An internationally recognised landmark, Urquhart Castle stands on a small headland above the shore of Loch Ness. It’s perfectly placed to command a spectacular view of the famous loch.
Though it was originally one of the largest castles in Scotland, only parts of it are still standing, but they are very atmospheric. It was probably built around the middle of the 13th century, though there may have been an earlier large fort on the site. The name ‘Urquhart’ is thought to combine Gaelic and Old Welsh words to mean ‘by the woodland’.
Edward I of England seized the castle in 1296. Afterwards it was held alternately by Scottish and by English forces. In 1509 James IV gave John Grant the castle and the lands of adjacent Glen Urquhart.
During the 1688 revolution the Grants opposed the rebellious Jacobites but after their defeat the castle was occupied by government forces. When they left in 1692 it was blown up to prevent its occupation by defeated rebels. More than 200 years later the castle was given to the state by the then owner, a descendant of John Grant.
Today the ditch and the location of the drawbridge, gatehouse and the five-storey high Grant Tower survive, and the outlines of other structures can be seen. The visitor centre, set well back into the hillside and overlooking the castle, was opened in 1999.
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Our private tours that visit Urquhart Castle
Tour Highlights:
- Visit mighty Blair Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
- Stroll through beautiful Highland scenery, with waterfalls and ancient forests
- Learn about highland culture at The Highland Life Museum
From: £1,680
Tour Highlights:
- Take the trip north and venture through the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness
- Visit Glencoe and learn about the infamous massacre that took place there
- Stop at Urquhart Castle and explore this ruined highland fortress
£750
Tour Highlights:
- Visit mighty Blair Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
- Stroll through beautiful Highland scenery, with waterfalls and ancient forests
- Learn about highland culture at The Highland Life Museum
From: £1,680
- Tour through the dramatic scenery of the central Highlands and learn their turbulent history
- Take an (optional) boat trip over Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle
- Experience first hand what life was like in the highlands at the crofters village
£570
Tour Highlights:
- Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie and learn about the Jacobite Cause
- Visit Culloden Battlefield, the last battle to be fought on British soil
- Stunning Castles and fortresses that tell stories of rebellion and retribution
£570
Tour Highlights:
- Take the trip 'over the bridge' to the Kingdom of Fife
- Explore the world-famous town of St Andrews, the home of golf
- See the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews Cathedral and historic Castle
From: £2,300
Tour Highlights:
- A fantastic 5-day tour exploring the highlights of Scotland
- Witness stunning landscapes in the last great wilderness in Europe
- Visit iconic locations and hidden gems with your knowledgable private guide
£3,200
Tour Highlights:
- Explore history popularised recently by the hit TV drama ‘Outlander’
- Visit key locations connected with the uprisings
- See locations used in filming Outlander
From: £400
Tour Highlights:
- Travel to Applecross driving the Bealach na Ba pass, part of the North Coast 500
- Drive through some of Scotland's most remote landscapes, known as Europe's last wilderness
- See Loch Torridon and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
£750
