Inverness Castle Tours

Inverness Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and chateau or palace
Inverness Castle showing chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Inverness Castle featuring a castle, heritage architecture and night scenes
Inverness Castle which includes chateau or palace, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Inverness Castle showing heritage elements, night scenes and chateau or palace


A setting in one of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedies, this crenellated castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness.

Inverness Castle is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, its baronial turrets dominating the skyline. You might recognize the castle as the location of Duncan’s murder in the Shakespearean play Macbeth. Walk around the castle grounds to admire its architecture up-close and see impressive views of the city and along the River Ness.

Today the castle serves as the Sheriff’s Court and is not open to the public. However, wander around the castle to enjoy the flower-filled grounds. Perched high on Castle Hill, the castle grounds offer wonderful views over the city and river. Reflect on the castle’s long history as you enjoy these views and walk through its gardens.

Constructed in the 11th century, the original castle was destroyed by the Jacobites in 1746. The neo-Norman castle you see today was constructed in 1836, designed by architect William Burn. Admire the castle’s reddish sandstone exterior and see the remains of its original bastion wall.

Look for a brass statue of Jacobiteheroine Flora MacDonald on the grounds in front of the castle. MacDonald helped Prince Charles Edward Stuart escape from the Hanoverian forces after the Battle of Culloden. Notice she is depicted with her Scottish hound at her feet as she looks out over the valley and shields her eyes. View the inscription on the statue, which reads in both English and Gaelic, “The preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.” Interestingly, MacDonald spent a brief time in North Carolina as a British loyalist during the American Revolution before returning to Scotland.

The castle is also the starting point for an enjoyable walk along the banks of the River Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the Beauly Firth coastline. Take a leisurely stroll past St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Ness Islands, where you may spot anglers standing in the river and fishing for Atlantic salmon.

Inverness Castle is located in Inverness city center. Reach the grounds on foot or by bus. Enjoy spectacular views of Inverness from the lawn of this famous castle.

Plan a trip to see Inverness Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Highland Apartments By Mansley
Inverness City Suites
Bunchrew House Hotel

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Reviews of Inverness Castle

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
59
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
52
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Only a view of city from top. So we went to the art museum next door instead. No castle to visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Really nothing to see, as you can't go inside, nice walk around perimeter.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Couldn't visit because it opened too late and we had to leave in the morning.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It's a police station now, so you can't go in. Still beautful to see!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

This castle only lets you tour outside and one climb to the top.  But still beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

You can not visit because it is a courthouse but the exterior was nicely lit up.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Inverness Castle

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

3 out of 5
7 Ness Walk, Inverness, Scotland
Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

4 out of 5
GLEBE STREET, Inverness, Scotland
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
CHURCH ST 83-97, Inverness, Scotland
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
B&B HOTEL Inverness

B&B HOTEL Inverness

3 out of 5
63 Academy Street, Caledonia House, Inverness, Scotland
B&B HOTEL Inverness
Mercure Inverness Hotel

Mercure Inverness Hotel

4 out of 5
Church Street, Inverness, Scotland
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

3 out of 5
25 Southside Rd, Inverness, Scotland
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.
Kingsmills Hotel

Kingsmills Hotel

4 out of 5
Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland
Kingsmills Hotel
The Royal Highland Hotel

The Royal Highland Hotel

3 out of 5
Station Square, Academy Street, Inverness, Scotland
The Royal Highland Hotel
Waverley Guest House

Waverley Guest House

3 out of 5
25 Union Street, Inverness, Scotland
Waverley Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including captivating falconry displays and scenic walking tours around the area. For those seeking adventure, there are castle-side campsites and opportunities for golfing nearby. Immerse yourself in the unique attractions of Inverness, where a memorable castle experience awaits you amidst the stunning Scottish landscape.

Shopping

For shopping near Inverness Castle, visit the Victorian Market, a vibrant public market just 0.2 miles away, and the Eastgate Shopping Centre, located 0.3 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Campbells of Beauly, situated 9 miles away for unique gifts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Caledonian Stadium, located 1 mile from Inverness Castle, where you can enjoy various sports events. For outdoor enthusiasts, Torvean Golf Club, just 0.8 miles away, offers a scenic golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes. Aigas Golf Course, 9 miles away, provides an excellent backdrop for a leisurely game.

Adventure

At Inverness Castle, explore the stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city from its tower. Engage in guided historical tours that reveal the castle's rich past, or enjoy scenic walks along the River Ness, perfect for capturing memorable photos of this iconic landmark.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Inverness Castle with a visit to Eden Court Theatre for cultural performances. For adventure seekers, head to Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park or Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena for thrilling games that will keep your adrenaline pumping.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle is surrounded by a wealth of attractions, including historic sites, cathedrals, and visitor centers, perfect for travelers seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Nearby highlights include Invergarry Castle, Achnagairn Castle, and the Inverness Museum, making it easy to explore some of the best castles in Scotland. Whether you're interested in history or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone in this charming area of Scotland.

  • Inverness Cathedral: Located just 0.2 miles from Inverness Castle, this stunning Gothic-style cathedral offers a serene atmosphere with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework, making it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of local culture.
  • Culloden Battlefield: About 5 miles away, this historic site marks the location of the last major battle on British soil. Visitors can explore the battlefield, learn about its significance, and experience poignant exhibitions that capture the spirit of the Jacobite uprising.
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: Situated only 0.1 miles from the castle, this museum showcases the rich history and art of the Highlands, featuring engaging exhibits that delve into local heritage and culture.

Best time to go to Inverness Castle

The best time to visit Inverness Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Inverness Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Inverness Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Inverness Castle

To save money on your trip to Inverness Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or October when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Inverness Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Inverness Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Inverness Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Inverness Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Inverness Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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