This summer, visitors are invited to discover their Highland connection at The Inverness Castle Experience, with a vibrant programme of family-friendly activities, seasonal food and drink, and a Scottish Citylink pop-up event, featuring a special stop at the Experience as part of Citylink’s Cities Tour across Scotland.
Inside the Experience, visitors can uncover the Spirit of the Highlands through immersive, story-led journeys across the South and North Towers. From stunning viewpoints to interactive exhibits, and from Highland stories to music, culture and contemporary creativity, the attraction offers a family-friendly experience for ages 5+. This includes a dedicated children’s audio trail led by Cuillin—Flora MacDonald’s dog.
Running from 1 July to 31 August, Cuillin’s free Garden Trail offers a fun and engaging outdoor adventure inspired by Cuillin, Flora MacDonald’s loyal dog and the Castle’s much-loved mascot. Visitors can collect a free trail sheet from the Saltire Bistro and follow the route through the Castle Gardens, with the option to continue into The Inverness Castle Experience for a bonus question—available with a valid experience ticket.
All completed trails receive a certificate, while those who answer the bonus question will also earn a Cuillin sticker.
For those looking to relax and refuel, the Saltire Bistro features seasonal menu updates, including a dedicated kids’ menu. Outdoor seating on the River View Terrace provides a scenic spot to take in views across the city. Visitors can also enhance their day with a bookable Afternoon Tea experience.
Visitors are encouraged to book online to save up to £10, making it excellent value for a day out.
Adding to the summer line-up, Scottish Citylink Cities Tour will visit The Inverness Castle Experience on 30 June, from 2 pm to 5 pm, as part of a national tour.
The Citylink pop-up bus will give visitors the chance to step aboard, meet the team, and enjoy prizes and surprises, with 10 family passes to The Inverness Castle Experience available to win. The initiative also highlights sustainable travel, with Citylink offering connections from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Skye, Aberdeen and Fort William, and fares from just £2 single.
Amy Macleod, Head of The Inverness Castle Experience, said; “Inverness plays a vital role as the gateway to exploring the Highlands, and The Inverness Castle Experience offers visitors a meaningful way to begin that journey.
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.”
Scottish Citylink Managing Director Simone Walsh, said,”The Inverness Castle Experience is such a fantastic place to visit, and we’re delighted to be part of such a vibrant initiative to really show off the best of the city, and the Highlands.”
“Coach travel is a great way to get around the region, providing reliable and affordable transport for thousands of people every week, and with our £2 single fares between Inverness and many Scottish destinations, it’s more low-cost than ever to go by coach.”
With interactive trails, immersive storytelling, seasonal dining and special events, The Inverness Castle Experience promises an inspiring and memorable summer for visitors of all ages.
No experience ticket required to visit the Castle Garden, Shop and Saltire Bistro.
