Inverness Castle is a 19th-century red sandstone building housing The Inverness Castle Experience, an interactive heritage attraction in the centre of Inverness, Scotland. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips.
Cruise passengers can visit on a Loch Ness, Inverness and Culloden day tour from Invergordon.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 10am-6pm daily (November-March); 10am-8pm daily (April-October); closed Christmas Day |
| Admission | Adult £20 (online), Child £14 (online), Family £28 (online); walk-up tickets cost more |
| Address | The Inverness Castle Experience, Inverness IV2 3EG, Scotland |
| Nearest public transport | Inverness Bus Station (10-minute walk); Inverness Railway Station (10-minute walk) |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Property type | Interactive heritage experience with viewpoint towers |
Inverness Castle opening hours
The Inverness Castle Experience is open daily except Christmas Day. From November to March, opening hours are 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 4pm. The South Tower closes at 5pm and the North Tower at 6pm.
From April to October, opening hours extend to 10am to 8pm, with last admission at 6pm. Experiences run every 10 minutes throughout opening hours.
Inverness Castle ticket prices
Like other Scottish castles such as Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle charges for entry.
Standard admission prices when booking online are £20 for adults, £14 for children (ages not specified but concessions available), £16 for seniors, and £28 for a family ticket. Walk-up tickets purchased on arrival cost more than online prices.
Highland Council residents with a High Life Highland card can purchase a Highlander Pass (same cost as single entry) providing unlimited access from October to March for one year, plus 10% discount in the bistro and shop (excluding alcohol). All visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in February 2026.
Why book the Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castles & Waterfalls tour?
- Discover hidden Highland highlights: Visit lesser-known Loch Ness spots away from the busiest tourist stops for a more authentic experience.
- Historic Inverness castle views: Enjoy photo stops at Inverness Castle and picturesque riverside scenery in Scotland’s capital of the Highlands.
- Scenic waterfalls: Explore charming waterfall locations, offering great walks and dramatic nature backdrops for photos and fresh air.
- Expert local guide: Learn about local history, geology and legends of the Highlands from a knowledgeable guide throughout the day.
- Relaxed day trip from Invergordon: Includes transport and commentary, making it a stress-free way to see iconic Scottish landscapes without needing to drive yourself.
How to get to Inverness Castle
By train: Inverness Railway Station is a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles) from the castle. Direct trains operate from Edinburgh (3.5 hours), Glasgow (3.5 hours) and Perth (2 hours). The London overnight sleeper service arrives in Inverness each morning.
By bus: Inverness Bus Station is a 10-minute walk from the castle. Scottish Citylink operates services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William and other Scottish cities. Local Stagecoach buses serve the city centre with stops near the castle.
By car: From the A9 or A96, follow signs to Inverness city centre. The castle is located on a prominent hill overlooking the River Ness.
By air: Inverness Airport is 9 miles from the castle. Bus route 11 operates regular services to the city centre, taking 35 minutes. Taxis cost approximately £20-25 and take 20 minutes.
On foot: The castle is centrally located and within walking distance of most city centre accommodation.
If coming from the Invergordon cruise terminal, a day tour is probably the best bet. A secret Loch Ness, Inverness and Culloden tour stops at Inverness Castle as well as Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.
Parking at Inverness Castle
No parking is available at the castle itself. The nearest large public car park is Rose Street multi-storey car park, a 10-minute walk from the castle. Parking charges apply (check Highland Council website for current rates). Other smaller car parks and on-street parking are available in the city centre. On-street parking is free from 5pm to 10am on weekdays and all day Sunday in some areas. Visitors are encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible. Eighteen bicycle parking spaces are available in racks within the castle grounds.
How long to spend at Inverness Castle
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at The Inverness Castle Experience. This allows time for the immersive storytelling experiences, interactive exhibits, exploration of both viewing towers, and time in the Gaelic-inspired gardens. Visitors wishing to eat at The Saltire Bistro or take afternoon tea should allow additional time. The experience includes digital installations, interactive elements including tartan design activities, and access to rooftop viewing terraces.
Accessibility at Inverness Castle
The Inverness Castle Experience is accessible to most visitors. The main sections of the South Tower roof terrace are fully accessible with unrivalled panoramic views. However, one part of the South Tower viewing area (the Flag Tower) is not accessible due to its historic structure. An accessible toilet is available. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact the castle in advance on 01349 781700 or via the website to discuss access arrangements.
What to see at Inverness Castle
The Inverness Castle Experience tells the story of the Highlands through immersive storytelling, digital installations and interactive exhibits. Experiences are led by seanchaidh (storytellers) and run every 10 minutes. The attraction explores Highland culture, heritage, landscapes and communities through various displays and presentations.
The South Tower and North Tower provide panoramic viewing terraces with views over Inverness, the River Ness and surrounding Highland landscapes. The South Tower roof terrace offers 360-degree views. The castle grounds contain Gaelic-inspired gardens for relaxation and exploration.
Interactive exhibits include activities where visitors can design their own tartan patterns. A restored rose window, relocated from a former Inverness church, is displayed within the castle. The experience covers Highland folklore, history and cultural traditions.
The Saltire Bistro serves breakfast (9am-11am), coffee and cake (9am-6pm), and lunch (12pm-6pm) daily. Last food orders are at 6pm. No ticket is required to access the bistro. The North Tower Bar serves afternoon tea at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm daily, requiring advance booking (minimum 3 days). A gift shop operates during castle opening hours (9.30am-6pm November-March; 9am-8pm April-October).
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Book tickets online at least 24 hours in advance for the best price and guaranteed entry. |
| Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, particularly during peak summer months. |
| Allow extra time if planning to eat at The Saltire Bistro or book afternoon tea in the North Tower Bar (3 days advance booking required). |
| Park at Rose Street car park rather than searching for city centre street parking. |
| Combine your visit with a walk along the River Ness to Inverness Cathedral and Ness Islands, both within 15 minutes’ walk. |
| Highland Council residents should bring their High Life Highland card to access the discounted Highlander Pass. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Inverness Castle suitable for children? | Yes. The interactive exhibits and storytelling experiences are designed to engage visitors of all ages, with specific elements children will enjoy. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | Yes. All visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Online booking is cheaper than walk-up tickets. |
| Is Inverness Castle open on Sundays? | Yes. The castle is open daily including Sundays except Christmas Day. |
| Can you visit the bistro without buying an experience ticket? | Yes. The Saltire Bistro does not require an experience ticket and can be visited independently. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Check with the castle on arrival. Policies may vary between indoor and outdoor areas. |
| Is there a cloakroom? | This information is not specified. Contact the castle in advance if needed. |
Things to do near Inverness Castle
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (adjacent to castle): Local history museum covering Highland heritage, Pictish stones and Jacobite history.
St Andrew’s Cathedral (5-minute walk): Victorian cathedral with square towers on the River Ness.
Culloden Battlefield (5 miles): Site of the 1746 battle between Jacobites and government forces, with visitor centre featuring 360-degree immersion theatre.
Urquhart Castle (16 miles): Medieval castle ruins on the shore of Loch Ness with visitor centre and panoramic loch views.
Fort George (12 miles): 18th-century fortress built after Culloden with ramparts, barracks and Highlanders Museum.
More Scottish Highlands travel
Other Scottish Highlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Live out your Outlander fantasies at Beauly Priory and the Clava Cairns.
- 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.
- What you need to know before visiting Attadale Gardens and Strome Castle.
