What’s the best way to experience Inverness Castle?

There are plenty of ways to experience Inverness Castle. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Lake-Ness/d739-159586P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Loch Ness, Inverness, and Highlands in Spanish</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Invergordon/Tour-2-Bus-tours-for-cruise-ships-docking-at-Invergordon-Scottish-Highlands/d4481-112983P2" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Invergordon/Secret-Loch-Ness-Inverness-Castles-and-Waterfalls/d4481-112983P5" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle Visit, Culloden, Clava Cairns</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Dirty-Daves-Alba-Adventure-A-very-R18-road-trip-of-the-Scottish-Highlands/d739-150430P2" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Multi-Day Private Tour of Scotland</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Inverness/Loch-Ness-Tour/d5051-365026P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From Inverness to Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, and More</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit Inverness Castle in 2026?

It’s free to visit Inverness Castle’s gardens, the West Tower, which showcases local spirits, and the shop and the restaurant. Online tickets for the Inverness Castle Experience, which spans the North and South Towers, cost £20 for people ages 16–64, £18 for seniors, and £14 for ages 5–15. Family packages are available.

Is Inverness Castle worth visiting?

Yes, Inverness Castle is worth visiting. While the original medieval castle was destroyed in the 18th century, the 19th-century structures boast spectacular Highland views, and the gardens are lovely. The Inverness Castle Experience offers an engaging and immersive look at Highland history and heritage that’s different from the typical museum.

Is Inverness Castle open to the public?

Yes—Inverness Castle opened to the public in February 2026, after being closed for redevelopment since 2022. The structure, built on a medieval castle site, had been a courthouse and a prison. While you need to pay to visit the Inverness Castle Experience, you can wander the garden for free.

What are Inverness Castle’s opening hours?

Between April and September, the Inverness Castle Experience is open 10am–7pm daily, (last entry at 5pm); in the colder months, it’s open 10am–6pm (last entry at 4pm). The restaurant and shop open at 9am in summer; reserve afternoon tea at the North Tower bar for 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm.

How long does the Inverness Castle Experience take?

Most travelers spend about two hours exploring the Inverness Castle Experience. If you also visit the spirits exhibition in the West Tower, explore the garden, browse the gift shop, and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, you could spend half a day at the castle.

Inverness Castle Tours and Tickets

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Discovering Inverness: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Capital of the Highlands

Swap the rigid itineraries and crowds of group tours for the opportunity to explore Inverness your own way, at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour takes you on a journey around the Highlands' capital, from settlement by an ancient tribe through to the days of Celtic saints and today's modern residents. Hear some of the myths and legends of Inverness and see landmarks including Inverness Castle while immersing yourself in the city's story.

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Discovering Inverness: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Capital of the Highlands

2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutesFree Cancellation

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Save hours researching and planning a Scottish Highlands itinerary, and go on an action-packed bus tour instead. Starting from Invergordon, travel with ease between dispersed sites including Cawdor Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness, Inverness, and Beauly Priory, made famous by the hit TV series "Outlander." Clava Cairns is excluded due to access restrictions. It’s the ideal tour for travelers with limited time who want to see multiple highlights in a day.

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Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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City Sightseeing Inverness Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

55 minutesFree Cancellation

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Dive deep into the enchanting world of Outlander in the picturesque city of Inverness through our self-guided walking tour. Alex, a literary historian, expertly narrates the experience, seamlessly intertwining the fictional tales of Jamie and Claire with genuine historical facts and intriguing backstories. Explore iconic spots mentioned in the novels, understand Diana Gabaldon's inspirations, and uncover the realities behind the filming locations. From the bustling High Street to the majestic castle and serene shores of the River Ness, our tour provides a blend of fiction, history, and the magic of Scottish culture. Immerse yourself in the narratives at your own pace. Getting a unique perspective on myths, events like the Jacobite Rebellion, and stories that have shaped the Outlander universe.

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Inverness and Outlander Private Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands in Spanish.

12 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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Explore Inverness the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful city. With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in Inverness on a private tour. The capital of the highlands and the main shopping, entertainment and travel destination for Northern Scotland, this charming city will take your breath away! On this 1.5 hour tour with an expert, local guide, the main sights of Inverness will be brought to life as you explore and learn about how the city has developed. From its humble beginnings as a royal city, to Jacobite risings and castle sieges, to modern life in Inverness today (and of course, the loch ness monster!), come along and discover why Inverness is officially the happiest city in Scotland.

