Port day · CASTLE SHORE EXCURSIONS IN THE UK
Good castle shore excursions in the UK sell out weeks before the sailing date and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Travel from Invergordon in a small van with Avril, Lorraine, or another local guide. Visit Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and Highland cows in about seven hours, with port pickup, bottled water, and ship-friendly timing.
“A great excursion, even if you’re on a cruise ship. They will meet you right off the shuttle, outside the port in Invergordon.”
Travel by minibus from Invergordon to Culloden, Clava Cairns, Inverness, the new Inverness Castle Experience, Loch Ness, and a Highland cow farm shop. Local guides such as Mo, June, Emma, and Lorraine add stories, Outlander context, and practical help throughout the day.
“Well all I have to say is fantastic!!! I had an incident that required me going to the ER and Mo was there 100% to help she is an Angel. A huge hug and thumbs 👍 for her and of course the bus driver Heather was also fantastic👍 and concerned of my wellbeing. before my accident the tour was wonderful. Mo is very knowledgeable, she gave us past,present and pop culture history very well done. I hope I can come back and finish the tour someday and see the highland coos 😁 million thanks to everyone!!”
From Greenock Port, ride through the Trossachs to Stirling Castle, Kilmahog, Aberfoyle, and Loch Lomond. Expect lively English commentary, Scottish music, Highland cattle, and about 90 minutes at the castle. Entry, lunch, and drinks cost extra.
“Gregor was an outstanding guide and Jamie was the best driver ever!!!”
Leave your Dover cruise port by executive coach, tour Canterbury, then spend three hours at Leeds Castle, including its maze and gardens. Guides such as Yvonne, Liz, Maxine, and Mike have led this trip. Finish with drop-off at a central London hotel or Heathrow.
“Mike was a great storyteller and historian for everything we saw. I felt like he gave us titbits about historical events no one else would have. My only regret was not spending more time at Leeds there was so much to see. Will was a good driver.”
Travel from Invergordon with a kilted local guide such as Alistair, George, or Richie. See Struie’s famous viewpoint, Dornoch Cathedral, Loch Fleet seals, and Dunrobin Castle with its gardens and falconry show. The six to seven-hour tour carries no more than seven people.
“It was a nice trip. A visit to an interesting castle and a very pretty village. A bit of Scottish banter along the way. My only gripe is the price £125 each for a coach trip. This may be the going rate but it is still a bit steep.”
From Invergordon, you’ll travel over Struie Hill, taste whisky at Balblair or a similar distillery, explore Dornoch, and tour Dunrobin Castle with its gardens and falconry display. Guides such as Mike, June, and Eleanor are known for local stories and careful ship-time planning. One distillery visit is included.
“Thank you so much Chaz for showing us so much of your beautiful area. You drove us to some amazing places that we would never have found ourselves. Everywhere you took us was amazing. Thanks again.”
Meet Finella or Michelle at Invergordon Cruise Port for a private Highland day with Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Inverness, and Loch Ness. Expect local stories, snacks, bottled water, music, and a flexible pace for groups of up to seven.
“What a great day! Everything was so easy with Finella and Michelle. They were friendly and personable from the very beginning, picking us up and taking us on a full-day tour. They explained every stop perfectly and made the journey fun with great songs. We also got to try some typical local products. An unforgettable experience!”
From Invergordon, you’ll ride an air-conditioned coach to Cawdor Castle, a Scottish whisky distillery, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Inverness. An English or German-speaking guide should lead the day, though guide availability has varied. Bring food, water, sturdy shoes, and a raincoat.
“Emma was an amazing coach driver! Documentation of start time was conflicting. No response when inquired a week prior to tour. Some confusion about stops advertised.”
From Invergordon, you’ll travel with a small group of up to eight to Struie Viewpoint, Dunrobin Castle, Loch Fleet, Dornoch, and Balblair Distillery. Guides such as George, Alistair, Sara, and Tom tailor the day when time and interests allow. Castle entry and distillery fees cost extra.
“We scheduled the tour based on the reviews of the tour and ratings of the guide. Instead, we end up with a substitute guide, who was really nice, but didn't really explain much. I was in the back seat and couldn't hear the conversations. If we asked a question and he didn't know, he would try to look it up on Google. There was not the information as was described in the listing. Basically, it was a transportation tour.”
Travel from Holyhead across Anglesey and the Menai Strait to Caernarfon Castle with guide Trevor or a fellow Tudno Tours guide. Enjoy a 75-minute castle tour, time in town, tea or coffee, and a small group capped at eight people.
“Our tour of Caernarfon Castle with Trevor of Tudno Tours was the best tour of our 12 day cruise. We had never visited Wales, but we left loving the beautiful scenery and knowing more about the role of Wales in the history of the British Isles. Trevor was waiting promptly at the end of the very long pier in Holyhead, and took our group of 6 to the castle, while providing some historical background to the site we were to visit. He had prearranged our admission tickets to the castle, so we strolled in past the large group from the ship's tour. He led us expertly through the castle, explaining…”
Travel from Greenock with a guide to Stirling Castle, Highland cows at Kilmahog, Loch Lubnaig, The Drovers Inn, and Loch Lomond. Guides including Catriona, Cat, Katarina, and Andy have led departures. Castle admission details should be confirmed before booking.
“Great tour! Andy, our driver and tour guide was wonderful and informative. He graciously answered all my husband’s numerous questions! The best part was feeding the “hairy coos”! He allowed us to take our time during the stops, and I didn’t feel rushed.”
From Invergordon, your private guide takes you to Beauly’s Highland cows and priory, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Clava Cairns, and Culloden. Guides such as Graham and Kevin bring local stories to the day. Expect 8 to 9 hours, paid entry fees, snacks, WiFi, and port pickup.
“Kevin did a wonderful job on this tour. He was very knowledgeable and did a great job showing us all the historical locations that we wanted to visit. I would recommend this tour.”
Travel from Invergordon with a driver-guide to Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns, Dores Beach, Inverness, and Glen Ord. The 8-hour trip includes port pickup and commentary, but castle and whisky admission, lunch, and drinks cost extra. Guides may include Stewart, Malcolm, Willie, or Fiona.
“Stewart was our driver. He was funny and he gave us plenty of time at every site. He gave us a good overview of the Highlands.”
Travel privately from Greenock with James of Alba Experiences to Luss on Loch Lomond, Kilmahog’s Highland coos, Stirling Castle, and Lyle Hill. The 8.5-hour trip includes transport, snacks, water, and a whisky dram, but Stirling Castle admission and lunch cost extra.
“James is the best tour guide we have ever had ! Great history information, wonderful stories, entertaining personality, wonderful voice, and Bonny Bonny looks. Went to some beautiful off the beaten path places. He made sure we were beinRead more”
Travel with guide Richie in a small group of up to eight from Invergordon to Dunrobin Castle, Shin Falls, Loch Fleet, Dornoch, and Struie viewpoint. Expect scenic roads, a falconry display, possible seals, and a flexible feel, with castle admission extra.
“Richie was great! Thank You!! And we loved the falconry show at Donrobin castle. Great to see a bit of the Highlands!”
Pick the call, or the kind of day you want out of it.
