Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield
Beauly, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Stunning views of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
- Explore the historic Beauly Priory
- Discover the ancient Clava Cairns cemetery
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of Culloden Battlefield
- Visit the impressive Cawdor Castle and its beautiful gardens
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Private transportation included
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Bottled water and snacks provided
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Duration 7 to 8 hours
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Suitable for all fitness levels
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Available in English
Experience the essence of Inverness with the Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield tour. This captivating adventure takes you through historic sights, epic views, and intriguing tales. Begin your journey at the Beauly Priory, built by monks from France in the 13th century, before heading to the iconic Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Immerse yourself in the 1,000-year history of this majestic fortress on the shores of Loch Ness. Explore the charming streets of Old Inverness and discover its hidden gems along the river. Continue to Cawdor Castle & Gardens, a medieval tower with a fascinating history spanning over 23 generations of the Cawdor family. Finally, visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil, where the Jacobite Rebellion came to its tragic end. Join this tour and make unforgettable memories in the heart of Scotland's Highlands.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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7 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield on a full-day private tour filled with history and stunning views in Inverness.
Included
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Private transportation -
Bottled water
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Snacks
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Parking fees
Excluded
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Urquhart castle; adult £13.00, child £7.80 (under 7 free), family £25.50 - £44.50 -
Cawdor castle; adult £13.00, child £8.00 (under 6 free), family £36.50
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Culloden battlefield exhibition; adult £14.00, child £11.00, family £25.00 - £30.00)
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Beauly Firth
We drive alongside the Cromarty Firth from Invergordon, or over the Kessock Bridge from Inverness with views of the Beauly and Moray Firths, to Beauly Priory.
Beauly Priory
Beauly Priory is one of three priories founded in Scotland in about 1230 for monks of the Valliscaulian order. The Valliscaulians came from Val-des-Choux (‘Valley of the Cabbages’) near Dijon in France, and adhered to strict ideals of poverty, chastity and obedience. Beauly, meaning ‘beautiful place’, must have seemed to the monks a wonderful location in which to devote themselves to worship. Only the abbey church still stands today, housing some fine funerary monuments.
30 minutes
Urquhart Castle
Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
90 minutes
Admission Not Included
Inverness
- The Hill of The Faeries (Tomnahurich Hill) - Caledonian canal - River Ness - Inverness Cathedral - The Old High Church and graveyard - Inverness' oldest buildings
60 minutes
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle with its iron yet gate, moat & drawbridge, turrets, turnpike stairs and vaulted 16th century kitchen is steeped in intrigue and history. This ancient medieval tower house built for the 3rd Thane of Cawdor has been home to over 23 generations of the Cawdor family. Explore 12 principal rooms of this unique home containing collections of Rare Tapestries, Fine Art, Furniture, Ceramics and Sculpture spanning 3,500 years. Take time to enjoy the wonderful gardens too
90 minutes
Admission Not Included
Clava Cairns
Discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites – the exceptional remains of an ancient cemetery, set on a terrace above the River Nairn. The Clava Cairns are about 4,000 years old and were built to house the dead. The cemetery remained a sacred place in the landscape for millennia, and provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society. What remains today would have once been part of a larger complex. The sites contain a range of prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel.
30 minutes
Culloden Battlefield
On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history. Experience the powerful emotions of the Battle of Culloden in our visitor centre’s 360-degree battle immersion theatre, which puts you right in the heart of the action. NB admission to the battlefield is free; there is a charge for the exhibition (recommended)
90 minutes
Admission Not Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller -
Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
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This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port
What our experts say
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Try the local haggis at a nearby pub. -
Visit the Clava Cairns for unique history.
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Consider booking a guided tour inside Culloden.
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Bring a camera for stunning Loch Ness views.
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Check out local shops in Inverness for souvenirs.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the best of Inverness with the Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield tour. This captivating tour combines breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and fascinating tales to create an unforgettable journey.What to expect?
Get ready for a day filled with incredible sights, intriguing stories, and a deep dive into the history of Scotland. This tour will take you to the iconic Loch Ness, where you'll have plenty of time to explore the legendary Urquhart Castle and soak in the unparalleled views of the Loch. Discover the secrets of Old Inverness as you stroll along the river and take in the charm of this ancient city. The tour continues to Cawdor Castle & Gardens, a place steeped in history and beauty. Finally, you'll visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil, and gain a deeper understanding of the Jacobite Rebellion that shaped Scottish history.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with Scotland's rich heritage. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour offers something for everyone. The itinerary can be tailored to accommodate specific interests, ensuring a personalized experience for all participants.Why book this?
Embark on this tour to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Loch Ness and explore the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of Old Inverness and its fascinating past. Marvel at the grandeur of Cawdor Castle and its exquisite gardens. Lastly, stand on the hallowed grounds of Culloden Battlefield, where the course of history was forever changed. This tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and immersive storytelling, making it an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.Good to know
Throughout the tour, you'll enjoy the comfort of private transportation, complimentary bottled water, snacks, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that entrance fees to Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle, and the Culloden Battlefield exhibition are not included in the tour price. However, our knowledgeable guides can provide assistance with purchasing tickets and adjusting the itinerary to suit your preferences.Reviews
Visitors rave about the powerful emotions evoked by the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, which provides a comprehensive and moving portrayal of the battle. The interactive displays and immersive 360-degree battle immersion theatre offer a profound understanding of this pivotal moment in British history. Travelers also appreciate the flexibility of the tour, allowing them to focus on the landmarks that interest them the most. The knowledgeable guides receive high praise for their expertise and ability to bring history to life. Overall, this tour is hailed as a must-do for anyone looking to explore the best of Inverness and its surrounding attractions.
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