Fort George
Fort George
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches - provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Fort George and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
15 within 3 miles
Attractions
11 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- anon1965Aberdeen, United Kingdom23 contributionsWhy haven’t I visited before!!Lovely day out…. Not sure why I’ve never been before but definitely worth it. Steeped in history - chapel was beautiful and views from turrets across Moray forth and Black Isle were stunning! Lovely gift shop which stocked something for everyone. Shame that I didn’t get into the museum as I was dog sitting but I will definitely go back again to walk through that.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 22, 2023
- ndw78Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom2,928 contributionsCheck opening times on the day as can close due to bad weatherWe were just passing on my drive around Loch Ness and area so popped along. It was closed but we were still able to walk round the outside. Absolutely amazing structure and didn’t realise it is still a working military base. If we return to the area. Would love to go back when openVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 30, 2023
- J PElgin, United Kingdom6 contributionsA fascinating piece of military architecture.A fascinating visit to a (still active) impressive military fortress. Being able to explore the fort at a leisurely pace, while seeing personnel going about their routine was unusual and welcome. We went on a fairly quiet, but chilly, windy day, though with the exception of the upper (rampart) area, we were generally sheltered from the weather. We took the electronic guides, but didn't find them necessary - unless greater detail is needed, the small paper guide map and the information boards are sufficient. We were lucky enough to coincide with the tide, so saw the dolphins from the ramparts.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 23, 2024
- Nic E131 contributionsWorth a visitA very enjoyable afternoon spent here. I wasn’t expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. There is an audio recording which is included in the ticket price and entrance into the Highland Regiment museum. Nice little cafe on site for coffee and cake.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2024
- AcranAlexandria, United Kingdom212 contributionsInteresting with plenty to seeVisited with my mother while holidaying nearby. When we arrived we paid the entry and were given a free handheld to explain up to 30 locations. The place is massive and from the ramparts you get a fabulous view. There is also a gift shop and caféVisited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 27, 2024
- Peter S11 contributionsPete & Janice UK road tripWe were so impressed with Fort George and the very interesting information to be absorbed. The Highlanders Museum is quite fantastic, take your time there is so much to learn. The location is also great affording lovely views across the water.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 2, 2024
- Andrew B9 contributionsReally Interesting PlaceThis is an amazing place to visit. The design of the fortifications is awesome, although they were more or less redundant when completed as war technology moved on. The museum is fascinating. On a good day the views from the ramparts are spectacular as when we visited.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 7, 2024
- T J4 contributionsGreat day out for allA great day out for all. Lucky to have had amazing weather! Could have spent the whole day here so great value for money. Our favourite day out this holiday. Brilliant views and interesting museum and rooms through out. We also enjoyed the little activities: colouring, dressing up etcVisited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 11, 2024
- Emily bowerChesterfield, United Kingdom41 contributionsUnexpected but lovelyWe saw this over the Firth so went over to see what it was. We were suprisedntou could pay to go inside. It’s dog friendly in the outside areas. Lots of history to learn about. It’s still an active Army base. Lovely cakes in the cafe. Plenty to see if it was raining.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 26, 2024
- PebbleNZWellington, New Zealand118 contributionsGreat audio tour - allow plenty of timeWe thought we would spend about an hour around this Fort but there is so much to see. The audio guide (included in ticket price) is excellent & we spent about 3 hours before having to drag ourselves away. So much to see & learn - allow plenty of time.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,897 reviews
Excellent
1,242
Very good
546
Average
88
Poor
11
Terrible
10
Englishlakedistrict
Lake District, UK420 contributions
Sep 2020
We really enjoyed our time visiting the fort and fortunately had super weather to boot. The Covid precautions were excellent and the staff very friendly throughout. This fort is huge and I believe took 21 years to complete. You can only imagine the enormous effort involved in creating it. There is a small cafe providing hot drinks and cakes. The museum is packed with history and mementoes from old battles. The views from up on the battlements are super. (Children will need to be watched closely up there because the drop-offs, although signed everywhere, are severe). What a fantastic place to explore and it is still housing the U.K. military. We spent two hours there but you'll probably need three to take in all the stuff in the museum as well.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin O
Plymouth, UK18 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Poor weather didn’t make this experience a bad one.
