Urquhart Castle Tours

Urquhart Castle featuring tranquil scenes, heritage elements and a ruin
Urquhart Castle showing a ruin, a castle and heritage elements
Urquhart Castle which includes tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a ruin
Urquhart Castle featuring heritage elements, a ruin and a castle
Urquhart Castle which includes a ruin, a castle and heritage elements


Visit one of the most scenic heritage attractions in Scotland, a set of majestic ruins on the banks of the glittering waters of Loch Ness.

Bring your camera for your trip to Urquhart Castle. Its crumbling brown walls and spectacular towers, which are set against the tree-covered hills and still waters of Loch Ness, are extremely photogenic. Learn about 1,000 years of history and trace centuries of conflict between the English and the Scots at these stirring medieval ruins.

St. Columba is said to have visited a Pictish fort at this site in the 6th century, although the current castle wasn’t built until the 13th century. The Scots and the English fought for control over the stronghold, before it was blown up in 1692 by an English army garrisoned here.

At the information points on the castle grounds learn about the different people who have claimed ownership of the castle. Watch an educational film about Urquhart's colorful history in the visitor center and examine a scale model of the castle building.

Enter the castle grounds across the drawbridge into the gatehouse now housing an exhibit of Historic Scotland. Stop to see the dungeon. As you explore, think about the poor prisoners who were once confined to these dank, gloomy quarters.

Wander the grounds and look for the remains of an old kiln used for drying grain and a replica trebuchet, a medieval siege weapon. Climb Grant Tower for views of the castle and Loch Ness. From the top of the tower, visitors can see an ancient chapel and a dovecote. Step into the Great Hall, where huge feasts were held to celebrate military victories. Walk down to the loch's shores to see the remnants of a blacksmith's workshop.

Enjoy a drink at the café with uninterrupted views of the loch. Watch for the Loch Ness Monster, one of the most famous mythical creatures in the world.

Find Urquhart Castle next to the quiet villages of Lewiston and Drumnadrochit, about a 30-minute drive south of Inverness. Use the on-site parking and gift shop. A bike rack is provided for those who wish to travel here on two wheels.

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Best Lodging Options Near Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel

3 out of 5
Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel
Loch Ness Bunk Inn

Loch Ness Bunk Inn

3 out of 5
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
Loch Ness Bunk Inn
Luxury Croft over looking Loch Ness & Urquhart Bay. Loch Views.

Luxury Croft over looking Loch Ness & Urquhart Bay. Loch Views.

Drumnadrochit
Luxury Croft over looking Loch Ness & Urquhart Bay. Loch Views.
Aslaich

Aslaich

3 out of 5
East Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
Aslaich
The Loch Ness Inn

The Loch Ness Inn

3 out of 5
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
The Loch Ness Inn
1 Loch Ness Hostel

1 Loch Ness Hostel

1 out of 5
Main Street, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
1 Loch Ness Hostel
Quaint Traditional Cottage With Modern Interior, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness

Quaint Traditional Cottage With Modern Interior, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness

east lewiston
Quaint Traditional Cottage With Modern Interior, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness
2 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit

2 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit

Drumnadrochit
2 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit
1 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit

1 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit

Drumnadrochit
1 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Urquhart Castle

At Urquhart Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours that delve into its rich history. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore varied hiking trails and nature walks around the scenic area. Additionally, boating on Loch Ness offers a unique perspective of the castle. Don't miss out on local distillery experiences to savor Scotland’s renowned whisky culture, making your visit both adventurous and culturally enriching.

Shopping

While visiting Urquhart Castle, check out the local Clog and Craft Shop, located 10 miles away for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, the Victorian Market, 13 miles away, offers a vibrant city atmosphere, and the Eastgate Shopping Centre, 14 miles away, is perfect for family fun.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Aigas Golf Course, 11 miles from Urquhart Castle, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Torvean Golf Club, 12 miles away, offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Muir of Ord Golf Club, located 13 miles from the castle, is perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking a scenic challenge.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night out near Urquhart Castle, catch a show at Eden Court Theatre, where culture meets entertainment just 13 miles away. For adventure, head to Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena or Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, both offering thrilling experiences within a short drive.

Find the best attractions near Urquhart Castle

Visiting Urquhart Castle, located by the stunning Loch Ness, offers a mix of culture and outdoor adventure. Explore the iconic castle and its visitor center, or take a romantic stroll around the scenic reserve nearby. Art enthusiasts can visit local galleries to immerse themselves in the region's creative spirit. Discover the rich history of Urquhart Castle while enjoying breathtaking views and engaging activities that cater to all types of travelers.

  • Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition: Located 2 miles from Urquhart Castle, this visitor center offers outdoor activities and adventure vibes, making it perfect for families. Discover the myth and reality of Loch Ness while enjoying interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
  • Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre: Also 2 miles away, this museum immerses you in the cultural history surrounding Loch Ness. Explore fascinating exhibits that delve into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the area's rich heritage.
  • Nessieland Castle Monster Centre: Situated just 0.9 miles from Urquhart Castle, this exhibit combines culture and fun. With whimsical displays and engaging activities, it's an entertaining stop for all ages interested in the Loch Ness legend.

Best time to go to Urquhart Castle

The best time to visit Urquhart Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighModerately High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Urquhart Castle

To save money on your trip to Urquhart Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or October for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodations about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Urquhart Castle is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Urquhart Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Urquhart Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Urquhart Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Urquhart Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you define your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily arrange your results to display the most affordable hotels first by sorting prices from low to high. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Urquhart Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.