Inverness Tour-Cawdor Castle & Culloden Battlefield, ClavaCairns

Inverness, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (11 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • inclusion
    Local guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Culloden battlefield visitor exhibition fee £ 10.00
  • exclusion
    Cawdor castle & gardens ticket admission

Meeting Point

Next to Inverness railway station meet outside royal Highland hotel

Meeting point

18 Station Square, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LG , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

Next to Inverness railway station meet outside royal Highland hotel

Meeting point

18 Station Square, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LG , United Kingdom

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Ac Hotel Inverness
B&B HOTEL Inverness
Beaufort Hotel
Beinn Mhor Lodge
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Columba Hotel
Corriegarth Hotel
Craigmonie Hotel Inverness By Compass Hospitality
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
I will contact the supplier later
I will meet at the departure point
Kingsmills Hotel
Leonardo Hotel
MacDougall Clansman Hotel
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Ness Walk
Premier Inn Inverness Centre (Millburn Rd) Hotel
Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness
Redcliffe Hotel
River Ness Hotel, a Member of Radisson Individuals
Rocpool Reserve
Shore Street Apartments
The Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
The Heathmount Hotel
The Highlander B & B
The King’s Highway
The Koko Rooms
The Royal Highland Hotel
Travelodge Inverness City Centre Hotel
Meeting point Outside The Royal Highland Hotel Richie your guide will be wearing highland bucket list tour top * THIS TOUR DOES NOT PICK UP FROM INVERGORDON CRUISE PORT

What to expect

1

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful setting. Clava Cairns or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava are a group of three Bronze Age cairns located near Inverness. A hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved prehistoric site, Clava Cairns is a fantastic example of the distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back about 4,000 years. Clava Cairns is a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. For many years, it played second fiddle to its more famous neighbour, Culloden Battlefield. That all changed in 2014, with the release of the TV dramatization of Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander novel. Clava Cairns became a bucket list destination overnight, after it was suggested that Outlander’s fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun was inspired by the site.

Duration 30 minutes
2

Culloden Viaduct

The massive red sandstone masonry viaduct is the longest of its kind in Scotland, at 1,800 ft. Built by the Highland Railway and engineered by Murdoch Paterson, Culloden Viaduct opened to rail traffic in November 1898. Today, it is still in use and is the largest structure on the Highland Main Line (scenic rail) between Perth and Inverness.

Duration 15 minutes
3

Culloden Battlefield

Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on our visit to Culloden Battlefield. The course of British, European and world history was changed at Culloden on 16 April 1746. A ferocious war had come to Scotland, dividing families and setting clan against clan. It was here that the Jacobite army took their last stand to reclaim the thrones of Britain from the Hanoverians for a Stuart king. The Jacobites fought to restore the exiled James VIII as king and were led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, James’s son; George II’s government army (led by the Duke of Cumberland, George’s son) was equally determined to stop this happening.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Cawdor Castle

A romantic fairy-tale castle that has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370, Cawdor has evolved into a charming family mansion and the most outstanding of stately homes. The dramatic medieval tower, dungeon, turrets, battlements and...more 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

Duration 120 minutes
Admission 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

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Provided by highland bucket list tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Inverness Castle for views
  • icon
    Stop by the nearby café for local snacks
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    Check the weather; it can change quickly
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    Plan ahead for entry fees at attractions
  • icon
    Explore the picturesque village of Cawdor

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands with the Inverness Tour to Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns. This half-day tour allows you to explore the remarkable sites that inspired the famous Outlander books and experience the rich heritage of the region.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect a journey through time, stepping back into the Bronze Age as you visit the well-preserved Clava Cairns. These ancient burial cairns and standing stones hold great historical significance and are said to have inspired the fictional stone circle, Craigh na Dun, in Outlander. Next, venture to the intense battlefields of Culloden, where the Jacobite army faced off against King George II’s troops. As you walk through the battlefield, you'll hear compelling tales of bravery and sacrifice, learning about the impact this pivotal moment had on Scottish, British, and world history. Lastly, visit the captivating Cawdor Castle, a fairy-tale-like structure that has been the ancestral home of the Thanes of Cawdor since the 14th century. Explore the medieval tower, wander through the splendid rooms filled with rare tapestries, fine art, and exquisite furniture, and feel the magic of this unique heritage site.

Who is this for?

The Inverness Tour to Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns is perfect for history enthusiasts, Outlander fans, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Scottish culture and heritage. Families, groups, and individuals of all ages will find value in this adventure-packed tour as it offers an educational and captivating experience for everyone.

Why book this?

This tour transports you to the heart of Scottish history and culture, offering a unique opportunity to visit three remarkable sites in a single day. Experience the allure of ancient burial grounds at Clava Cairns, stand where Scottish and British history changed forever at Culloden Battlefield, and explore the enchanting Cawdor Castle. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour eliminates the hassle of renting a car and ensures you make the most of your limited time in Inverness.

Good to know

The Inverness Tour to Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns has a total duration of 300 minutes and includes essential stops and insightful commentary at each location. Please note that the duration of each stop may vary. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as you'll be exploring outdoor sites.

Reviews

Visitors have been captivated by the sheer beauty and historical significance of Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, and Cawdor Castle. They praise the knowledgeable guides who brought the stories to life and highlight how these sites provide a deeper understanding of Scotland's past. Many describe the tour as an unforgettable experience that immerses you in both nature and legend. Overall, reviews commend the Inverness Tour for its seamless organization, wealth of knowledge, and truly awe-inspiring destinations.

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