Culloden Battlefield is the site of the final Jacobite Rising battle near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, where around 1,600 men were killed in less than an hour on 16 April 1746. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting the battlefield and visitor centre.
It’s a key stop on a day tour from Inverness that also includes a Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle and Beauly Priory.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Visitor centre: 09:00-16:00 (3 Jan-28 Feb), 09:00-17:00 (1 Mar-31 May), 09:00-18:00 (1 Jun-31 Aug), 09:00-17:00 (1 Sep-31 Oct). Battlefield open daily all year. |
| Ticket prices | Adult £12.50, Concession £11.00, Child £8.00, Family £33.00, One adult family £26.00, Young Scot £1.00. Car park £5.00. Free for National Trust for Scotland members. |
| Address | Culloden Moor, Inverness, IV2 5EU |
| Getting there | 5 miles east of Inverness off the A9/B9006. Follow brown signs. No direct public transport. Nearest station: Inverness. |
| Time needed | 2 hours for museum and battlefield. History enthusiasts may spend 3-4 hours. |
Culloden Battlefield opening hours
The battlefield itself is open daily all year and can be accessed free of charge. The visitor centre operates seasonally with varying hours. From 3 January to 28 February, the centre opens 09:00-16:00 with last entry at 15:30. Between 1 March and 31 May, hours extend to 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30). Summer months from 1 June to 31 August see the longest hours at 09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30). From 1 September to 31 October, hours return to 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
The café follows similar patterns, closing 30 minutes before the visitor centre. The car park opens daily from 08:00-18:00.
Why book the Loch Ness, whisky & Outlander day tour from Inverness?
- Explore legendary Loch Ness: Visit the world-famous freshwater loch, take in its dramatic scenery and search for signs of the elusive monster.
- See Urquhart Castle ruins: Wander the atmospheric remains of this historic fortress overlooking Loch Ness and learn about its turbulent past.
- Whisky distillery visit: Enjoy a stop at a traditional Highland distillery with a chance to sample fine Scotch and learn about whisky making.
- Outlander filming locations: Pass by or visit sites featured in the hit series, with commentary that brings the landscapes to life for fans.
- Guided full-day experience: Includes transport from Inverness and commentary from a knowledgeable guide, making for a stress-free and informative outing.
Culloden Battlefield ticket prices
Admission prices (checked and updated January 2026):
- Adult: £12.50
- Concession: £11.00
- Child: £8.00
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £33.00
- One adult family: £26.00
- Young Scot cardholders: £1.00
Car parking costs £5.00 for non-members. National Trust for Scotland members receive free admission and parking. Tickets can be purchased on site or booked in advance through the National Trust for Scotland website.
How to get to Culloden Battlefield
Culloden is located 5 miles east of Inverness, Scotland. By car, follow the A9 then the B9006, following brown tourist signs marked “Culloden”.
There is no direct public transport to the site. The nearest mainline railway station is Inverness, approximately 5 miles away. Visitors without cars typically use taxis, join guided tours from Inverness, or hire vehicles.
Parking at Culloden Battlefield
An on-site car park is available but can become limited during peak times, particularly in summer and on weekends. The car park costs £5.00 for non-members (free for National Trust for Scotland members). The surface is tarmac.
Blue Badge holders park free in designated disabled bays. There are 10+ accessible parking spaces, measuring 340cm x 470cm, located 20-55 metres from the main entrance. The car park includes spaces for coaches and motorhomes. One 22kW electric vehicle charging point is available.
How long to spend at Culloden Battlefield
The National Trust for Scotland recommends allowing approximately 2 hours for a standard visit covering the museum and battlefield. Visitors with a strong interest in history typically spend 3-4 hours on site.
The 360-degree battle immersion theatre runs for approximately 4 minutes. Walking the full battlefield circuit takes 30-60 minutes depending on pace. Guided tours, when available, last approximately 40 minutes.
