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Historic site · Inverness, Escócia
Culloden Battlefield
The battlefield where, in 1746, government troops defeated the Jacobites of Carlos Eduardo Stuart, with a visitor centre, the clan stones and the moor marked by flags. From the National Trust for Scotland.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden battlefield lies on a moor about 8 km east of Inverness. There, on 16 April 1746, the last pitched battle fought on British soil took place: the Jacobite army of Carlos Eduardo Stuart, the Bonnie Prince Charlie, which was attempting to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne, was defeated in less than an hour by government forces commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. Around 1,500 Jacobites were killed.
After the battle the government banned the wearing of tartan and kilts, disarmed the clans and removed powers from the chiefs, which changed life in the Highlands. The episode is central to Scottish memory and appears in books and series such as Outlander.
The visitor centre, run by the National Trust for Scotland, tells the story of the battle from both sides, with objects, maps and a projection room in which the visitor stands amid the fighting. From the roof terrace you can see the whole field. Outside, red and blue flags mark the lines of the two armies, and paths lead to the clan stones, which mark the mass graves, to the 1881 memorial and to Leanach Cottage, a restored crofter’s cottage.
The battlefield is treated as a place of remembrance, and visitors often leave flowers on the stones. Two kilometres away are the Clava Cairns, Bronze Age burial cairns surrounded by standing stones.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2 hours, including the visitor centre and the walk across the field.
Best time
Any time of year, preferably on a dry day, as the moor is exposed and windy. On the anniversary of the battle in April there is often a ceremony. Check the visitor centre opening times, which are reduced in winter.
How to get there
It is about 8 km east of Inverness via the B9006, a 15-minute drive. Local buses run from central Inverness to Culloden. Many tours combine Culloden with the Clava Cairns and Lago Ness.
Tip
Take the audio guide and follow the flags across the field to understand the positions of the armies. Continue 2 km to the Clava Cairns, Bronze Age stone tombs, which have free entry.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Culloden Battlefield
What happened at Culloden?
On 16 April 1746, government forces defeated the Jacobites of Charles Edward Stuart, in the last pitched battle on British soil.
Does Culloden appear in Outlander?
Yes, the battle is a central moment in the series and the books, and many visitors go because of that.
What are the clan stones?
Stones bearing clan names that mark the mass graves of the Jacobites killed in the battle.
How to get from Inverness to Culloden?
By car, about 15 minutes; by local bus or on a tour.