Battle of Culloden
History, visiting guide and private tours from Inverness. Discover the battlefield and its place in Scottish history.
The Battle of Culloden: A Turning Point in Scottish History
The Battle of Culloden was fought on 16 April 1746 on Culloden Moor, a few miles east of Inverness. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and the final clash of the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Prince Charles Edward Stuart's Jacobite army faced the Duke of Cumberland's government forces in a short, brutal encounter that lasted less than an hour. The Jacobite defeat brought an end to the rebellion and led to far-reaching changes in Highland life, from the dismantling of the clan system to the suppression of dress, language and customs that had defined the region for generations.
Today Culloden is one of the most visited historic sites in Scotland. The battlefield is preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, and the visitor centre tells the story of the battle, the wider Jacobite cause and the aftermath. For anyone interested in Scottish history, a visit to Culloden offers a direct connection to a moment that shaped the Highlands and the British Isles.
Visiting Culloden Battlefield Today
Culloden Battlefield sits on Culloden Moor, within easy reach of Inverness. The visitor centre houses exhibitions on the battle, the Jacobite campaign and the lives of those who fought. Outside, the battlefield itself is marked with memorial stones for the clans that fell, and you can walk the ground where the lines formed and where the fighting took place. Leanach Cottage, a thatched building that stood at the time of the battle, has been restored and helps evoke the landscape of 1746.
A visit typically takes two to three hours if you explore the centre and walk the moor. The site is open year-round, though opening times vary by season. Booking in advance is recommended during busy periods. Because Culloden is so close to Inverness, it fits naturally into a half-day or full-day itinerary alongside other Highland sites such as Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle or the city itself.
Culloden and the Scottish Highlands
Culloden did not happen in isolation. The battle was the culmination of a campaign that had taken the Jacobite army south to Derby and back, and it took place in a Highlands that was already changing. The defeat accelerated that change: estates were forfeited, the wearing of tartan was banned, and many Highlanders left for the colonies or the army. Understanding Culloden means understanding the clans, the geography of the Great Glen and the Moray Firth, and the way the battle is remembered today in place names, monuments and family stories across the region.
The battlefield sits in a landscape of moor, woodland and farmland that still feels remote. A visit here connects you to that history and to the wider Highlands, whether you are combining Culloden with a day on the coast, a whisky tour in Speyside or a longer journey to Skye or the north.
Private Tours to Culloden from Inverness
Venture Highland offers bespoke private tours from Inverness that can include Culloden Battlefield as a standalone visit or as part of a wider day. Our chauffeur-led itineraries are tailored to your interests and pace. We use luxury vehicles and experienced local driver-guides who know the history and the best times to visit. There are no shared coaches or fixed timetables; the day is designed around you.
Many of our guests combine Culloden with other highlights. A morning at the battlefield can be followed by Clava Cairns and Cawdor, or we can build a day that takes in Culloden and a scenic drive along the Moray Firth. For longer stays, Culloden often appears alongside our private tours from Inverness to Skye, Speyside whisky country, castles and the NC500. Our chauffeur service is also available for airport transfers and multi-day journeys, so we can weave Culloden into a broader Highland trip.
Plan Your Visit
Culloden Battlefield is roughly five miles east of Inverness, off the B9006. The visitor centre has a car park, café and shop. The moor can be wet and uneven, so sturdy walking shoes or boots are advisable, and it is worth checking the weather; the site is exposed and conditions can change quickly. If you are combining Culloden with Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle or other sites, we can advise on the best order and timing so you make the most of the day.
For opening times, admission and accessibility details, visit the National Trust for Scotland website. To discuss a private tour that includes Culloden, get in touch via our contact page.
Enquire about a private visit to Culloden
Tell us your preferred dates and whether you would like Culloden on its own or as part of a longer itinerary. We will propose a tailored day and confirm pricing.
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