There was plenty of walking to do but were several rooms to dive into and enjoy exhibits to learn about the history of the fort.
The museum was excellent and was a good hours learning opportunity.
We also found time to enjoy a Fort George famous bacon roll in the cafe, reasonably priced.
Probably 1/2 days experience at the Fort but with the Culloden experience only a 15 minute drive away you could easily enjoy a day in the area learning about Scottish history.
There was plenty of walking to do but were several rooms to dive into and enjoy exhibits to learn about the history of the fort.
The museum was excellent and was a good hours learning opportunity.
We also found time to enjoy a Fort George famous bacon roll in the cafe, reasonably priced.
Probably 1/2 days experience at the Fort but with the Culloden experience only a 15 minute drive away you could easily enjoy a day in the area learning about Scottish history.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SwindonWiltsMike
Swindon, UK106 contributions
Apr 2022
Interesting Fort with great views over the Moray Firth and the Highlander Museum that is all included.
Having done a dolphin boat tour 2 days earlier and seen Fort George from on the Moray Firth, we were intrigued to go visit and were glad we did.
Seemingly insignificant to look at initially, once you get inside you find it's huge. It was a nice dry day in Apr when we visited, so with most of it being outside that was good, but not so sure it would have been so nice if had been a wet day.
The Highlander Museum alone could easily take an hour or more to go around depending on how much interest you have in the many displays.
Having done a dolphin boat tour 2 days earlier and seen Fort George from on the Moray Firth, we were intrigued to go visit and were glad we did.
Seemingly insignificant to look at initially, once you get inside you find it's huge. It was a nice dry day in Apr when we visited, so with most of it being outside that was good, but not so sure it would have been so nice if had been a wet day.
The Highlander Museum alone could easily take an hour or more to go around depending on how much interest you have in the many displays.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter O
Essex, UK42 contributions
Oct 2022
Not sure £9 is worth it just to walk around the grounds even though they are stunning. There is a great Museum but Museums in Scotland are Free anyway. Would not put anyone off but not sure I would recommend either.
What I would say is that it was not worth the 3 1/2 hour drive, may have felt differently if we had been in the area.
What I would say is that it was not worth the 3 1/2 hour drive, may have felt differently if we had been in the area.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for leaving a review to your recent trip to the fort. We are disappointed to read that your visit did not live up to expectations.
The admission costs are regularly reviewed to ensure value for money - our admission cost not only contributes to maintaining this beautifully historic location but also contributes to preserving our 340+ sites across Scotland. We do offer excellent value membership or explorer passes for those wanting to explore a variety of locations.
In addition, we believe there is a wealth to see and do at this site, including walking around the main rampart, exploring the fort’s history in the Highlanders Museum, the grand magazine, the historic barrack rooms, the garrison chapel and you can also look out from the ramparts for dolphins in the Moray Firth. In addition to this, we also have a fun fact-finding quiz available on site.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave your feedback.
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew
Devon, UK273 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is so well done in so many ways.
Up to date technology means you get a free guided tour through your smart phone, booking a visiting slot is also via your phone. I was very impressed! The meet and greet is friendly and professional. The museum has a huge amount of detail, perhaps too much for some, but the personal stories of individuals are fascinating.
The views are also stunning and if your lucky, you’ll see dolphins! Even the cafe wasn’t that bad.
Up to date technology means you get a free guided tour through your smart phone, booking a visiting slot is also via your phone. I was very impressed! The meet and greet is friendly and professional. The museum has a huge amount of detail, perhaps too much for some, but the personal stories of individuals are fascinating.
