Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is located off the A82 on the western shores of Loch Ness, approximately 2 miles from Drumnadrochit.

View Urquhart Castle on a Google Maps

Journey Planners

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.

Cars

Parking is free, but there is limited availability. Parking must be booked online in advance. It can be added to your ticket booking before checkout.

Motorhomes

There is designated parking for larger vehicles which are 4.5-6m in length. Spaces are limited and must be booked online in advance. If there is no spaces available online, then the castle is unable to accommodate your motorhome.

Coaches

Coach parking is reserved for trade partners. Trade partners must reserve their spaces via their trade account.

Boats

Spaces for mooring boats at the jetty must be booked online in advance. Our staff will assist you on arrival. If no timeslots available then we are unable to accommodate your request to moor.

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Parking

There is a level, tarmac surfaced car park with accessible bays.

Approach to the site

The visitor centre is approached across the car park.

Wheelchair access

There are currently two mobility scooters and two wheelchairs available on site, on a first come first served basis. Booking is not available.

Ear Defenders

A limited number of adult and children’s ear defenders are available at this site. Please ask a member of staff if you want to borrow them.

What to expect at the site

Access to the visitor centre, shop, café and castle is down a steep tarmac ramp. There is an adapted toilet in the visitor centre.

From the visitor centre, there is a steep tarmac path down to the castle and a bridge into the keep. There are paths throughout the castle, all in tarmac or bound gravel.

The Grant Tower is accessed via wooden stairs. The Watergate is at the bottom of a sloped tarmac path and down a steep set of steps. The ruins of the early castle and dovecot are up a steep and stepped tarmac path.

Benches are located around the site.

• Accessible by public transport
• Accessible toilets
• Bicycle rack
• Car parking
• Coach parking
• No dogs except assistance dogs
• Guided or audio tours available
• Picnic area
• Self-service tea/coffee
• Shop
• Toilets
• Visitor centre
• Water bottle refill
• Cafe

For ease of movement, visitor safety and security, suitcases and large rucksacks (30 litres or over) are not permitted in the castle.

We're unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.

We may carry out bag searches at the castle entrance as part of our security screening process.