Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield worth booking?
Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield is a 7-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $939 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $939 per person
This tour takes in all the "Must See" attractions and destinations in and around Inverness. A day of historic sights, epic views and tall tales awaits! We enjoy lovely views of the Beauly Firth as we head to Beauly Priory. Originally built in the 13th century by monks from Dijon, France, much of the main structure remains. From here we'll head over the hill to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy exploring this fascinating landmark whilst admiring the unrivalled views of Loch Ness. We then pass through Old Inverness, stopping to enjoy the river and more, before heading for Cawdor Castle & Gardens and the 4000 year old Clava Cairns. Our final destination is Culloden Battlefield, site of the last ever battle fought on British soil and where the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion came to its tragic end. If you have a specific interest in one or more of these landmark destinations, please do let us know and we can adjust our schedule and route accordingly.
What you get
About this experience
This tour takes in all the "Must See" attractions and destinations in and around Inverness. A day of historic sights, epic views and tall tales awaits! We enjoy lovely views of the Beauly Firth as we head to Beauly Priory. Originally built in the 13th century by monks from Dijon, France, much of the main structure remains. From here we'll head over the hill to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy exploring this fascinating landmark whilst admiring the unrivalled views of Loch Ness. We then pass through Old Inverness, stopping to enjoy the river and more, before heading for Cawdor Castle & Gardens and the 4000 year old Clava Cairns. Our final destination is Culloden Battlefield, site of the last ever battle fought on British soil and where the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion came to its tragic end. If you have a specific interest in one or more of these landmark destinations, please do let us know and we can adjust our schedule and route accordingly.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
Not included
- Cawdor Castle; Adult £13.00, Child £8.00 (under 6 free), Family £36.50
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
We drive alongside the Cromarty Firth from Invergordon, or over the Kessock Bridge from Inverness with views of the Beauly and Moray Firths, to Beauly Priory.
Pass by without stopping
Beauly Priory
Beauly Priory is one of three priories founded in Scotland in about 1230 for monks of the Valliscaulian order. The Valliscaulians came from Val-des-Choux (‘Valley of the Cabbages’) near Dijon in France, and adhered to strict ideals of poverty, chastity and obedience. Beauly, meaning ‘beautiful place’, must have seemed to the monks a wonderful location in which to devote themselves to worship. Only the abbey church still stands today, housing some fine funerary monuments.
30 minutes here
Urquhart Castle
Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Inverness
- The Hill of The Faeries (Tomnahurich Hill) - Caledonian canal - River Ness - Inverness Cathedral - The Old High Church and graveyard - Inverness' oldest buildings
60 minutes here
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle with its iron yet gate, moat & drawbridge, turrets, turnpike stairs and vaulted 16th century kitchen is steeped in intrigue and history. This ancient medieval tower house built for the 3rd Thane of Cawdor has been home to over 23 generations of the Cawdor family. Explore 12 principal rooms of this unique home containing collections of Rare Tapestries, Fine Art, Furniture, Ceramics and Sculpture spanning 3,500 years. Take time to enjoy the wonderful gardens too
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Clava Cairns
Discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites – the exceptional remains of an ancient cemetery, set on a terrace above the River Nairn. The Clava Cairns are about 4,000 years old and were built to house the dead. The cemetery remained a sacred place in the landscape for millennia, and provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society. What remains today would have once been part of a larger complex. The sites contain a range of prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel.
30 minutes here
Culloden Battlefield
On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history. Experience the powerful emotions of the Battle of Culloden in our visitor centre’s 360-degree battle immersion theatre, which puts you right in the heart of the action. NB admission to the battlefield is free; there is a charge for the exhibition (recommended)
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Grant Driving Tours; Scotland
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
- This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Yes!!
Bill provided great insight and local knowledge and gave us some amazing local spots for food and drink. Thankyou so much!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent day out
I thoroughly enjoyed my day out with Bill from Grant Driving Tours. Bill was completely adaptable to my requests and needs and his love of the area and Scotland itself is evident. I ended in places I would never have without Bill and also met some amazing locals because of him. Bill's knowledge and passion will guarantee you a great day, which for me was a highlight of my trip.
Response from the operator: Hi Sean Thanks for taking the time to write this lovely review. Looking forward to more of the same on your next visit… Haste ye back.
via Tripadvisor
We Will Be Back
The last leg of our trip to Europe this summer was so beautifully bookended by the spectacular scenery of Scotland...and the eloquent, local lore of our fantastic driver, Bill. He was such a gentleman and brought his richness of knowledge to the places we visited. Standing on Culloden was moving. Bill also brought us to great restaurants, and music venues. This was a well worth relaxing treat, stress free, and so much more than my expectations. We are still enthralled by Scotland and the sound of the lovely lilt of Bill's expressions... from Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your lovely review Caroline. I look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Scotland next year hopefully. I hope you enjoyed a relaxed journey home. Thanks again!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Grant Driving Tours; Scotland, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.1.
See everything Grant Driving Tours; Scotland runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield cost?
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Prices start at $939 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.
Is Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Inverness?
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On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Inverness?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Snacks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Parking fees. Not included: Cawdor Castle; Adult £13.00, Child £8.00 (under 6 free), Family £36.50; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 122 listed pickup locations in and around Inverness. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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