Excursion Cawdor castle & culloden batllefield tour at Invergordon

Explore the Castles, Clans and Battles that shaped Scotland's Medieval past during this memorable, half-day excursion.

Cawdor Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive along the Cromarty Firth and through the outskirts of Inverness en route to Cawdor Castle, the most romantic castle in the Highlands.One of the finest and most picturesque Medieval buildings in Scotland, Cawdor Castle retains a central tower believed to date from the end of the 14th century. This legendary castle is familiar to anyone who has read Shakespeare's Macbeth, as it is the scene of King Duncan's murder.

Audio-Guided Castle Tour

As you cross the drawbridge, step into Scotland's Medieval past. The castle feels like a living home rather than a museum, as it is indeed the residence of the Cawdor family. During your self-guided tour, enter the low doorways, climb the winding stairs, look out from windows set deep in massive walls and marvel at the beautiful woven tapestries. See the centuries-old stonework, snug sitting-room in the core of the Tower, forbidding dungeon, freshwater well, and the original kitchens. Following your tour of the castle and gardens, re-board your coach and drive to nearby Culloden Battlefield.

Culloden Battlefield

No place in British history stirs the emotions more than Culloden. On 16 April 1746, a battle was fought here to decide a civil war between the ruling House of Hanover and the Jacobites. The brutal Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II, and his 8,000 well trained and equipped army defeated 5,500 exhausted, starving and ill-equipped Highlanders led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. It was the last battle on British soil and ended the House of Stuart's hopes of regaining the throne. During a stop here, see wooden plaques detailing the battle, clan graves and the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they drank water to revive themselves. Following your visit, commence the approximately 1-hour drive back to the pier.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking stair-climbing & uneven surfaces at Cawdor Castle, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary.