General information

What time is the event? 

The event takes place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026.

There will be a full programme of activities throughout the day. 

What time should I arrive at Fort George?  

The event starts at 11am and there will be activities and re-enactments throughout the day. Please refer to the event programme to plan your visit so you get to see everything you want.

The Fort itself is open to visitors from 9.30am so you can get there early to make sure you catch everything (timings are the same on both Saturday and Sunday). 

Do I need to book in advance?

Tickets are available to buy in advance online before the event. You will also be able to purchase your tickets in person on the day.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

If the event needs to be cancelled, due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances , ticket holders will be contacted via email and automatically refunded. Funds will show within 30 days and you do not need to contact us.

Please check our closures page before travelling to the event.

Are tickets refundable?

All tickets purchased are non-refundable as per our ticketing terms and conditions.

Is the event taking place outdoors?

Yes, the majority of the event takes place outside. As our lovely Scottish weather is unpredictable, please check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately on the day.  

Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are permitted at Fort George and within the roofed areas.   Visitors' dogs are allowed at Fort George but are not permitted in roofed areas.  

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

Please note that some parts of the event will be quite noisy due to the shows our re-enactors put on, but there are plenty of quiet spots around the Fort if you wish to keep your dog away from those shows. 

What food options are available on the day?

Over the weekend the Fort George Café and the NAAFI will be open. There will also be an ice cream van, a coffee van selling hot drinks and crepes and the NAAFI will have a BBQ.

You are also more than welcome to bring along your own picnic. 

Getting to the event

How do I get to Fort George on the day?  

National Grid reference: NH 762 567 
Telephone: 01667 460 232 
View Fort George on Google Maps 

Is parking available?  

Parking is available on-site, and members of staff will be on hand to direct visitors. There are accessible bays available in the carpark and the field adjacent will also form a car park too. If you require assistance please ask one of our staff members

Is disabled access available?  

The fort entrance is 200m from the car park along a tarmac path. Entry to the ticket shop is a further 15m over cobbles. The fort is very large (620m end to end). It is mainly on the level with tarmac roads and pavements. Wheelchair users may need help to cross areas of granite sets. Grass and concrete access ramps with a gradient of 1:6 lead up onto the ramparts. The marquee tent is floored and there is a small lip to go over at the entrance. If you have any specific questions, please telephone Fort George on 01667 460 232. 

 Public Transport

On Saturday, you can use bus services 1 and 1A to get to the event.

Admission and cancellations

How will I receive my ticket? 

Your tickets will be attached in your email confirmation in a PDF document. Please print your tickets and bring them with you or show on your mobile phone to gain entry. Your email confirmation email should arrive shortly after booking. If you have not received this, please check your junk folder in the first instance. If you have not received this please contact ticketing@hes.scot with details of your booking (name on booking, email address used and site visiting). 

I have an Explorer Pass, does this allow me entry to the event? 

Explorer Pass holders do not get free entry for this event. 

I have a helper/carer to assist me, are they free of charge? 

We recognise that some visitors require extra assistance and therefore we offer free entry to carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. No ID will be required. Advanced booking is required. Up to 2 carer tickets can be added per booking online. 

For any further ticket enquiries, please contact ticketing@hes.scot

Members

I am a Historic Scotland member, do I still need to buy a ticket?

If you are a member, your ticket is free for the event but we recommend booking in advance so you don’t miss out. Please bring along your membership card as you will need to show this to gain entry.  

I have lost my membership card, can I still come along to the event?

If you have lost your membership card, please contact the membership team in advance of the event, and they will send your replacement card and a confirmation email.

Don’t worry if there is not enough time to order your replacement card, you can also download a digital membership card via the Historic Scotland App. 

Do I get a special rate if I am a carer?

Yes, we offer free entry to carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. No ID will be required. Advanced booking is required. Up to 2 carer tickets can be added per booking online.  

I am a member of English Heritage, Cadw or Manx Heritage do I receive a discount for the event?

If you are an English Heritage, Cadw or Manx Heritage 1st year member, you receive half price entry to the event. English Heritage members of more than one year and life members receive free entry. We recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out and membership cards are required to be shown on arrival with your ticket to gain entry.