On the trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites

Last updated: Wednesday, 2 August 2023
On the trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites

Are you interested in exploring the trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites?

If so, we’ve got some great-value train tickets that will make it easy for you to reach some of the famous Jacobite sites and discover many of Scotland’s best historic destinations.

Delve into a fascinating period of loyalty, loss, exile, retribution and risings. Visit sites of victory and defeat and discover the ill-fated campaigns to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne.

Where to visit on the trail

Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior

Head to the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which was once the symbolic residence of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The Stuart Prince set up court here in September 1745 and today you can still tour the rooms that became the focus of the Jacobite cause in Edinburgh, marvel at the Great Gallery where the Prince held a lavish ball, and even see the very bed he slept in.

Find out more about the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Buy train tickets

Edinburgh Castle exterior

A world-famous visitor attraction and one not to be missed in Edinburgh.

In 1689, it was the last castle in Britain to be held for James VII. The Jacobites laid siege during the 1715 and 1745 risings, but failed to capture this mighty fortress and defender of a nation.

Find out more about Edinburgh Castle

Buy train tickets

​​Linlithgow Palace and Loch

A short walk from Linlithgow station you’ll find Linlithgow Palace – a superb Renaissance residence that was built over two centuries by successive Stewart kings of Scotland.

Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie who visited the palace in 1745 during his march south and see the courtyard fountain that is said to have run with red wine in his honour.

Find out more about Linlithgow Palace

Buy train tickets

Stirling Castle exterior

Hop off at Stirling station and head to the Old Town where you’ll find Stirling Castle.

Stand in awe of the grand Great Hall and explore the Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and the regimental museum.

Feel the might of the castle’s defences that successfully saw off Bonnie Prince Charlie’s siege in 1746 on his march northwards to Culloden.

Find out more about Stirling Castle

Buy train tickets

Alloa Tower exterior

Take a short stroll from Alloa station through the town to Alloa Tower and take a whistle-stop tour through 700 years of Scottish history at one of Scotland’s largest and oldest keeps, the ancestral home of the influential Erskine family.

The Tower is the former home of John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, the Jacobite who led the 1715 rising.

Find out more about Alloa Tower

Buy train tickets

Killiecrankie and River Garry

Stop off at Pitlochry station and take a short bus ride to Killiecrankie. Here you’ll discover the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie, which was the opening battle of the first Jacobite rising in 1689.

Learn about the battle in the visitor centre and explore the natural beauty of the Pass including the Soldier’s Leap, the spot where a government soldier escaped by making a spectacular jump across the River Garry.

Find out more about Killiecrankie

Buy train tickets

Culloden Battlefield

A short bus journey from Inverness station, you’ll discover Culloden Battlefield, a multi-award winning visitor attraction that will transport you back over 250 years to one of the bloodiest periods in Scottish history and to the final place where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie fought to reclaim the throne.

Experience the battle in the stunning 360-degree immersion theatre, view breathtaking displays then walk the battlefield where over 1,200 Jacobites died in just one hour.

Find out more about Culloden Battlefield

Buy train tickets

Dunstaffnage Castle exterior

Stop off at Oban and take a short bus ride to Dunstaffnage Castle, the site of Flora MacDonald’s imprisonment after helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape Scotland following defeat at Culloden.

Find out more about Dunstaffnage Castle

Buy train tickets

Glenfinnan Monument

A brief walk from Glenfinnan station you can explore the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre.

Stand on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore on 19 August 1745 and raised the Stuart standard, signifying the beginning of the final Jacobite rising that would end at Culloden.

Find out more about Glenfinnan Monument

Buy train tickets

​​Dumbarton Castle exterior

Take a short walk from Dumbarton East station and conquer over 500 steps to stand atop of Dumbarton Castle – one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds and a cornerstone of medieval royal power. It’s also the site where Aeneas MacDonald – one of the ‘seven men of Moidart’ – was imprisoned after Culloden.

Find out more about Dumbarton Castle

Buy train tickets

Partner logos: Historic Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland
Partner logos: Palace of Holyroodhouse, VisitScotland, History Heritage and Archeology 2017
Inspired to visit these attractions on the trail?
Buy train tickets

Tickets & travel passes

Kids for a Quid - travel off-peak and for every paying adult, up to four children aged 5-15 can travel for £1 return each.

Off-Peak - tickets for trains that are less busy, offering you cheaper fares and flexibility with no need to book in advance.

Spirit of Scotland travel pass - unlimited train travel and journeys by coach and bus. You can get an eight day pass (valid for travel on four days) or a 15 day pass (valid for travel on eight days) – both flexible options so you can explore the Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites trail at your own pace.

2FOR1 attractions

Enjoy 2FOR1 admission.

Follow the link below to download a voucher for 2FOR1 entry to these visitor attractions on the Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites trail when you travel with a valid train ticket: