Description
Culloden Battlefield is a powerful and historic site near Inverness, marking the location of the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Set on a vast, atmospheric moor, it tells the story of a tragic conflict that changed British history. It’s a deeply moving destination for history enthusiasts and visitors wanting to experience an important moment from the past.
Visitors can explore the battlefield itself, walking along marked battle lines and seeing the memorial cairn and clan graves of fallen soldiers. The visitor centre features an immersive 360-degree battle theatre, interactive exhibits and a museum displaying weapons and artefacts from both the Jacobite and Government sides. Other highlights include Leanach Cottage, panoramic views from the roof garden and opportunities to learn about wildlife and conservation on the moor.
Entry to the battlefield is free, while visitor centre tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £8.00 for children and £33.00 for a family ticket. Guided battlefield tours are also available from £16.50 for adults, offering a more in-depth experience.
With its emotional atmosphere, rich history and engaging exhibits, Culloden Battlefield offers a memorable and thought-provoking visit. Whether you’re exploring the moor or learning through interactive displays, it provides a meaningful insight into one of Britain’s most significant historical events.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. 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.
- Battlefield: Marking the spot of the last major battle on British soil, the wild moor at Culloden is the resting place of 1,500 Jacobite and 50 Government soldiers who fought and died here in 1746. Today, you can walk along the battle lines and see the graves of the soldiers beside the memorial cairn in the centre of the battlefield. Flags represent the front lines of both armies and show the vast scale of the battle, whilst in the centre clan markers indicate the graves of the fallen.
- Museum: Inside Culloden Visitor Centre our newly accredited museum takes you on a journey through the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The exhibition tells the story from both the Jacobite and Government sides, with artefacts from the time on display to admire. Highlights of the collection include the Brodie Sword, a magnificent display piece that contains wonderful imagery of Medusa and dolphins on its hilt, and a rare blunderbuss that was taken from the battlefield at Culloden by a Government soldier.
- Leanach Cottage: During the battle, a similar cottage stood on this spot and served as a field hospital for Government soldiers. Over time, the cottage has seen many changes. After falling into disrepair, Leanach Cottage was rebuilt in the early 19th century. The cottage became a symbol for the battlefield, and the people who lived there became the site’s first tour guides. The cottage’s last resident, Mrs Annabelle Cameron (née Belle Macdonald) moved out in 1912 and the cottage stood empty.
- Memorials: Since 1746, people from all around the world have visited the battlefield. The story of the Jacobite Risings has influenced works of art and literature across many generations, from ‘The Skye Boat Song’ to Outlander. Less than a year after the Battle of Culloden, Handel composed his oratorio Judas Maccabaeus. First performed at the Royal Opera House in London on 1 April 1747, it celebrated the Duke of Cumberland’s victory over the Jacobites. Children were also taught about the battle. In Culloden Visitor Centre we have a sampler on display that was made in 1747 by an 11-year-old girl, showing a Jacobite being stabbed by a government soldier.
- Conservation: The battlefield is a living landscape, changing with each generation. At the time of the battle, there were no large trees on the battlefield. The moor was mostly used for farming. Without the trees, you could see all the way down to the Moray Firth. In the 19th century, pine trees were planted on the battlefield by Duncan Forbes. Over time, trees spread across the battlefield and concern was raised over its conservation, including by the Gaelic Society of Inverness.
- Skylarks at Culloden: Skylarks are native British birds and are well known for their song and song flight. Their song is so beautiful that it’s inspired poets, including George Meredith and Siegfried Sassoon. Their distinctive song flight inspired Ralph Vaughan Williams to create his evocative piece of music, ‘The Lark Ascending’. But skylarks have suffered a dramatic and alarming decline in numbers in recent years and now appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
7.95 miles
