Please note that the film theatre is closed until further notice.
Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands.
Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café.
Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film.
The castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and the site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s history. This is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.
The visitor centre is fully accessible and there is a photographic guide for those who have mobility issues. Disability buggies are available on request.
Save with an Explorer Pass
An Explorer Pass, valid for 14 consecutive days, is a great way to explore our iconic sites.
Our sites sometimes need to close at short notice due to adverse weather, essential maintenance work, and other reasons outwith our control. Check for short notice closures. We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. If you have an urgent enquiry related to a site closure and your booking over the weekend or a bank holiday please get in touch with ticketing@hes.scot
