Trip Planner: Europe / UK / Scotland / Scottish Highlands / Loch Ness / Drumnadrochit / Historic Sites / Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit

4.2

#1 of 533 in Things to do in Scottish Highlands

Castle Historic Site

Perched on a bluff overlooking Loch Ness, the rocky ruins of Urquhart Castle serve as a reminder of the area’s long history. Once one of the largest castles in Scotland, the ruins of the structure are remarkably well preserved considering its age, so you can get a good sense of medieval life just by strolling through the remaining baileys and corridors. Using our world travel planner, Drumnadrochit attractions like Urquhart Castle can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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3,427 reviews

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4.3

Mickey F

Old Castle ruins dating from 13th century on the Loch Ness. BEAUTIFUL setting. My best pictures from Scotland are taken at this location. more »
jmrss93

A historic castle on the Loch. Just the walls are left to view. There is a trebuchet in the front of the castle. The views from the castle are good. Get there before the Loch tour boats or tour buses ... more »
watercrown

Beautiful scenery and amazing ruins. Be prepared for lots of walking though. It's a lot of ground to cover and if you're interested in history, there's plenty of interesting information about each sec... more »

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Diego Lopes Fernandes Martinho

Visited many castles within my 10 day trip of the UK, and this one is by far the most well kept one. Staff was very friendly, there was access for handicap people which came in handy since my mother in law had busted her knee earlier in the trip and they gave us a motorized chair for her to get around free of charge. The castle itself is small but definitely gets you on the edge of the Loch, while giving you some spectacular pictures of the scenery around. Very clean, very well maintained, and very gorgeous views from the inside of the ruins! A bit on the expensive side for how small it is, but it's worth it seeing how much they invested on making the Castle grounds accessible for all.

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Randall Purcell

Beautiful vistas and great history. I would suggest that anyone headed here be able to walk reasonably well. There are some pretty scary stair cases. Incredible views are worth it and then some, though!

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Nate Leathers

It's pretty cool. Can easily spend a few hours here if you do all the reading and everything. Beautiful view of Loch Ness. Weather was wonderful so it made for an awesome afternoon. This castle is motel dilapidated and much of it has been destroyed. So if you are looking to tour a fully in tact castle this is definitely not the place. Lots of history here though.

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Shrinath Valsang

One of the very beautiful castles in the entire Scotland, I would say, and if great historical importance. Strategically located on the shore of the Loch Ness, you have to take a boat ride to reach to the castle. Very well maintained and fantastic location for photography for its spectacular views. Nice cafe and good gift shop with many varieties.

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Vicki Watts

We arrived by boat over Loch Ness which was a great way to enjoy a trip to this castle. It is ruins and has great scenery. Information boards situated in most parts of the ruins explain which 'room' you are in. It was an enjoyable visit, but not a castle that held as much interest for the children as many others. No real sense of the past or its use felt as in other places we have visited. Excellent views across Loch Ness from the ruins.

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