Our most recommended things to do in Culloden, Scottish Highlands

Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour

1. Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour

Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness on a cruise to Urquhart Castle on this guided tour from Inverness. Immerse yourself in local history at Culloden Battlefield. Enter the world of the hit TV show Outlander at the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness. Glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a 1-hour cruise to Urquhart Castle. Have free time to explore the 13th-century ruins on foot. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the charming local cafés in Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, which was featured in the Outlander novel series. Enjoy an optional Highland whisky distillery experience, where you can choose to sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on a visit to Culloden Battlefield. Step into the world of Outlander at the burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history that inspired the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all. Return to Inverness in the early evening.

From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

2. From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

You first venture to the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns. This Bronze Age ‘graveyard’ has survived four millennia and is a great spot to take atmospheric photos. They say the stone circle here was the inspiration for the Craigh na Dun time portal in the Outlander books. You then visit Culloden, one of the most important locations in Scottish history. It was here that a 60-year series of uprisings finally ended in a tumultuous battle. You can explore the visitor centre and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last ever battle fought on British soil. You ramble along to Glen Affric and stop off for walks amongst the indigenous Caledonian pine trees. You get the chance to enjoy views over Loch Affric and the mountains beyond, and your driver-guide ensures you go to the best waterfalls and photo spots throughout the afternoon. Following this, you have the chance to stretch your legs and explore the historic ruins of Beauly Priory. 13th-century French monks called this religious site 'beau lieu', which means 'beautiful place'. Your final journey takes you along the shores of Loch Ness and back to the centre of Inverness for the early evening.

Inverness: Fort George, Culloden, and Cairngorms Day Trip

3. Inverness: Fort George, Culloden, and Cairngorms Day Trip

Discover Northern Scotland on a guided coach tour from Inverness. Take in military history at Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, step back to the Bronze Age at Clava Cairns, and explore the quaint Scottish towns of Aviemore and Nairns. See the spectacular scenery of Cairngorms National Park. Start with a short tour of Inverness before heading to your first stop, Culloden Battlefield – one of the most important battlefields in Scotland’s history. Learn about the history of the battlefield, step onto it yourself, and see if you have family connections to the area at the visitor center. Continue on to Clava Cairns – the remains of a much larger complex used to house the dead – for a glimpse of what life was like over 4,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. Outlander fans may want to explore the prehistoric stone circle, the inspiration for Craigh Na Dun in the book and TV series. Then, travel to Fort George, an imposing fort built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden and now home to the largest regimental museum outside of Edinburgh. Fort George is still in use as an active army base and home to the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Next, head to Nairn on the north coast, where you will have time to grab lunch and take in the relaxing seaside town. Then, continue to explore more beautiful scenery in the Cairngorms, stopping at Loch an Eilein for a photo of the stunning loch, local wildlife, and island with its own castle ruins. Continue to the final stop of the day, Aviemore, where you will have a while to explore the beautiful village in the northwest corner of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by mountains and lochs. Explore and grab a coffee before journeying back to Inverness, where your tour ends.

From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

4. From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. On departures between May and September, board the Jacobite Train, or "Hogwarts Express" in Fort William for the next section of your journey. Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy stunning views as you make your way through the west coast town of Mallaig. In April and October you will continue west from Fort William on board your bus, making a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films and hopefully get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape with your guide. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra ). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you have the option to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (extra charge), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour

5. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour

Day 1 Travel north to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the lovely village of Luss on the western banks of Loch Lomond, best known as a haven for wildlife and stunning flowers. Stroll along the shore and walk past pretty cottages during your time here. Travel further into the Highlands and visit Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the MacDonald clan. Depart Glen Coe via the Great Glen, another one of Scotland's majestic valleys which stretches 62 miles from Inverness all the way to Fort William. This is the second largest town in the Highlands and lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. Continue west to Glenfinnan, made famous by the Harry Potter films, which feature the iconic Viaduct. In the summer months, you may catch a glimpse of this magical train crossing the Viaduct. This landmark is surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel. Stay overnight in accommodation near Loch Ness. Day 2 After a delicious Scottish breakfast, you have time to explore Loch Ness, Britain's largest body of water by volume. Then, visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces. A visit to the battlefield is a poignant experience. Walk on the grounds where the battle took place and see the headstones that mark the graves of hundreds of clansmen. Travel south and enjoy the stunning scenery as you pass through the unique wilderness of the Cairngorms, Scotland's largest National Park. Its mountain range has five of the UK's highest mountains within its limits. Before returning to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, make one last stop at a beautiful Highland town chosen by your driver-guide.

