especially on weekends and holidays. Tickets cost approximately £3-£5 one way.
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Taxi
Taxis from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield take about 15 minutes and typically cost £15-£20. This is a convenient option for groups or visitors with limited mobility.
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Walking
Walking from Inverness city centre is possible but lengthy, around 10 km and 2-2.5 hours on foot along mixed terrain. Not recommended for those with limited time or mobility.
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
A Defining Moment in British History
Culloden Battlefield marks the site of the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, fought on 16 April 1746. This battle was the last pitched battle on British soil, where Jacobite Highlanders sought to restore the Stuart monarchy but were decisively defeated by Government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland. The clash lasted less than an hour but resulted in around 1,600 deaths, mostly Jacobites, forever changing the Highlands and British history.Immersive Visitor Centre Experience
The modern visitor centre, opened in 2008 and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, offers a richly researched and sensitive interpretation of the battle. Interactive displays present perspectives from both Jacobite and Government sides, while artefacts including weapons and personal items tell the human story behind the conflict. A 360-degree battle immersion theatre places visitors at the heart of the action, recreating the battle’s intensity and chaos.Historic Landscape and Memorials
The battlefield itself has been carefully restored to resemble its 1746 appearance. Visitors can walk along upgraded paths that trace troop positions marked by flags and visit burial sites of fallen clansmen, marked by headstones and a 6-meter-high memorial cairn. The haunting moorland atmosphere and panoramic views from the visitor centre’s rooftop garden deepen the emotional impact of the site.Leanach Cottage and Clan Heritage
A notable feature on the battlefield is Leanach Cottage, the only surviving building from the time of the battle, which may have served as a hospital. The site also honors the heritage of the clans involved, with clan stones marking graves and memorials that evoke the personal sacrifices made during the uprising.Facilities and Visitor Amenities
The visitor centre includes a café serving local produce, a well-stocked gift shop with exclusive Scottish and Jacobite-themed items, and accessible restrooms. The site is wheelchair accessible, with level access to the café, shop, and ticket desk. Dogs are permitted on the battlefield (under control) and in the shop and café, but not in the museum.Planning Your Visit
The battlefield is open year-round, free to explore at any time, while the visitor centre operates daily from 9:00 to 16:00 (last entry 15:30), closing briefly during Christmas and New Year. Admission fees apply for the visitor centre and car park, with discounts for concessions and National Trust members. Guided tours and audio guides are available, enhancing understanding of this pivotal historical site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leanach Farm
0.8 km
Experience authentic Highland farm life with luxury comfort, scenic views, and historic sites just minutes from Inverness.
Milton of Clava
1.2 km
Explore ancient Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a serene Scottish setting near the historic Culloden Moor.
Culloden Viaduct
1.8 km
Scotland’s longest masonry viaduct, a stunning 29-arch railway bridge spanning the River Nairn valley near historic Culloden Battlefield.
Culloden House Hotel
3.0 km
Elegant Georgian mansion with historic charm, fine dining, and tranquil gardens near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
Holiday Inn Express Inverness, an IHG Hotel
5.5 km
Comfortable, eco-friendly hotel in Inverness offering modern rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to Highland attractions.
Inshes Gate Brewers Fayre
5.7 km
Experience the warmth of family dining at Inshes Gate Brewers Fayre, featuring delicious British cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Kingsmills Hotel
6.9 km
Historic elegance meets modern luxury with spa, pool, fine dining, and tranquil grounds just minutes from Inverness city center.
The Broad Stone, Inverness
7.3 km
Discover Inverness’s ancient Broad Stone, a mysterious medieval relic with a storied past nestled between city parks.
Silverstrands Guest House
7.3 km
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The Corriegarth
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St John's Scottish Episcopal Church, Inverness
7.5 km
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Cheese & Tomatin
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Girvans
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Discover Girvans in Inverness, where delightful breakfasts and a warm atmosphere await, perfect for fueling your adventures in the Scottish Highlands.
Inverness Scotland
7.7 km
Inverness, the vibrant Highland capital, offers historic charm, stunning river views, and easy access to Loch Ness and Scotland’s majestic landscapes.
Water filling station
7.8 km
Discover the Water Filling Station in Inverness, a must-visit eco-friendly tourist attraction that promotes sustainability and hydration for all travelers.
Unmissable attractions to see
Culloden Battlefield
0.2 km
Explore the haunting moor where Scotland’s last pitched battle unfolded, with immersive exhibits and poignant memorials.
Cumberland Stone
0.5 km
Explore the captivating history and stunning views at Cumberland Stone, a must-visit historical landmark in Inverness, Scotland.
Clava Cairns
1.2 km
Explore Clava Cairns, a mystical 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site near Inverness, famed for its ancient stone circles and celestial alignments.
Inverness Shopping Park
5.1 km
A spacious and accessible retail park offering diverse shops, dining, and entertainment just east of Inverness city centre.
Milton of Leys viewpoint
5.4 km
Discover stunning Highland panoramas and tranquil natural beauty at Milton of Leys viewpoint just outside Inverness.
Bannatyne’s Health Club And Spa
6.1 km
A modern health and wellness sanctuary in Inverness offering gym, spa treatments, heated pool, and a stylish café bar for complete relaxation.
North Coast 500 Moto Experience
6.8 km
Premium motorbike hire in Inverness, your perfect start to the iconic North Coast 500 adventure through Scotland’s stunning Highlands.
Walker park
7.1 km
A spacious, family-friendly city park in Inverness offering vibrant play areas, peaceful green spaces, and community spirit year-round.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness
7.5 km
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St Stephen's Church Inverness
7.6 km
Historic Gothic Presbyterian church in Inverness with rich Highland heritage and striking stained glass artistry.
