Urquhart Castle Reviews Summary

Visitor Centre & Amenities

Pros:

• "The visitors centre is stunning and cleverly hidden within the cliff face."
• "Big parking, nice coffee shop and gift shop on site. Clean toilets and you can watch documentary film 10 minutes long before you go walk around the castle."
• "They have a nice gift shop and well maintained bathrooms."
• "There is also a nice souvenir shop, clean toilet facilities and a nice cafe in the area."
• "Good visitor centre facilities."
• "The self-guided tour was very informative and the movie at the beginning & the exhibit in the visitor center really gives you an idea about the castle's history."
• "The visitor center's interactive exhibits and engaging audio guides provided a fascinating glimpse into the past."

Cons:

• "The only downside was we went for a coffee after walking around and left after not being noticed as the two staff were chatting out the back."
• "The only negative was that the cafe was out of most items when we were there."
• "The staff were upfront about issues on the day we visited meaning the cafe, shop and visitor centre were closed."
• "The boat staff were actually NOT very helpful or friendly."
• "Plus my audio guide would not work on my phone and I asked a castle employee to help me and they were totally clueless."
• "Also would skip the cafe, only staff were school kids who didn’t seem to have a clue."
• "The prices in the cafe did seem excessive so we dodged a bullet there anyway."

Castle Experience & Views

Pros:

• "Urquhart Castle stands proudly on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Ness."
• "Many places with excellent views, nicely presented information plaques, lots of hands on touching of old walls, etc."
• "The castle has a great view of the loch and is pretty awesome."
• "A beautiful castle ruin in a stunning highland setting. Urquhart Castle is a 'must-visit'."
• "Great ruined castle experience. The film was a great start and then the curtains roll back to reveal the castle, very nicely done."
• "Incredible views of Loch Ness from here also."
• "Take in the stunning views of Loch Ness from the castle's vantage point."

Cons:

• "The castle is in ruins in parts of it as there has not been anybody living there for a very long time."
• "Feels a little like a tourist trap/money grab…"
• "It did get crowded and became more difficult to maneuver the narrow staircases around the castle."
• "Interesting visitor centre and nice view of the loch. But the castle itself is a bit underwhelming due to it being a heap of destroyed walls and not much else."
• "The castle was way too crowded and there's very little to actually see."
• "Unless you have advanced booking, you won't be able to park onsite."
• "When we arrived we were a little disappointed 😮‍💨...The all area of ​​the ruins can be viewed from the parking for free 🤷‍♀️."

Staff & Service

Pros:

• "The gentleman staff member with the red ponytail was so informative and entertaining."
• "A well kept, clean and tidy attraction supported by friendly staff makes this lovely place easy to recommend."
• "The staff did everything well, the gift shop was dangerously tempting."
• "Great bit of history. Loved this visit the staff were chatty and friendly with loads of knowledge."
• "The tour guides dotted around are very friendly. They take the history and breathe life into it, and you will come away informed and appreciative."
• "We asked Mark a question and we're offered a run down of the castles history which was amazing!"
• "Incredible location with a remarkable history. Brilliantly looked after by Historic Scotland."