Tours & tickets

Inverness Castle

Join an open-top double-decker bus tour for an insight into the development of the city from the original street between Castle and Kirk, with the oldest building Abertarff House, to the recently completed Highland Archive Center. Inverness has had 5 castles through the centuries with many famous visitors, not all welcome, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie among them. Plan your day from the top of a double-decker bus, with 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Visit the many churches, including St Andrews Cathedral, one of local architect Dr Alexander Ross’s finest buildings. On the Western outskirts of the city, see Tomnahurich Hill and the Caledonian Canal, hop-off for great panoramic views of Kessock Bridge, The Black Isle and the Inverness Firth out to Fort George. Discover the flight of 5 locks at Muirtown, constructed in 1822 by Thomas Telford to bring the Caledonian Canal to sea level. Finally, pass by the South side of Inverness Castle to see Flora MacDonald’s statue, the 3 Graces, then along General Wades road by Bellfield Park to Holm Mills shopping village. Tour Stops: 1. Bus Station, Stance 6 2. Bridge Street 3. Bellfield Park War Memorial 4. Bishops Road, St. Andrew's Cathedral 5. Bught Drive, Inverness Ice Rink 6. Dochgarroch Loch 7. Telford Street

The capital of the highlands and the main shopping, entertainment and travel destination for Northern Scotland, our charming city will take your breath away! Discover Inverness through a local's eyes on our staple 1.5 hour tour, visiting the main sights of Inverness. Our city will be brought to life as you explore how Inverness has developed, our local history and folklore, and our highland culture. From its humble beginnings as a royal city, to Jacobite risings and castle sieges, to modern life in Inverness today (and of course, the Loch Ness monster!), come and discover why Inverness is officially the happiest city in Scotland. Key sights include: Inverness Castle Inverness Cathedral River Ness Old High Church ...and many more hidden gems!

The tour will depart from Edinburgh early in the morning. The first stop will be Bankfoot, where you can rest, take a hot drink and have the chance to see the famous Hairy Coos. We will continue with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, on of the most iconic places in Scottish History. On your journey to Inverness, you will see the mouth of the river Ness, the Moray Firth, the Cathedral of Saint Andrews, its castle, and the university. At this stop, you can purchase some lunch. After Inverness, you can take an optional cruise and head to Urquhart Castle, one of the gems of the Highlands with its superb views of Loch Ness. It is also the place from where more sightings of Nessie have been reported. If you opt out of the cruise and Urquhart Castle, enjoy some time resting close to Loch Ness, where you can take a walk on its riverside. Before the return journey back to Edinburgh, you will visit Dunkeld, a small village next to Tay River.

Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, and Loch Ness (includes some Outlander filming locations) This tour is specially designed for those who love films, fame, legends, and the magic of Scottish history. It is normally taken in a bus, but if you are from a smaller ship or German ship, it is more likely to be taken in a 9-seater minivan. Please ask if it is important to know. We aim to give you a full day of adventure and enjoyment while making you as comfortable as possible. We hope you will return again and again to visit the Scottish Highlands, as this is all but a taster session. However, you will have plenty of time to experience every aspect of the Thistle tour. What's included in the price? Adult £135, Child £115 Infant up to 2 years old FREE (includes entrance to Cawdor castle and including audio guide). Tour Timings The bus departs at 9 AM or 10 AM if the ship docks later. Aim to be with your guide by 8:40 AM. The tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts 6-7.5 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. It can also leave later if your ship docks after 9. We will have you back in plenty of time for your ship's departure. You will definitely be on the ship by the time it sails. For our cancellation policy, see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/faqs What type of vehicle is used for this tour? This tour will be in a bus (49-seater), minivan, or car with 4-8 seats. You can email in advance to ask if you wish. The bigger ships usually mean it is in a larger bus. Cawdor Castle Visit inside and outside Cawdor Castle, including the magnificent gardens and a maze. (Entrance is included.) Cawdor Castle was made famous by William Shakespeare’s "MacBeth." This is a medieval, furnished, lived-in castle. 1.5 hours Culloden Viaduct Pass by Culloden viaduct. Built in 1893 for trains, and still used to this day. Great photo opportunity. Culloden Battlefield Visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit the shop and restaurant. There is a small entry charge if you wish to go right into the visitor center to relive the battle from 1746. This is a prime Outlander site (TV series and book). Inverness - Castle, shops, and the Highland's oldest bar Arrive in the Inverness city center, where you can visit Inverness Castle’s new viewing gallery. See right across the city. Visit Flora MacDonald’s statue (the Inverness castle is being renovated until the summer, so Flora is hidden) outside the castle and see the shops and cafes in Inverness. Maybe try a local beer in the oldest bar in Inverness, the Gellions, dating back to 1841. The guide will point out Outlander references from Diana Gabaldon's books. Loch Ness Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Scotland's reclusive Nessie (if you’re very lucky). Sometimes you may get photos of Urqhart castle too, depending on the day and where we stop.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness Begin your journey north with a visit to the iconic Kelpies and explore the historic Stirling Castle. Admire the charming Doune Castle, known for its appearances in Monty Python, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Glen Coe and catch a glimpse of the majestic Ben Nevis. Learn about Loch Ness and its legendary inhabitant, 'Nessie'. Arrive in Inverness and enjoy leisure time. Take a stroll along the picturesque River Ness or visit Inverness Castle for panoramic views. Later, unwind at local bars or savor a meal at charming restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway Explore the awe-inspiring Corrieshalloch Gorge and embark on a picturesque ferry ride from Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins. Visit the renowned Harris Distillery and return to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis, for the night. (Overnight: Stornoway) Day 3: Stornoway Discover the Iron Age marvel, Dun Carloway and experience 17th-century island life at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the island's northernmost point, with its solitary lighthouse. Enjoy free time in Stornoway to explore the harbor and indulge in local cuisine. (Overnight: Stornoway) Day 4: Stornoway to Portree Pay tribute to island history at a poignant memorial. Explore Harris' beautiful beaches and medieval church. Ferry 'over the sea to Skye' to Portree, the main town. Enjoy local seafood and whisky or embark on a scenic walk. (Overnight: Portree) Day 5: Portree Marvel at the enchanting Sligachan River and the majestic Cuillin mountains. Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, featured in Highlander and James Bond films. Enjoy free time in Portree, exploring shops, savoring meals, and soaking in the picturesque harbor. Visit Skye's landmarks: Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. (Overnight: Portree) Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh Explore the Isle of Skye and ferry to Mallaig. Experience the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train (if option selected). Journey through the Cairngorms National Park en route to Edinburgh, concluding an unforgettable adventure.

Explore the North Coast of Scotland your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic road trip of up to 500 miles across 30 of the region’s most breathtaking destinations. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into themed sections—each covering the East Coast, North Coast, and West Coast—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Inverness – Capital of the Highlands, with views over the Moray Firth and historic Inverness Castle • John O’Groats – The iconic northern tip with dramatic cliffs and a famous signpost • Orkney Islands (optional) – Explore Neolithic sites, wildlife, and the ancient village of Skara Brae • Castles – Visit Dunrobin Castle, Castle of Mey, and the iconic Eilean Donan Castle • Ullapool, Lochinver & Applecross – Charming west coast fishing villages and harbours • Durness & Dunnet – Rugged northern beauty with dramatic beaches and sea views • Culloden Battlefield – Learn about the Jacobite Risings and pivotal moments in Scottish history • Whisky Distilleries – Enjoy tastings and tours along the route __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

