Culloden Battlefield, Culloden Visitor Centre and Exhibition in Inverness-shire opened in December 2007. The exhibition allows the whole Culloden story to be told in an innovative and interactive way which appeals to all the family.
Through recent archaeological and historical research the National Trust for Scotland discovered that the previous centre was sited on the third Government line of the battleground.
With the Trust’s resolve to return the Culloden Battlefield to as close as we know it on 16 April 1746, the centre was moved. Previous facilities had struggled to cope with visitor numbers at peak times and its site will be returned to being part of the battleground.
The Battle of Culloden
Towards one o’clock, the Jacobite artillery opened fire on government soldiers. Then the government responded with their own cannon, and the Battle of Culloden began.
Bombarded by cannon shot and mortar bombs, the Jacobite clans held back, waiting for the order to attack. At last they moved forwards, through hail, smoke, murderous gunfire and grapeshot.
Around eighty paces from their enemy they started to fire their muskets and charged. Some fought ferociously. Others never reached their goal.
The government troops had finally worked out bayonet tactics to challenge the dreaded Highland charge and broadsword. The Jacobites lost momentum, wavered, then fled.
Hardly an hour had passed between the first shots and the final flight of the Prince’s army. Although a short conflict by European standards, it was an exceptionally bloody one.
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre & Exhibition
You will find the new Culloden Visitor Centre and Exhibition offers so much more to experience at Culloden. This is certainly one of Scotland’s most famous battlefields.
Exhibition
The exhibition lets you listen to accounts from genuine characters who were involved in the Battle of Culloden. Their accounts bring the events leading up to and beyond the battle alive.
Battle immersion film
Imagine what it was like to be at the centre of the action when you visit the immersion theatre. Here a 4 minute long, 360 degree film relives the horror of the conflict.
Roof-top viewing
Appreciate the true scale of the campaign when you visit the roof top area. From this platform you’ll see a completely different view of the battlefield.
The Battlefield
You can walk the battleground now restored to how it appeared to the opposing forces on that fateful day – 16 April 1746. The upgraded footpaths are suitable for families with prams and those with access needs.
Battle table
Use the animated Battle table to provide a bird’s eye view of the battleground’s topography and the forces’ tactics and understand how these contributed to the outcome. As the clouds part, a narration helps you to visualise the sequence of events as the attack is re-enacted before your eyes using the latest graphic technology.
Culloden Battlefield Guide
For a really unique experience, try the Culloden battlefield guide and immerse yourself in the story of a momentous day as you visit the site of the last pitched battle on British soil.
Enjoy specially written audio and supporting illustrations and video, the portable guide’s compelling content is triggered automatically as you explore Culloden Moor at your own pace. When you visit Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, guides are available in nine languages.
Exhibition Guide
Mini electronic guide to exhibition available in five languages.
Culloden Visitor Centre
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre,
Culloden Moor,
Inverness.
Tel: +44 (0)1463 796090
Opening Times
Culloden Visitor Centre, Restaurant, Shop
1 Feb – 31 Mar : Daily 10 – 4
1 Apr – 31 May : Daily 9 – 5.30
1 June – 31 Aug : Daily 9 – 6
1 Sept – 31 Oct : Daily 9 – 5.30
1 Nov – 23 Dec : Daily 10 – 4
Closed 24 Dec – 1 Feb
Battlefield open daily, all year.
All images courtesy and copyright National Trust for Scotland.
