Fort George is an 18th-century artillery fortification near Ardersier, Highland, Scotland, built after the 1746 Battle of Culloden and still used as a working army barracks. This guide covers opening times, ticket prices, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting this military fortress and The Highlanders’ Museum.
It’s a popular stop on tours from Inverness that also include the Culloden Battlefield and Cairngorms National Park.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening times | 1 Apr-30 Sep: Daily 09:30-17:30 (last entry 16:30). 1 Oct-31 Mar: Daily 10:00-16:00 (last entry 15:00). |
| Ticket prices | Adult £11.00, Concession (65+) £9.00, Child (5-15) £6.50, Family (2 adults + 2 children) £31.50, Family (2 adults + 3 children) £37.50. Under 5s free. |
| Address | Fort George, near Ardersier, Inverness, IV2 7TD |
| Getting there | 11 miles northeast of Inverness on the B9006. Bus 11 to Ardersier, then 45-minute coastal walk. Limited public transport. |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours for the fort, museum and ramparts. |
Fort George opening times
Fort George operates seasonally with different hours. From 1 April to 30 September, the fort opens daily 09:30-17:30 with last entry at 16:30. Between 1 October and 31 March, hours are reduced to daily 10:00-16:00 with last entry at 15:00.
The Highlanders’ Museum within the fort operates slightly different hours, typically opening 10:30-16:00 throughout the year. The café opens seven days a week from 1 April to 30 September (09:30-16:45, last orders 16:15), and Wednesday to Sunday from 1 October to 31 March (10:00-15:00, last orders 14:30).
The site may close at short notice due to adverse weather or military requirements. Check the Historic Environment Scotland website or call 01667 460232 before travelling if weather conditions are poor.
Fort George ticket prices
Admission prices (checked and updated January 2026):
- Adult: £11.00
- Concession (aged 65+ or unemployed): £9.00
- Child (aged 5-15): £6.50
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): £31.50
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): £37.50
- Under 5s: Free
These are the walk-up prices. There’s a small discount for booking online, with adults paying £10 for doing so.
Free admission applies to Historic Environment Scotland members, current British Armed Forces members (with valid MOD 90 card), and carers accompanying disabled visitors. English Heritage, Cadw and Manx National Heritage members receive half-price entry in their first year and free entry for renewal and life members. Young Scot cardholders pay £1.00.
25% discount when arriving car-free by train, bus or bike. Book online with code GOOD25 and show transport ticket or bicycle on arrival.
Tickets should be booked online to guarantee entry. The Highlanders’ Museum entry is included in the Fort George admission price.
How to get to Fort George
Fort George is located 11 miles northeast of Inverness on the B9006 Ardersier road. From Inverness, follow signs towards Nairn on the A96, then turn onto the B9006 at Gollanfield. The fort is signposted with brown tourist signs. The final approach is along a single-carriageway road.
By public transport, Stagecoach bus 11 runs from Inverness bus station to Ardersier church. The service operates Monday to Saturday (limited Sunday service). From Ardersier, Fort George is a 45-minute walk along the coastal road or beach path. Alternatively, taxis are available from Inverness (approximately 20 minutes).
By train, the nearest station is Inverness, served by trains from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the south. From Inverness station, Fort George is a short walk to the bus station for connecting buses or taxis.
Many organised tours from Inverness combine Fort George with Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and the Cairngorms National Park.
Parking at Fort George
Free on-site car parking is provided in a large car park adjacent to the fort entrance. The car park accommodates cars, minibuses and coaches. The surface is tarmac with marked bays.
During peak summer months and when multiple tour coaches arrive simultaneously, the car park can reach capacity. Arriving before 10:00 or after 15:00 helps avoid the busiest periods. The car park is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
How long to spend at Fort George
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at Fort George. This allows approximately 60-90 minutes to explore the fort buildings and artillery defences, 45-60 minutes for The Highlanders’ Museum, and 30 minutes to walk the ramparts and enjoy views across the Moray Firth.
Visitors with a strong interest in military history typically spend 3-4 hours on site. Families with children may spend 2-2.5 hours. The fort covers an area equivalent to five football pitches, so allow time for walking between buildings.
Accessibility at Fort George
Fort George has mixed accessibility. Access across level ground is good, though some areas have granite setts (cobblestones) where wheelchair users may require assistance. The main parade ground, barrack rooms and museum areas are accessible.
The ramparts feature six sloped grass and concrete access ramps at a 20-degree gradient, which may be challenging for some wheelchair users. There is a slight step leading to the barrack rooms, but all audio displays and interpretation are accessible once inside.
