Urquhart Castle – The Enduring Sentinel of Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle is a magnificent ruined castle that stands proudly beside the tranquil waters of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Its imposing presence, even in decay, speaks to its rich history and strategic importance.

Urquhart Castle’s origins can be traced back to the 13th century when it was built as a stronghold by the Comyn Clan. Over the years, the castle changed hands between the Scottish and English, becoming a key battleground during the Wars of Independence. Its strategic location, commanding the entrance to the Great Glen and overlooking Loch Ness, made it a coveted possession.

The Jacobite Risings of the 18th century brought further turmoil to Urquhart Castle. The castle was captured by Jacobite forces in 1715 and again in 1745, only to be recaptured by government troops each time. In 1745, the castle’s destruction was sealed when the departing government forces blew up the castle’s gunpowder magazine, causing extensive damage.

Before entering Urquhart Castle, you can see a siege engine (type of catapult that uses a swinging arm to launch projectiles. Trebuchets were used in medieval warfare to attack castles and fortifications). There is one descent to the lake area on the castle grounds. You can also visit the tower. From the remains of the castle, there is a view of the lake, which protected the structure from attacks (the castle is surrounded by the waters of the lake on three sides). Many everyday objects were found in the vicinity of the ruins, which are on display as exhibits in the Visitor’s Center.

Despite its battered state, Urquhart Castle remains one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions. The ruins, shrouded in mist and echoed by the lapping waves of Loch Ness, provide a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. The castle’s evocative setting and dramatic history have made it a popular backdrop for films and television shows, further cementing its place in Scottish folklore.

Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, and tickets are required to visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the castle gate.

• Adult: £13 per ticket

• Child: £7.80 per ticket (ages 5-16)

• Concession: £10.40 per ticket (60 and over, disabled visitors, full-time students, Young Scot card holders, STGA and SITOA card holders)

• Family Ticket (1 Adult + 2 Children): £25.50 per booking

• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children): £37.50 per booking

• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children): £44.50 per booking

• Explorer Pass: £27 per person for 7 consecutive days

• Historic Scotland members: Free entry

• English Heritage, Manx and Cadw members: Half price entry in your first year and free entry for renewal and life members

• Young Scot card: Pay just £1 to visit the castle.

Please note that all visits to Urquhart Castle must be booked in advance to guarantee entry.

The opening hours of Urquhart Castle vary depending on the time of year.

Month	Hours
March	Daily: 9:30am – 5pm
April	Daily: 9:30am – 5pm
May	Daily: 9:30am – 5pm
June	Daily: 9:30am – 6pm
July	Daily: 9:30am – 6pm
August	Daily: 9:30am – 6pm
September	Daily: 9:30am – 5pm
October	Daily: 9:30am – 5pm
November	Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm
December	Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm
January	Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm
February	Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Please remember to check the Historic Scotland website for the latest opening hours before you plan your visit.

There are several ways to get to Urquhart Castle, depending on your starting point.

• By car: Urquhart Castle is located on the A82 road, about 2 miles north of Drumnadrochit. There is a large car park at the castle, but it can get busy in the summer months.
• By bus: There are several bus services that stop at Drumnadrochit, from which you can walk to the castle in about 15 minutes. The 573 bus from Inverness stops at Drumnadrochit every hour, and the 966 bus from Fort William stops at Drumnadrochit every two hours.
• By train: The nearest train station is at Inverness, from which you can take a bus to Drumnadrochit. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
• By boat: You can also take a boat tour to Urquhart Castle from Fort William or Inverness. These tours typically last for 3-4 hours and include a guided tour of the castle.
• By plane: The nearest airport is Inverness Airport, which is about 20 miles from Urquhart Castle. You can then take a taxi or bus to the castle.

There are many interesting places to visit near Urquhart Castle, including:

• Drumnadrochit: A small village nestled on the shores of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes. It is also home to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, which provides information on the history and folklore of Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Monster.
• Nessieland: A themed attraction dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster, Nessieland features exhibits, animatronic models, and a gift shop.
• Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A Neolithic burial mound, Corrimony Chambered Cairn is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of its kind in Scotland.
• Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh: A hilltop offering panoramic views of Loch Ness and the surrounding countryside, Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh is a popular spot for hiking and hillwalking.
• St Ninians Church: An 18th-century church located in Drumnadrochit, St Ninians Church is a fine example of Georgian architecture.
• Loch Ness Cruises: A variety of boat tours depart from Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruises, offering visitors the chance to see the loch’s stunning scenery and search for the Loch Ness Monster.
• Castle Cruises Loch Ness: A boat tour that departs from Urquhart Castle, Castle Cruises Loch Ness offers visitors a unique perspective on the castle and the surrounding loch.
• The Beastie Boats: A boat tour that departs from Urquhart Castle, The Beastie Boats focuses on the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and includes a search for the creature.
• Loch Ness by Jacobite: A boat tour that departs from Invermoriston, Loch Ness by Jacobite offers visitors the chance to see the loch’s stunning scenery and visit Urquhart Castle.
• Loch Ness Explorer: A boat tour that departs from Fort William, Loch Ness Explorer offers visitors the chance to see the loch’s stunning scenery and search for the Loch Ness Monster.

These are just a few of the many interesting places to visit near Urquhart Castle. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and captivating folklore, the Loch Ness region is a must-visit destination for any traveler.