Turning City Streets into Adventure Playgrounds! Explore the vibrant streets of Inverness as your team unlocks a hidden trail, finding clues, solving puzzles, and completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app. See the area's highlights, explore its hidden gems, and learn some insider history and fun facts along the way. Your puzzle-filled adventure will begin in the city centre and wind you through the streets and over the River Ness where you will see ancient sites, learn about the first sightings of the Loch Ness monster, explore fascinating street art and even have a chance of taking part in some highland games! Along the way, discover all that makes Inverness one of Scotland’s prized gems. As the Quest is self guided you can: * Start your Quest whenever you want, get instant access with nothing to print off from home * Go as fast as you want and try to top the leaderboard, or go at your own pace, stopping for rest breaks along the way. * Private experience with no groups to follow. Add up to 5 players for one price. So grab binoculars (to spot Nessie of course!), put on some comfy shoes and get ready to explore the sights, discover hidden gems and ultimately, conquer your Inverness Quest! This is an ideal outdoor activity for couples, families, groups of friends, and can be the perfect team building activity. Will you conquer the Quest?

Embark on the only tour in Inverness led by a professional stand-up comedian. With wit, humour, and a wealth of historical knowledge, your guide will bring Inverness to life. Discover why Inverness Castle looks so smooth. Learn why people really do eat deep fried Mars bars. Find out why so many places are called 'Fort'. Meet your guide outside Cafe Nero on Inverness High Street. Explore the historic heart of Inverness, stroll along the relaxing and scenic River Ness, and visit the tranquil Ness Islands. See castles, cathedrals, churches, and Highland culture along the way. Uncover a different side to the Highlands' capital city, separate to the usual tourist routes.

The capital of the highlands and the main shopping, entertainment and travel destination for Northern Scotland, this charming city will take your breath away! On this 1.5 hour private tour with an expert, local guide, the main sights of Inverness will be brought to life as you explore and learn about how the city has developed. From its humble beginnings as a royal city, to Jacobite risings and castle sieges, to modern life in Inverness today (and of course, the loch ness monster!), come along and discover why Inverness is officially the happiest city in Scotland. Key sights: Inverness Castle Inverness Cathedral Old High Church …and many more hidden gems!

Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, holds a special place in the hearts of Outlander fans as it is steeped in both history and romance, much like the beloved series itself. While not all Outlander scenes were filmed in Inverness, the city serves as a central point for exploring nearby locations that are deeply connected to the show. One of the most iconic locations associated with Inverness in Outlander is of course, the fictional Craigh na Dun. While the actual standing stones used in the series are a set located in a field near Pitlochry in Perthshire, fans often visit Clava Cairns just outside Inverness to experience a similar mystical atmosphere. These ancient standing stones date back over 4,000 years and are said to have inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun where Claire is transported back in time. As you wander through the historic streets of Inverness, you can imagine Claire and Jamie walking along the same paths, perhaps passing by the Old High Church, the Inverness Cathedral, and the Inverness Castle. Although the Inverness Castle itself is not the same one featured in the series (the actual castle seen is in the town of Doune), its imposing presence overlooking the River Ness is still a sight to behold. For those looking to indulge in the charm of Outlander, a visit to the Culloden Battlefield is a must. Just a short drive from Inverness, this historic site marks the location of the final confrontation between the Jacobite army led by Bonnie Prince Charlie and the British government forces in 1746. Fans of the series will recognize Culloden as the setting for the heartbreaking battle scenes depicted in Outlander. Exploring the nearby countryside from Inverness, you can discover more Outlander filming locations such as the picturesque village of Beauly, where the fictional monastery of Saint Anne de Beaupré was portrayed. With its quaint streets and historic attractions, Beauly offers a glimpse into the architecture and atmosphere of the 18th century Scotland depicted in Outlander. As you venture further afield, don't miss the chance to visit the stunning Highland landscapes that serve as the backdrop for many of Outlander's outdoor scenes. From the rugged beauty of the Black Isle to the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, the natural wonders around Inverness transport visitors to the untamed Scottish wilderness that Claire and Jamie traverse in their adventures. Inverness may not be the sole filming location for Outlander, but its proximity to key sites and its own historic charm make it an essential stop on any Outlander-inspired journey through Scotland. Whether you're a dedicated fan of the series or simply intrigued by the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the Highlands, Inverness and its surroundings offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Outlander.