Discover Scotland's Majestic Castles
Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks, including its numerous castles, make it a prime location for film and television. With a history of over 3,000 castles, visitors today can still explore hundreds of these fascinating structures, from the ruins of ancient fortresses to the well-preserved splendor of Edinburgh Castle.
For an unforgettable journey through Scotland's past, here's a guide to the top castles you should not miss.
Read more: Top rated hotels in Scotland.
Read more: Guided tours in Scotland.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most iconic fortress, draws over 1.5 million visitors annually. Perched atop a dormant volcano, it offers a glimpse into medieval life. Key attractions include the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the 15th-century cannon Mons Meg.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Official site: www.edinburghcastle.scot
2. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, known as the "brooch of Scotland," is a beautifully restored 12th-century fortress where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. It offers a rich historical experience, including gardens and a cemetery with significant monuments.
Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling, Scotland
Official site: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot
3. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle, set on Loch Ness, is a romantic ruin offering stunning views and a rich history. Despite its destruction in the 1600s, its former strength is still evident.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/
4. Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire
Balmoral Castle, the Queen's summer retreat, offers public access to its rooms and gardens when the Royal Family is not in residence.
Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Scotland
Official site: www.balmoralcastle.com
5. Eilean Donan Castle, Invernesshire
Eilean Donan Castle, named after a Celtic saint, is a picturesque 13th-century fortress on Loch Duich, offering tours of its historic rooms and weaponry displays.
Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland
Official site: www.eileandonancastle.com
6. Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire
Culzean Castle, where General Dwight Eisenhower stayed post-WWII, is a fairy-tale-like castle with stunning clifftop views and extensive grounds.
Location: Maybole, Scotland
Official site: www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean
7. Glamis Castle, Strathmore
Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth, is a classic Scottish fortress with Royal connections and 14,000 acres of grounds to explore.
Location: Angus, Scotland
Official site: www.glamis-castle.co.uk
8. Inveraray Castle, Argyll
Inveraray Castle, known for its Neoclassical interior and extensive gardens, is a popular tourist destination with a rich collection of tapestries and weapons.
Location: Inveraray, Scotland
Official site: www.inveraray-castle.com
9. Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle, with its dramatic clifftop setting, played a pivotal role in Scotland's history and offers a scenic coastal path for visitors.
Location: Stonehaven, Scotland
Official site: www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk
10. Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire
Castle Fraser, featured in The Queen, is a romantic castle set on 300 acres, with period furniture and secret passageways to discover.
Location: Sauchen, Inverurie, Scotland
Official site: www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/castle-fraser
11. Duart Castle, Isle of Mull
Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean clan, offers a rich history and stunning views on the Isle of Mull.
Location: Isle of Mull, Scotland
Official site: https://duartcastle.com
12. Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Dunrobin Castle, resembling a Disney fairy-tale, is one of Scotland's largest castles with 189 rooms and a museum of archaeological artifacts.
Location: Golspie, Scotland
Official site: www.dunrobincastle.co.uk
13. Blair Castle, Perthshire
Blair Castle, known for its whitewashed exterior, offers a journey through its elegant rooms and extensive gardens and grounds.
Address: Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Scotland
Official site: https://blair-castle.co.uk
14. Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire
Cawdor Castle, linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth, features a significant art collection and a beautiful garden.
Address: B9090, Cawdor, Nairn, Scotland
Official site: www.cawdorcastle.com
15. Floors Castle, Kelso
Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, boasts elegant interiors and a vast estate.
Address: Floors Castle Golden Gate, Roxburgh Street, Kelso, Scotland
Official site: www.floorscastle.com
16. Braemar Castle, Aberdeenshire
Braemar Castle, unique in design and set in Cairngorms National Park, offers a glimpse into the life of the Earl of Mar and clan history.
Address: Braemar, Ballater, Scotland
Official site: www.braemarcastle.co.uk
More on Scotland's Attractions
Visiting Scotland: Beyond castles, Scotland is rich in attractions. For more ideas, check out the top tourist attractions in Scotland and the best small towns in Scotland.
