Visit Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

urquhart castle images - Two Traveling Texans
by Anisa // 33 Comments

Most people travel to Inverness and Loch Ness to search for Nessie (the Loch Ness monster), but no visit to the area can be complete without a stop at Urquhart Castle.  This castle on Loch Ness was once one of Scotland’s largest castles.  It had an interesting history as the castle passed back and forth from the Scots to the English during the Scottish fight for independence.

It’s fun to explore the Urquhart Castle ruins, learn about the fascinating history of the Anglo-Scottish Wars, and enjoy the stunning views of Loch Ness.  Let me tell you what you can expect when you visit Urquhart Castle and share some tips from my experience.

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Exploring Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness - Two Traveling Texans
Lots of ruins to explore at Urquhart Castle in Scotland

Urquhart Castle History

Urquhart Castle first appears in the history books during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 13th & 14th centuries, when it changed hands between the Scottish and the English several times.

It was captured by Edward I of England in 1296 who appointed a constable to hold the castle at Loch Ness for the English. The Scots regained control two years later. England took the castle back in 1303, before being reclaimed by the Scots in 1307!

Urquhart became a royal castle, held for the Scottish crown by a series of constables.  In 1333, the Scottish were able to hold Castle Urquhart in spite of another English invasion.  Although it was a royal castle, the only king to have stayed there was David II, who spent the summer of 1342 hunting at Urquhart.

Note: The correct Urquhart pronunciation is ERK-ut.

You can imagine how impressive the castle walls must have been.
You can imagine how impressive the castle walls must have been.

Over the next two hundred years, the area was raided frequently by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, powerful rulers of a semi-independent kingdom in western Scotland, In 1509 the Castle was given to John Grant in perpetuity, on condition that he repair and rebuild the castle. Different Scottish clans battled over the castle but in the end, Grant regained the castle and was also awarded Cameron lands.

Repairs continued as late as 1623, although the castle was no longer a favored residence.  When Oliver Cromwell invaded Scotland in 1650, he chose to build forts at either end of the Great Glen instead of using Urquhart.  In 1692, the towering gatehouse was deliberately blown up so that the castle could never again be a military stronghold.

What to See at Urquhart Castle

Even though the castle is just ruins, there are some features that I wanted to point out.  If you look at an Urquhart castle map, the walled part of the castle is shaped like a figure-8 creating two enclosures: the Nether Bailey to the north, and the Upper Bailey to the south.

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The Castle Urquhart Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Before you go out to see the castle ruins, you visit the Urquhart Castle gift shop.  Inside the gift shop, there is a small theater where they show a short film about the history of Urquhart Castle.  Then when the film ends the curtain comes up and you can see the castle through huge windows.  This is the first time you get to see the castle and the reveal is worth the wait.

The view when the screen goes up is utterly breathtaking and makes the most of the castle’s position on the shore of the loch and the position of the visitor centre in relation to it. I thought it was one of the most spectacular ways of introducing a castle I’ve ever seen. There was an audible gasp when that screen went up. The view outside was like something out of a film set.

The main entrance to Castle Urquhart.
The main entrance to Castle Urquhart.

The Trebuchet

On the path down to the castle, you will pass the Trebuchet.  A trebuchet is a type of catapult that could throw massive stone balls.  In 1998, two trebuchets were built here for a film recording.  Although we know there were many battles here, there is no evidence that trebuchets were used against Urquhart but they did find 11 stone balls here.    

You pass by the Trebuchet on the way to the castle.
You pass by the Trebuchet on the way to the castle.

Gatehouse

Coming from the gift shop you will pass through the 16th-century gatehouse of the Nether Bailey.  This structure protected the main entrance, Urquhart’s defences weakest point. It has twin towers flanking an arched entryway.  The passage used to have an iron portcullis and a double set of doors, with guard rooms either side.

If an intruder managed to get past the portcullis, stones could be dropped on them through the “murder holes” in the wooden ceiling. Further ahead the way would have been blocked by two heavy gates.  You can also go upstairs to see the rooms which may have been the living quarters for the castle’s keeper.

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Grant Tower

Grant Tower is the main tower of the castle and named after John Grant, who was given a huge estate in exchange for repairing Urquhart Castle.  The tower measures 39 by 36 feet and has walls almost 10 feet thick.  The tower has 14th-century foundations, but what you see was built during the 16th-century reconstruction.

