Welcome to Scotland, the land of kilts, castles and above all, the mysterious Loch Ness. If you’re looking for a getaway immersed in Highland history, Urquhart Castle is the place to be. Located in County Inverness, this castle offers a unique experience, offering a fascinating dive into medieval Highland life. You can climb the Grant Tower that overlooks Loch Ness, explore a prison cell that is said to have housed a legendary bard, and enjoy replicas of many historical artifacts. In this article, I’m going to give you all the information you need to plan your visit to Urquhart Castle.
History
Since the sixth century, Urquhart Castle has seen dramatic chapters of wars of independence, acts of chivalry and challenges. The castle was once one of the largest castles in Scotland and is now a majestic ruin. Visitors are introduced to several centuries of history, including how the castle was built, many of the events that took place within its walls, and how it fell into disrepair over time.
Climbing the Grant Tower
The Grant Tower is the tallest tower in the castle and offers striking views of Loch Ness. Even though the climbing is a bit challenging, it’s definitely worth it. Once you reach the top, you can admire the clear horizon, giving you an incredible perspective of the entire castle. In addition, the views of Loch Ness are unforgettable.
Exploring the Prison Cell
One of the most interesting places to visit in the castle is the prison cell. Over time, this cell was used to capture and imprison the castle’s enemies. It is even said that a legendary bard was imprisoned in this cell. Today, the visitor can see the living conditions relating to prison cells in the Middle Ages.
Reconstructed replicas of historical artifacts
The Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre provides a lot of information about the history of the castle, as well as replicas of many historical artefacts. This includes weapons and costumes that have been used for historical battle re-enactments. There is also a garden inspired by the Middle Ages that you can stroll through if the weather permits.
Accessibility
The visitor centre is accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. Strollers are also available upon request. Please note that extreme weather conditions may result in short-term closures. Visitors are kindly requested to check the weather conditions before their visit.
Conclusion
Urquhart Castle is an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to discover the fascinating history of the Highlands. The castle is easily accessible from Inverness and offers activities for all ages. Climbing the Grant Tower, exploring the prison cell, strolling through the medieval garden, admiring the replicas of historical artifacts, taking a walk around the ruins, these activities are worth trying.
