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Urquhart Castle

By Drumnadrochit, near Inverness
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Important notice

Small area at top level of gatehouse closed to allow for maintenance works, reopening on 25 June.

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland's most iconic historic places, bearing witness to some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story. Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history on the shores of Loch Ness.

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Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s.

The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.

Visitors to a castle walk along a path to a tower, which they will be able to climb
Two visitors to a castle survey the ruins from a viewpoint. There is pleasant scenery in the background including forest and a loch.
A bridge across a defensive moat leads to the gatehouse at Urquhart Castle. Visitors are standing on the bridge taking photos.

Visitors to Urquhart can admire the castle's strategic setting, on a rocky promontory with an open outlook up and down Loch Ness.

While exploring the ruins you can imagine the splendid banquets once staged in the Great Hall, peer into the gloomy prison cell and marvel at the power full-sized trebuchet. A climb to the top of the Grant Tower is rewarded with panoramic views of the loch and the Great Glen.

At atmospheric photo of a full-sized wooden trebuchet, or catapult, outside a ruined castle. A dramatic cloudy sky gives the image a moody, ominous feel.
Two castle visitors climb some steps towards a ruined tower house. Staircases and platforms have been added to the tower to allow people to climb to the top.

Urquhart Castle audio guide

Enjoy expert insight as your explore the castle. Our audio guide works on your own device and is included in the ticket price.
Find out more about our audio guides
Two visitors to Urquhart Castle admire the view across the waters of Loch Ness to the trees and mountains beyond.

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Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
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Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
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