Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
Inverness Castle which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and a castle
Inverness Castle featuring night scenes, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle which includes a castle, night scenes and heritage elements


A setting in one of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedies, this crenellated castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness.

Inverness Castle is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, its baronial turrets dominating the skyline. You might recognise the castle as the location of Duncan’s murder in the Shakespearean play Macbeth. Walk around the castle grounds to admire its architecture up-close and see impressive views of the city and along the River Ness.

Today the castle serves as the Sheriff’s Court and is not open to the public. However, wander around the castle to enjoy the flower-filled grounds. Perched high on Castle Hill, the castle grounds offer wonderful views over the city and river. Reflect on the castle’s long history as you enjoy these views and walk through its gardens.

Constructed in the 11th century, the original castle was destroyed by the Jacobites in 1746. The neo-Norman castle you see today was constructed in 1836, designed by architect William Burn. Admire the castle’s reddish sandstone exterior and see the remains of its original bastion wall.

Look for a brass statue of Jacobite heroine Flora MacDonald on the grounds in front of the castle. MacDonald helped Prince Charles Edward Stuart escape from the Hanoverian forces after the Battle of Culloden. Notice she is depicted with her Scottish hound at her feet as she looks out over the valley and shields her eyes. View the inscription on the statue, which reads in both English and Gaelic, “The preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.” Interestingly, MacDonald spent a brief time in North Carolina as a British loyalist during the American Revolution before returning to Scotland.

The castle is also the starting point for an enjoyable walk along the banks of the River Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the Beauly Firth coastline. Take a leisurely stroll past St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Ness Islands, where you may spot anglers standing in the river and fishing for Atlantic salmon.

Inverness Castle is located in Inverness city centre. Reach the grounds on foot or by bus. Enjoy spectacular views of Inverness from the lawn of this famous castle.

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Top Hotel Deals

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

3 out of 5
7 Ness Walk, Inverness, Scotland
Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

4 out of 5
GLEBE STREET, Inverness, Scotland
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
CHURCH ST 83-97, Inverness, Scotland
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
B&B HOTEL Inverness

B&B HOTEL Inverness

3 out of 5
63 Academy Street, Caledonia House, Inverness, Scotland
B&B HOTEL Inverness
Mercure Inverness Hotel

Mercure Inverness Hotel

4 out of 5
Church Street, Inverness, Scotland
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

3 out of 5
25 Southside Rd, Inverness, Scotland
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.
Kingsmills Hotel

Kingsmills Hotel

4 out of 5
Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland
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The Royal Highland Hotel

The Royal Highland Hotel

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Waverley Guest House

Waverley Guest House

3 out of 5
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Waverley Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided tours that delve into its rich history and stunning architecture. Enjoy leisurely walks along the picturesque riverside, or indulge in a round of golf at nearby courses. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a cultural evening, where you can immerse yourself in local traditions, music, and cuisine, making your visit to Inverness a memorable one.

Shopping

Just 322m from Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market offers a charming public market atmosphere, perfect for unique gifts. For a broader shopping experience, the Eastgate Shopping Centre, located 483m away, combines entertainment with shopping. If you're up for a drive, Campbells of Beauly is about 14.5km away.

Recreation

Caledonian Stadium, only a mile from Inverness Castle, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for fitness enthusiasts. For golf lovers, Torvean Golf Club, located 1.3km away, provides stunning outdoor views. Additionally, the scenic Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, 14.5km distant, is ideal for a leisurely round amidst nature.

Adventure

Inverness Castle offers stunning views of the River Ness and the surrounding landscape. Nearby, explore the vibrant city centre with its quaint shops and cafes. Experience the thrill of guided kayak tours on the river, or embark on a scenic hike up to nearby hills for breathtaking panoramas.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at Eden Court Theatre, just 483m from Inverness Castle, offering a mix of culture and romance. For more adventure, venture 8.0km to Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, or 14.5km to Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena for thrilling activities.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle offers a wealth of attractions for every type of traveller, including historic sites, a stunning cathedral, and a visitor centre. These points of interest provide an enriching experience for those seeking culture, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities. Whether you are exploring the castle grounds or delving into the local history, Inverness promises an unforgettable journey filled with charm and heritage.

  • Inverness Cathedral: Nestled just 322m from Inverness Castle, this stunning cathedral features exquisite Victorian architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. It exudes a serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection and appreciation of its cultural heritage.
  • Culloden Battlefield: Located 8.0km from the castle, this historic site marks the tragic 1746 battle. Visitors can walk the battlefield and explore the visitor centre, immersing themselves in Scotland's turbulent history and the cultural significance of this landmark.
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: Only 161m away, this museum showcases the area's rich history through engaging exhibitions and local art. It offers a unique glimpse into Inverness's past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Inverness Castle

The best time to visit Inverness Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Inverness Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Inverness Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Inverness Castle

To save money during your visit to Inverness Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January, February, or October when accommodation prices drop. Aim to book your hotel one month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday for the best rates. Explore last-minute deals on websites like Expedia for additional savings. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for further discounts. Use filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Don't forget to take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Inverness Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Inverness Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Inverness Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Inverness Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you have in mind. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Inverness Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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