Eastgate Shopping Centre
7.7 km
A vibrant shopping hub in Inverness offering diverse stores, local markets, and convenient amenities in a welcoming city-centre setting.
HMP Inverness
7.8 km
Scotland’s smallest local prison, blending historic architecture with modern rehabilitation in the heart of Inverness.
Market Brae Steps
7.8 km
Historic stone steps linking Inverness’s vibrant Crown district with its rich market heritage and scenic urban views.
Falcon Square
7.8 km
Historic Inverness square blending industrial heritage, striking sculpture, and vibrant shopping in the city’s cultural heart.
National memorial of Scotland
7.8 km
Explore the National Memorial of Scotland in Inverness, a profound tribute to the nation's rich history and cultural heritage.
Essential places to dine
Frankie & Benny's
5.1 km
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The Fluke
6.4 km
Discover The Fluke: A delightful bar and grill in Inverness offering mouthwatering grilled dishes and a cozy atmosphere for all diners.
D'Lish Restaurant and Bar
7.1 km
Experience authentic Scottish flavors at D'Lish Restaurant and Bar in Inverness - your perfect dining retreat amidst breathtaking Highland scenery.
Heathmount Hotel
7.5 km
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Little Italy
7.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the cozy heart of Inverness at Little Italy, a beloved local gem.
Fig & Thistle
7.7 km
Cozy modern Scottish bistro in Inverness serving fresh, locally sourced dishes with warm hospitality and a boutique atmosphere.
Loch & Larder
7.7 km
Casual Inverness eatery serving hearty comfort food with a friendly vibe and convenient daily hours.
Lorimers Family Restaurant
7.8 km
A friendly, family-focused restaurant in Inverness serving classic British dishes with a welcoming atmosphere seven days a week.
Ash
7.9 km
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Number 27 Bar and Kitchen
7.9 km
Experience the best of Scottish cuisine at Number 27 Bar and Kitchen in Inverness – where every meal tells a story.
Aye Eat
7.9 km
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Cafe 1
7.9 km
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La Tortilla
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and paella in Inverness’s oldest and most beloved tapas bar, blending vibrant flavors with Highland charm.
Salt’N’Fire
8.0 km
The UK’s first fully vegan takeaway, serving bold, globally inspired street food in the heart of Inverness’s Victorian Market.
Kool Runnings
8.0 km
Experience vibrant Jamaican flavors and lively Caribbean vibes in the heart of Inverness at Kool Runnings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Range, Inverness
5.2 km
A versatile homewares and lifestyle store in Inverness Retail Park offering furniture, garden, pet, lighting, toys, and art supplies under one roof.
F&F Clothing
5.9 km
Affordable fashion for the whole family at Inverness’s Inshes Retail Park, open daily with a broad selection from F&F Clothing inside Tesco Extra.
Farm & Household Stores
7.4 km
Inverness’s largest independent homewares store offering quality kitchenware, furniture, and household essentials with a family-run touch.
The Drawing Room
7.5 km
Discover unique, locally crafted gifts in a warm, inviting Inverness boutique that celebrates Highland creativity and culture.
White Stuff Inverness
7.7 km
Discover stylish, affordable clothing and accessories for the whole family at White Stuff Inverness, nestled in the vibrant Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Unique Ness
7.7 km
Discover Unique Ness, Inverness’s boutique home furniture shop offering distinctive pieces and creative homeware in Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Souvenir & Gift shop
7.8 km
A convenient Highland gift shop in Inverness’s main shopping district, offering tartan souvenirs, Nessie memorabilia, and traditional Highland wear.
Harris Tweed Isle Of Harris
7.8 km
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Highland tweeds Inverness
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Keepsake Scotland
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Isle of Skye Candle Company - Inverness
7.9 km
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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
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The Highlander Store
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The Works
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Rouge Boutiques
7.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Snow Goose
5.5 km
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Dows Bar
6.9 km
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The Imperial
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The Tooth & Claw
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Platform 8
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The Exchange
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Caledonian
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Playback
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The Gunsmiths Bar
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MacCallums Bar
8.0 km
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Lauders
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Revolution Inverness
8.0 km
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Market Bar
8.0 km
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The Malt Room
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Highlander
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Private Eyes Inverness
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Xplosive Discos
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Seaforth Club
18.1 km
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The Ross Shire Club
24.1 km
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the Balavoulin
35.3 km
A lively, dog-friendly pub with hearty meals and cozy rooms, perfectly placed for exploring Aviemore and the Cairngorms.
The Winking Owl, Craft Ale Pub & Bar
35.3 km
Discover The Winking Owl in Aviemore for a delightful experience of craft ales, local flavors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Vault
35.6 km
Experience Aviemore’s vibrant nightlife at The Vault, a lively nightclub blending modern beats with Highland charm every weekend.
Mambos
35.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Mambos in Aviemore, where local charm meets a lively bar atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.
The Aviemore Inn pub and grill
36.5 km
Experience the warmth of Scottish hospitality at The Aviemore Inn, the perfect pub and grill in the heart of Aviemore for travelers and locals alike.
Woodshed Bar
37.8 km
Experience the warmth and charm of Woodshed Bar in Aviemore, where delightful drinks and a cozy atmosphere await you.
SUIE BAR
40.0 km
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The Pine Marten Bar
41.8 km
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Shmelgin
49.9 km
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Moray Jazz Club
49.9 km
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Zed Bar
50.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Zed Bar in Elgin, where great drinks and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
