Urquhart Castle
Sitting along the bank of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle’s stories are told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents and historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine.
Urquhart Castle’s Google Maps Virtual Tour invites visitors to look around the grounds and visitor centre, providing an insight into the facilities that are available.
Learn more about Urquhart Castle on Visit Inverness Loch Ness and Historic Environment Scotland.
Tour highlights
A friendly welcome at Urquhart Castle
A preview of the exhibits at Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle Film Theatre and timer screen
Showing Lochview Cafe is open and ready to serve visitors
Highlighting accessibility with chairs and lifts
Presenting signs that help guide visitors around
Urquhart Castle’s Virtual Tour
A glimpse into the castle’s history
Perched on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s iconic historic landmarks.
The origins of the castle stretch back over a millennium, having witnessed centuries of conflict, power struggles, and dramatic change. Once a medieval fortress guarding the Great Glen, it played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence during the 13th and 14th centuries, frequently changing hands between the Scots and the English. By the 1500s, Urquhart was a stronghold for Clan Grant, who held it until the late 17th century.
The castle was eventually abandoned and deliberately partially destroyed to prevent it from being used by Jacobite forces. What remains today is a striking ruin—its crumbling towers and curtain walls a powerful reminder of Scotland’s turbulent past.
Today, the castle and its centre attracts visitors from around the world, drawn not only by its dramatic setting overlooking Loch Ness, but also by its rich (and sometimes violent) history. Our virtual tour of the visitor centre and a peek into the cafe helps bring that story to life and connect the past with the present through an accessible, immersive digital experience.
Facilities
- Accessible by public transport
- Bicycle rack
- Bus parking
- Cafe, for tea, coffee, cakes, and lunch
- Car parking
- Children’s quiz available
- Disabled toilets
- Guided tours
- Historical displays
- Outdoor picnic area
- Toilets
- Visitor centre and shop
- Water bottle refill station
A cafe with a lochview!
With stunning views of the castle and Loch Ness as a backdrop, Lochview Cafe is the perfect place for a break, whether you’re been diving into Scottish history or out Nessie hunting!
There’s juice, teas and coffees, and plenty on the cake table, including scones which are made on site daily. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, there’s seasonal soups and traditional Cullen Skink, sandwiches, salads and delicious deli lunches!
The cafe is wheelchair accessible, with seating inside and out, with highchairs available for the little ones.