The views are also stunning and if your lucky, you’ll see dolphins! Even the cafe wasn’t that bad.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Muirhead
Dundee, UK86 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
This is a fantastic site to visit for so many reasons. The military history is second to none and you get a sense of that by just walking around or by viewing the inside of the buildings or museum. The elevated ramparts are superb for their fine views of the Moray coastline as well as to view the buildings from a different perspective. You can easily spends a whole day here. Which brings me to the reason I only gave 4 stars ! The visitors cafe remains closed ( why ? ); however you are able to use the NAAFI. On the day of my visit I was impressed with the menu in terms of sandwiches, toasties, paninis etc only go be told that none of that was available because they hadn't had a delivery?? The Fort is quite remote, so I ended up being there most of the day without being able to get anything substantial or hot to eat. Spoilt an otherwise excellent visit.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose
77 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I'm not a military or history buff but I spent nearly 2 hours here just enjoying the huge site, views and buildings. A really interesting site to look around, great views from the casements and interesting buildings as well as the museum which is included making the £10 entry fee a bargain. The cafe is also very pleasant with indoor and outdoor seating. The site is made more interesting by still being a working military base with personnel going about their daily lives amongst the tourists.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BT3rd
Datchet, UK7,402 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This working fort was built after the battle of Culloden to curb the Jacobite threat that never materialised. We spent a good few hours looking round this massive fort that is still used as a British army base.
The walk around the walls had good views of the Firth. The regimental museum was very interesting with lots to see. There is also a little cafe for a rest after a good walk around.
If you’re interested in British History this is a fine example of a fortification.
The walk around the walls had good views of the Firth. The regimental museum was very interesting with lots to see. There is also a little cafe for a rest after a good walk around.
If you’re interested in British History this is a fine example of a fortification.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill McD
Coatbridge, UK87 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
A well maintained, still functioning fort from the 18th century. A really interesting place to visit and Paul, in period costume, provided some fabulous details and answers during his short presentation. Audio tour accessed via a mobile phone was also very helpful and informative. Marvellous views walking the fort walls with lots of information boards explaining key points. We spent a most enjoyable three hours here and would heartily recommend.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire P
Fife, UK1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
Visited here during our staycation. It was fantastic. The museum was interesting and the scenery was beautiful. The staff were extremely welcoming, especially John who made our visit even more memorable with his upbeat, funny and friendly attitude. Would highly recommend a visit.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can mobility scooter be hired
Written September 17, 2018
I had my own wheelchair which my husband pushed round. However when we went to the ticket office I was offered an electric scooter. I did not take this up but I saw other people using them. It might pay to get there early as there are probably limited numbers
Written September 18, 2018
Are dogs allowed into fort George
Written July 7, 2018
As with other answers, Yes I think dogs can go into Fort George but not into buildings, this would include the cafe. Check with the visitor centre they are very helpful.
Written July 8, 2018
Are dogs allowed into fort George
Written July 7, 2018
Sorry for the delay. Yes they are but must be kept on a lead & they’re not allowed into the buildings.
Written July 13, 2018
Has anyone called for a taxi from Fort George to Culloden? If so, what taxi company?
Written May 24, 2018
Hi there, you can book a taxi to and from Fort George. All the local hotels - pubs are so helpful;
Written June 3, 2018
Yes they are in most places enjoy your day
Written August 15, 2017
Hi there,
Fort George is large and mostly open so yes you can use a mobility scooter for the majority of your visit. We do also have mobility scooters on site is requested. If you have any questions you can also ask the staff on site.
Written July 4, 2017
Is there any public transport that can take me there from Inverness town centre?
Written March 25, 2017
There is no bus service directly to the Fort apparently. You would have to walk from Ardersier (the nearest village) and I would guess that would be 30 minutes each way.
On a nice day it would be fine if you have an afternoon to spare. However on a wet windy day it wouldn't be ideal!
Good luck, its worth the visit.
Written March 27, 2017
Can you take dogs there? We will be visiting the area soon but will have our dogs with us so not sure if we can visit with them or not?
Written October 17, 2016
Thanks for replies. I managed to take the dogs, just not into the buildings which is fair enough
Written November 7, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 11
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing