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Castle · Inverness, Escócia
Urquhart Castle
The ruins of the medieval castle on a promontory on the west shore of Loch Ness, featuring the five-storey Grant Tower and views over the loch. From Historic Environment Scotland.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle stands on a promontory on the west shore of Loch Ness, about 25 km from Inverness, near the village of Drumnadrochit. There have been fortifications on the site since the Middle Ages, and the stone castle grew between the 13th and 16th centuries, contested by Scots and English during the Wars of Independence and later attacked several times by rival clans. In 1692 government troops blew up part of it so it could not be used by the Jacobites, and it has been a ruin ever since.
The path descends from the visitor centre down to the castle, passing a replica of a trebuchet, the medieval stone-throwing machine. The Grant Tower, the five-storey tower at the northern end, is the most intact part and can be climbed by narrow stairs to the top, with views of the loch in both directions. Also surviving are the gate with the bridge over the moat, the walls of the great hall, the kitchens and a prison in the cellar.
The visitor centre shows a short film about the castle’s history that ends with the screen lifting to reveal the ruins through the window, has a small display of objects found in the excavations and a café with a view. Loch Ness, 37 km long and about 230 metres deep, features throughout the visit, and tour boats that leave from Inverness and Drumnadrochit often call at the castle jetty.
In summer the castle receives many tour buses; buy a timed-entry ticket in advance on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours, including the film, the ruins and the climb to the Grant Tower.
Best time
Early in the opening hours or late afternoon, before and after the tour buses. From April to September opening hours are usually longer; in winter they are shorter. The low light at the end of the day gives the best photos of the castle against the loch.
How to get there
It is on the A82, about 25 km from Inverness (a 30-minute drive), and 3 km from Drumnadrochit. Regular buses from Inverness to Fort William stop at the entrance. Loch Ness tour boats usually include a stop at the castle.
Tip
Combine the visit with a boat trip on the loch: some cruises depart from Inverness or Drumnadrochit and call at the castle jetty. Climb the Grant Tower for views of Loch Ness in both directions.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Urquhart Castle
Where is the Castelo de Urquhart?
On the west shore of Lago Ness, about 25 km from Inverness, near Drumnadrochit.
Can you get to the Castelo de Urquhart by boat?
Yes, several cruises on Lago Ness depart from Inverness and Drumnadrochit and stop at the castle pier.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
It is recommended in summer, because the castle receives many tours and the tickets are timed.
Can you go up the tower?
Yes, the Grant Tower has narrow stairs to the top, with views over the lake.