Clava Cairns

Overview

Clava Cairns is a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex located near Inverness, Scotland. It consists of three well-preserved passage graves and a standing stone circle, offering a glimpse into ancient Scottish history.

Clava Cairns is significant for its well-preserved Bronze Age burial sites and standing stones, providing valuable insights into ancient Scottish culture and rituals.

Archaeological Site Historical Site

Location

Address

Inverness

Neighborhood: Clava

Coordinates

57.228900, -4.311700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

£7.50

Children

£4.50 (ages 5-15)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-June

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, unpredictable

• wildflowers
• lambing season

summer

warm, long days

• extended opening hours
• evening tours

autumn

cool, unpredictable

• fall colors
• harvest festivals

winter

cold, short days

• winter solstice celebration
• holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead for guided tours
Bring ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

drones large bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• uneven surfaces
• no railings in some areas

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry £7.50

parking £3

food £10

souvenirs £15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• at least a week
• official website
• 48 hours
• available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Historic Environment Scotland

Size: 65 MB

Features: Site information, Audio guide, Tickets, Nearby attractions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Inverness Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 25 minutes

taxi

£30-£35 25 min

public_transport

£10 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 7 km

bus

£2.50 20 min

taxi

£15-£20 15 min

bicycle

30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Clava Cairns is a unique and fascinating piece of Scottish history, offering a glimpse into the ancient past and a sense of connection to the landscape

Historical Significance: The site is believed to have been used for burial and ceremonial purposes during the Bronze Age, and it is significant for its well-preserved condition and unique architectural features

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience and better photographs
Guided tours offer valuable insights and stories about the site's history
The nearby café serves excellent local food and is a great place to relax after your visit

Local Recommendations

• Try local haggis at the nearby café
• Ask for guide Fiona for an engaging and informative tour
• Visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield for a comprehensive historical experience

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Math dhà

ticket Ticchet

Guide Languages: English, Scottish Gaelic, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Standing stone circle

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for the stones

Result: Striking photographs of the ancient stones with a soft, golden light

#ancientstones #clavacairns #scottishhistory

Passage grave entrances

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the entire entrance

Result: Unique photographs of the ancient burial sites with dramatic lighting

#passagegraves #ancientburials #clavacairns

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas inside passage graves

flash photography not allowed inside passage graves

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without prior permission

tripod policy allowed in designated areas only

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Culloden Battlefield

Distance: 2.5 km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Historical Site/Museum

Inverness Castle

Distance: 7 km

Walking: 1 hour 30 min

Type: Castle/Museum

Loch Ness