Scotland has been, throughout its history, home to thousands of castles. If you’re fascinated by them, just like we are, you’re in the right place! We can ensure that touring them is a fantastic way to uncover the country’s many stories and discover its natural and historical landscape.
It may seem challenging to narrow down your list into a manageable itinerary. To help you, we’ve compiled the best castles in Scotland that you won’t want to miss, from seaside fortress to medieval palaces.
- Explore these sights the easy way by taking a tour featuring Scottish castles
1. Edinburgh Castle
Best for: sightseeing in Scotland’s capital city
Easily one of Scotland’s well-known attractions, Edinburgh Castle sits proudly above the city from its craggy, hilltop location on Castle Rock.
People have lived on this hill for thousands of years and archaeologists have unearthed remains from as early as the Iron Ages. Yet, Edinburgh Castle wasn’t built until the 12th century.
Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions and for a good reason too. Here you can learn about the castle’s role in Scottish history and how it became one of the most attacked fortresses in the UK.
Edinburgh Castle has seen some of the best and worst periods in Scottish history, including the 14th-century Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Inside the castle itself, you’ll find some gems that you’ll want to see for yourself. You could discover the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and hear the 15th-century gun fired every day at 1 PM. Don't miss St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in all of Edinburgh.
Walk atop Castle Rock and you’ll also be rewarded with fantastic views of the city below.
- Spend Christmas or New Year's Eve in Scotland and you could see Edinburgh Castle at its festive finest
- Related: Cool facts about Scotland
2. Stirling Castle
Best for: Discovering the heart of Scottish history and keeping the kids entertained
Dating back to the 12th century, Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill, at the heart of Stirling, and is an unmissable landmark in the area.
Stirling itself is known as the "brooch of Scotland", and, because of its location, it was said that "He who holds Stirling holds Scotland". For this reason, it was the location of many legendary battles, including the sieges of Stirling Castle.
Although a fortress, it is also an enchanting palace and was once the favoured home of the Stewart kings and queens. It has even played host to several coronations and christenings.
You’ll love roaming around its lush gardens with views over the valley below. Or, on rainy days, wander through the superb sculptures and medieval architecture inside.
Kids will especially enjoy dressing up as court officials or maids of honour, and trying their hand at medieval instruments.
- Discover the history of Scotland with a heritage tour
3. Doune Castle
Best for: Stepping into a filming location
Located a short drive from Stirling, the 14th-century Doune Castle is known for its beauty and as the backdrop for many popular movies and TV series.
Historically, this Scottish castle has been the stomping ground of many interesting and powerful characters like Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
More recently, however, it has featured in hit TV shows like Outlander (as Castle Leoch) and Game of Thrones (as Castle Black) and movies like Outlaw King.
You may also recognise it from the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. To pay homage to this classic movie, bring some coconuts along, or listen to Terry Jones as he narrates the castle’s audioguide.
- To follow in the steps of Jamie and Claire, browse our Outlander tours of Scotland
4. Dunrobin Castle
Best for: exploring your own fairy-tale romance
With its towering spires and grand baronial architecture, Dunrobin Castle looks straight out of a fairy tale.
If you’re passing through the northern Highlands, you may want to spend some time wandering around, hand-in-hand with your special someone.
Dunrobin is the largest Scottish castle in the northern Highlands. Here you'll learn about Scotland’s history, and the castle’s fascinating past and historical residents. This includes the Duke of Sutherland, made famous for his (and his wife’s) role in the Highland Clearances.
During the 20th century, Dunrobin was also used as a naval hospital during WWI and as a boarding school during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Visit more of this fantastic rugged region with a Scottish Highlands tour
5. Dunvegan Castle
Best for: reclaiming your Scottish roots at Clan MacLeod’s ancestral home
Dunvegan Castle has been home to Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited Scottish castle. Visiting Dunvegan will give you an authentic glimpse into one of Scotland’s oldest clans, and you’ll leave with a renewed sense of Scottish pride.