A view of Grant Tower and the rest of the castle from a distance. Exploring Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness - Two Traveling Texans
A view of Grant Tower and the rest of the castle from a distance

It’s the tallest portion of the castle even though the southern wall collapsed in a storm in the early 18th century.  The surviving interior sections can still be accessed using the circular staircase built into the east wall of the tower. Before the damage, there was a hall on the first floor, with rooms on another two floors above, and attic chambers.

You can see the steps leading down to Loch Ness from the castle.
You can see the steps leading down to Loch Ness from the castle.

Loch Ness

You are right on the shores of Loch Ness, so it’s worth taking time to see the lake! You will see a gate (called the water gate) that leads to some stairs.  If you go down the stairs it will take you right to the water.  I put my hand in to feel the temperature of the water and it was cold.  Russell wasn’t surprised by this and pointed out we were visiting the Highlands of Scotland in September. Of course it was cold!

Obligatory Selfie! - Exploring Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness - Two Traveling Texans
Obligatory Selfie!

Urquhart Castle Cafe

The Cafe has beautiful views of the castle and Loch Ness.  We had just eaten so we didn’t stop in, but they do serve light snacks and use locally sourced produce.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness Tours

There are tour options where you can combine your visit to Urquhart Castle with a boat ride on Loch Ness. These tours allow you to stop and explore the castle on Loch Ness for at least one hour.

Urquhart Castle Scotland FAQs

Where is Urquhart Castle located?

The castle is located on the western shore of the northern end of Loch Ness, close to the small town of Drumnadrochit.  Loch Ness is located 168 miles (three and a half hours of driving) from Edinburgh, which I think is a bit much for a day trip. 

How do you get to Urquhart Castle?

We had a car so we just drove to Urquhart Castle and there is a designated parking area right there.  You can also take a bus from Inverness to Urquhart Castle – you can check the schedule here.

If you are coming from Edinburgh, the drive is about three and half hours.  You can also take the train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Inverness (which takes a little more than three and half hours) and then catch the bus from Inverness to Urquhart Castle.

Where can you stay near Urquhart Castle?

There aren’t any hotels right by Urquhart Castle.  You can find a few near Drumnadrochit, but there are a lot more choices for places to stay in Inverness. Click here to see the hotel options in Inverness.


Booking.com

When is Urquhart Castle Open?

Urquhart Castle hours vary throughout the year.  They open at 9:30 year around and close at 4:30 pm in the winter and 6 pm in the summer.  In October they close at 5 pm.

Check the website to confirm the hours and ensure there are no unexpected closures.

How much is Urquhart Castle Admission?

As of May 1, 2021, Urquhart Castle admission is £9.60 for adults and £5.80 for children age 5-15.  Children under 5 are free. 

How can you save money on tickets for Urquhart Castle?

There are a few ways to visit Urquhart castle for free or at a discount.  First, you can take advantage of their family tickets which are discounted.

Historic Scotland members can visit for free.  Urquhart Castle is also included in both the Historic Scotland and Scottish Heritage Passes.  The Historic Scotland Pass gets you into 77 top attractions in Scotland for either 3 or 7 days.  Click here for more information about the Historic Scotland Pass.  The Scottish Heritage Pass includes more than 120 attractions for 7 days.  Click here for more information about the Scottish Heritage Pass.  Both passes also included Edinburgh Castle.

If you have been an English Heritage member for more than a year, you can get in free.  Those that have been members of English Heritage less than a year can get half off admission.  Get more information about English Heritage Membership here.

Is Urquhart Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes, the ruins are so picturesque right next to Loch Ness.  It was fun to explore the romantic ruins and I enjoyed imagining what the castle looked like back in its heyday.   There is a lot to see and the history of this spot is fascinating.

I enjoyed my visit to the castle on Loch Ness.  You definitely get your money’s worth.

Have you visited Urquhart Castle by Inverness? I would love to hear about your experience.

Anisa

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urquhart castle on loch ness

Expert Tips for Your Visit to Urquhart Castle Scotland

  • Don’t miss the short film in the Visitor’s Center.
  • The Inverness to Urquhart Castle bus is the best public transportation option.  Check the schedule as it varies by season.
  • Consider taking an Urquhart Castle tour, it will include a boat ride on Loch Ness.

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Last Updated on April 27, 2023

About the Author

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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