Hi there! Our family trip to Scotland is now about a month away and I've started making bookings for some of the historic sites we want to visit. I already made reservations for everything that is covered by the Scottish Explorer Pass, whether or not I think it will be busy, just to be safe. I also booked our tour at the Scottish Crannog Centre.
The things I plan to do but have not yet booked: Crathes Castle, Dunottar Castle, Inveraray Castle, and Culloden Moor. I am sure I need to book in advance for Inveraray, but I wasn't sure about the others. We are planning to visit a number of free museums in Edinburgh and Glasgow, are there any of them that require any kind of advanced planning, like a timed entry? Thanks all!
Posted by
Duluth🌲
9629 posts
You do not need to book ahead for Culloden or Dunnottar Castle, and I never booked any museums in Edinburgh or Glasgow ahead of time. Also, I don't think you can book ahead for Crathes Castle even if you wanted to.
It's recommended that you book ahead at Inveraray Castle but you do not need to.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7766 posts
Granted it was October and later in the day, but there was no line to get into Inveraray Castle when we visited. We probably spent a couple hours walking around the house and gardens.
Be aware that Dunnottar castle is a pretty good walk (about 1/4 mile) from the parking lot. After walking from the parking area one needs to go down about 270 steps, then walk a little further, to get to the castle entrance.
Posted by
USA
4 posts
One thing I would add- With an Explorer Pass, you can't reserve flexi-tickets(flexible date entry), BUT, you can make multiple reservations and then show up on the one that works for you and use your Explorer Pass. -Just an idea...
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2681 posts
Note - Dunnotar Castle may be closed at short notice for safety reasons. Their website advises you 'to visit the Met Office website to check weather conditions in the Stonehaven area.' Bearing that in mind I wouldn't book Dunnotar castle in advance.
Culloden doesn't need booking in advance. The battlefield if free anyway and you just need a ticket for the Visitor Centre and exhibition (well worth doing as is the included free tour of the site.)
Posted by
OP
USA Southwest
122 posts
Thanks all! I went ahead and booked Inveraray, but I'll not book Dunnottar or Culloden in advance. I'm not sure what our arrival time at Dunnottar will be anyway, but we'll be in the area more than one day so if the weather doesn't cooperate on our chosen day we get one more chance. For Culloden we'll be staying close by and since it doesn't sound like anyone else had issues, I won't worry. We'll definitely be going to the visitor centre! Thanks for helping me over prepare! XD
Posted by
USA
4 posts
Hi- just a bit confused about Culloden...Going in 3 weeks...When I look on the visitor centre website, it says tickets are timed entry. But most on here are saying just show up...Seems strange they sell tix with pre-arranged times, but you can show up anytime and get in... Also, someone stated the tour is included with visitor centre entry, but it appears the ticket is definitely more expensive when requesting the battlefield tour included.- Anyone with any more info- Thanks!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2681 posts
Tugboat12
I’ve just rung Culloden Visitor Centre and checked with them. You do not need to book in advance and can just turn up. You pay £4 extra for the guided tour and take the next one that is available. There’s plenty to see in the Visitor Centre while waiting.
(It was my mistake about the guided tour being included in the ticket price. I hadn’t checked the website (major error!). As I have NT membership I get free admission and hadn't picked up the extrta charge....