Fort George

Description

Standing proudly on a hilltop overlooking the Moray Firth, Fort George is an incredible piece of 18th-century military architecture that still serves as an active army base today. I’ve gotta say, this place absolutely blew me away when I first visited – it’s way bigger than you’d expect! The fort is basically a massive pentagon-shaped complex that covers nearly 40 acres, making it one of the most impressive fortifications in Europe.

Built after the Battle of Culloden, this remarkable garrison fortress has barely changed since it was completed in 1769. The coolest part? It’s still doing exactly what it was built for – serving as a working military base. But don’t worry, visitors are totally welcome to explore huge parts of it while the modern-day soldiers go about their daily routines.

Key Features

• The Highlanders’ Museum – It’s Scotland’s largest regimental museum outside Edinburgh, showcasing three proud Highland regiments
• Original Military Barracks – Still in use today, giving you a real sense of living history
• Grand Magazine – An incredible weapons store that could hold 2,700 gunpowder barrels
• Artillery Fortifications – The original 18th-century cannon emplacements
• Period Furnished Rooms – Shows how soldiers lived in the 1700s
• Chapel – A beautiful Georgian chapel that’s still used for military ceremonies
• Ramparts Walk – A mile-long walk offering spectacular views across the Moray Firth
• Dolphin Watching Point – One of the best spots in Scotland to spot bottlenose dolphins

Best Time to Visit

As someone who’s been here in different seasons, I’d say summer months between June and August are your best bet. The weather’s more stable (well, as stable as Scottish weather gets!) and you’ll have longer daylight hours to explore the massive site. Plus, this is when they usually host their special events and military demonstrations.

But honestly? Spring and early autumn can be absolutely magical too. The tourist crowds are thinner, and there’s something special about watching the morning mist roll in from the Moray Firth. Just pack a waterproof jacket – Scottish weather has a mind of its own!

How to Get There

Getting to Fort George is pretty straightforward. If you’re driving (which I recommend), you’ll find it about 11 miles northeast of Inverness. The roads are well-maintained and signposted – just follow the A96 towards Aberdeen and watch for the Fort George signs.

If you’re relying on public transport, catch a bus from Inverness bus station. The service isn’t super frequent though, so make sure to check the timetable beforehand. I learned this the hard way on my first visit! Some local tour companies also include Fort George in their Highland itineraries.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first visit. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore properly – this place is huge and there’s tons to see. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, especially if you want to complete the ramparts walk (which you absolutely should!).

The site is pretty exposed to the elements, so dress in layers. The Scottish weather can change faster than you can say “Highland charge.” Bring binoculars if you’ve got ’em – they’re great for dolphin spotting and checking out the details on the distant Black Isle.

The café on site is decent, but I usually pack some snacks and water. Some of the best spots for a picnic are along the ramparts, where you can watch ships passing in the Moray Firth.

If you’re into photography, try to arrive early morning or late afternoon – the light is gorgeous then, and the fort looks especially dramatic. And don’t skip the Highlanders’ Museum – even if you’re not a military history buff, the personal stories they tell are fascinating.

For families visiting with kids, grab one of the activity sheets from the visitor center. They turn the visit into a fun treasure hunt, and trust me, it keeps the little ones engaged while you soak in the history.

Last but not least, check if there are any special events or demonstrations planned during your visit. The historical reenactments are amazing, and seeing the fort come to life with soldiers in period uniforms is an experience you won’t forget. And yeah, the gift shop has some pretty unique Scottish memorabilia that you won’t find in your typical tourist traps in Inverness.

Location

Places to Stay Near Fort George

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