Urquhart Castle --worth stop? Tix on-line?

We stopped there as part of the Jacobite Sensation Tour. It was nice. I guess it depends on how much time you have. If you're limited - skip it. If you have time, stop. You could probably pop in for 1/2 hour and see enough. Not sure about buy tix online.

Don't bother going down. You can see all there is from the road along the top of the hill. It's a complete ruin.

True - it's a ruin. But an impressive one. I'm glad we stopped instead of settling for a glimpse from the road above. It was fun to walk around the grounds, and the views of Loch Ness were terrific.

I have to say that I enjoyed Urquhart Castle. They have an interesting visitor's center that tells you the story of the castle and then it's fun to clamber around the various parts of the castle itself. This is an Historic Scotland property so they really tend to the history. They are wonderful views of Loch Ness from the castle. There won't be much of line. So, if you have time and are interested in history, then head down and see it. Pam

I agree with Pamela and Tom. Urquhart Castle is iconic with that situation right on the edge of Loch Ness. We have seen it several times and find it more evocative on an overcast day. The visitors' centre video is fun, especially with the "surprise" at the end. They also have an excellent gift shop......If you would like to get a kitschy picture while you are there, next to the Loch Ness monster center there is a large pond with a tethered "fake" Nessie.......The first time we went to Urquhart Castle (1989), there was a kid at the gate with a cigar box collecting a pound, then you walked down and clambered all over the ruin. No visitors' centre then.

I agree with the others, it is well worth the stop. The castle is quite interesting to wander around especially on a nice day. The views of Loch Ness from this vantage point are also worthwhile. Nice visitors centre - you shouldn't need to buy tickets on-line. The entire site will only take a few hours to enjoy. What's the hurry? WE don't always agree with all of RS's ratings.

I cannot imagine passing Urquhart without stopping. I've been three times - just the stunning views are worth the effort.
Roger

If you are also planning to see Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle I would suggest buying the Scotland Explorer Pass. You can purchase it at the first site you visit. http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/explorer.htm

Thanks, Everyone -- You've given us a good "outline" as to how to use our time there. As usual, a case of "too many places in the world, but too little time!"

I want to second the suggestion to check out the pass. You can look at their site to see if there are other sites that you would like to visit. Here's the link to the site search part of the website. http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults.htm?keywords=&Region=GR_1&PropertyType=All In general though, one more place plus the castles in Edinburgh and Stirling make it a good deal. Pam

We really enjoyed exploring Urquhart Castle in 1999. Not much of a line. Views were impressive.

I loved Urquhart Castle- it was a terminus on our boat ride down Loch Ness from Inverness. We took the bus back, with a mandatory visit at the Nessie store. The castle ruins still have windows to look out upon landscapes unchanged for centuries. And there was a teen bagpiper in full regalia who serenaded if you remembered to "pay the piper".

We have enjoyed Urquart Castle. And the cruises on the Loch. There is asmall village at the top of the lock- Drumnadrochit- well worth a stop. Good pubs (3 I think- we've visited 2 of them- both excellent), good shopping and some artists shops too (pottery, painting, crafts, ssewing, glass blowing, etc.).