Fort George
The basics
Fort George is huge, with much for travelers to explore. Learn about the exploits of the Highland regiments at the Highlanders’ Museum, inspect historic weapons at the Grand Magazine, and visit recreated barracks for insight into the living conditions of soldiers in times past. Visitors can also stroll around the ramparts, which overlook the Moray Firth.
Sightseeing tours focusing on Scotland’s Jacobite history often make stops at Fort George and at other sites connected to the conflict, such as the Culloden Battlefield. Fort George is also a common stop-off on Outlander-themed tours of Scotland. Holders of the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass can enter the fort for free.
Things to know before you go
- Much of the fort complex is wheelchair accessible, though travelers using wheelchairs may require assistance to access certain parts.
- Only two of the three floors of the Highlanders’ Museum—situated within the fort—are wheelchair accessible.
- There is a café at the fort.
How to get there
Fort George is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northeast of Inverness—about a 25-minute drive away. There are no public transit routes that go directly to the site; the Stagecoach Highlands 11b service goes from Inverness to the village of Ardersier, about a 30-minute walk from the fort. If you don’t have access to a car, it may be easier to go as part of a guided tour.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Fort George is open daily, all year round with extended opening hours between April and September. Even in the peak summer season, the vast size of the fort means it rarely feels crowded.
Visiting Culloden Battlefield
For visitors with an interest in Scotland’s Jacobite history, Culloden Battlefield—about a 20-minute drive from Fort George—is a must. It was here where in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army were finally defeated, putting an end to the Jacobite rebellions. A visitor center at the site retells the events of the battle in vivid detail through recovered artifacts and interactive displays.
- Things to do in The Scottish Highlands
- Things to do in Stirling
- Things to do in St. Andrews
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Things to do in Belfast
- Things to do in Middlesbrough
- Things to do in Liverpool
- Things to do in Manchester
- Things to do in Dublin
- Things to do in Birmingham
- Things to do in Limerick
- Things to do in Northeast Scotland
- Things to do in North East England
- Chanonry Point
- Cawdor Castle and Gardens
- Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum
- Culloden Battlefield
- Clava Cairns
- Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
- Old High Church (Old High St. Stephen’s)
- Inverness Castle
- River Ness (Abhainn Nis)
- Eden Court Theatre and Cinema
- Tomnahurich (Fairy Hill)
- Inverness Botanic Gardens (Floral Hall)
- Whin Park
- Glen Ord Distillery
- Rogie Falls