15 Amazing Castles in Scotland To Visit
There are a lot of ancient castles in Scotland, they play a massive part in Scotland’s turbulent history.
Also in this post lists the best places that should not be missed on a visit to Scotland.
Some castles have fallen into ruin, however, there are 12 castles and palaces which have been kept in good condition. The castles have been transformed into museums, with fabulous gardens, or grand places to stay on holidays.
The fabulous furniture from past times fills the decorated large grand rooms of the castles and palaces. There are high ceilings, and large windows in the buildings which are often stories high.
The castles listed below have been preserved very well and let the imagination run wild of how life used to be like for the people that lived there.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the skyline above Edinburgh high on Castle Rock. An important icon, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site between Edinburgh’s Old and New Town.
There is a long rich history where the castle was a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress. King, queens, soldiers and the odd pirate have walked up to this castle.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and has a complex building history.
The oldest part of Edinburgh Castle is St Margarets Chapel, which dates back to the 12th century. Around 1510, James IV erected the Great Hall, and in the late 16th century Regent Morton built the Half Moon Battery.
The castle is home to the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th-century gun Mons Meg, the One o’Clock Gun and the National War Museum in Scotland.
The view from the front of the castle is magical at all times of the year. It is definitely worth the visit, especially when the sky is clear.
You can go inside the castle, it is important that you book tickets in advance to try and get the best price. Audio tours are available in many languages.
The tour explores the history of the castle, the architecture is explained and the dramatic history is talked about.
Nearby Accommodation: Heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Location: Stirling Castle
A huge brooch located between the lowlands and the highlands of Scotland. For centuries, the castle has guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth.
Also, Stirling Castle is a symbol of turbulent history, national pride and Scottish independence. This is a must-see for everyone especially fans of Outlander as this famous castle was used as a filming location.
Grand celebrations including christenings and coronations were held at the castle by Stewart kings and queens. There are spectacular sculptures and amazing gardens which make the castle feel very grand and majestic.
Stirling Castle has many highlights including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Great Kitchen, Tapestry Studio and Regimental Museum. The small museum has some interesting exhibitions.
The castle is brought to life in great detail by the knowledgeable staff who dress up as characters and run guided tours. You will be amazed by the knowledge of the staff and you have an opportunity to learn lots about the castle.
Also, you can meet people dressed up as bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who represent what life was like in the 16th century. For entry to the castle, tickets for adults cost £16.50
At the Unicorn Cafe, you can enjoy a freshly prepared Scottish meal. Moreover, enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks while soaking in the views from the rooftop terrace.
Moreover, the castle is close to the old historical part of Stirling as you can visit the nearby gift shops and enjoy a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs.
Nearby Accommodation: Castlehill Apartment
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
Location: Culzean Castle
One of the most famous romantic fairytale castles in Scotland, located in Ayrshire, Scotland. The clifftop castle was built between 1772-1790 for the 10th Earl of Cassillis.
It was designed by Robert Adam, this large elegant building is one of his best creations. It is one of the best places I have ever visited.
The castle is well known for its elegant oval staircase which is the dramatic centrepiece of the castle.
Also, the circular saloon, painted ceiling and delicate friezes. Moreover, you can admire the collection of flintlock pistols and military swords.
Culzean Castle is located in the country park which is home to 40 buildings and secrete follies. View the conifer and beech trees in the woods, sandy beaches and large parkland.
Also, you can relax at Swan Pond, spot deer at the deer park, and explore the flamboyant gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.
The grounds are free but to view the ticket you have to buy a ticket. To explore the gardens, a “grounds ticket” is required.
The site is cared for by the National Trust of Scotland. A ticket to get into the castle costs £18.50.
The Shire (one of the five routes of the Coig) includes Culzean Castle and Country Park as one the attractions on the route.
Nearby Accommodation: Royal Artillery Cottage
Balmoral Castle, Ballater
Location: Balmoral Car Park
The estate has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852.
The new current castle was built in 1856. Balmoral is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles west of Ballater and 50 miles west of Aberdeen.
One of the highlights of the castle is the Ballroom, which is the largest in the room. Balmoral Castle is one of the most grandest castles near Aberdeen.
All the other areas inside the castle are part of the private residence and are not open to the public. Outside you can walk in the gardens and the woodlands.
The audio tour lasts approximately one hour and will guide you around the grounds and gardens. The audio tour is available in a variety of languages, the tour shows you around the grounds, exhibitions and the Ballroom at Balmoral.
There is a wide range of Scottish and Royal gifts available in the refurbished Mews Gift Shop. Also, you can head to the Coffee Pod at the Main Gates or the new servery in the Pipers Hall.
Admission to the grounds and gardens costs £15 which includes a detailed map and a very informative audio tour.
