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.

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Ardentorrie Holiday Home
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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
Bank House

Bank House

2 out of 5
17 Old Edinburgh Rd, Inverness, Scotland
Bank House
Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness

Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness

2 out of 5
19-21 Huntly Street, Inverness, Scotland
Premier Inn Inverness Centre - River Ness
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
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

When visiting Inverness Castle, you'll find a variety of activities to enjoy, including scenic walking tours and championship golf courses. For those seeking adventure, consider camping in the nearby areas or exploring local breweries on a tour. Additionally, the city offers options for romantic breaks and a chance to catch a movie at the cinema. Inverness Castle serves as a perfect base for these exciting experiences.

Food and drinks

Experience local flavors at Glen Ord Distillery, 10 miles from Inverness Castle, where you can enjoy fine spirits in a romantic setting. For a unique craft beer experience, visit Black Isle Brewery, located 12 miles away, perfect for food lovers seeking entertainment and a cozy atmosphere.

Shopping

The Victorian Market, just 0.2 miles from Inverness Castle, offers a charming public market atmosphere. Close by, the Eastgate Shopping Centre, located 0.3 miles away, provides a family-friendly shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, Campbells of Beauly is a lovely store about 9 miles from the castle.

Recreation

Caledonian Stadium, located 1 mile from Inverness Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Just 0.8 miles away, Torvean Golf Club provides a scenic outdoor golfing experience. For a peaceful retreat, visit Blackmuir Wood, situated 13 miles away, where you can unwind amidst nature's tranquility.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Inverness Castle by visiting Eden Court Theatre for a cultural evening. For adventure, head to Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park or Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena, both perfect for family fun and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle offers a range of attractions for tourists, including the historic castle itself, the Inverness Museum, and the poignant Culloden Battlefield. For those seeking outdoor adventures, a visit to the scenic Loch Ness is a must, while the nearby beach provides a relaxing escape. Whether you're interested in culture or nature, Inverness Castle and its surroundings promise an enriching experience for every traveler.

  • Inverness Cathedral: Just a short walk from Inverness Castle, this stunning cathedral features beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the local culture and history.
  • Culloden Battlefield: A significant historical site located a bit further out, this battlefield offers a poignant glimpse into Scotland's tumultuous past, surrounded by lush fields and informative exhibits that tell the tale of the 1746 battle.
  • Inverness Visit Scotland Information Centre: Conveniently located near the castle, this center is your go-to spot for outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, providing insights and resources to enhance your visit to the area.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately 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 CloudyModerately HighAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Inverness Castle

Visiting Inverness Castle can be budget-friendly with several free attractions nearby, such as Inverness Cathedral and Clava Cairns. For accommodation, consider booking in the cheaper months of January, February, and November, while avoiding the peak summer season from June to August. Aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Utilizing Expedia’s package deals can save you money on flights and activities, and joining their One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and cash back on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Inverness Castle is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Inverness Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Inverness Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and best 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 by booking a package through Expedia.
  • 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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