A Day at Urquhart Castle

You’ll find lots of historical and cultural attractions, such as the iconic Urquhart Castle, to explore!

Spend your day at Urquhart Castle feeling like a true Highland explorer. Scan the loch for Nessie from Grant Tower.  Fight off enemies with the fully-functioning trebuchet siege engine!  It is a majestic place to visit.  Enjoy a delicious coffee and cake in the Café.  Or simply soak up the view of the gorgeous Great Glen – make sure it’s on your holiday to do list!

Urquhart Castle – a brief step back in time…

Urquhart Castle was once one of Scotland’s largest castles and has played many important rolls in Scottish history. St Columba is said to have visited around 580AD, the same time as his first encounter with Nessie!

From the early 1200s until its unfortunate demise in 1692 Urquhart castle acted as a medieval fortress and saw much military action. The Castle managed to survive capture by Edward I of England in 1296.  It was recaptured by King Robert the Bruce in 1306 (one of the only castles to hold out against the English after King Robert’s death), and several brutal raids and battles with the MacDonalds, Lord of the Isles. Urquhart Castle was repeatedly passed between Crown and clan until 1509.  During this time James IV gave the barony of Urquhart to the Grant family (along with instructions to restore the castle and estate!).

The Catholic King James VII & II was driven into exile in 1688, passing the crown onto his Protestant daughter Mary II and her husband William of Orange. This event – ‘The Glorious Revolution’ prompted the first Jacobite Risings. The uprising lasted for over 50 years and resulted in much bloodshed. Most of the support for the Jacobites came from the Highlands, so government forces took over Urquhart Castle and used it as a garrison for over 2 years. The last government soldiers marched from the castle in 1692 and blew it up. This was to prevent Jacobite forces being able to use it in future.  In 1913 the castle was passed into state care and is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. Today you can visit the castle year round just link to: Urquhart Castle

Opening Times

• April 1st to September 30th:  Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm
• October 1st to October 31st:  Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm
• November 1st to March 31st: Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 4.30pm

Check out our Explore section, it’s full of great days out in Inverness!

Stay at The Palace Hotel

The best news – beautiful Loch Ness is only a 20 minute drive from the Palace!  Book your Summer Escape in Inverness from only £61.95 per person per night. Call us 01463 223243 or email Palace for your best offers direct or simply book direct Book Here.