10 Great Scottish Castles

One of the best things about Scotland is that no matter where you find yourself, a castle is never far away. As integral to the Scottish landscape as its pristine lochs and lofty mountains, the country’s castles rank amongst the most iconic in the world.

It is estimated that there were once up to 3,000 castles in Scotland – nearly one for every 100 square miles. Did you know you can stay in a castle? Some grand estates allow an incredible stay in their historic rooms, some even allow camping in the stunning grounds outside.

It's tough for us to narrow our favourites of those still standing down to just 10. But here’s our pick of the ones which never fail to impress.

  1. Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

    Edinburgh Castle

    Set atop a craggy extinct volcano high above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is unquestionably Scotland’s most famous and important castle. This sprawling complex houses the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. Get there in time for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun.

    Key facilities
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  2. Braemar Castle Ballater

    Braemar Castle

    Nestled amongst the majesty of the Cairngorms National Park, the 17th century fortress of Braemar Castle ticks all the boxes: castellated turrets, winding spiral staircases and a bottle-necked dungeon. Explore the grounds and find out more about Clan Farquharson.  

    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
  3. Balmoral Castle Balmoral

    Balmoral Castle

    Queen Victoria lovingly described Balmoral as her ‘dear paradise in the Highlands’ and it remains a private home of the Royal Family. When not in residence, visitors can enjoy exhibitions in the Castle Ballroom, the largest room in the castle, and wander through the charming gardens and grounds.

    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  4. Blair Castle Blair Atholl

    Blair Castle & Gardens

    The white-washed Blair Castle stands proudly against a backdrop of wooded hills rising above the River Garry. The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, it is also the home of Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Explore its opulent rooms and its sprawling estate.

    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Pets Welcome
    • Level Access
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  5. Inveraray Castle Inveraray

    A view of the Castle from the South-West.

    The austere façade of Inveraray Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, stands in direct contrast to its sumptuous interior which embodies the pinnacle of 18th century neoclassical elegance. Admire the priceless Beauvais tapestries in the Drawing Room and outstanding views of Loch Fyne.

    Key facilities
    • Level Access
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  6. Cawdor Castle Cawdor

    Cawdor Castle

    The fictional home of the Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare's Macbeth, Cawdor Castle ranks among Scotland’s most enchanting castles. Celebrated for its fairy-tale edifice, its dramatic history and romantic gardens, parts of which are over 300 years old, a visit here is like stepping into bygone age.

    Key facilities
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  7. Eilean Donan Castle Dornie

    Eilean Donan Castle & Visitor Centre

    Eilean Donan has to be one of the most photographed castles in the world. Boasting a perfect picture-postcard setting on an island at the entrance of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan is steeped in Jacobite lore. Among the rare artefacts on display is a sword said to have been wielded at Culloden. 

    Key facilities
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  8. Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven

    Scottish Castle on top of cliffs

    Dramatic doesn’t even begin to express the effect of this formidable cliff-top stronghold. Perched atop an immense rocky outcrop overlooking the north east coast, Dunnottar has witnessed many pivotal moments in Scotland’s history. The sight of it silhouetted against the setting sun is spellbinding.

    Key facilities
    • Pets Welcome
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
  9. Glamis Castle Glamis

    Glamis Castle

    The red sandstone walls of Glamis have been home to many colourful characters throughout the centuries, not least of them the late Queen Mother. It also famously features in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Crowned with battlements and pointed turrets, Glamis is the epitome of baronial grandeur.

    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  10. Stirling Castle Stirling

    Stirling Castle

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Meticulously restored to its original Renaissance glory, Stirling Castle was the favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Bring the kids along to meet costumed courtiers, bodyguards and servants and step into a rarefied world filled with decadence, plots and intrigue.

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Level Access
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant

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