Urquhart Castle, Scotland

From series “The Greatest Castles of Scotland”

2 out of 15 - Caernarfon Castle, Scotland

4 out of 15 - Craigievar Castle, Scotland

5 out of 15 - Lochleven Castle, Scotland

7 out of 15 - Eilean Donnain Castle, Scotland

Year: 13 century.

Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness Lake in the Highlands of Scotland. Today the castle is partly ruined but still attracts tourists. Most people come to the shores of the lake to see Nessy and in addition visit this old castle.

Urquhart Castle was established in the 13th century. For about 150 years it was the main zone of battles that were made for Scotland independence. At the end of the 17th century during the battle, the fortress was exploded. Until the 20th century, the ruined castle was empty. Then the historical building was given to the government and only at this time there were organized excursions.

Urquhart Castle is placed in a picturesque area. It is surrounded by spacious fields and fertile lands which are used by locals for agriculture. The castle is situated at the top of the hill. From this point opens a great view of Loch Ness lake. Nevertheless that the building was almost destroyed by the explosion, in the lower yard had saved several constructions. The Grant Tower is a popular touristic place in this area. It is possible to look into the medieval gatehouse. Urquhart Castle opens during the whole year but a lot of tourists want to visit it in summer to adore with the nearby green area.

Next - Craigievar Castle

Caernarfon Castle, Scotland

Craigievar Castle, Scotland

Back to the start “The Greatest Castles of Scotland”

Urquhart Castle - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'ATM' located in 2.26 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Loch Ness Motorhomes' is located in 16 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Esso' in 1.89 km

Supermarket: 'Scotmid Food Co-Op' in 2.26 km

Parking: 'Cementary Car Park' in 1.68 km

Apotheek: 'Great Glen Pharmacy - Alphega Pharmacy' in 2.57 km

Police station: 'Police Station Beauly' in 17 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'the lewiston restaurant' in 1.82 km

Railway station: 'Beauly' in 17 km

Nearest airports:
» Inverness Airport INV - in 33 km

» RAF Kinloss Airport FSS - in 64 km

» Oban Airport OBN - in 111 km

» Perth Airport PSL - in 117 km

» Dundee Airport DND - in 130 km

Photo gallery: The Greatest Castles of Scotland

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Cities nearby

» Guide to Inverness

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Best hotels near Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness Inn

Located in 1 km from Urquhart Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 12

It is 15 miles (24 km) from Inverness and set in the heart of the local Scottish Highland community where you will meet hikers, tourists and locals … More: photo, rates and booking

Rooms@Elmbank

Located in 2 km from Urquhart Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 2

Rooms at the property offer a TV with DVD player and an iPod docking station. The en suite shower room has complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. … More: photo, rates and booking

Kilmichael House B&B

Located in 3 km from Urquhart Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 4

Bright and tastefully furnished, all the bedrooms at Kilmichael House have a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Three rooms have an en suite bathroom, … More: photo, rates and booking

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

Located in 5 km from Urquhart Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 26

Loch Ness Clansman has an Observation bar with panoramic and sunset views, and many rooms are Loch facing. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace, and … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

55 km - Caledonian Canal

From the series 'Greatest Man-Made Waterways and Channels'

The UK Caledonian Canal used to be an essential transport junction just a few decades ago. It is by far the greatest tourist destination in Scotland that connects two big lakes those of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. It is suitable for passenger and cargo vessels. The Canal …

64 km - Eilean Donnain Castle

From the series 'The Greatest Castles of Scotland'

Eilean Donnain Castle is a very popular historical place. It was located on a small rocky island on Loch Duich fiord in the western Highlands of Scotland. The castle and island were named after the monk Donnain who lived there as an anchor for a long time. The first …

79 km - Balmoral Castle

From the series 'The Greatest Castles of Scotland'

Balmoral Castle is situated on the shore of River Dee in Aberdeenshire area. Since the building, it was a private residence of English kings. This palace was a favourite place of Queen Victoria. She used to come here in August. The castle was built in a Gothic style …

85 km - Glenbuchat Castle

From the series 'The Greatest Castles of Scotland'

Glenbuchat Castle is the most romantic place in Scotland. It was built there in 1590 for John Gordon of Cairnbarrow to mark his wedding. In front of the entrance has placed a memorial stone that resembles this. At once this place is romantic and tragedy one. Sons of …

87 km - Gruinard Island

From the series 'Top 11 Dangerous Spots for Adrenaline-Seekers'

The mortal danger is associated with visiting the Scottish Gruinard island that since 1942 was used to test biological weapons. According to reports, the anthrax was tested there. After a series of experiments, researchers found that the virus is able to remain active …

92 km - Kildrummy Castle

From the series 'The Greatest Castles of Scotland'

Once Kildrummy Castle was the largest in Eastern Scotland. Notwithstanding that today the castle is almost ruined, tourists like to visit it. This castle had a great number of owners and at the beginning of the 18th century after another unsuccessful rebellion of …

Top destination around Urquhart Castle - Inverness

The city’s name has appeared from the River Ness, but a small industrial town has gained worldwide fame not because of this natural attraction. The legend about a mythical creature that lives in the nearby lake of Loch Ness is now known to almost everyone. Every year hundreds of thousands of travelers come to the town to make an excursion to the mysterious lake. People can spend hours staring to the surface of the lake hoping to see the mysterious inhabitant at least for a second.
Drumnadrochit village is located not far from the city. Here visitors are welcome to attend a wonderful museum dedicated to the Loch Ness monster. The mythical creature is certainly the most mysterious, but not the only symbol of the city. Inverness is often called the birthplace of porridge, bagpipes and whiskey. During year the city hosts a lot of interesting music festivals dedicated to the national musical instrument.

Blair Athol whiskey remains one of the most popular souvenirs that travelers purchase in local stores. It is produced in one of factories of the city. This whiskey is very popular among connoisseurs of the drink. Inverness Music Festival has remained the most important event in the cultural life of the city for many years. The festival starts in early March and lasts for 10 days. This is a grandiose musical celebration that traditionally attracts public of all ages and musical preferences.
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