Accessibility at Culloden Battlefield
The visitor centre is fully accessible with wheelchairs and powered scooters available free of charge. Designated disabled parking bays are located near the entrance. The centre features ramps, hearing loops throughout, and display information in audio and large print formats.
Upgraded battlefield footpaths are suitable for families with prams and visitors with mobility needs. Paths are a mix of wide tarmac and grass tracks. Some areas may be uneven or muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Accessible toilets are available in the visitor centre. The site has received positive reviews on Euan’s Guide. Dogs are not permitted in the museum but are welcome in the shop, café and on the battlefield (must be kept under control).
What to see at Culloden Battlefield
The 360-degree battle immersion theatre places visitors in the centre of the conflict with a 4-minute film recreating the battle atmosphere. The accredited museum contains weapons, artefacts and displays presenting both Jacobite and Government perspectives on the 1745 Rising.
The battlefield has been restored to its 1746 appearance and is marked with clan grave headstones, flags showing troop positions, and a 6-metre memorial cairn honouring the fallen. Leanach Cottage, the only surviving building from the battle, stands on the moor. This 18th-century thatched cottage may have served as a field hospital.
From the roof garden viewing platform, visitors can appreciate the scale of the battlefield and surrounding landscape. Highland cattle often graze on the moor. The animated battle table provides a bird’s-eye view of battlefield topography and military tactics.
Practical tips for visiting Culloden Battlefield
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive early to avoid coach parties, which typically arrive mid-morning. |
| Parking can be limited at peak times, particularly summer weekends and school holidays. |
| Wear waterproof footwear as paths can be muddy, especially after rain. |
| The site can be cold and exposed; dress for changeable Highland weather. |
| Guided tours can be pre-booked through the National Trust for Scotland events page. |
| Audio guides are available in nine languages and are triggered automatically as you walk the battlefield. |
| Photography is permitted on the battlefield but check restrictions inside the museum. |
Facilities at Culloden Battlefield
The café serves hot meals, soups, sandwiches, salads and local cakes. It uses locally sourced produce where possible. The shop sells Scottish gifts, books, Jacobite memorabilia and exclusive items including jewellery made from flowers of the battlefield and Culloden whisky.
Cycle racks are available. Luggage storage is not provided. The site welcomes school visits; contact the Learning department for information.
Frequently asked questions about Culloden Battlefield
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Culloden Battlefield suitable for children? | Yes. The visitor centre is family-friendly with interactive displays. The battle immersion film contains realistic battle sounds which may be intense for very young children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Booking is not essential but recommended during peak summer months and weekends to guarantee entry. Tickets can be purchased on arrival. |
| Is Culloden Battlefield open on Sundays? | Yes, both the battlefield and visitor centre are open daily including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at Culloden Battlefield? | Yes, bags are permitted. Large bags may be subject to inspection. There is no luggage storage facility. |
| Can you walk the battlefield without paying? | Yes, the battlefield itself is open to the public year-round free of charge. Admission charges apply only to the visitor centre, museum and facilities. |
| Is Culloden Battlefield dog-friendly? | Dogs are welcome on the battlefield (on leads) and in the shop and café. They are not permitted inside the museum. |
Things to do near Culloden Battlefield
The Clava Cairns (2 miles) are Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones dating back over 4,000 years. Free to visit, the site inspired locations in the Outlander series.
Fort George (12 miles) is one of Europe’s most impressive 18th-century artillery fortifications, built after Culloden to secure government control. The site includes The Highlanders’ Museum.
Cawdor Castle (7 miles) is a 14th-century castle with medieval tower, beautiful gardens and café. Open seasonally from spring to autumn.
Brodie Castle (9 miles) is a 16th-century turreted castle managed by the National Trust for Scotland, featuring a Playful Garden and springtime daffodil displays.
Inverness city centre (5 miles) offers Inverness Castle (with a new visitor experience), Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and riverside walks along the River Ness.
