Culloden Battlefield tickets: what's included?

The Battle of Culloden, fought on 16 April 1746, marked the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. It was here, on the windswept moor near Inverness, that over 1,500 Jacobites fell in less than an hour, sealing the fate of Scotland’s final pitched battle. Today, Culloden Battlefield stands as a solemn memorial to those who fought and died, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its history through immersive exhibitions and guided tours. If you’re planning a visit, understanding ticket options and inclusions will help you make the most of this deeply significant site.

Culloden Battlefield tickets

Tickets for Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, managed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), start at £12.50 for adults. Entry includes access to the visitor centre’s award-winning exhibitions and self-guided audio tours. For those wanting a deeper understanding of the battle, guided tours of the battlefield are available for an additional cost, with ticket prices adjusted accordingly. Family discounts, concessions for seniors/students, and options for young people are also offered.

The visitor centre features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and a powerful 360-degree battle reenactment that brings the events of 1746 to life. Outside, the battlefield itself spans 5 kilometres of restored moorland dotted with clan graves, memorial cairns, and historic markers. Visitors may explore these trails independently or join a guided walk led by experts who detail troop movements, tactics, and the devastating casualties that occurred here.

Tickets are valid throughout the year, with no noted seasonal price changes for 2025-2026. While walk-ins are welcome, online booking is highly recommended to avoid queues, particularly for guided tours or special anniversary events. NTS members enjoy free entry and parking, making it a worthwhile membership for frequent visitors to Scotland’s heritage sites. For more details on planning your visit, read our Culloden Battlefield guide.

Key Takeaways

• Adult tickets start at £12.50 for the visitor centre and £16.50 for combined entry with a guided battlefield tour.
• Entry includes access to exhibitions, audio guides, and self-guided trails; guided tours are optional but highly recommended.
• Family discounts and concessions are available for seniors, students, and children aged 5-15.
• NTS members receive free entry and parking, making membership an excellent value for frequent visitors.
• Online booking is advised, particularly during peak seasons or for guided tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Culloden tickets?
Standard visitor centre tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £8.00 for children aged 5-15, and £33.00 for families (2 adults + up to 3 children). Combined tickets for the visitor centre and guided battlefield tours start at £16.50 for adults. Concessions are available for seniors and students, and NTS members enter free.

Is the battlefield walk included in the ticket?
Self-guided access to the battlefield is included with standard visitor centre admission. Guided walks, which provide expert insights into the battle’s events, require a combined ticket at an additional cost. Both options allow visitors to explore clan graves, memorials, and other historic sites on the moor.

Visiting Culloden is more than just accessing a historic site - it is a chance to honour the memory of those who fought and fell here. For advice on how long to spend at Culloden, view our how long you need at Culloden.