Loch Ness · Scottish Highlands
A castle, a loch, a legend — Urquhart Castle
Perched above Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most-visited ruins in Scotland. Book your tickets and Highland tours below — prices shown in GBP.
Why visit
A Highland day out you'll remember.
The Grant Tower
Climb the five-storey tower keep for sweeping views across Loch Ness and the Great Glen — the picture-postcard shot of Urquhart Castle.
1,000 years of history
From medieval sieges to the Wars of Scottish Independence and Robert the Bruce, Urquhart has been fought over for a millennium.
On the shores of Loch Ness
One of the best vantage points on the loch. Bring binoculars — Nessie sightings have been reported here for centuries.
A story worth the trip
Ruins with a view, and a millennium of stories.
The stones you'll walk have seen Pictish kings, medieval clans, English invaders and Jacobite risings. In 1692, government troops blew up the gatehouse to keep it from Jacobite hands — and the romantic ruin you see today was born.
Today the site is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, with a modern visitor centre, gift shop and café — and, of course, that unforgettable view over Loch Ness.
The full picture
Everything you'd want to know about a day at Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle stands on Strone Point, a rocky headland jutting into Loch Ness about 15 miles south-west of Inverness. It is one of the largest castles in Scotland by area and, thanks to its dramatic setting above the loch, one of the most photographed ruins in the country. On a clear day the view from the Grant Tower stretches for miles down the Great Glen — and on a moody one it feels like the set of a film.
A visit combines two great Highland experiences in one: the ruins themselves — with their towers, gatehouse, chapel, kiln and prison cell — and the shore of Loch Ness, home to Britain's most famous legend. Most visitors spend two to three hours here, starting with a short film at the visitor centre, walking down through the ruins, climbing the Grant Tower for the classic view, and finishing with a coffee or a walk along the water.
Tickets are best booked in advance in GBP, especially between May and September when the site is busy with coach tours and cruises arriving from Inverness. If you'd like to make a full day of it, pair the castle with a Loch Ness cruise, a visit to the Loch Ness Centre in nearby Drumnadrochit, or a drive further down the A82 to Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal locks.
Whether you're a history buff, a family looking for a memorable day out, or simply hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie, Urquhart Castle is one of those Scottish landmarks that lives up to the hype. Our guide covers tickets and opening times, the history of the castle, everything you need to know about Loch Ness itself, and answers to the most common visitor questions.