If you’re not visiting Scotland’s most popular Edinburgh Castle, don’t
worry we will suggest another Scotland’s most underrated castle which offers
equal architectural beauty and history. Yes. Urquhart Castle, most renowned
historic site of Scotland, located in the rocky promontory.
When you think about what makes it more unique than other popular
castles, one thing I can surely say is
the epic construction which is built directly on a rocky headland which
always opens up visitors to get sweeping views of the Loch Ness in the
Highlands. Additionally Urquhart Castle has deep mediaeval period history,
picturesque ruins and perfect views of the loch.
Urquhart Castle History
To understand more about Urquhart Castle is very important. This brilliant
architecture and best preserved castle was built during the 13th century as a
key defensive structure. But the evidence of human occupation goes back to the
6th century. Urquhart Castle played a very vital role as a strategic
stronghold during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Despite being a rich historic site, Castle lost its legacy slowly.
Primarily it lost its power when the Scottish Crown and Lords of the Isles had
power. In 1961, Castle’s history took a most tragic turn when its key defensive
structures were destroyed by the Jacobite Wars. By their own government
Garrison to prevent them from falling into the hands of Jacobite forces. Until
now most of the castle's key structures were never rebuilt and left behind the
romantic ruins for visitors to see.
Urquhart Castle Tickets
|
Age Group |
Ticket Price in ￡ |
|
Adults |
￡14.00 |
|
Senior Citizens (above 60 years) |
￡16.00 |
|
Children (age between 7-15) |
￡8.50 |
Note:
1. Children below the age of 7 are completely free to enter.
2. Historic Scotland Members are free to enter (you must hold membership
status). Even Explorer Pass holders are also eligible to enter without paying a
single penny.
3. As of 2026, it is very important to book Urquhart Castle Tickets in
advance through its official website. Booking online is safe and guarantees
your entry with a valid price.
4. Make sure that ticket prices are subject to seasonal changes,
specific ticket types. So, make a cross check of specific ticket types and
price updates.
Urquhart Castle Opening Hours
Urquhart Castle timing is totally fluctuating and it heavily depends on
when you’re visiting.
If you’re visiting between April to August, Castle opens daily from 9:30
AM to 8:15 PM.
From September to October, it operates from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
You can enter between 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM from October to November.
The castle constantly maintains its entry timing of 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
from November to March.
The castle no longer operates on the 25th and 26th of December.
Note: The last admission is usually closed 30 minutes before closing time.
Reason behind its Versatile Timings
You may wonder why such kind of timings castle has, reasons are many. In
Scotland summer may extend even until 7:30 PM witnessing long daylights, while
winter contains limited daylights. Therefore during winter the castle closes
too early.
What are the Interesting Facts about Urquhart Castle?
Besides its history and architectural beauties, I would also like to
present some interesting facts which every backpacker must know before packing
their bags.
1. Urquhart Castle is often called a “Monster Viewpoint”. Due to its
prime location on Loch Ness, this castle is frequently cited as the one of the
best spots to scan the waters for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
2. Castle destruction was a deliberate one. Yes, in 1691 the defenders
blew up the gatehouse to ensure that if they had to be treated like that, the
Jacobites could not use the castle as a functional base.
3. Offer more glimpse of Medieval Life of Scotland. The castle's
visitor’s centre features a display of artifacts that are found at the site
which provides a short glimpse of daily lives of native peoples who inhabited
the castle over a period of time.
4. Ideal Location. Urquhart had a special feature that held a
controlling position over the Great Glen. This huge geological fault line that
runs across Scotland, making it most crucial for anyone who wanted to control
traffic through the Highlands.
Best Time to Visit Urquhart Castle
For both Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, visit during Warmer months from May to September. During these periods weather is more pleasant and long daylights, help you to maximise trip and cover most of its surrounding scenic beauties.
An interesting period even witnessing Loch Ness blooming, making it
paradise for photographers and scenic strollers.
If you dislike heavy crowds or seeking more tranquil travel adventures,
choose Shoulder season. It runs from late April to late May (late September).
Choosing Shoulder season is good, but be ready to face unpredictable rain and
cool temperatures. If you’re budget conscious, choose this season instead of a
warmer one.
How to Get to Urquhart Castle
Your Urquhart Castle trip literally starts from Loch Ness Shores, Inverness Airport (INV). INV is the closest airport available to travelers to reach the castle, just 30 miles away from it.
Once you reach Inverness Airport there are a number of local buses and
taxis waiting for you to take to Urquhart Castle. If you’re traveling in your
own car, Historic Environment Scotland built a large car park at its visitor
centre for you.
From Inverness, take A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness, the castle is just 20 minutes down, just pass Drumnadrochit (passing via A96 and A82). The castle can even be traveled from Edinburgh Airport (274 km) and Glasgow Airport (281 km).
What to Expect in Urquhart Castle
1. Urquhart Castle ruins are most impressive and must recommend things
to explore. Its extensive castle ruins include a great hall, old dungeons, and
defensive walls that line Loch Ness are really captivating the minds of
millions of visitors. Don’t miss you’re the one of them.
2. Today stands as one of the largest castles in Scotland, built in a
shape that’s been likened to number 8. It has ruins like Grant Tower and Dry
Moat which measure 30 meters across its widest.
3. The castle's ruins sometimes include local ancient artifacts like
bronze ewer, coins, jewellery and crosses. Most of them belong to the period
from 1300 to 1600s.
4. Despite its brilliant ruins and architecture/history, the castle is
an ideal location to make your morning cafe at Urquhart Castle while enjoying
the perfect position of Loch. Even a perfect spot gets amazing views from the
top of Grant Tower.
5. Don’t finish your castle trip until you find Trebuchet and Gloomy
prison cell.
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