From its hilltop perch, Dunvegan provides sweeping views over Loch Dunvegan on the iconic Isle of Skye. You could easily spend a relaxing day walking the 5 acres of its 18th-century gardens.
Don’t forget to step inside, where you’ll find the intricate and mythical Fairy Flag, which according to local legend provided many victories for the MacLeod clan.
- Explore the most romantic spots of Scotland with these travel packages
6. Dunnottar Castle
Best for: an atmospheric day of sightseeing by the sea
Make sure to discover one of Scotland’s most dramatic and picture-perfect medieval castles by stopping at Dunnottar.
From its perch at the top of a rocky headland, Dunnottar Castle looks almost impenetrable. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it was used as the location to safeguard the crown jewels from falling into the hands of the English during the 17th century.
Thanks to its strategic defence location, Dunnottar also had an important role in Scottish military history and was used for more than protecting precious jewels.
Some of the buildings date back to the 14th and 16th centuries. Meanwhile the surrounding area is believed to have been inhabited by the Picts, the ancient people that once populated Scotland.
It has also been home to the Earls Marischal (once one of the most powerful families in Scotland), William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose.
- Travel at your own pace by booking one of our Scotland driving tour packages
- Did you know you could combine a road trip of Scotland with one of Ireland?
7. Ardvreck Castle
Best for: hunting for ghosts and other spooky encounters
Beware, ghosts are said to haunt these halls! Ardvreck, a 15th-century castle ruin, is rumoured to have two ghosts: one a tall man dressed in grey and the other a spooky little girl. Both are said to have died while visiting the MacLeod Clan.
On Ardvreck Castle grounds more myths and rumours await. According to local legend, a mermaid lives in the castle’s loch and her tears cause the water level to rise.
Even if you don’t believe in the supernatural or mythical creatures, Ardvreck Castle, with its stunning location by the atmospheric Loch Assynt, is still worth a visit.
8. Blair Castle
Best for: learning about Scottish Highland feuds
Travel back in time at the 13th-century Blair Castle, home to more than 19 generations of Clan Murray.
With its strategic location in Glen Garry, Blair Castle was the ideal base for one of the Scottish Highlands feuding dynasties as its epic views gave them sight and control over the surrounding area.
Today, Blair Castle has a blend of different architectural styles including Medieval, Georgian and Victorian. You can learn about the castle on a guided tour (open to the public April to October) or explore its beautifully maintained grounds, listed as one of Scotland’s most significant gardens.
9. Eilean Donan Castle
Best for: taking Instagram-worthy photos
On the road to the Isle of Skye lies Eilean Donan, one of the Scottish Highlands' most iconic castles. Set on a small tidal island between Loch Duich and Alsh, Eilean Donan provides plenty of excellent photo opportunities.
Eilean Donan Castle stood strong for over 5 centuries before being destroyed in 1719 for its involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. Today, you can take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and imagine life during this tumultuous period.
- Visit Scotland in summer
- Many castles are still open in winter, so look at our Scotland winter packages and don't hesitate to visit during this quieter season
10. Urquhart Castle
Best for: Keeping an eye out for the elusive Loch Ness monster
From its vantage point on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle offers visitors a chance to spot the elusive sea monster, fondly known as Nessie.
If you’re not much of a monster hunter, you can explore its atmospheric ruins. Or venture into its spooky (and possibly haunted) prisons. You can also admire Urquhart's collection of medieval artefacts or simply enjoy the stunning Highland view.
- Take your castle-exploring vacation to the next level and get us to organise your own private Scottish tour
11. Cawdor Castle
Best for: re-creating scenes from a Shakespearean play
While the actual, historical King Macbeth died long before Cawdor Castle was built, this doesn’t stop people from linking the two.
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the three witches predict that Macbeth would become the "Thane of Cawdor" before being crowned King. So, in a way, Cawdor Castle became Macbeth’s fictional home.
