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 Jacobiteheroine 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.

Plan a trip to see Inverness Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
 The Cluanie Inn
The Whispering Pine Lodge
Rokeby Manor

Tours & day trips

See all 159 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 89 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 15 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 14 activities

Shopping & fashion

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


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
B&B HOTEL Inverness

B&B HOTEL Inverness

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

Kingsmills Hotel

4 out of 5
Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland
Kingsmills Hotel
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

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

Waverley Guest House

3 out of 5
25 Union Street, Inverness, Scotland
Waverley Guest House
Mercure Inverness Hotel

Mercure Inverness Hotel

4 out of 5
Church Street, Inverness, Scotland
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
8 Ness Walk, Inverness, Scotland
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
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 enjoyable activities for visitors, including guided tours and scenic walking paths. You can indulge in fascinating whisky tours, witness captivating falconry displays, or embark on family adventures in the surrounding area. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can find nearby courses to enjoy, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

Experience the charm of Inverness with the Victorian Market, only 124m from the castle, offering a local vibe. The Eastgate Shopping Centre, located 186m away, is perfect for family entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Campbells of Beauly, 5.6km from Inverness Castle.

Recreation

Caledonian Stadium, located 621m from Inverness Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For golf lovers, Torvean Golf Club, just 497m away, provides stunning outdoor views, while Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, 5.6km distant, boasts a beautiful coastal setting for a truly relaxing game.

Adventure

At Inverness Castle, explore the breathtaking views from its towers and indulge in guided historical tours that delve into its storied past. Nearby, enjoy riverside walks along the Ness, perfect for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning Highland scenery.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant evening at Eden Court Theatre, just 186m from Inverness Castle, enjoying captivating performances. For a thrilling adventure, visit Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, 3.1km away, or Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena, 5.6km away, both perfect for family fun and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle and its surroundings offer a delightful array of attractions for every type of visitor, from history buffs to families seeking outdoor adventures. Explore historic sites like Invergarry and Kincraig Castles, or visit the majestic cathedral and visitor centre. With a rich cultural experience and scenic landscapes, your trip to Inverness promises to be both engaging and memorable.

  • Inverness Cathedral: Located a mere 124m from Inverness Castle, this stunning cathedral showcases impressive Gothic architecture and offers a serene atmosphere. Its beautiful stained glass windows and tranquil setting make it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of local culture.
  • Culloden Battlefield: Situated 3.1km from the castle, this historic site is the location of the infamous 1746 battle. Visitors can explore the haunting landscape, learn about the Jacobite uprising, and pay respects at the memorials, immersing themselves in Scotland's rich history.
  • Inverness Visit Scotland Information Centre: Just 62m away, this visitor centre is your gateway to adventure. With helpful staff and a wealth of resources, it’s ideal for families seeking outdoor activities and local experiences to enhance their trip.

Best time to go to Inverness Castle

The best time to visit Inverness Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately 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 CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighModerately High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighModerately High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighModerately Low
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Inverness Castle

To save money during your visit to Inverness Castle, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February or October, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive nights to stay, while Fridays are the most costly. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering for budget options and eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for last-minute deals and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Exploring the area offers free activities, and public transport is a cost-effective way to get around.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Inverness Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most economical options and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay at Inverness Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.