urquhart castle tour

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Urquhart Castle

By Drumnadrochit, near Inverness, IV63 6XJ

• 01456 450 551

Important notice

The castle will be closing early on Tuesday 18 June. Last entry will be at 5.30pm and the site will close at 7pm.

Prices and opening times

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 65+ or unemployed. Please note this does not apply to students.

Free and discounted admission

• Not a Member?   Join now   to start enjoying the benefits.
• English Heritage, Manx and Cadw members get half price entry in your first year and free entry for renewal and life members. Please make an online booking to guarantee entry.
• Carers who accompany visitors with disabilities receive free entry.   Please make an online booking  to guarantee entry. Tickets are limited to two carers per transaction.
• Have a Young Scot card? Pay just £1 to visit the castle. Please make an online booking to guarantee entry. You must show your valid Young Scot card on arrival (c hildren under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult).

Opening times

Please note that the film theatre is closed until further notice.

24 December - the castle closes at the earlier time of 4pm (last entry 2.30pm).

1 January - the castle opens at the later time of 11am.

Lochview Café opening times

• 1 April to  31 August: Daily, 9.30am to 7pm
• 1 to 30 September: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm
• 1 to 31 October: Daily, 9.30am to 4.30pm
• 1 November to 31 March: Daily, 9.30am to 4pm

View our sample menu (subject to change) [PDF, 68.2KB]

Find out more about the local products we use [PDF, 145KB]

Our café is officially great for families! It has achieved the @kidsinmuseums #FamilyCafeStandard, developed with @benugo. This rates museum cafés on their facilities, website, choice, sustainability, cost & more.  kidsinmuseums.org.uk

25 and 26 December

Check for closures

Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause a site to close.  We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. 

Current unexpected and short term closures

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. Apr to Aug: Daily, 9.30am to 8pm (last entry 7pm) Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm (last entry 5pm) Oct: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Nov to Mar: Daily, 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Urquhart Castle Statement of Significance

Urquhart castle on scran.

Browse images on our online learning resource.

Urquhart Castle on Canmore

Detailed information on our online catalogue of Scotland's heritage.

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Urquhart Castle Visitor Guide

Urquhart Castle, nestled on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands , is steeped in history. Its strategic location has made it a vital fortress since the 13th century, and though now in ruins, the castle’s remnants, including its iconic keep, echo tales of medieval battles and clan warfare. It offers panoramic views of the Loch, and if rumours are to be believed, a vantage point to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Urquhart Castle is one of those tourist attractions that seemingly everyone in the world has heard of. The castle is situated on the western shore of Loch Ness and is the perfect location to soak up the atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands.

Although it’s a popular tourist destination today thanks to its beautiful setting, in another life the castle played a pivotal role as a defensive position for both the Scots and the English where bloody battles eventually led to its partial demolition during the Wars of Independence.

In fact, its age is far greater than the current ruins would have you believe and it’s known that a fortification of some sort existed on the site as far back as the 6th century. These days you’re more likely to see busloads of invading tourists than invading armies descending on Urquhart Castle, but it’s well worth visiting, especially if you have an interest in history.

The views across Loch Ness from the castle walls are superb so if you visit this attraction make sure your camera is in hand. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a coffee and cake in the café – they sell seriously good food there and the view of the loch from the terrace is fantastic.

The Highlights

1: There are gorgeous views looking out from the castle across Loch Ness, but even better is looking back at Urquhart Castle from a boat cruise. Most cruises operate from Fort Augustus.

2: The castle ruins are an interesting place to explore but you’ll only really understand the role Urquhart played in Scotland’s history by taking a guided tour. Ask at the visitor centre for details.

3: The visitor centre is one of the best features of Urquhart Castle as it features an interesting exhibition, a gift shop, and a cafe with terrace seating.

Visiting Tips

1: If you want to sit on the café terrace you’ll have to get there before the crowds start massing at midday. Forget it if you arrive at the weekend in summer.

2: The cheapest way to explore Loch Ness from dry land is to drive or cycle the A82 which follows the loch its entire length on its western side. There are a couple of lay-bys on the A82 where you can get off the road and down to the water’s edge.