Shakespeare-aside, Cawdor Castle has a rich history as one of the homes of Clan Campbell since the 16th century. Today, it remains the official residence of the Dowager Countess Cawdor.
12. Inveraray Castle
Best for: pretending to be lords and ladies like in Downton Abbey
As you relax in the Inveraray Castle gardens on the shores of Loch Fyne, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived on the set of Downton Abbey. After a romantic picnic, spend the day exploring one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and admiring the rugged Highland scenery.
Inside, you can explore highlights such as the Armoury Hall with 1,300 pieces of weaponry, or admire the French tapestries in the State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room.
You can also learn more about the Campbells as Inveraray Castle has been the residence of the Duke of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell, since the 16th century.
- Check out off-the-beaten-path tours of Scotland
- Related: Scotland or Ireland – Where should you go?
FAQs about castles in Scotland
How many castles are there in Scotland?
It’s estimated that throughout history Scotland has been home to over 3,000 castles. Today, only hundreds are left standing.
That’s still plenty for you to choose from for your visit! The 12 mentioned above are only a guide, but there are so many more. Visit Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull or Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire, nicknamed the pink castle because of its unusual colouring.
Why are there so many castles in Scotland?
Castles were mainly used as the homes of clan leaders and used for defence purposes. This is why there are so many scattered around the country. They were valuable to hold on to power and protect the local communities.
Although it is a region far less travelled, the south of Scotland has so many interesting castles and ruins. This is from the historic battles for territory with England.
What is the oldest castle in Scotland?
Apparently, the oldest castle still standing in Scotland that can be dated is Castle Sween. It was built in the 1100s along the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, Argyll.
The oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country though is Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. It sits in a beautiful loch-side setting on the Isle of Skye.
What is the biggest castle in Scotland?
Technically, the largest castle in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle. And when you spot it in person, standing proudly atop Castle Rock, you’ll see why.
But just like the oldest castle, there is also a biggest "inhabited" Scottish castle. It is Floors Castle, owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, and located near Kelso in the Scottish Borders.
Can you sleep in a castle in Scotland?
Not only can you tour so many of Scotland’s castles and stately homes, but many offer overnight accommodation. If you’re keen to sleep in a grand Scottish castle, ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant. They’ll look at possibilities for you so you can make that dream a reality!
Are the royal castles in Scotland open to the public?
Yes! The most famous one is of course the Royal Family’s Scottish home, Balmoral Castle. It is open to the public from April to July, so plan to pop by in late spring, early summer if it’s on your bucket list. You could also visit its stand-in from The Crown, Ardverikie Castle in Kinloch Laggan.
Or explore the 14th-century Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. You may also know that she purchased the Castle of Mey in the 1950s. You can tour the castle and its romantic walled garden, or you could also see its Crown stand-in, New Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire.
In Edinburgh, don’t miss seeing the Crown Jewels of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle. You could also visit the King's official residence in the Scottish capital, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, down the Royal Mile.
How old is Edinburgh Castle in Scotland?
Edinburgh Castle has been an important part of Scotland’s history for almost a thousand years! Indeed, it was built upon a former volcano in 1103 and has been part of Edinburgh’s epic backdrop ever since.
Explore Scottish castles with Nordic Visitor
Still haven’t had your fill of castles? Why not discover the charming 18th-century Culzean Castle in Ayrshire? Or visit the 18th-century Castle Fraser during your time in Deeside.
Wherever your Scottish adventure takes you, you’re sure to find some amazing castles to visit. Choose a self-drive package to reach off-the-beaten-track castles in the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll have the dramatic scenery to yourself.
Alternatively you could opt for a small group tour or privately guided trip. Sit back, relax and learn about the complex history behind most Scottish castles with a local guide.
Nordic Visitor can help arrange your tour, making it easy to book accommodation at any time of year and find the best transport links so you can discover as many castles as you want.
Contact us to create your dream Scotland trip and tour Scottish castles.
