Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle which includes a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Inverness Castle showing night scenes, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Inverness Castle which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and château or palace
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle which includes château or palace, heritage elements and night scenes


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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Reviews of Inverness Castle

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5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 15%
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1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

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Things to do near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle offers a range of activities for visitors, including guided tours and scenic walking routes. You can enjoy a round of golf nearby or explore fascinating attractions in Inverness. For special occasions, consider hosting an anniversary party or embarking on a castle adventure. Furthermore, the castle serves as a perfect starting point for delightful day trips to the surrounding Highlands, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Inverness Castle, visit the Victorian Market, just 322m away, offering a charming local atmosphere. The Eastgate Shopping Centre, 483m away, boasts a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Campbells of Beauly, located 14.5km away.

Recreation

At Caledonian Stadium, immerse yourself in energetic sports events just 1.6km from Inverness Castle. For a leisurely day, Torvean Golf Club offers scenic outdoor golfing experiences only 1.3km away, while Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, situated 14.5km away, provides stunning coastal views and challenging courses.

Adventure

Explore the scenic paths around Inverness Castle, offering splendid views of the River Ness and the city. Engage in a historical guided tour, immersing yourself in tales of the castle's past, or enjoy a leisurely picnic in the surrounding gardens, soaking up the picturesque surroundings.

Nightlife

For a lively night out near Inverness Castle, enjoy a cultural performance at Eden Court Theatre, just 483m away. For adventure seekers, Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, 8.0km away, and Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena, 14.5km away, offer thrilling activities.

*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 and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of attractions for all types of travellers. You can delve into the rich history at historic sites, admire the stunning architecture of local cathedrals, or visit visitor centres for insights into the area. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, Inverness Castle serves as a perfect base for exploration and enjoyment.

  • Inverness Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Inverness Cathedral is located a mere 322m from Inverness Castle. Known for its beautiful stained glass windows and serene atmosphere, it offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the local culture and history.
  • Culloden Battlefield: Situated 8.0km from Inverness Castle, this historic site is the location of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. Walking the grounds, you’ll feel the weight of history and learn about the Jacobite uprising through informative displays and memorials.
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: Just 161m from the castle, this museum showcases Highland history and culture. With an impressive collection of artefacts and art, it provides a fascinating insight into the region's past and artistic heritage.

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 visit to Inverness Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or October, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield better rates, while last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can provide additional savings. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, so plan accordingly. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter for budget-friendly options and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further discounts.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Inverness Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To uncover the most affordable options and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Inverness Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.