Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s.
The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
What to see and do
- Admire the strategic setting of the castle, on a rocky promontory with an open outlook up and down Loch Ness
- Soak up the atmosphere of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs
- Take in the Grant Tower (partial access)
- Imagine splendid banquets staged in the Great Hall
- Peer into the gloomy prison cell, said to have held legendary Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn
- See the Urquhart Ewer and other medieval artefacts left by castle residents
- View the full-sized trebuchet
- Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle (also in French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Scots and Spanish). Available on site
Book Scotland Tours Early
Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions dampen your adventure. Iconic experiences like exploring Edinburgh Castle, cruising along Loch Ness, or wandering through the mystical Isle of Skye often fill up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance holds your place on the popular summer tours, so your day goes on the castle walls and the loch shore, not in a ticket queue. It also leaves time for the quieter places most visitors drive straight past.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and book the tours you most want to do.
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Love Scotland shares the stories, landscapes, and traditions that make Scotland one of the most captivating destinations on earth. From the Highlands to the Hebrides, our team researches and writes about the places, history, and culture that locals treasure most. Join 42,000+ readers who get our free newsletter every weekday morning at lovescotland.substack.com.