Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

About the museum

On 16 April 1746 the last Jacobite Rising ended at Culloden Moor, east of Inverness, when the army of the Duke of Cumberland defeated the Jacobite forces in less than an hour. It was the last pitched battle fought on British soil, and about 1,600 men were killed, around 1,500 of them Jacobites. The battlefield is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

The visitor centre stands beside the battlefield and houses an accredited museum that tells the story of the 1745 Rising from both the Jacobite and the Government side. Displays include weapons and personal items such as the Brodie Sword and a rare blunderbuss taken from the field by a Government soldier, as well as archaeological finds such as musket balls, buckles and a pewter Jacobite cross. A 360-degree battle immersion theatre places visitors in the middle of the action.

Outside, visitors can walk the battlefield on marked paths, see the restored 18th-century Leanach Cottage, view the memorials and enjoy panoramic views from the roof walkway. Guided battlefield tours and living history presentations are offered, and a shop and café are on site. Every pound spent on site goes to the Trust's conservation work.

Highlights

• 360-degree battle immersion theatre
• Accredited museum with artefacts from both sides
• Marked battlefield paths and memorials
• Restored Leanach Cottage
• Roof-walkway views over the battlefield
• Guided battlefield tours

Permanent exhibitions

• Culloden museum – An accredited museum on the 1745 Jacobite Rising with artefacts from both sides, archaeological finds and a 360-degree battle immersion theatre.
• Culloden battlefield and Leanach Cottage – Marked paths across the battlefield with memorials, the restored 18th-century Leanach Cottage and views from the roof walkway.

Operated by

National Trust for Scotland

Admission & discounts

Prices are for the visitor centre and museum. Admission is free for National Trust for Scotland members. The battlefield itself is open daily; the car park charge is 5 pounds for non-members.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The modern visitor centre has level access from the main entrance to the ticket desk, accessible toilets, shop and café, an automatic sliding door and a lowered section at the welcome desk. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. Hearing induction loops are installed throughout the visitor centre, and audio guides are included with museum entry. Blue Badge bays are less than 50 metres from the entrance. The roof walkway and battlefield paths are wheelchair accessible and suit prams, but the paths can become muddy in wet weather. Leanach Cottage has uneven stone floors. Assistance dogs are welcome inside; other dogs are allowed in the shop and café but not in the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The visitor centre describes itself as family friendly and lists children's activities, baby changing, a highchair and picnic areas. Pushchairs can use the level access and the battlefield paths.

Getting there & parking

Culloden is 5 miles east of Inverness, off the A9 and the B9006; follow the brown signs. There is a drop-off point at the main entrance and cycle racks on site.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Wi-Fi

Café on site with level access; free Wi-Fi is available inside the café area. Award-winning shop. Luggage storage is not available. Mobile phone signal on the battlefield is limited.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The National Trust for Scotland offers Culloden as a venue for corporate functions and private events.

Plan your visit