Accessible toilets are provided. The café and shop are accessible. Designated disabled parking spaces are located close to the entrance.
Assistance dogs are welcome. The site provides a virtual tour for visitors unable to access all areas. Contact the site in advance to discuss specific accessibility requirements.
What to see at Fort George
The artillery fortifications are among the finest examples of 18th-century military architecture in Europe. The star-shaped design features massive defensive walls, bastions and artillery positions bristling with cannons overlooking the Moray Firth. The fort has changed little since construction was completed in 1769.
Restored barrack rooms show how soldiers lived in the 18th century, with period furnishings, equipment and interpretation. The Grand Magazine displays ammunition storage methods used during the fort’s active military period.
The Highlanders’ Museum (Queen’s Own Highlanders Collection) is the largest regimental museum outside Edinburgh. The collection includes weapons, uniforms, medals, silver, paintings and personal effects spanning over 200 years of Highland military history. Displays cover the Seaforth Highlanders, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and Queen’s Own Highlanders regiments.
The rampart walk provides panoramic views across the Moray Firth towards the Black Isle and Cromarty Firth. Dolphins and porpoises are frequently spotted in the waters below. Information panels explain the fort’s construction, defensive strategy and role in British military history.
The chapel is still used for services and events. Fort George remains an active British Army barracks, home to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Practical tips for visiting Fort George
| Tip |
|---|
| Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site covers a large area with cobbled surfaces in places. |
| The fort is exposed to coastal winds and weather; bring waterproof and warm clothing even on apparently clear days. |
| Some areas of the fort are restricted as it remains an active military base; observe all signage and barriers. |
| Photography is permitted throughout the fort and museum except where specifically prohibited. |
| Allow time to walk the full rampart circuit for dolphin spotting and views across the Moray Firth. |
| The café serves hot meals and locally sourced produce; consider having lunch on site to maximise visiting time. |
| Check for special events including military displays, historical re-enactments and exhibitions throughout the year. |
Facilities at Fort George
The café serves hot meals, soups, sandwiches, salads, cakes and barista coffee using locally sourced ingredients. Sample menus are available on the Historic Environment Scotland website. The café operates reduced hours in winter (Wednesday to Sunday).
The gift shop sells military history books, Scottish souvenirs, replica weapons, regimental memorabilia and Fort George branded items. The shop stocks Highland regiment-related gifts and military collectables.
Toilets including accessible facilities are located near the entrance and café. Free WiFi is available in visitor areas. Picnic areas are provided near the car park. No outdoor barbecues are permitted.
Frequently asked questions about Fort George
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Fort George suitable for children? | Yes. Children can explore the fort buildings, see historic weapons and walk the ramparts. The large open spaces allow children to run around. Supervision required near rampart edges. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Fort George? | Online booking is recommended to guarantee entry, though tickets can be purchased on arrival subject to availability. |
| Is Fort George open on Sundays? | Yes. Fort George is open daily year-round, including Sundays. The café operates reduced hours (Wednesday-Sunday only) from October to March. |
| Are dogs allowed at Fort George? | Assistance dogs are welcome. Pet dogs are not permitted inside buildings but may be allowed in outdoor areas; contact the site to confirm current policy. |
| Can you see dolphins at Fort George? | Dolphins and porpoises are frequently spotted from the ramparts in the Moray Firth. Sightings are most common during summer months and at high tide. |
| Is Fort George still a working military base? | Yes. Fort George remains an active British Army barracks. Some areas are restricted to public access for security reasons. |
Things to do near Fort George
Culloden Battlefield (12 miles) is the site of the 1746 Jacobite Rising defeat. The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre features a museum, 360-degree battle immersion theatre, café and shop.
Clava Cairns (14 miles) are Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones over 4,000 years old, believed to have inspired the Outlander series, which filmed at Beauly Priory, amongst other locations.
Cawdor Castle (8 miles) is a 14th-century castle linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring period rooms, three gardens, woodland walks and a 9-hole golf course. Open late April to late October.
Nairn (8 miles) is a seaside town on the Moray Firth with a sandy beach, golf courses, harbour, shops, cafés and restaurants. The town claims to be one of Scotland’s sunniest and driest locations.
Inverness (11 miles) offers Inverness Castle (with visitor experience), Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, riverside walks and the Victorian Market.
More Scottish Highlands travel
Other Scottish Highlands travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
- How – and why – to get to the Commando Memorial in the Scottish Highlands.
- The logistics of stopping at the Loch Tulla Viewpoint.
- What to expect at the Falls of Shin near Lairg.
- A practical visitor guide to Eilean Donan Castle.
