Plan your visit
Tickets, opening times & travel tips
Everything you need to know to make the most of your day at Urquhart Castle. All prices shown in GBP.
Book tickets & guided tours
Browse and book Urquhart Castle tickets, Loch Ness cruises and Highland day tours below. Secure checkout in GBP.
Opening times
Closed 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January. Always double-check current times before travelling.
- April – September9:30am – 6:00pm (last entry 5:00pm)
- October9:30am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)
- November – March9:30am – 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Getting there
By car: On the A82, about 15 miles south-west of Inverness. Free on-site car and coach parking.
By bus: Regular Citylink buses between Inverness and Fort William stop at the castle car park.
By boat: Loch Ness cruises from Inverness and Fort Augustus include a castle stop — a beautiful way to arrive.
Address: Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ.
Visitor tips
Book online in advance
The castle can sell out at peak times. Booking online in GBP guarantees your slot and often saves you money.
Allow 2–3 hours
Plan for the visitor centre film, a wander through the ruins, the Grant Tower climb and a photo stop by the loch.
Wear sturdy shoes
The paths and steps down to the castle are steep, and the stonework can be uneven and slippery when wet.
Bring a jacket
The Highlands can be breezy and showery even in summer — a light waterproof rarely goes to waste.
Ticket prices at a glance
Standard admission is sold in GBP by Historic Environment Scotland. As a rough guide, expect around £14–£16 for an adult, £11–£13 for concessions and £8–£10 for children aged 5–15. Under-5s go free, and family tickets usually work out cheaper than buying individually. Historic Scotland and English Heritage members enter free with a valid card.
Guided tours, Loch Ness cruises and combined castle-and-cruise packages are bookable through our partner Viator above, with instant confirmation and free cancellation on most options.
When to visit
Spring (April–May) brings long, gentle days and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is the busiest and warmest time — book ahead and aim for the first or last slot of the day. Autumn (September–October) is our favourite: golden light, misty mornings and softer visitor numbers. Winter (November–March) is atmospheric and quiet, though days are short and the weather can turn quickly.
Food, drink & facilities
The on-site café serves hot drinks, soups, sandwiches and cakes with a panoramic loch view — perfect after climbing the Grant Tower. There's a well-stocked gift shop, clean toilets (including accessible and baby-changing facilities), a free car park and coach parking. Dogs on leads are welcome around the grounds.
Combine your visit
Many visitors pair Urquhart Castle with a Loch Ness cruise from Clansman Harbour or Dochgarroch, a stop at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, or a wider Highland day trip taking in Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle or Glen Affric. See our Loch Ness guide for ideas.