Urquhart Castle: Medieval Ruins and Loch Ness Adventures for the Whole Family

Perched on the rugged cliffs of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is a breathtaking destination in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. On a clear day, sunlight sparkles across the loch, perfectly complementing the crumbling stone walls—a view straight out of a postcard.

And of course, with Loch Ness right there, you can’t resist the temptation to scan the waters for Nessie herself! Walking through the ruins while imagining the legendary monster adds a playful thrill for both adults and children alike.

Planning Your Visit

The castle is located at Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, UK. Admission prices are as follows:

• Adults: £17.60 (online £14)
• Seniors (65+): £14.30 (online £11)
• Children (7-15): £10.45 (online £8.50)
• Under 7: Free

We joined with an HES membership, which allowed us free entry. Even if you don’t have one, booking online is cheaper than paying on the day.

During Easter week, the castle provides kids with activity sheets. Completing these fun tasks around the ruins earns them small gifts, which made Kimchi and Soju’s visit especially memorable!

The Castle Tour Experience

Guided tours run at 11:30 and 14:00, lasting 30 minutes. The guides offer fascinating historical context that transforms a simple walk through ruins into a time-travel journey into Scotland’s past. Learning about the castle’s history makes the experience far more enriching than wandering aimlessly.

The Trebuchet: Medieval Firepower

Upon entering, we were greeted by a fully reconstructed trebuchet, a medieval siege engine. In its heyday, it hurled seven-tonne stones over castle walls, combining physics, craftsmanship, and teamwork. In fact, in 1998, BBC commissioned experts from Europe and the US to construct two working trebuchets on-site, demonstrating their incredible power.

The Gatehouse & Fortifications

The ruined gatehouse tells the story of Urquhart’s last battle in 1692. The defending government troops blew up their own gate to prevent Jacobite forces from capturing the castle, effectively ending its military use. The defensive architecture is fascinating: a drawbridge over a moat, portcullises, murder holes, and double wooden doors—each layer designed to trap and repel invaders.

The Prison Cells & Tragic Tales

Urquhart’s cold, narrow cells once housed prisoners awaiting trial. One poignant story involves a Gaelic bard and cattle thief named Domhnall Don, who was imprisoned for loving Mary, the daughter of the castle’s laird. His songs survive today, a haunting testament to love and loss in medieval Scotland.

Grant Tower & Keeper’s Lodging

The Grant Tower served as a residence for the laird and a strategic stronghold. The tower’s upper floors housed private chambers, while the keeper managed the estate and defended the castle in the laird’s absence. Walking through these spaces, you can almost imagine the daily life and power struggles of the time.

Food, Storage & Medieval Innovation

Urquhart Castle was remarkably self-sufficient. Grain storage areas protected oats and barley from damp and pests, while corn kilns slowly dried grains using heated air. The dovecot, a seemingly humble structure, provided meat, eggs, fertilizer, and even raw materials for gunpowder—an ingenious all-in-one survival system.

Major Historical Events

• 1296-1334: Brief English occupation during Edward I’s invasion, followed by Scottish resistance.
• 1545: The MacDonald clan’s Great Raid plundered the castle and nearby Glen Urquhart.
• 1689-1692: Jacobite uprisings led to the castle’s partial demolition to prevent enemy capture.
• 1912-1922: Historic ruins consolidated and preserved by Historic Environment Scotland.

Walking Through the Ruins

Strolling around, we saw the Great Hall where feasts and music once celebrated power and community. The chapel reminded us of religious life, while private chambers offered insight into medieval family life. The water gate provided a strategic loch-side entrance, essential for both supply and defence.

Our kids loved spotting Highland cows and even a wild boar near the loch, while I soaked in the serene views of Loch Ness—a perfect balance of adventure and reflection.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Urquhart Castle is more than exploring ancient ruins—it’s walking through the heart of Scotland’s resilient spirit. This fortress, which held out against English forces time and again, carries centuries of defiance, strategy, and local history within its walls. As you wander among the crumbling towers and imagine the stories of those who lived and fought here, the castle almost comes alive in your imagination.

And then there’s the view—Loch Ness sprawls right before you, shimmering under the Highland sky, reminding you why this spot has captivated so many for generations. Between the history, the legends, and the breathtaking scenery, Urquhart Castle isn’t just worth a visit—it’s an experience that makes you feel the enduring pulse of Scotland itself.

Visitor Information

Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, UK
Online Booking: HES Website