Urquhart Castle |
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Urquhart Castle, a dramatic attraction which overlooks the water of Loch Ness, is surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning Highland scenery. Once one of Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart has a fascinating history.
The castle's history is told in an exhibition and audio-visual display in the superb visitor centre, where medieval artefacts discovered on site are also on show.
There are also remains of kitchens, the gatehouse, cellars and other buildings which provided for the lord's comforts and protection.
Urquhart Castle has a long and bloody history stretching back to the 13th century when the area was granted to the powerful Durward family.
Following Edward I's invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again.
The castle figured in the Scottish struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle and glen were frequently raided from the west by the ambitious Macdonald Lords of the Isles.
The shop is stocked with a wide range of gifts, books, food, drink and jewellery, as well as a range of local crafts made in the Highlands.
The cafe offers a menu which includes home baking and a selection of hot and cold snacks. Picnic packs are also available for those wishing to eat outside in fine weather.
The centre is fully accessible, with sound loop facilities. Two motorised disability buggies are available on request.
This property is managed by Historic Scotland.
The castle's history is told in an exhibition and audio-visual display in the superb visitor centre, where medieval artefacts discovered on site are also on show.
Exploring the Castle
Visitors to the castle can see the five-storey Grant Tower, which once provided accommodation for the lords and their families. The tower gives magnificent views of Loch Ness.There are also remains of kitchens, the gatehouse, cellars and other buildings which provided for the lord's comforts and protection.
Urquhart Castle has a long and bloody history stretching back to the 13th century when the area was granted to the powerful Durward family.
Following Edward I's invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again.
The castle figured in the Scottish struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle and glen were frequently raided from the west by the ambitious Macdonald Lords of the Isles.
Visitor Facilities
In addition to the display of artefacts, an audio-visual presentation, available in six languages, condenses the castle's turbulent history into a dramatic short film.The shop is stocked with a wide range of gifts, books, food, drink and jewellery, as well as a range of local crafts made in the Highlands.
The cafe offers a menu which includes home baking and a selection of hot and cold snacks. Picnic packs are also available for those wishing to eat outside in fine weather.
The centre is fully accessible, with sound loop facilities. Two motorised disability buggies are available on request.
This property is managed by Historic Scotland.
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Directions |
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On Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit on the A82.
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Urquhart Castle Postcode for SatNav: IV63 6XJ
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Contact
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Days Out near Urquhart Castle
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Loch Ness (1 Mile)*
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Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre (14 Miles)*
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Culloden (17 Miles)*
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West Affric (21 Miles)*
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Ruthven Barracks (22 Miles)*
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Fort George (23 Miles)*
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Highland Wildlife Park (23 Miles)*
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Strathspey Steam Railway (24 Miles)*
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Cawdor Castle (25 Miles)*
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Nairn Museum (28 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Urquhart Castle
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Inverness (14 Miles)*
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North Bovey (15 Miles)*
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Strathpeffer (18 Miles)*
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Invergarry (21 Miles)*
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Garve (22 Miles)*
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Catlodge (22 Miles)*
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Aviemore (24 Miles)*
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Starcross (28 Miles)*
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Grantown-on-Spey (31 Miles)*
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Coulags (35 Miles)*
Also near Urquhart Castle |
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