Inverness: Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns Half Day Tour

Delving into Scotland’s rich history, the "Inverness: Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns Half Day Tour" offers an immersive experience for those captivated by the Jacobite uprising and the Battle of Culloden. With a guided tour and scenic drives through the breathtaking Highlands, this 4-hour journey provides insights into the poignant events that unfolded at Culloden House and the ancient Clava Cairns. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to uncover the captivating past, this tour promises a memorable experience with ample opportunities for stunning photography.

Key Points

• This 4-hour tour offers a guided exploration of the Culloden Battlefield and a self-guided visit to the Bronze Age Clava Cairns site near Inverness.
• The tour price is $419.90 for a group of up to 7 participants, with a "reserve now, pay later" option available.
• Highlights include a photo stop at Culloden House, an immersive 360-degree battle theater, and scenic drives through the Scottish Highlands.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, and comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, guided visits, and scenic views, but excludes meals, drinks, and tickets to the Culloden Battlefield museum.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns Half Day Tour" is priced at $419.90 per group, accommodating up to 7 participants.

The 4-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

The itinerary includes visits to Culloden House, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield, with a guided tour at the latter site.

Highlights include learning about the Jacobite uprising and the Battle of Culloden, as well as exploring the Bronze Age cemetery at Clava Cairns.

The tour provides scenic views of the Scottish Highlands and is led by a live guide offering insights in English.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour’s itinerary begins with a photo stop at Culloden House, the historical site associated with the Jacobite uprising.

Next, visitors explore the well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery at Clava Cairns during a self-guided tour.

The highlight of the day is the guided tour of Culloden Battlefield, where guests learn about the Jacobite rebellion and the decisive battle that took place.

The tour also includes a visit to the 360-degree battle immersion theater, providing an immersive experience of the events that unfolded on this historic site.

Tour Experience

Small group sizes, limited to 7 participants, make for an intimate tour experience.

Intimate tour experience with small groups capped at 7 participants.

A live tour guide provides insightful commentary in English, sharing their knowledge of the Jacobite uprising and the Battle of Culloden.

The tour includes scenic drives through the Scottish Highlands, offering opportunities to admire the region’s natural beauty.

At the sites, guests can take photos and explore at their own pace.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it provides an immersive way to discover Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns for able-bodied travelers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes pickup and drop-off services, as well as guided visits to Culloden House, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield.

Along the way, participants can enjoy scenic views of the Scottish Highlands and photo opportunities.

However, the tour excludes meals, drinks, and personal expenses. Tickets to the Culloden Battlefield museum are also not included.

It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as the tour may involve walking and being outdoors.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as the tour may involve walking and being outdoors. Smoking is not allowed during the tour. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Participants should check availability for starting times and group size selection.

| Information | Details |

| — | — |

| What to Bring | Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, camera |

| Not Suitable For | People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users |

| Smoking Policy | Not allowed during the tour |

| Availability | Check for starting times and participant selection |

Discovering Culloden House

The tour then takes visitors to Culloden House, a historic site that played a pivotal role in the Jacobite uprising.

Guests will have the opportunity to take photographs outside the estate, which served as the headquarters for Bonnie Prince Charlie before the fateful Battle of Culloden.

The site offers:

A glimpse into Jacobite history, stunning Highland views, and an introduction to a 17th-century manor house.

• A glimpse into the Jacobite history and the events leading up to the battle

• Stunning views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands

• An introduction to the architectural style and grandeur of a 17th-century manor house

• Insights into the lives of the Jacobite leaders who strategized at Culloden House

• A chance to connect with the past and envision the events that unfolded there.

Exploring Clava Cairns

After visiting Culloden House, the tour takes guests to the ancient site of Clava Cairns.

This Bronze Age cemetery dates back over 4,000 years and features three well-preserved circular stone tombs, known as cairns.

Visitors can explore the site on a self-guided tour, marveling at the impressive stone structures and surrounding landscape.

The cairns are aligned with the winter solstice sunrise, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the region’s early inhabitants.

Clava Cairns provides a fascinating historical and archaeological experience, complementing the tour’s exploration of the Culloden Battlefield.

Taking in the Battle of Culloden

Guests next enjoy the compelling history of the Battle of Culloden, where a guided tour at the battlefield provides a profound understanding of this pivotal event.

The tour includes:

• Exploring the 360-degree battle immersion theater, bringing the events of the battle to life

• Walking the battlefield, standing in the very spots where Jacobite and Hanoverian forces clashed

• Learning about the lead up to the battle and the tragic outcome that changed the course of Scottish history

• Seeing the cairns and monuments that commemorate the fallen clansmen

• Understanding the lasting impact of the battle on the Scottish Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but the guide can offer additional insights based on your interests. The standard tour covers the key highlights of Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides provide insights in English only. They don’t offer multilingual options. Customers should check if translation services are available separately if they require assistance in other languages during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 4-hour tour, and there’s no flexibility to lengthen it. Customers must book the tour based on the provided itinerary and time frame.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

Unfortunately, this tour isn’t very accessible for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The tour provider notes it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues, as the sites may be difficult to navigate.

Can I Purchase Tickets to the Culloden Battlefield Museum During the Tour?

The tour does not include tickets to the Culloden Battlefield museum. Visitors can purchase museum tickets separately and explore the exhibits on their own time before or after the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Inverness’ rich history. Visitors can explore the Jacobite uprising at Culloden House, marvel at the ancient Clava Cairns, and enjoy the poignant Battle of Culloden. With a small group setting and guided commentary, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection to Scotland’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: