We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 10 Drumnadrochit Attractions »

Urquhart Castle

2 mi southeast of Drumnadrochit on A82, Drumnadrochit IV63 6XJ, Scotland
+44 (0)1456 450 551
4.0 of 5 stars 173 Reviews
Type: Castles, Historic Sites
Activities: Driving, Swimming, Group tours/bus tour
Owner description: An atmospheric ruin overlooking the dark waters of Loch Ness, this dramatic castle has a long and bloody history. Once one of Scotland's mightiest... more » Owner description: An atmospheric ruin overlooking the dark waters of Loch Ness, this dramatic castle has a long and bloody history. Once one of Scotland's mightiest strongholds, Urquhart's strategic location gave it a key role in the Scottish battle for independence. It came under the control of Robert the Bruce before a 150-year power struggle between the Stewart dynasty and the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

173 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    71
    70
    16
    8
    8
Date Rating
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Ok, it's pricey for what it is, but I have a trick: start from the basic premise that these sorts of things are always going to be overpriced in terms of a visit to see and do something. Then tell yourself that a good wedge of your entrance fee is going towards the upkeep of these places for future generations,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sheffield
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Only a short walk from Drumnadrochit. Good value. Excellent teas shop. Passed an interesting few hours on a rainy day.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by martha1047 for Drumnadrochit
baltimore
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Just wonderful to walk on the grounds and enjoy Loch Ness.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Saco, Maine
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012

We stopped here mainly so my mum could use the loo (medical necessity). She was told she would have to pay £7.90 admission. The rest of us meanwhile were trying to see over the newly planted trees and shrubs to determine if it was worthwhile paying to see it. Scottish Heritage have invested a lot in ensuring that it is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ByHistoricScotland, Quality Services Manager at Urquhart Castle, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. We are sorry that you were disappointed that you couldn't use the loo without paying admission. We are bound by planning permission conditions meaning we can't allow access to any of our facilities without the admission fee being paid. We understand this can be frustrating for visitors however we hope... More

kent
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

You must visit here, it is awesome great views and great atmosphere Well worth the money

Was this review helpful? Yes
Maldon, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
Reviews in 42 cities Reviews in 42 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

The film at the beginning was very informative. I was a little disappointed because it is essentially a ruin so you couldn't really get the feel of what life was really like in those times. But, it was interesting enough.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Carol R for Drumnadrochit
Bolton
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

Accessible by car, coach and boat we travelled in by boat as part of a Jacobite Cruise across Loch Ness the tour guides are knowledgeable and approachable and the castle is quite large with lots of open walking areas.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Mr U for Drumnadrochit
Worcester, United Kingdom
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

As can be said for almost all Heritage and Trust sites in England and Scotland, the cost of admission per visit is high. Why: simple, these organisations want their visitors to take out some form of annual membership or purchase a pass. Fortunately, our annual memberships of The National Trust and English Heritage more than paid for themselves during our... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

Not really legal but no guards and very easy to go past the barrier: the castle is a lot more dramatic at night, with beautiful lighting AND it saves you £7.40, which is really overpriced.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Interesting castle ruins with a tower you can go up and take photos of Loch Ness, story boards around the site make this informative and interesting. Exhibition centre close by with a cafe and a souvenir shop in which you can buy all sorts of tat. Worth a visit if you're in the area.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Tony C for Drumnadrochit

Travellers who viewed Urquhart Castle also viewed

The Falls of Foyers
5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Foyers, Loch Ness
Cruise Loch Ness
4.5 of 5 stars 61 Reviews
Fort Augustus, Loch Ness
 
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition
3 of 5 stars 117 Reviews
Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness
Loch Ness
4 of 5 stars 60 Reviews
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
 

Been to Urquhart Castle? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Urquhart Castle, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »