Inverness Castle Experience: Complete 2026 Visitor Guide

After a £47 million transformation, Inverness Castle has reopened as the Inverness Castle Experience – a landmark visitor attraction that tells the story of the Highlands through immersive storytelling, sensory exhibits, and panoramic views from the castle roof terrace. It opened on 9 February 2026 and is expected to attract over 450,000 visitors per year.

For anyone visiting Inverness – whether on a private day tour, a shore excursion from Invergordon, or as part of a wider Highland touring itinerary – the castle is now a must-visit stop.

What Is the Inverness Castle Experience?

The castle sits on Castle Hill in the centre of Inverness, overlooking the River Ness. The buildings – originally a courthouse (1830s) and prison (1840s) – served as the city’s courts until 2020. The site has a much older history: a medieval castle stood here for centuries before being destroyed by Jacobite forces in 1746, just days before the Battle of Culloden.

The £47 million renovation, funded by the Scottish Government, UK Government, Highland Council, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has transformed the buildings into a world-class visitor attraction operated by High Life Highland.

What’s Inside – A Tower-by-Tower Guide

South Tower – “An Turas” (The Journey)

The main experience is a self-guided, immersive journey through the South Tower called An Turas (The Journey). Guided by the voices of seanchaidhs – traditional Highland storytellers – you move through rooms that bring Highland history, landscape, and culture to life through light, sound, and sensory installations.

Highlights include:

• The Rose Window – A restored 1867 Victorian stained glass window (originally from a Methodist church) with an accompanying light and sound experience.
• Virtual Highland journey – A sensory experience that takes you from the depths of Loch Ness, across mountains, to the Northern Lights.
• Interactive elements – Including designing your own tartan patterns.
• Roof terrace – The culmination of the journey: a 360-degree viewing platform with panoramic views over Inverness, the River Ness, the Moray Firth, and the surrounding Highlands. Fully accessible by lift.

North Tower – Music, Art & Culture

• Cèilidh Rooms – A bar and temporary exhibition space celebrating Highland music and culture.
• Runrig Exhibition – The opening exhibition, developed with Calum and Rory MacDonald, marking the 50th anniversary of Runrig and their role in Highland cultural identity. A fitting choice for a Highland attraction.
• North Tower Gallery – Contemporary exhibition space.

West Tower – Spirits of the Highlands

• Highland spirits display – Whiskies, gins, rums, and vodkas from Highland producers.
• Seanchaidh Whisky – A bespoke Highland Single Malt created exclusively for the castle.

If the whisky display sparks your interest, see our guide to the best distilleries near Inverness or our private whisky tours.

Castle Gardens, Bistro & Shop

The castle gardens are free to access and offer lovely views over the river. The Saltire Bistro serves Highland-inspired food from 9am (including afternoon tea at £40pp – book 3 days ahead). The Castle Shop and North Tower Bar are also free to enter without an experience ticket.

A medieval well discovered during the renovation is preserved and visible in the Saltire Bistro – a genuine connection to the castle’s ancient past.

Tickets & Prices

Book online at invernesscastle.scot for guaranteed entry and the best prices. Experiences run every 10 minutes.

Opening Hours

Closed Christmas Day only.

How Long Should You Allow?

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full immersive experience including the roof terrace. If you want to explore the exhibitions, have lunch at the bistro, browse the whisky display, and enjoy the gardens, you could easily spend a half day here.

For visitors on a private tour or shore excursion, we can build a castle visit into your itinerary alongside other Inverness highlights like Culloden and Clava Cairns.

Getting There

• On foot – 10 minutes’ walk from Inverness Railway Station. The castle is on Castle Hill, visible from most of the city centre.
• By car – Rose Street car park is the nearest, about 10 minutes’ walk. EV charging is available.
• From Inverness Airport – 9 miles. Bus 11 to the city centre (~35 minutes) then a short walk. Or arrange an airport transfer and visit the castle as your first stop.
• By private tour – We collect you from your hotel, cruise port, or holiday let and include the castle as part of a tailored Inverness day.

Accessibility

Both towers have lifts. The main South Tower roof terrace is fully accessible. Free wheelchairs are available and audio guides come in several languages with BSL support. The Flag Tower section of the viewing area is not fully accessible – check the access information for details.

Our Recommendation

The Inverness Castle Experience is a genuinely impressive addition to the Highlands. The immersive storytelling brings Highland history to life in a way that’s engaging for all ages, and the roof terrace views are some of the best in the city. The whisky and spirits display is a nice touch, and the Saltire Bistro is a good lunch option.

For visitors on a private tour, the castle pairs perfectly with a morning at Culloden and Clava Cairns, a whisky distillery visit, or as a starting point before heading out to Loch Ness.

See our full guide to the best things to do in Inverness for more ideas.

Inverness Castle Experience FAQ