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.
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.
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.
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.
