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The Battle of Culloden is arguably one of the most important moments in Scotland’s history. It would define the future of the Scottish Highlands and began the end of the Jacobite rising. As such an important moment in history, I knew I had to visit Culloden Battlefield to learn a bit more.
Table of Contents
1. History of the Battle
The battle was fought between British soldiers (under the Duke of Cumberland, and loyal to King George II), and the Jacobite (Scottish) army. Leading up to the battle, Bonnie Prince Charlie (exiled Prince Charles Stuart, and claimant to the British Throne) raised an army of Scottish Jacobites to win back the British throne from King George II.
16 April 1746.
On that fateful day, in less than one hour, 1,600 men were killed. Of the slain, 1,500 were Jacobite soldiers. (Although sources differ on the exact number of soldiers killed during the battle, it ranges from 1,500 – 2,000 with the vast majority being Jacobite soldiers.)
Learn about Highlander culture
In the days that followed, not only was the battle devastating and brutal, the Jacobite defeat resulted in a loss of the highlander way of life. There have been many studies about this, and I won’t pretend that I’m an expert. But I do know this – much of the highlander culture was suppressed. As a simple example, their clothes (the highland dress, i.e. kilt) were declared illegal by Parliament, tartans were banned (but allowed in certain military situations).
The Bonnie Prince Charlie – Charles Stuart
2. Culloden Battlefield Museum
There is a visitor centre and museum built near the site of the battle. The museum is extremely informative and well curated. I’d definitely rank it as one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. With interactive and interesting exhibits, the museum did an amazing job sharing the history leading up to the battle. There is also a large section at the end full of artifacts collected from the battlefield – including rifles, bullets, as well as other things left behind from those who perished.
The photo shows the 20-foot memorial cairn at Culloden, built in 1881. The plaque reads:
The Battle of Culloden was fought on this moor 16th April, 1746. The graves of the Gallant Highlanders who fought for Scotland and Prince Charlie are marked by the names of their clans.
3. The Battlefield Grounds of Culloden Moor
After the museum, you are able to walk along a path in the grass to go through the area of the Culloden Battlefield. Walking along the battlefield itself, you can follow the battle lines on foot, denoted by red and blue flags. Red flags signify Loyalist English battle lines, and blue flags signify Jacobite battle lines.
The above photo is of the Leanach Cottage, which is located on the Culloden Battlefield. Although the date of construction is unknown, it’s believed to have been built in the early 18th century. That means it was actually standing during the battle. Maps from the mid-18th century show several other buildings and structures in this once-densely populated area. Inhabited until 1912, Leanach Cottage is one of the last remaining single-story thatched buildings. In 2019, Leanach Cottage was reopened to visitors.
Throughout the grounds, you’ll find clan markers to commemorate the clans that fought in the battle. Due to the popularity from Outlander fans, the National Trust has had to cordon off the patch of grass near the Clan Fraser marker. Let’s all be respectful of the memorials, is all I ask.
4. Parting Thoughts on my visit to Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden Battlefield is a must-visit, for anyone with interests in history or Highlander culture. It is a somber place but worth the visit to pay your respect to brave clansmen who fought for their country and their prince. The museum is extremely well curated with original artifacts and creative in their use of interactive media.
For history buffs and Outlander fans alike, you simply must visit Culloden Battlefield to learn more about the battle so important to Highlander culture, as well as Jamie and Claire’s story. And if your only connection to Culloden Moor is learning about it on Outlander, then, learn about the real history in person. No guarantees, but it will move you.
5. Information & FAQ to Visit Culloden Battlefield
An easy stop on any road trip in the Scottish Highlands, along the NC500, or on your way up to Orkney Islands! I would highly recommend you to set aside some time to visit Culloden Battlefield. Plus, its convenient location makes it easy to visit Culloden from Inverness. Experience Culloden, and travel back in time to defend the highland way of life.
How do I get to Inverness?
- 3 hours drive / 4 hours ScotRail train from Edinburgh;
- Fly to Inverness with or direct flights from London (Heathrow, Luton or Gatwick), Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin or Amsterdam;
- Or, if you’re coming from London, consider taking the Caledonian Sleeper. Depart in the evening from London Euston, wake up to Highland views over breakfast and arrive fresh in the morning in Inverness! Take a look at my review if you’re curious about the journey!
How do I get from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield?