From Glasgow: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour

6. From Glasgow: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour

Enjoy a glorious 2-day sightseeing tour of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, with comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation. Your guide will show you all the stunning historical sights such as the towering mountain of Ben Nevis, the site of the Glencoe Massacre, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Glen Coe. Day 1 Leaving Glasgow behind, the journey north takes you to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the quaint village of Luss on the western banks of Loch Lomond, best known as a haven for wildlife and stunning flowers, so keep your eyes peeled. You can wander the shore, walk past pretty cottages and do a bit of shopping here if you like. As you travel further into the Highlands, visit Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Then depart Glen Coe towards the Great Glen, another one of Scotland's majestic valleys which stretches 62 miles from Inverness all the way to Fort William. Fort William, the second largest town in the Highlands, lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. Your driver-guide will decide the best spot for lunch depending on your group, weather, and local events. The journey will continue west to Glenfinnan, made famous by the 'Harry Potter' films, which features the iconic Viaduct. In the summer months, you may catch a glimpse of the magical Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Viaduct. Glenfinnan is also home to the impressive Glenfinnan Monument. Surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, the monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. Overnight: Near Loch Ness Day 2 Explore Loch Ness, Britain's largest body of water by volume. The size and depth of the loch make it a perfect hiding place for Nessie, the famous monster. Why not take a boat tour from Urquhart Castle, a ruined castle perched on the edge of Loch Ness, or monster hunt from the shore? Then drive through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces. A visit to the battlefield is a poignant experience; walk the earth where the battle took place and see the headstones that mark the graves of hundreds of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause. Travel south and enjoy the stunning scenery as you pass through the unique wilderness of the Cairngorms, Scotland's largest National Park. Its mountain range has five of the UK's highest mountains within its limits. Before returning to Edinburgh, make one last stop at a beautiful Highland town chosen by your driver-guide. You may be provided with train tickets for returns to Glasgow.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

7. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

8. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

9. Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

Drive to the top of Scotland on a scenic 5-day tour, and learn the history of the Highlands at sites such as the battlefield of the Macdonald clan massacre, and Stirling Castle. Spend the day on the Orkney Isles, and travel the northenmost coast of mainland Scotland. The tour is by luxury 16-seat Mercedes minibus for a more intimate experience, while bed and breakfast accommodation is provided in Inverness, the lovely town of Kirkwall, and the whitewashed fishing village of Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh, heading west towards Stirling. Pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and continue to Doune Castle, used for location shoots in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Stop in the small town of Callander for refreshments. Then, marvel at the splendor of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart on a scenic drive over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. The views of the extinct volcano will take your breath away, and were also the scene of the infamous Clan Macdonald massacre of 1692. Continue north up the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness, with plenty of time to try and spot “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The evening will be spent in Inverness, with free time to explore the “Capital of the Highlands.” Day 2: Depart Inverness early to cross over the Black Isle and past Andrew Carnegie’s Skibo Castle. From here, drive the northeast coastline, traveling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy the views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife such as golden eagle and red deer. Close to Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John O’ Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. It is a short drive on arrival to the famous Italian Chapel, where you will stop for a quick visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, your home for the next 2 nights. Look inside Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking cathedral, and wander the winding streets of the historic town center. Day 3: Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions in the 12th century. Day 4: It’s time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, travel across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches of the northern coastline. Go to the far northwest of the Highlands, and admire the grandeur of the wild Assynt mountains. Stop to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Continue to Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you will spend your last night. Day 5: Your morning includes visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as exploring the more recent bloody history of the Culloden battlefield. Return south through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, driving past the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Highland Perthshire, before your drop off in Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Orkney and The Far North 5-Day Tour

10. From Edinburgh: Orkney and The Far North 5-Day Tour

The 5-day tour from Edinburgh takes you on a discovery of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. Heading north from Scotland’s capital city, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and explore the history of the Orkney Islands. On day 1, travel north to Loch Ness. The spectacular tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The route then takes you through the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan, and on through Fort William and the Great Glen to arrive at the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 2, head north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then, board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Islands. Once you arrive, take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war, as well as the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 3, explore the ancient history of the islands. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to explore, spend the whole day exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you will be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 4, start with a ferry ride back to the mainland. Then you will get the chance to take in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 5, head back to Edinburgh. On the way, visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You will also pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

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What people are saying about Culloden, Scottish Highlands

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 342 reviews

Fantastic trip, tour guide Willie was fabulous, full of wonderful stories about the areas and scottish history. Unfortunately the Culloden visitor centre was closed but Willie took us to Rogie Falls which was diffinately one of the trips highlights. Highly recommend it's included in future tours.

This tour was so much fun! Our guide was fantastic and super knowledgeable about the details and history of each place we went to. We had an amazing time and got to see and experience so many beautiful places!

It was one of the best tour that I had in the Highlands. Every activity is so great and fantastic to do plus our tour guide James was so knowledgeable and good to us he was really great and fab.

Helen our tour guide MADE the trip!!!! Helens knowledge and wit brought every historical site alive!!! The sites were amazing!!! I will book again, hopefully Helen will be the tour guide

Highly recommend Rabbits tours and there great drivers