3: If you’re on a sightseeing tour, consider joining Historic Environment Scotland as membership allows free entry to hundreds of historic sites across Scotland. Discover more free attractions in the Highlands here .

Tourist Information

Due to the close proximity of both Inverness and Fort William, Urquhart Castle is easily accessible from either town and provides the perfect stopping-off point for visitors who want to experience Loch Ness in all its glory from both the northern and southern ends.

Once at the site, you’ll find a sizeable car park with accessible footpaths leading through the visitor centre and out into the grounds surrounding the castle ruins, while the castle itself can be explored in nearly all areas, with the gloomy prison cell and the imposing tower being particular highlights.

The castle is now a ruined shadow of its former glory, partly due to weather erosion and partly due to the English army garrison that was stationed there in the 17th century. At the time, the castle had been conquered alternately by the Scots and the English several times, but when the English troops finally left in 1692 they decided to prevent the fortress from being subsequently used by Jacobite forces by demolishing most of the castle walls with explosives.

However, a large part of the structure remains intact and there’s plenty to see and do at the site. In particular, the maze-like warren of walls and corridors that extend from the original great hall are fun places for children to explore.

Mums and dads will love the view stretching across Loch Ness from the battlements of Grant Tower and the kids will be fascinated by one of the few working stone-throwing trebuchets in Britain.

Perhaps the best way to see Urquhart Castle is from Loch Ness, and if you take one of the many loch cruises from Fort Augustus you’ll be able to see the castle from an entirely different perspective as the tour boat sails past the ruins.

The castle’s popularity with tourists means that it has been re-designed to be accessible for all ages and easy-access paths run throughout the site so even those with limited mobility will be able to enjoy the attraction.

The visitor centre is first class and features an extensive gift shop, exhibitions explaining the castle’s history, and a restaurant serving food and drink both inside the centre and outside on a terrace overlooking the loch. If you intend to spend any time at Loch Ness then a visit to Urquhart Castle has to be at the top of your list of places to visit.

Things to Do

Historical Exploration : Walk around the castle’s various rooms, from the Great Hall to Grant Tower and immerse yourself in medieval history. The castle’s rich history spans more than 1,000 years of conflicts, intrigue, and political drama. As you navigate through the ruins you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, making this a must-do activity for history buffs.

Guided Tours : Participate in a guided tour to dive deeper into the story of Urquhart Castle. The guides will share fascinating tales about the castle’s past events from its many sieges to its strategic importance during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Loch Ness Monster Spotting : Since Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness, it’s a great place to try and catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Spend a quiet afternoon by the water’s edge with binoculars (link to binocular reviews) in hand, hoping to spot Nessie. Even if you don’t, the beauty of the loch is a sight to behold.

Photography Sessions : With its picturesque location on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle offers stunning views that make for amazing photo opportunities. Capture the panorama of the loch, the surrounding mountains, and the atmospheric ruins. Get there early morning or evening during the golden hour for a photo you’ll be proud to share online.

Picnic by the Loch : Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the castle’s expansive grounds. The views are exceptional, but if you’d rather have someone else do the cooking I recommend finding a seat on the cafe terrace in the visitor centre (avoid the midday rush, though).

Things to Do Nearby

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition . Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6TU. 6-minute drive. A museum and exhibition centre that aims to educate and entertain visitors with displays and exhibitions about Loch Ness, the monster and the surrounding landscape. There is a café on-site and loch cruises can be booked from the centre.

Loch Ness . 1-minute walk. The largest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Ness is famous for sightings of a mysterious monster that is yet to be proven. The loch is fed by the River Ness to the north, beyond which is the city of Inverness. To the south is the tourist village of Fort Augustus which operates daily cruises up and down the loch.

Urquhart Bay Wood . A82, Inverness IV63 6XN. 3-minute drive. An alder woodland located on the shore of Loch Ness with footpaths throughout it. This is one of the few remaining wet woodlands in Scotland where the entire woodland becomes flooded after a rainfall.

The Garden on Loch Ness . Kilianan, Loch Ness Side, Inverness, Highlands and Islands IV3 8LA. 14-minute drive. A plant nursery and woodland garden that has an array of native and exotic plants.

