This is a question we get asked often, and the answer is… yes, you can visit Inverness Castle! Of course, if that is all we had to say on the matter, this wouldn’t be much of a blog. So today, we’re going to look at all things Inverness Castle, a Scottish castle well worth a visit.
And just in time, thanks to the recent reopening of the castle, which shut its doors back in 2022 before opening to the public as ‘The Inverness Castle Experience’ earlier this year. The renovation was backed by £47 million of funding, making this landmark an even more attractive prospect for visitors from across the globe. But where else to start than by going back in time to where it all began?
How old is Inverness Castle?
The answer to the question ‘How old is Inverness Castle?’ will depend on what you consider the castle to be. What do we mean? A fort of some description has existed in Inverness since the 6th century.
The structure is located on a hill called Craig Phadraig on the outskirts of the city. It is thought that St Columba may have visited the fort in 565 AD, and remnants of the fortification can still be seen today.
A castle has stood on the present site overlooking the River Ness since 1057, although it has changed in appearance over the years. However, the castle you are familiar with today was built in 1836. It’s not surprising that this castle has a rich history, and we are going to look at some of the more notable events now.
History of Inverness Castle
With so much history lying within its walls, we have concentrated on just some of the events here and some of the more famous faces to have graced Inverness Castle!
Although now internationally recognised as a Scottish castle, during the Scottish Wars of Independence it alternated between Scottish and English ownership – the castle version of tug-of-war! Eventually, Robert the Bruce reclaimed the castle in the 14th century and then destroyed it. The castle remained in this state for over 100 years before the Earl of Mar decided to reconstruct it.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots arrived at the castle back in the 16th century… but wasn’t allowed to enter, thanks to the Earl of Huntly, who was the Keeper of the Castle! Say no to the Mary Queen of Scots at your peril, which was quickly realised thanks to the resultant siege and subsequent hanging of Huntly.
Fast forward to the 1700s, when the castle was used as a garrison for Government troops. It was captured by the Jacobites just before the Battle of Culloden in 1746. It was blown up on orders from Bonnie Prince Charlie to prevent it from being retaken by the Government army.
After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden, matters in the Highlands calmed, and Inverness started to prosper as a regional centre. The castle was rebuilt as a courthouse and prison in the 1830s and 1840s, respectively.
The next important event in the castle's history is much more recent – the opening of The Inverness Castle Experience!
Inverness Castle Experience
As you approach Castle Hill, you’ll soon be greeted with Inverness Castle – an area rich in Scottish history. Following a cash investment from several funding bodies, The Inverness Castle Experience has brought the castle to life.
Visitors can experience interactive exhibitions that explain the legends and stories of the Highlands. Tour the towers, take a walk around the gardens, enjoy some food and drink at our café and make sure to stop off at the shop for a souvenir of your visit before you leave too. You’ll even be able to enjoy an afternoon tea if you so wish!
Although the best way to take in all that Inverness Castle has to offer is to visit, we’re going to try to give you a brief breakdown of what you’ll experience.
The North Tower, which at one point was used as a prison, has now been transformed, telling the story of Runrig and a ‘Highlands and Islands’ tapestry.
Meet the seanchaidh (storyteller) at the South Tower (once used as a courthouse) and keep an eye out for the Rose Window.
Don’t forget about the West Tower, which is a must for any whisky aficionados – this is the place to go to find out about distilling in the Highlands… there’s even a very special whisky that was created just for The Inverness Castle Experience.
Slàinte mhath!
Inverness Castle Viewpoint
If it’s views you’re after, Inverness Castle is the place to go! Situated above Inverness, the views on offer are truly remarkable and need to be seen to be believed.
Our top tip? Head to the top of the South Tower, where you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views from the roof terrace.
What landmarks can you spot? The River Ness, the city of Inverness itself and the surrounding Scottish Highlands are all on offer – don’t forget your camera!
Attractions in Inverness
If you’re on the hunt for more than just castles, however, the good news is that there is plenty to see and do in Inverness and the surrounding areas. Here are some ideas to consider
Ness Islands
Clava Cairns
Just a few miles east of Inverness, the Clava Cairns are a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age burial site. Its ring cairns and standing stones provide insight into prehistoric rituals.
St Andrew’s Cathedral
Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre
Culloden Battlefield
The site of the last pitched battle on British soil, which took place on 16 April 1746. It was here that the Jacobite Army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the Government Troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. An award-winning visitor centre explains what happened before, during and after the battle.
Dolphin Spirit
Departing from Inverness Marina, Dolphin Spirit offers wildlife cruises on the Moray Firth. The trips provide opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins, seals, and other wildlife.
Castles near Inverness
Along with museums, another castle in the area you may want to visit is Urquhart Castle.
Perched dramatically on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic historic sites. Its ruins span over a thousand years of conflict and clan skirmishes. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the loch from its surviving tower and the battlements.
It’s easy to visit Urqchuart Castle on a tour from Inverness. Both our Loch Ness Sensation and Loch Ness Temptation tours include a monster-spotting cruise on the loch along with a visit to Urquhart Castle.
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle is just a few miles from Inverness, near Nairn. A traditional castle in every sense, featuring a moat, drawbridge and turrets, this castle is home to the Cawdor family. Cawdor Castle also has a link to Macbeth (purely fictitious), with Shakespeare fans reading about the Thane of Cawdor in the famous fable.
Dunrobin Castle
Slightly further afield, there’s also Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, which is just over an hour’s drive away. If you’re looking for a castle that looks as if it’s been inspired by fairytales and is home to the Clan Sutherland, then this is the castle for you. Don’t let that pretty exterior fool you, though… this castle was once a naval hospital and even a boarding school!
And yes, we know what you’re thinking, we do offer tours that feature Dunrobin Castle, such as the Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands tour, which also includes a trip along the North Coast 500.
Visit Inverness with Scottish Tours
A visit to the “Capital of the Highlands” is included in many of our tour itineraries, so it’s easy to discover the many attractions of Inverness for yourself.
From Edinburgh and Glasgow, check out our 3-day Skye and the Scottish Highlands tour. The 4-day Edinburgh, Skye and the Highlands package operates daily from London. If you’re already in Inverness, why not consider the hop-on, hop-off City tour?
Browse our Scotland tours and book today.
Photo credits: VisitScotland, Wikipedia and Shutterstock
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