Urquhart Castle Tours and Activities

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

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.

Tours & day trips

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Glen Coe, Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour

Glen Coe, Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 246 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$158 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools Tour

Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$410 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Invergordon: Inverness, Cawdor Castle & Highland Whisky Tour

Invergordon: Inverness, Cawdor Castle & Highland Whisky Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$131 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition
The Falls of Foyers

The Falls of Foyers

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Falls of Foyers during your travels in Foyers. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

The Falls of Foyers
Dores Beach

Dores Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Dores Beach during your trip to Inverness? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Dores Beach

Nessieland Castle Monster Centre

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Nessieland Castle Monster Centre during your trip to Drumnadrochit. Savour the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Nessieland Castle Monster Centre

Drum Farm Gallery Gift Shop

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Drum Farm Gallery Gift Shop in Drumnadrochit. Savour the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Drum Farm Gallery Gift Shop

Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre during your travels in Drumnadrochit. Savour the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre

Top Urquhart Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
3 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit, near Inverness

3 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit, near Inverness

Drumnadrochit, near Inverness
3 bedroom accommodation in Drumnadrochit, near Inverness
See all 427 properties in Urquhart Castle
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

Discover the rich history and stunning scenery at Urquhart Castle, where you can explore fascinating attractions and enjoy scenic boat trips on Loch Ness. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby Inverness, which offers a variety of activities and sights to enhance your Scottish adventure.

Shopping

Shopping near Urquhart Castle offers a mix of local charm and variety. Visit Clog and Craft Shop, only 16.1km away, for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Victorian Market and Eastgate Shopping Centre, both around 13 to 22.5km away, for a broader selection.

Recreation

Muir of Ord Golf Club offers a fantastic golfing experience, set in stunning natural surroundings, only 20.9km from Urquhart Castle. Aigas Golf Course, 17.7km away, presents a beautiful outdoor setting for enthusiasts. Lastly, Torvean Golf Club, 19.3km from the castle, provides a vibrant sports atmosphere for all skill levels.

Adventure

Urquhart Castle offers an exhilarating experience with breathtaking views of Loch Ness. Explore the ruins, climb the Grant Tower for panoramic vistas, and enjoy the interactive exhibitions. Don't miss the chance to partake in a guided ghost tour, immersing yourself in the castle's fascinating history and legends.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant night at Eden Court Theatre, only 20.9km from Urquhart Castle, showcasing captivating performances. For adventure, visit Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat Arena or Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, both offering thrilling family fun just a short drive away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, located by Loch Ness in Drumnadrochit, offers a captivating blend of cultural and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the historic castle itself, the informative visitor centre, and the scenic nature reserve nearby. Don't miss the stunning waterfall in the area, perfect for those seeking an adventurous experience amidst beautiful landscapes. This destination promises a memorable experience for all types of travellers.

  • The Falls of Foyers: A stunning waterfall located 8.0km from Urquhart Castle, The Falls of Foyers offers an outdoor adventure that’s perfect for couples seeking romance or thrill-seekers looking to embrace nature’s beauty. The cascading water and lush surroundings create a magical atmosphere.
  • Corrimony Chambered Cairn: Situated 8.0km away, this historic site invites you to delve into Scotland’s rich culture and history. The ancient burial site provides a glimpse into the past, surrounded by a serene landscape that enhances its historical significance.
  • Glen Affric Nature Reserve: Located 19.3km from Urquhart Castle, this breathtaking reserve is a haven for nature lovers. With its secluded trails and luxurious scenery, it offers a perfect escape for those on a budget or seeking a lavish experience in the great outdoors.

Best time to go to Urquhart Castle

The best time to visit Urquhart Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Urquhart Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Urquhart Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

When planning your visit to Urquhart Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and October for cheaper accommodation. Booking about a month in advance can yield better rates, especially on Tuesdays, while Sundays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find last-minute deals. Look for package options that bundle flights and activities to save even more. Additionally, take advantage of free local activities while using public transport, which is a cost-effective way to explore the region.

  • 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 enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Urquhart Castle accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.