You can follow this WalkHighlands route to view Prince Albert Cairns and get a view of Balmoral Castle.
Nearby Accommodation: Crofts Mill
Dunrobin Castle, North Highlands
Location: Dunrobin Castle
On the North Coast 500 route, Dunrobin Castle is located on the northeast coast of Scotland. The castle overlooks the Moray Firth just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch.
Dating back to the 1300s, home to the Earls, then later, it was the home of the Dukes of Sutherland.
Sir Charles Barry designed the Houses of Parliament in London and his designs have architecturally influenced the look of the castle. Resembling a French chateau with the conical spires.
The castle has 189 rooms. It is well known for being one of the oldest and largest residences in Scotland which has been well preserved.
During the First World War, the castle was used as anval hospital. From 1965 to 1972 the castle was a boy’s boarding school.
Since 1973, the castle has been open to the public, with private accommodation retained for the use of the Sutherland family.
There is an admission fee to gain access to the castle. However, you can view the wider garden area without paying anything.
Nearby Accommodation: MacGregor’s at the Ben
Glamis Castle, Forfar
Location: Glamis Castle
Located in the stunning countryside of Angus, is this gorgeous reddish stone castle which has tiny turrets. Since 1372, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
Once the castle was the childhood home to the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Also, Princess Margaret was born here.
Since the 14th century, the castle has been in the Lyon family. Sir John Lyon Thane of Glamis, received the land as a gift from King Robert II.
Over the centuries, Glamis Castle has had many rich and famous visitors. The expert tour guides will allow you to follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, James V and Bonnie Dundee.
Moreover, the setting at Glamis Castle was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
The gardens surrounding Glamis Castle are stunning throughout the year. The estate has gorgeous parkland, the formal Italian Garden, mixed woodland and a Pinetum to the north east.
There is a range of walks to follow that take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. These are the Italian Garden, Nature trail, Pineturn and River Dean walks.
Glamis Castle Kitchen is set in the magnificent original Victorian kitchen space which is great for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
They serve freshly prepared meals where the ingredients are locally sourced, coming from the Estate’s own farms and gardens.
The nearest city to Glamis Castle is Dundee which is 12 miles away. Glamis Estate is located next to the village called Glamis and it is not far away from Forfar.
Tickets to explore the gardens and grounds cost £7.50 and a tour of the castle costs £15.50.
Nearby Accommodation: Glamis House
Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye
Location: Dunvegan Castle
At the heart of the 42, 000 acre MacLeod Estate on the Isle of Skye. For over 800 years the MacLeod Clan have lived here so this makes the castle one of the oldest ancestral homes in Scotland.
The rooms of the castle can be visited. On display, you can admire many fine oil paintings and clan treasures the most famous is the Fairy Flag.
Also, there is a small collection of Jacobite and Bonnie Prince Charlie relics on display including the Prince’s waistcoat and a lock of hair.
At the site you can wander aroudn the wonderful well-kept gardens. The gardens fist began in the 18th century and have a hidden oasis of eclectic mix of plants.
Moreover, you can experience the Water Garden with its ornate bridges and islands. Also, there are boat trips available to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.
Since 1933, the castle has been open to the public for charitable purposes two days a week. Since then, the visitor numbers has risen from a few hundred to thousands.
Famous visitors including Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Prince of Wales and Sir Walter Scott have all set foot in the gardens. Entry to the castle costs £14 per adult.
Nearby Accommodation: Dunvegan Camping Pods
Inveraray Castle, Argyll
Location: Inveraray Castle
Located in the north west of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on Loch Fyne. Inveraray Castle is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and fairytale castles in Scotland.
The present castle was built between 1746 and 1789. It is a lonely castle set in a picturesque setting.
The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell has resided in Inveraray since the early 15th century. Roger Morris designed the castle and it was decorated by Robert Mylne.
The interior is enchanting and maxes the fairytale facade of the exterior. Not all parts of the castle are accessible as it is still lived in.
There are over 1,300 pieces of armour inside the castle, including Brown Bess muskets, Lochaber axes and 18th-century broadswords.
Also, you can view the preserved swords of the Battle of Culloden. Moreover, the castle features many precious artworks and tapestries which are French.
Moving onto the Clan Room, visitors can expect to see the genealogical display which shows a collection of china, silver and family heirlooms from various generations.
There is plenty of gorgeous walks through the beautifully maintained garden and expansive estate. Also, visitors can enjoy some light refreshments in the cafe and visit the gift shop which sells a range of Scottish items.
Entry to the castle and gardens for adults costs £14.50, historic house members can enter for free. Inveraray Castle is one of the best castles on the Argyll Coastal Route.
