Invergordon Cruise Tour Cawdor Castle Loch Ness Outlander Stones

Invergordon , Scotland

Invergordon Cruise Tour Cawdor Castle Loch Ness Outlander Stones

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Let us collect your group direct from your cruise ship from Invergordon cruise port and jump on board your very own Private Tour as we head to our first stop the home of Nessie and the world famous Loch Ness explore the true inspiration behind the famous Outlander books from the Magical stones to the gallant Jacobite's battle again King George II troops at Culloden moor 16th April 1746 . Then discover the only surviving Jacobite house Cawdor castle which escaped the destruction after Culloden.

Available options

cawdor cruise

mini van

What's included

Pick up & drop off from the port

Highland Banter

local kilted guide

bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We head to the most famous Loch in Scotland Loch Ness home to Nessie

Stop 2

Oue second stop take us to culloden moor Marking the spot of the last major battle on British soil, the wild moor at Culloden is the resting place of 1,500 Jacobite and 50 Government soldiers who fought and died here in 1746. Today, you can walk along the battle lines and see the graves of the soldiers beside the memorial cairn in the centre of the battlefield. Flags represent the front lines of both armies and show the vast scale of the battle, whilst in the centre clan markers indicate the graves of the fallen. As part of our continued conservation of the site, we work hard to try and restore the land, as closely as possible, to how it would have looked in the 18th century. Working alongside our Facilities team, we have goats and Shetland cows who graze the land just as they would have years ago. The unique landscape of Culloden is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including skylarks (who both live and breed on the battlefield) and garden tiger moth caterpillars.

Stop 3

Our first stop we find The Clava Cairns—or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava—are all that remains of what was once a much larger Bronze Age burial complex. Dating back 4,000 years, the evocative cemetery site retains original features, including passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (stone circles).

Stop 4

A romantic fairy-tale castle that has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370, Cawdor has evolved into a charming family mansion and the most outstanding of stately homes. The dramatic medieval tower, dungeon, turrets, battlements and...more
Cawdor Castle with its iron yet gate, moat & drawbridge, turrets, turnpike stairs and vaulted 16th century kitchen is steeped in intrigue and history.

This ancient medieval tower house built for the 3rd Thane of Cawdor has been home to over 23 generations of the Cawdor family.

Explore 12 principal rooms of this unique home containing collections of Rare Tapestries, Fine Art, Furniture, Ceramics and Sculpture spanning 3,500 years

What's not included

Culloden Battlefield Exhibition optional

Cawdor Castle & Gardens Ticket Admission

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Richie will confirm times before tour to meet and look out for your lead pax on board when you make it to meeting point at Invergordon cruise port. The tour arrives back no later than 1 hour before cruise departs. times can be adjusted to suit group.

About Invergordon

Invergordon is a charming town in the Scottish Highlands, known for its historic castle ruins, picturesque coastline, and as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the north. It offers a blend of maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Invergordon Castle

The ruins of Invergordon Castle offer a glimpse into the town's medieval past. The castle was once a stronghold of the Bishops of Ross.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Invergordon Museum

This small but informative museum showcases the town's maritime and industrial history, including exhibits on the local shipbuilding industry.

Museum 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Cromarty Firth

The Cromarty Firth is a stunning estuary offering beautiful coastal views, wildlife spotting, and various water activities.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (boat tours may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach.

Main Dish Not vegetarian or vegan, contains gluten

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the nearby town of Cullen.

Soup Contains fish, gluten-free if made without oats

Shortbread

A traditional Scottish biscuit made from butter, sugar, and flour, often served with tea or coffee.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Boat tours Wildlife spotting Scenic walks Dining at local restaurants Visiting cafes Visiting museums Exploring historical sites

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the best time to visit Invergordon for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the outdoors and attending local festivals.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Invergordon is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist spots
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on fares in advance

Getting there

By air

Inverness Airport • 30 miles (48 km)

By train

Invergordon Station

By bus

Invergordon Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting Invergordon to surrounding towns and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Seafront

Day trips

Inverness

20 miles (32 km) • Half day

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and offers a wealth of historical sites, museums, and shopping.

Cromarty

10 miles (16 km) • Half day

Cromarty is a charming coastal town known for its historic buildings, scenic views, and dolphin-spotting opportunities.

Festivals

Invergordon Highland Games • July Invergordon Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit Invergordon Castle at different times of the day for the best photo opportunities
Try local seafood dishes, especially those featuring haddock from the Cromarty Firth
Explore the town's museums and historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of its maritime heritage
Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and other wildlife in the Cromarty Firth
Visit during the Highland Games for a lively and festive atmosphere