Stretching along the Great Glen, Loch Ness is a charming town in Scotland that people can conveniently reach from Glasgow and is within an easy drive of Edinburgh. This is why the city is an ideal day trip from either of those two cities. People visiting Loch Ness enjoy exploring the legend of the town’s monster, Nessie, the marvelous village of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, the Loch Ness 360 degree trail, and more.
However, one of the most unique attractions and landmarks available in this beautiful town of Scotland is the breathtaking and mesmerizing Urquhart Castle, located just a few minutes from Drumnadrochit. Here’s a guide to help people know what to expect when touring this unique attraction in Loch Ness.
This Is Why It’s A Must To See The Iconic Urquhart Castle In Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle is considered one of the most beautiful Scottish attractions that people love to visit from all around the world. The castle is located on the Western shore of Loch Ness and is a perfect destination for snapping the most breathtaking shots while enjoying the spirit of Scotland.
- History: Urquhart Castle was used during the Wars of Independence as a defensive position for the English and the Scots, where it was partially demolished because of bloody battles.
Today, Urquhart Castle is filled with tourist buses going in and out of the area. The iconic landmark is worth visiting, particularly for those interested in history. Furthermore, people enjoy taking up the superb views from the castle walls across Loch Ness. This is why people must have their cameras ready with them at all times to capture the most beautiful moments of the visit to the castle.
- Recommended: People visiting Urquhart Castle enjoy tasting a delicious cake and unique coffee on the castle’s terrace while beholding the beauty of the fantastic views.
Here Are The Top Things To Do When Visiting Urquhart Castle
Fort William and Inverness are close to Urquhart Castle, and this is why it is easy to access the Scottish landmark from either town. Moreover, there’s a large car parking area near the castle with accessible footpaths where people can walk to the visitor center. Next, people will reach the grounds surrounding the castle ruins. Furthermore, the imposing tower and gloomy prison cell are the particular highlights of the castle. The weather erosion and the 17th-century English army garrison have turned Urquhart Castle into a ruined shadow of its former glory. Families visiting the castle enjoy exploring the maze-like warren of walls and corridors. Moreover, the view stretching across Loch Ness from the battlements of Grant Tower is fancied by visitors of the castle, and kids enjoy the sight of one of the few working stone-throwing trebuchets in Scotland.
- Recommended: Since the best way to see Urquhart Castle is from Loch Ness, people are advised to take a loch cruise from Fort Augustus, where they will have the chance to witness the castle from a different perspective, with the tour boat sailing past the ruins.
- Accessibility: Urquhart Castle can be accessed by people of all ages. Moreover, those with limited ability can use the easy-access paths throughout the site to enjoy the attraction.
People visiting Urquhart Castle also enjoy exploring the extensive gift shop available at the unique visitor center. The latter also houses a restaurant that serves food and drinks outside the terrace overlooking the loch and inside the center. It also hosts exhibitions explaining Urquhart Castle’s history.
- Tip: People visiting Urquhart Castle may have the chance to see the Loch Ness Monster if they keep a lookout on the water. Moreover, to learn more about Nessie, the loch, and the surrounding area, they are advised to visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
- Best way to see the castle: The best way to see Urquhart Castle is by taking a boat trip, although there are various beautiful views looking out across Loch Ness.
Here’s What To Know Before Visiting Urquhart Castle And How To Get There
Before visiting Urquhart Castle, there are some things to know to make sure that one will enjoy the most of their time there. For instance, those who wish to sit at the café veranda in the castle must go before the crowds start arriving at midday. Moreover, people must avoid going during the weekends in summer when the area is most crowded.
- Saving Tip: People who wish to save money must drive or cycle the A82 to explore Loch Ness at the cheapest cost. Along the road, people can stop at several points where they can get off the road and down to the water’s edge.
- Recommended: People are advised to purchase a Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass from Viator if they are not HES members. This will help them save money because entry to the Urquhart Castle is expensive.
- How to get there: Urquhart Castle is located between Fort Augustus and Inverness. This is near Drumnadrochit village, on the west side of Loch Ness. People can reach the castle by driving for around 17 miles on A82 when approaching from Inverness at the northern end of the loch. On the other hand, people can follow the A82 also for 17 miles when coming from Fort Augustus at the southern end of the loch.