19 June 2026
Summer Fun at The Inverness Castle Experience
A Must-Visit Family Attraction in the Scottish Highlands
Looking for the perfect family day out in Inverness this summer? The Inverness Castle Experience is bringing the Highlands to life with a packed programme of family-friendly activities, interactive trails, seasonal dining, and exciting events throughout July and August.
Whether you’re a local or visiting the Scottish Highlands, this unique attraction offers an unforgettable chance to discover your Highland connection.
Discover the Spirit of the Highlands
At the heart of the experience is an immersive, story-led journey through the South and North Towers. Visitors can explore the Spirit of the Highlands through engaging exhibits, local stories, music, culture, and contemporary creativity.
From panoramic viewpoints over Inverness to interactive displays, this attraction is designed for all ages, making it one of the top things to do in Inverness with kids.
Families will especially love the children’s audio trail, narrated by Cuillin—Flora MacDonald’s loyal dog—bringing Highland stories to life in a fun and accessible way.
Free Summer Garden Trail for Kids
Running from 1 July to 31 August, Cuillin’s free Garden Trail is a highlight of the summer programme. This outdoor adventure takes families through the beautiful Castle Gardens, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the grounds.
Visitors can pick up a free trail sheet from the Saltire Bistro and follow clues inspired by Cuillin, the Castle’s much-loved mascot.
✅ Free to take part
✅ Perfect for families and younger visitors
✅ Includes a bonus question inside the attraction (with a valid experience ticket)
Complete the trail to receive a certificate, and answer the bonus question to earn a special Cuillin sticker—a great incentive for little explorers!
Enjoy Seasonal Food at the Saltire Bistro
After exploring, take time to relax at the Saltire Bistro, one of the best spots for food and drink in Inverness city centre.
The bistro features seasonal menu updates, including a dedicated kids’ menu, making it ideal for families.
Enjoy your time on the River View Terrace, where you can soak up stunning views across Inverness. For something extra special, visitors can also book a traditional Afternoon Tea experience—perfect for a summer treat.
Scottish Citylink Pop-Up Event
Adding to the excitement, the Scottish Citylink Cities Tour will stop at the Inverness Castle Experience on 30 June (2 pm–5 pm).
Visitors can hop aboard the Citylink pop-up bus, meet the team, and take part in competitions and giveaways, with 10 family passes to be won.
The event also promotes sustainable travel in Scotland, with Citylink offering connections from: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Skye, Aberdeen and Fort William. With fares starting from just £2 one way, travelling to Inverness has never been more affordable.
Why Visit Inverness This Summer?
"This summer, we’re encouraging families and visitors to spend time here in Inverness, enjoying everything from our interactive experiences to outdoor activities, before continuing their journey further into the Highlands." Amy Macleod, Head of The Inverness Castle Experience
Save on Tickets When You Book Online
👉 Top tip: Book online in advance. You can save up to £10 by booking online, making The Inverness Castle Experience excellent value for a day trip to the Highlands.
Even better, you can still enjoy parts of the site—including the Castle Gardens, Shop, and Saltire Bistro—without needing a ticket.
Plan Your Visit Today
Expecting a traditional medieval castle tour? It’s worth knowing a little more about what’s on offer before you arrive. The experience takes a different approach, offering something more immersive and story-driven than you might anticipate: Find out more