Craig Monie . Inverness IV63 6XD. 4-minute drive plus a 30-minute walk. A hill to the south of Drumnadrochit that provides uninterrupted views across Loch Ness. Note that the hill is open to the public but it is covered in managed fir trees which can be forested at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is urquhart castle worth visiting.

Urquhart Castle is definitely worth visiting. The castle is one of the most picturesque in Scotland and offers stunning views of Loch Ness. The viewpoint of Loch Ness with Urquhart Castle in the foreground is one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland.

In addition, the castle ruins are fascinating to explore and are especially exciting for children, while adults will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of it.

The Historic Environment Scotland visitor centre is particularly good as it features an extensive Loch Ness exhibition, a shop, and a café with terrace seating overlooking the loch.

What is Urquhart Castle famous for?

Urquhart Castle is famous for its location on the banks of Loch Ness. The castle is one of the most scenic and most photographed in Scotland.

During its 1000-year history, the castle was known as one of the most strategically important in Scotland and was fiercely fought over by the Scottish and the English.

What was filmed at Urquhart Castle?

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), Loch Ness (1996).

Who blew up Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart Castle was destroyed by British government soldiers in 1692. Due to the fact the Scottish Highlands were a stronghold for the Jacobites, when government soldiers departed Urquhart Castle for the last time they demolished it with explosives so that it could not be used again.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Top Tips for visiting Urquhart Castle [Loch Ness Castle]

Are you planning to visit the famous Urquhart Castle located on the banks of Loch Ness? Read on to find out everything you need to know before visiting this popular tourist attraction and also check this detailed post on things to do in Drumnadrochit .

Where is Urquhart Castle ?

Urquhart Castle – sometimes referred to as Loch Ness Castle – is located in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Drumnadrochit , which is about 16 miles (26 kms) southwest of Inverness (30 minute drive). It sits on the shores of Loch Ness, the famous freshwater loch that is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. It makes for a great day trip from Inverness .

Is it worth visiting Urquhart Castle?

As locals, we have been several times and would 100% recommend visiting Urquhart Castle . The castle’s setting on the banks of Loch Ness is stunning and we particularly enjoy wandering around the ruins of the castle. The visitor centre offers a great short 8-minute film about the history of the castle and there are also some interesting displays including a model replica of what the castle would have looked like originally.

>> Wondering what else there is to do in the area? Head here for our detailed guide on things to do in Drumnadrochit ! <<

Brief history of Urquhart Castle

The castle dates back to the 13th century and over the years passed through the hands of various other Scottish clans, including the Grants, the Macdonalds, the Macleans, and the Grants, each of whom made their own contributions to the castle’s design and history. 

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How much time do you need at Urquhart Castle?

The amount of time needed to visit Urquhart Castle will very much depend on individual interests, but we would recommend allowing around one to two hours to explore the castle, the grounds and the visitor centre. Here are some things to consider when planning your visit:

• Start with the audio-visual show: The visitor centre has an audio-visual show that tells the story of Urquhart Castle. The show lasts around 8 minutes, and it’s worth watching to get an overview of the castle’s history and significance before heading out to visit the ruins of the castle.
• Explore the castle ruins: allow 30 minutes to an hour to explore the castle ruins, depending on your pace and how much of the site you want to see. You can walk along the walls, climb the towers, and explore the exhibition rooms to get a sense of the castle’s history and layout.
• Take in the stunning surroundings: Urquhart Castle or Loch Ness Castle is located on the shores of Loch Ness, and the views are simply gorgeous. You can take a leisurely stroll around the castle grounds or enjoy a snack at the café while taking in the scenery.

Highlights of Urquhart Castle

Grant tower.

Grant Tower is a prominent feature of Urquhart Castle and is the largest and most impressive surviving structure within the castle, standing at over 40 feet tall and containing 5 storeys. It was built in the 1500s by the Grant family. As the castle fell into decay, the tower partly collapsed in 1715 due to a violent storm. Today, visitors can climb partway up the tower and enjoy stunning views of the ruins, Loch Ness and the surrounding countryside or head down into the storeroom.

The full sized trebuchet

Visitors can witness a full-sized trebuchet in the grounds of Urquhart Castle. This is a mediaeval siege weapon that was used to hurl large stones at enemy fortifications. This replica trebuchet was built here in 1998  for a television recording at Caerlaverock Castle and was then brought back to Urquhart Castle after the filming. This impressive display is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

Views towards Loch Ness & Nessie Spotting

The views towards Loch Ness are a highlight in their own right, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the dark and mysterious waters of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs. And of course, it’s the perfect spot to do some Loch Ness Monster spotting.

Film in the visitor centre

We highly recommend watching the film in the visitor centre. It only lasts 8 minutes but gives you a great insight into the castle’s history. The film is available with subtitles in various languages as well as in English. We particularly love the end of the film when the curtains open up to display a stunning panoramic view of the castle and grounds outside (see photo above).

Cafe and gift shop in Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle has a café and a gift shop within the visitor centre area. The café offers a variety of food and drink options including soup, sandwiches, or snacks, as well as a selection of cakes and baked goods. The café has both an indoor and outdoor seating area. If the sun is shining, we strongly recommend grabbing a table outside so that you can enjoy your meal/drink/coffee with a view of the castle and Loch Ness.

The gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, including Scottish crafts, jewellery, clothing, books, and other gifts. It’s a great place to pick up a memento of your visit to Urquhart Castle.

Both the café and gift shop are open during the castle’s opening hours, which vary depending on the season.

How to get to Urquhart Castle

Getting to Urquhart Castle by car

You can easily get from Inverness to Urquhart Castle. It’s located about 16 miles from Inverness and can be reached by car. Visitors can take the A82 road from Inverness and follow the signs for Urquhart Castle. There is ample parking available at the castle for those arriving by car – although we strongly recommend booking your car parking space ahead when booking your tickets online ( click here ) or arrive early in the day if visiting during school holidays or peak season. Once the car park is full, you will need to drive to Drumnadrochit, park there (in ‘the Hub’ car park – the local tourist office building on your left before the traffic lights) and walk 30 minutes to reach the castle. We live locally and can confirm that having driven past the castle on many occasions, the car park is marked as full from about mid-morning from May onwards so make sure you plan ahead or park in the village.

It’s also an easy drive if coming from the south – simply follow the A82 northbound along the shores of Loch Ness.

Getting to Urquhart Castle by bus

If you’re travelling from Inverness, catch the Scottish Citylink bus number 919 from Inverness bus station. The journey takes 35 minutes and you’ll be dropped off at the carpark stop at the castle.  Check bus timetable here.

Alternatively, you can catch the Stagecoach bus number 17 from Inverness bus station to Drumnadrochit and walk about 30-40 minutes south to the castle. Check bus timetable here.

If you’re travelling from Fort William, catch the Scottish Citylink bus number 919 from Fort William bus station – it makes a number of stops on route including Spean Bridge, Invergarry, Fort Augustus and Invermoriston. Check times and full route here.

Getting to Urquhart Castle with a tour operator or by boat

Visitors can also reach the castle on a guided tour which includes transportation to and from Inverness, a live tour guide on the coach, admission to Urquhart Castle as well as a 30-minute Loch Ness boat cruise. This is a great option if you’re based in Inverness as all the transportation is arranged for you and you get to enjoy both a boat cruise and a visit to the castle. No driving involved! Check prices and availability below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Another option would be to go on a boat tour and get a view of the castle from Loch Ness . You wouldn’t get a chance to walk around the ruins but it could be a good option if you’re squeezed for time.

Here are two great options (click on the links below to check prices and availability):

• A 50 minute Urquhart Castle round-trip cruise on Loch Ness (leaves from the Clansman Harbour)
• A 2 hour Jacobite cruise that departs from Dochgarroch Lock , a short 15 minute drive south of Inverness – click here to book .

Do you need to book in advance to visit Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart castle welcomes over half a million visitors a year and can get very busy during peak season. Although it’s not necessary to book in advance, the lady at the welcome desk strongly recommended that visitors book ahead from April to October and especially if planning to visit during peak tourist season or school holidays. You can choose to book ahead online (and make a small saving) or take your chance and buy your ticket on the day at the castle. Booking ahead will also help you make the most of your visit and avoid any potential queues or delays.

