Culloden Moor stands as one of Scotland’s most evocative sites, offering a powerful glimpse into the country’s turbulent past. It’s a place where history, legend, and rugged scenery collide, making it an ideal stop for travelers eager to connect with Scotland’s epic stories. Tours here don’t just stop at the battlefield; they weave in visits to castles, Loch Ness, and historic sites that deepen your understanding of the Scottish Highland saga. We particularly love tours that combine storytelling with hands-on experiences, like the 3-Day Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter Tour, where legendary castles and monster hunts come alive amidst jaw-dropping landscapes.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find options that range from quick half-day visits to immersive multi-day adventures, each offering unique ways to explore the region’s history and scenery. Whether you prefer a scenic coach ride, a walking battlefield tour, or a boat cruise on Loch Ness, there’s a tour to match your interests and time constraints. Below, we’ve rounded up the best options to help you choose the perfect way to experience the Highland legends of Culloden Moor.
1. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter Tour
At number one, this 3-Day Highland adventure promises a whirlwind tour through Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Starting in Edinburgh, it takes you to legendary Loch Ness, where you’ll get a chance to hunt for Nessie—yes, that mythical monster! This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive Highland experience with a mix of castles, lochs, and legends, all in just three days.
What makes this trip stand out is its blend of must-see sights and legendary tales. You’ll ride the famous Hogwarts Express*** at Jacobite Steam Train, explore the enchanting Isle of Skye, home to faerie stories, and snap photos of the breathtaking **Eilean Donan Castle. Guests consistently praise the guide’s storytelling and the nonstop itinerary. One reviewer said, “Charlie was a fantastic guide, and the places all around the Highlands felt like a highlight reel.” For those who crave a full Highland immersion without sacrificing comfort, this tour is top-tier value at $393 per person, with a capacity for travelers ready for a big adventure.
Bottom Line: Best for those short on time but eager for a deep dive into Highland scenery, castles, and legends.
2. Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Outlander Sites & More from Inverness
For a shorter but richly detailed experience, the Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Outlander Sites tour from Inverness offers a five-hour glimpse into Highland history. Costing $182 per person, it hits key highlights including Loch Ness, where you can try spotting Nessie, and the Cawdor Castle, famous from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
This tour is distinguished by its well-rounded itinerary, including stops at Clava Cairns, a prehistoric site featured in Outlander, and a walk through Culloden Battlefield, where you’ll learn about the last battle fought on British soil. The small group size—max 7—creates a more personalized experience. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s ability to customize the day: “Johnny was very knowledgeable and made the day special,” one reviewer notes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, meaningful Highland experience with a focus on history, legends, and film locations.
3. Castles, Culloden, and Nessie: A Day of Highland Legends
If you prefer a full-day guided tour, Castles, Culloden, and Nessie offers a comprehensive exploration in eight hours for up to four people at a premium price of $1,816. This private experience covers Inverness Castle, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Loch Ness, providing a thorough overview of Highland history with the comfort of a private guide.
What makes this tour special is its depth—each site is carefully explained, and the itinerary includes a visit to Beauly Priory and a stop at the Highland Cattle farm. The focus on personalized storytelling makes this perfect for history buffs or travelers wanting a tailored experience. While the cost is high, reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the intimate nature of the tour: “The personalized attention made all the difference,” shares one guest.
Bottom Line: Suited for those seeking a private, in-depth Highland experience with a focus on history, castles, and legends.
$1,816 per group up to 4
4. Invergordon: Cruise the Loch, Storm the Castles
For travelers arriving via cruise, Invergordon: Cruise the Loch, Storm the Castles offers an 8-hour day exploring Loch Ness and other Highland highlights for $231 per person. It combines a boat cruise, castle visits, and battlefield walks in a single, seamless trip.
The cruise on Loch Ness is the highlight, with chances to spot Nessie and enjoy scenic views of Urquhart Castle’s ruins. The tour also stops at Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield, giving you a well-rounded taste of the region’s history and legends. Guests love the blend of land and water excursions, praising the friendly guide and comfortable transportation. One reviewer notes, “The boat cruise was a highlight, and the guide’s stories brought the sites alive.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise passengers wanting a full Highland day without missing out on Loch Ness and castle highlights.
$231 per person
5. Inverness: Culloden Battlefield and City Walking Tour
If you prefer a more immersive, on-foot experience, the Culloden Battlefield and Inverness City Walking Tour spends 8 hours exploring the region’s key sites for $605 per group up to three. Starting at Inverness Cathedral, you’ll walk through Culloden Battlefield, understanding the terrain where history changed forever.
This tour excels at storytelling—your guide walks you through the battlefield’s topography, the Jacobite connection, and Inverness’s sites linked to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Reviewers highlight the engaging narration: “Walking the battlefield made the history real,” says one participant. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy walking, detailed explanations, and a slower pace for reflection.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers who want a deep, contextual understanding of Culloden and Inverness on foot.
$605 per group up to 3
6. Inverness: Half-Day Highlands Bucket List Tour
For those short on time, the Half-Day Highlands Bucket List for $149 per person covers top Highland sights in a quick trip. It includes stops at Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, and Urquhart Castle—a packed but manageable itinerary.
This tour is praised for its efficient route and friendly guides. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Highland history, prehistoric sites, and the famous loch without committing to a full day. Guests mention the scenic drive and informative stops as highlights, making it a good choice for busy travelers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a quick, comprehensive Highland overview, especially if you’re tight on schedule.
$149 per person
7. Outlander Tour
Fans of the Outlander series will enjoy the Outlander Tour, a 10-hour trip for up to four people at $875. It hits key filming locations like Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, immersing you in the romance and history behind the show.
What makes this tour special is its focus on the Outlander sites, with opportunities to see the actual places where the series was shot. The guide shares stories of the filming, blending Scottish history with TV lore. Reviewers love the immersive experience: “It felt like stepping into the series,” says one guest.
Bottom Line: Best for Outlander fans wanting a detailed tour that connects the show’s locations with real Highland history.
$875 per group up to 4
8. From Invergordon: Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Tour
Finally, the Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Tour offers a full-day experience for $101 per person. It’s a straightforward way to see major sights in one day, including Inverness, Beauly Priory, and the Scottish Highlands.
Guests appreciate the comprehensive nature of this trip, with visits to Loch Ness for photos and Culloden Battlefield for context. The tour balances scenic driving with engaging commentary and is suitable for travelers who want a cost-effective, full Highland experience.
Bottom Line: Good for budget-conscious travelers wanting a full Highland day without the frills.
$101 per person
How to Choose the Best Culloden Moor Tour for You
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you want an all-encompassing adventure with castles, lochs, and legends, the 3-Day Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter offers the most bang for your buck. For a focus on history and battlefield walking, the Inverness Battlefield Tour provides in-depth storytelling.
If you’re arriving on a cruise, the Invergordon Loch Ness & Castles combines transportation, boat rides, and castle visits efficiently. Fans of TV series Outlander should opt for the dedicated Outlander Tour to see film locations in a full-day experience. For those pressed for time, the Half-Day Highlands Bucket List delivers essential sights quickly.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular multi-day tours or private experiences, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth trip.
Culloden Moor offers more than just a battlefield; it’s a portal into Scotland’s fierce, dramatic past. Whether you choose a quick guided walk or a multi-day adventure, each tour provides a different lens through which to experience these legendary lands. Take your pick, plan ahead, and get ready to walk through history.