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Urquhart Castle
Scottish Castles > Urquhart Castle Maybe it's not the most famous of Scotland’s castles, but Urquhart Castle is well worth a visit for the history and the magnificent views.
Situated on the banks of Loch Ness, the Castle, surrounded by stunning scenery, is the ideal vantage point for views over the loch and Great Glen. Urquhart, which was once one of Scotland's largest castles, has a fascinating and bloody history that dates back to the 13th century. Built in the 1230s, the best preserved part of the castle is the tower that was built by the Grant family, and despite its ruinous state it remains an impressive stronghold. A climb to the top of the tower will give you spectacular views across the Loch, and some there are some visitors who patiently lie in wait hoping to catch a glimpse of "Nessie" the mysterious Loch Ness Monster. Opinion has it that there was a Pictish settlement in the area round about the year 597, and from the 13th century, when the area was granted to the Durward family, much blood has been spilled and Urquhart Castle has changed hands many times, like so many Scottish castles. Featuring prominently in the Scottish struggle for independence, the Castle was occupied by King Edward I of England in 1296, and it remained in English hands until Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland and recaptured it in 1308. The final action came in 1689 during the Jacobite uprising, with the Castle being defended by a garrison loyal to the protestant monarchy of William & Mary, holding off the Jacobite force, who had pledged allegiance to the exiled Stewart kings.
In 2003 it was gifted by the widowed Mrs Chewett to the National Trust For Scotland, and is now looked after by Historic Scotland. Historic Scotland has carried out some modernisation of the castle, and there is now a new visitor centre. The centre shows an introductory film tour of the history of Urquhart Castle, and a model of how it would have looked at its peak. The Centre also has a shop and cafe, and around 250,000 visitors come each year, but perhaps the most famous visitors were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who actually stayed here in 1847. Conveniently located just one hour's drive from Inverness Airport, Urquhart Castle has now become one of our most popular tourist attractions, along with Loch Ness, and tales of the Loch Ness monster. There is free parking at Urquhart with disabled access around the grounds, and with Inverness and Fort William nearby, you have a good base to explore the Scottish Highlands with a host of attractions. Opening Times : 1st April to 30th September - 9.30am to 6.00pm Admission Charges : Adult - £6.50 Find A Hotel In Scotland. Different providers, different prices, and user reviews. Save time and money, search them here for the best deal. More Scottish Castles : Edinburgh Castle
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