Can you see Urquhart Castle without paying?

There is an admission fee to visit Urquhart Castle although you can get a great view of the castle from the loch if you go on a Jacobite Loch Ness cruise . Check out this instagram post where you’ll get to see what we mean. Also, if you walk from Drumnadrochit up to the castle, you’ll get a glimpse of the ruins through the foliage just before you reach the castle. You can’t actually see very much if you head to the castle’s car park as there is a large wall blocking the view of the ruins. You can get a view of the castle from the other side of Loch Ness at Change House walk, albeit a distant view – check out our post on things to do around Loch Ness to find out about where to stop on the south side of Loch Ness.

What was filmed at Urquhart Castle ?

Surprisingly, not that many movies were filmed at Urquhart Castle despite its scenic location and atmospheric ruins. Here are a couple of films you might want to check out before your visit:

• “ “Private life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)” 

How to pronounce “Urquhart “

You might be wondering how to pronounce the word “Urquhart” and if so, we invite you to check out this youtube video which will have you talking like a local and you’ll even learn some Scottish history in the process!

Tips to avoid queues at Urquhart Castle

As mentioned previously, Urquhart Castle is a popular tourist attraction, and during peak season, it can get busy with long queues at the entrance. Here are some tips to avoid queues at Urquhart Castle:

• Arrive early: The castle opens at 9:30 am, and arriving early can help you avoid the crowds. This is especially the case during peak season.
• Buy tickets in advance : Buying tickets online in advance can save you time waiting in line at the ticket counter. You can also book a space at the castle car park at the same time. This is definitely worth doing as the car park fills up quickly during peak season and you will not be able to simply turn up on the day if you haven’t booked your space ahead.
• You might also want to buy an explorer pass if you’re planning on visiting several Historic Scotland sites – Fort George, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, etc. The pass gives you access to all Historic Scotland sites over a period of 7 days. This is worthwile if you’re touring round Scotland.
• TIP: if you’re a Scottish resident and have a Young Scot Card, you can book your ticket online for just £1!
• Visit during off-peak hours: If you can’t visit early in the morning, try to visit during off-peak hours, such as late afternoon. The castle is usually less crowded during these times.
• Visit during the off-season: The castle is open all year round, but it’s less crowded during the off-season, which is from November to March. 

Visiting Urquhart Castle with kids

Urquhart Castle is a great place to bring kids! Who doesn’t like to pretend they’re a knight, a prince or princess? Your kids can choose between the explorer quiz (available in several languages) or they can take part in the “castle of wolves” challenge. This involves finding plaques with blue wolves dotted around the grounds of the castle. The little ones will report the number of wolves they’ve spotted to the reception desk and will be rewarded with a certificate of achievement + a sticker. And of course, they can do some Nessie spotting!

Here are some extra tips for visiting Urquhart Castle with kids:

• Bring snacks and water: Exploring the castle can be tiring, so we recommend packing some snacks and water to keep them fueled.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The castle ruins can be uneven and slippery, so make sure they’re wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes that provide good grip.
• Pick up an explorer quiz at the entrance: your kids will be completely engaged and interested in their visit.
• Visit the visitor centre: Watch the 8 minute film and check out the various exhibits. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the history of the castle before exploring the ruins.
• Take in the views: The castle is located on the shores of Loch Ness, and the views are breathtaking. Take the time to enjoy the scenery with your kids and point out any wildlife you spot.
• Participate in special events: Depending when you go, you might come across Mike the Knight who’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or a Jacobite soldier. Urquhart Castle offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments and workshops. Check the calendar of events to see if there’s something that your kids might enjoy.

Can you take dogs to Urquhart Castle?

Unfortunately your furry friend cannot visit Urquhart Castle – only assistance dogs can (they must be on a lead at all times).

Check out the posts below for some further inspiration if you’re planning a visit to the Highlands 👇👇👇

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Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

Book assured book, change or cancel this tour with peace of mind., for full details click here.

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• The Original Loch Ne...