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Private Walking Tour in Inverness with a Local

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Inverness is the Highland capital — a city with a castle, a character, and considerably more history than its modest size suggests. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through Inverness on foot, using phone-based riddles to guide you from one landmark to the next. No guide, no fixed start time. • Track down Inverness Castle, the Inverness Town House, and Gellions Bar — history, civic pride, and a pub that's been standing since the 1700s • Start when you arrive and walk the city at your own pace • Great for couples, families, and groups of all sizes Available in 24 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — see the full list when booking and choose yours when you start the game in the app. Around 2 hours - any group size. No kilt required, but the Highland welcome is genuine.

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Inverness Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Discover the sights and sounds of Inverness and the surrounding areas by bike with one of our tour guides. Our cool electric bikes do the work while you can enjoy the journey (you still have to pedal!). We lead you on a journey through parkland, besides the river, out to the sea and over some islands. During your journey we can stop at a café for refreshments and we visit historical and interesting sights around Inverness. We know the area as we live here. We can guide you and take the best routes. Our bikes are cool, fun to ride and help you as they have an electric motor which does a lot of the work. You still have to pedal though!

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Guided EBike Tour of Inverness

2 hours 20 minutesFree Cancellation

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Join your guide on a journey through the brutal history of the Highland Capital. You’ll learn about beheadings and worse on this 90 minute exploration of the dark past of these now peaceful streets. Ghost sightings not guaranteed, but stories of lost spirits and souls will make you take a second look at this charming city that has seen earthquakes, floods and fires bring devastation long before it became the universally popular destination it is today. Learn about a knight in shining armour and standing stones we can only hope do not fall over, visit the graves of important figures and find hard evidence of their gruesome habits. Your guide will keep you safe as we follow a trail of bones – ideally in the evening, although we will alternate accommodate timing requests where possible.

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Private Inverness Dark Side Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Inverness Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Turning the streets of Inverness Into an Adventure Playground! Get a unique perspective of the city centre on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt. It's the best way to explore the city! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges, earning points along the way. During your Quest , discover the city's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts about the places you visit and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want (must be played during daylight hours), there are no set starting/ending times. No groups to follow. You can go at your own pace, stopping for longer in one location, taking a break or having a snack in one of the many cafes and pubs along the trail OR you can make it a race and try to get to the top of the city leaderboard! Instant access with nothing to print from home. Will you conquer the Quest?

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Inverness Self Guided Treasure Hunt & City Exploration Game

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Private Historic Walking Tour in Inverness Highland Heritage

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Private Romantic Walking Tour in Historic Inverness

This private romantic walking tour reveals Inverness’s historic and cultural heritage. Stroll through the heart of the Scottish Highlands where history is older than the United States. Wander beside the River Ness and admire architectural landmarks shaped by centuries of Highland tradition. What legends have echoed through Inverness since medieval times? Discover historic streets where castles, churches, and monuments reflect Scotland’s enduring civilization. Enjoy peaceful riverside views that create an intimate atmosphere for meaningful moments together. Experience the timeless charm of a city where romance blends with cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and inspiring stories of the Highlands. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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Private Romantic Walking Tour in Historic Inverness

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Highland Whisky Tour with a visit to Inverness & Cawdor Castle from Invergordon

Invergordon is just a cozy small town in the Highlands but has all facilities to welcome the Cruise ship passengers in at the port for going on to see a large number of attractions in the Highlands area. Enjoy personal private service without being rushed as when you are a part of a large group. You'll visit Inverness town and Cawdor Castle and of course one of Highland Whisky Distillery.

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Highland Whisky Tour with a visit to Inverness & Cawdor Castle from Invergordon

Price varies by group size

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Inverness City Tour Beauly Urquhart Castle and Highland Culture

Explore the enchanting Scottish Highlands on this exclusive Inverness City Tour, beginning with a pick-up from Invergordon Cruise Port. Stroll through the picturesque village of Beauly and its historical priory, then capture photos of the iconic Highland cows. Discover the dramatic Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness, and enjoy free time in Inverness for lunch and shopping. The tour also features the newly reopened Inverness Castle, with optional visits to Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns for those seeking deeper historical insights. - 7-8 hour private tour in a luxury Mercedes vehicle - Visit Beauly, Urquhart Castle, and Inverness Castle - Optional stops at Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns - Effortless pick-up directly from Invergordon Cruise Port

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Inverness City Tour Beauly Urquhart Castle and Highland Culture

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Enjoy a more tailored and intimate way of exploring the Highlands with this private tour that’s perfect for travelers seeking flexibility and comfort. You can avoid crowded bus tours and enjoy an expertly planned itinerary that includes iconic stops such as Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Beauly Priory, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness Cathedral, and Cawdor Castle, which reopens April 27, 2024.