- 30-45 minute Bus 27 from Inverness City
- Located only 30 minutes (by car) from Loch Ness
What are Culloden Battlefield hours of operation?
- The Battlefield is open 24 hours
- Visitor Center hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00
(Closed Monday-Tuesday) - Adult ticket price: 11 GBP ($13 USD)
- National Trust members visit free!
Do you need to book in advance to visit Culloden Battlefield?
- No, pre-booking is no longer required at Culloden Battlefield.
Can you visit Culloden Battlefield for free?
- If you would like to walk around Culloden Battlefield, without visiting the Visitor Center, you may do so for free. Entrance tickets are for the visitor center and exhibits only.
How long to visit Culloden Battlefield?
- I would recommend allocating around 2 hours for your Culloden Battlefield visit. That will give you plenty of time to go through the exhibits and walk the battlefield lines.
Can you take photos at the Culloden Battlefield?
- Yes, you can take photos inside the museum and around the site. However, at historical sites like this where many people have perished, I am always remiss to take more photos. It’s a personal choice.
Are there any recommended small-group tours to Culloden?
- Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns – 1 day tour from Inverness, from 33 GBP / $40 USD;
- Loch Ness cruise, Culloden and a Whisky Distillery – 1 day tour from Inverness, from 67 GBP / $85 USD;
- Experience Culloden as part of the Outlander Trail – a 4-day small group tour from Edinburgh, from 294 GBP / $352 USD.
Should I consider a membership to NTS?
If visiting Scottish historical sites are your thing, consider becoming a member or gifting a membership to the National Trust of Scotland. Individual adult annual rates at 63 GBP ($89 USD).
- Seniors (60+): 55.80 GBP / $79 USD
- Youth (16 – 24): 36 GBP / $52 USD
Members enjoy wonderful benefits including unlimited and free entry to castles, gardens and historical sites. Free or concessionary entry to National Trust sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also included!
6. Ideas during your time in Inverness
Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands and is a wonderful base for just exploring the surrounding areas or venturing deeper into the northern highlands. Here are some ideas to consider for your Inverness break:
- Stay in the lap of luxury at the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel for a golf and spa break or the 5-star Ness Walk, which is known as a luxury hotel that doesn’t break the bank;
- Eat at the delicious Mustard Seed, centered on highlighting local produce, and housed in a former church. Be sure to book a table in advance, especially during the high season!
- Grab some incredible street food at Redshank – at the Inverness Marina during the summer, and otherwise at the Victorian Market. Your belly will thank you!
- Don’t miss some incredible day trips from Inverness, including:
- Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour – explore the highlands and hop on the Hogwarts Express (the famous Jacobite steam train), starting from 139 GBP per person
- Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip – visit one of the most famous castles in Scotland (Eilean Donan) and then off to the magical Isle of Skye, starting from 65 GBP;
- Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle – combine a trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle with a boat trip on the legendary Loch Ness itself, starting from 44 GBP per person.
- And, on the off chance that you need to break away and do some work on your holiday, the Inverness Impact Hub is a co-working space with meeting rooms, desk space, and strong wifi. I don’t suggest working on your holiday, but if need be, you might as well do it with a view of Inverness Castle!
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Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.ย She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!ย She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.
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What a great post! Iโve just finished the 5th Outlander book so this is super relevant to me. I think the books and show have brought a lot of awareness to the history!
Thanks for reading, Miri! I have to admit I’ve never read the Outlander books, but generally I do like historical dramas. Specifically because it does bring awareness to certain (oft-forgotten) aspects of history!
This is such a beautiful experience but wow so sad. We visited this battleground on a very cold morning, with a bit of snow. It was very quiet, overcast, and had a very somber feeling that I’ll never forget. This was a great post!
Hi Kevin, it is a very somber experience indeed. I’m happy to hear that you’ve been there before. I think it’s really important to honor places like this.
With all the Outlander talk here, I feel I should watch the show. But I donโt think shows are a good reason to visit historical sights. Didnโt know much about the battle, but it seems the Bonnie Prince wasnโt much of a military tactician. And he didnโt do the Scots any favours. A bit like the Irish backing of King James II.
I think that if shows spark an interest in something you didn’t know about before, then it’s not a bad thing. On the other hand, the tourists that only go to visit the Clan Fraser marker … well, that’s totally different. and i definitely have stronger feelings about that.