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The Original Loch Ness Tour - 1 day tour

The Original Loch Ness Tour One day tour

Explore some of the finest scenery in Europe - The Scottish Highlands, a land of sky-high mountains, tranquil sea lochs and fairy-tale castles. The main attraction of this popular tour is the leisurely stop at Loch Ness. Discover the highlights of Scotland in just one day! 

Rannoch Moor - experience Scotland’s natural wilderness at its very best

Glen Coe - savour the views when we stop in this legendary valley, scene of the infamous massacre in 1692

Ben Nevis - admire the soaring peak of Britain’s tallest mountain

Loch Ness - during our leisurely visit, explore impressive Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on the loch

Cairngorms National Park - enjoy a scenic drive through this beautiful land of mountains and lochs

Pitlochry  - spend time exploring this delightful Victorian resort in the heart of Highland Perthshire

Movie locations - Loch Ness, Restless Natives and Centurion

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Full Tour Itinerary

Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head towards Stirling with its ancient Castle then stop for morning coffee at Kilmahog.

Next, it’s Rob Roy Country and dramatic Rannoch Moor before arriving at the Weeping Glen – Glen Coe , the infamous site of the 1692 Massacre of the resident MacDonalds by Government troops of the Campbell Clan.

After a short drive, we arrive at Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

After time for lunch, there’s a photo stop at Spean Bridge before we enter the scenic beauty of the famous Great Glen, a landscape of soaring mountains and shimmering lochs.

Our journey follows the route of the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle .

The Castle provides an excellent vantage point to see the deepest part of the loch. Here you can enjoy an optional visit to the Castle and take a short cruise on the loch. 

On our homeward journey, we pass by Inverness then enter the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park .

Our descent through the Grampian Mountains takes us into scenic Perthshire, “Big Tree Country”.

The last part of our tour takes us through the ancient Kingdom of Fife to the famous Forth Rail Bridge and the conclusion of our tour in Edinburgh.

Please note that this tour may operate in reverse.

Check out our Scotland Weather page for helpful information on what to expect weather-wise during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this signature day tour.

Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.

Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.

There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.

Tell me more about the optional visit to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise?

You can maximise your time at Loch Ness by purchasing the optional Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise combination ticket.

Visit hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch.

After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a cruise on Loch Ness. The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets.

Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.

You can purchase this combination ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only.

For operational reasons it’s not possible to purchase the cruise or admission to Urquhart Castle separately.

Do you offer a hotel pick-up service on this tour?

We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling around hotels.

By offering a single centrally located departure point we can get you to Scotland’s best scenery as quickly as possible .

Can I book seats on the coach?

The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.

We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.

I am travelling on a budget. Can I do the same trip by public transport?

Almost certainly not!

Our tours are designed to maximise your sightseeing opportunities so we frequently head off the main road and take routes where there is little or no public transport available.

Please also bear in mind that the tour commentary that you will enjoy is designed to bring Scotland’s history, nature and scenic beauty to life as you travel around.

Reading about your surroundings from a guide book will just not be the same!

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

• Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midi coach
• Live commentary in English
• Services of an experienced guide or driver/guide
• Service charges and taxes
• Admission charges 
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide

Departure information

From 1 Parliament Square Royal Mile/High Street Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Check-in: 07:45 hrs Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs

Child details

Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive. We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.

Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement. 

Price Notes

Book Assured Book   by   paying   a 20% deposit.   Make date changes   or   get   a   full refund   with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information .

Admission Prices In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. 

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code HEX 00758

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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:

Great tour! Delivered exactly what was promised and more. Our guide Charlie and our driver Paul were both extremely funny and efficient, and gave many insightful explanations regarding Scottish history and the country’s ecosystem. The views were breathtaking and their playlist made it even better, allowing us to discover great Scottish artists. It was a fantastic road trip and I would certainly book a tour with them again.

The Loch Ness tour was absolutely perfect! We saw so much of the country in one day, totally great value for the price. Our guide, Brodie, was very informative (and very funny, with some great stories) and we learned a lot. The Scottish Highlands are a must see and this was the prefect way to dip our toes in the water. I would recommend this tour to anyone!

Tour does what is says, plenty of time at Lock Ness and a few top stops along the way.

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