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From Inverness to Loch Ness , Cawdor Castle , Culloden and more

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on “Castles, Culloden, and Nessie: A Day of Highland Legends” a comprehensive day tour from Invergordon that captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands. Start with the historic backdrop of Inverness Castle, followed by a stroll through Inverness. Visit the enchanting Cawdor Castle to delve into tales of Shakespearean lore, then pause at the serene ruins of Beauly Priory. Reflect on Scotland’s turbulent history at Culloden Battlefield and admire the Culloden Viaduct. Enjoy a unique encounter with Highland cows at Robertsons The Larder. Conclude your journey with a mythical quest at Loch Ness, possibly spotting Nessie. This tour offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Highlands, ideal for anyone seeking to explore this storied region.

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Castles, Culloden and Nessie: A Day of Highland Legends – Private

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2 Hour Private Walking Tour in Inverness City Centre with a Guide

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

This is a private tour taking you to some of the most visited and very popular places in Scotland including The Isle of Skye , The Fairy Pools , Glencoe , Loch Ness , Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield. Your driver/guide is a Highlander who has many years experience in taking people on private tours throughout the Highlands and Islands and his knowledge of the history and geography of the area will ensure you have a wonderful tour. If you wish to see a brief video showing some of the sights on this tour see our website where the video is.

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3 Day Tour To Isle of Skye , Glencoe , Loch Ness and Culloden

3 daysFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Private Tour to Loch Ness Culloden Battlefield Clava and Cawdor

8 hours 40 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Multi Day Private Tour Of Scotland

3 daysFree Cancellation

What are people saying about Inverness Castle

Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

Rudolf_W, Aug 2026

Wonderful Ivergordon by Moe

New, clean comfortable bus driven excellently by our driver Jordan. Moe our tour guide provided historic-information at each of the sites we visited in Inverness and surrounding towns. Cawdor castle was a delight and comfortable trek. Many thanks to Moe to quick wit and vast information.

Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

Jeff_J, Aug 2026

Our Guide made the tour! (Niall MacLean)

Niall MacLean was our tour guide today and we couldn't have had a better guide. Well versed in history and articulate! We had the best day!! I recommend this tour for sure.

Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

Kris_M, Jul 2026

Simon was amazing,...

Simon was amazing, enjoyed the tour. The bus was clean and air conditioning was great. I would suggest it to everyone.

Loch Ness , Outlander , Inverness Castle , Clava and Culloden

Raphaela_M, Aug 2026

Super Tour with Kevin

Perfect. Kevin at his best - tour was like we have expected it. Castle, coes, sheeps, clava stone circle and culloden.

Loch Ness , Outlander , Inverness Castle , Clava and Culloden

Stacey_W, Jul 2026

Best Excursion of our trip!

Best day out of all of our excursions! We thoroughly enjoyed our sight seeing day of Scotland and the best part was our driver Kevin. He was so knowledgeable, fun and taylor made our day just for us. Could not recommend this excursion or Kevin more! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!

From Inverness to Loch Ness , Cawdor Castle , Culloden and more

Jason_H, Jun 2026

Family with children, great experience!

Wonderful experience. Our guide, Lewis, was polite, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Accommodated us by adjusting the schedule with our reservations for a later visit to Edinburgh. Made sure we made it back in time for boarding our cruise. Great time! Plus we were traveling with three children, 8, 13, and 15.

Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

Michelle_C, Sept 2026

Pretty good except for political commentary

Was an excellent trip except for the fact that the tour guide brought up politics repeatedly. Went as far to say I don’t like the orange man. Don’t care what side of the isle you’re on, I’m on vacation and a tour of Scotland, keep politics out of it. I want to know historical facts not your opinion.

Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness

Jennifer_L, Aug 2025

Hairy Coos!

Our tour guide, Bill, was so knowledgeable and interesting. He shared a lot of great information and history. Bill was so kind and went out of his way to find opportunities for pictures with the hairy coos. When it started to rain, he made sure we had rain jackets. Absolutely outstanding tour and guide!