Nearby Accommodation: Brambles of Inveraray
Blair Castle & Gardens, Pitlochry
Location: Blair Castle
Located in rural Perthshire, near Blair Athol, not far from the A9. The castle is one of the most powerful white fairy tale castles in Scotland, fully presented with turrets.
Blair Castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Blair Castle has played a massive part in Scottish Highlands.
Nineteen generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have lived here. Mary Queen of Scots visited the castle during the Civil War and Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed in the castle.
Also, you will learn about the lucky inheritance of smuggler-infested island helped turn the castle into a comfortable home. Queen Victoria visited the castle which led tot he creation of Europe’s only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
In the Victorian Ballroom, there are 175 pairs of antlers as decorations. Other highlights include the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase and the granduar of the Drawing Room and State Dining Room.
Moreover, you can view a stunning collection of dresses and outfits during the filming of ITV’s Victoria.
As well as the large impressive castle, there are the castles beautiful grounds to explore. There is a magnificent nine acre walled garden which has been recently restored to its original Georgian design.
The garden has a Chinese bridge, gothic folly and a trail of contemporary and 18th century sculptures.
Blair Castle is such an interesting castle and is one of the best castles in Perthshire. The rooms are organised beautifully with lots of information available. Admission to the castle costs £16 per person.
Nearby Accommodation: Riverside Cottage
Castle Mey, North Highlands
Location: The Castle & Gardens of Castle Mey
The castle is located on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 minutes east of Thurso and six miles west of John o’Groats, this castle can be added as a stop on the North Coast 500.
The Queen Mother made the property part of the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust in July 1996. Since her death, the castle and garden has been open to the public.
Castle of Mey was the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996. After the death of her husband, King George VI she decided to buy the castle as it was abandoned.
She decided to save it and it her last tribute to her commitment to the local community.
Inside the castle, you can view the rooms where Her Majesty stayed. In my opinion, the castle feels homely and comfortable.
There is a tearoom which serves delicious snacks. Also, you can browse in the shop or check out the animal centre.
From the grounds and gardens, you can get a great view across Pentland Firth of Hoy, the nearest of the Orkney Islands. On a clear day, the Old Man of Hoy can be seen on the horizon.
There is a tower in the walled garden which you can climb to get a better view. Tickets can be purchased online. For adults, a ticket costs £13.
Nearby Accommodation: Harrow Lodge
Falkland Palace & Gardens, Fife
Location: Falkland Palace & Gardens
Located in a small village in the centre of Fife, at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Falkland is one of the finest Renaissance palaces in Britain, making it one of the most magical fairy tale castles in Scotland.
Falkland Palace is located in Falkland, one of the top villages in Fife.
In the early 16th century, King James IV and his son James V commissioned the best architects and craftsmen to create a “pleasure palace” for their beloved country’s pursuits. This resulted in the magnificent Falkland Palace.
From the entry to the grand palace through the archway you will have a view of turrets. The palace has an extensive formal garden and one of the world’s oldest surviving tennis courts.
Also, Percy Cane designed the formal garden and the grounds include a physic garden with Renaissance-era herbal remedies.
There is a fascinating 17th-century artefact and you can see the magnificent Chapel Royal.
Inside you can view the detailed panelling in the drawing room and the great painted walls of the library, as well as the re-created royal apartments.
The palace is located in the charming fairy tale village of Falkland. There is a great selection of cafes and places to eat in the village.
Last admission to the Palace and Garden is at 16:15. The site is currently managed by the National Trust For Scotland.
Nearby Accommodation: Ivy Cottage
Brodie Castle, Moray
Location: Brodie Castle
The ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years, which is set in the Moray countryside. Brodie Castle is one of the 16th century fairy tale castles in Scotland. The rose-coloured turreted castles stand on the land confirmed to the Brodies by Robert the Bruce.
Over time, extensions were added to the castles. A guard chamber made in the 16th century is attached to the cosy 17th-century wing and an extension built in the Victorian era.
There is a trove of priceless artefacts and unusual antiques in the castle’s rooms, passageways and towers.
Fine furniture and spectacular collections from 17th-century Dutch masters and 20th-century Scottish Colourists fill the impressively decorated rooms. It also boasts an impressive library containing over 6,000 volumes.
Also, outside is the beautifully landscaped garden, nature trail and the Playful Garden which is a great family attraction. In the Spring, there are displays of over 100 varieties of famous Daffodils.
Moreover, there are nature trails, a walled garden and a Pictish stone known as “Rodney’s Stone”. The grounds are immaculately kept, and during the visit we saw many workers tending to lawns, weeding and repairing the harling.
The castle is also located near a small hill known locally as “Macbeth’s Hillock” where there was an encounter with the Weird Sisters a Shakespearean hero. In the garden, there is Scotland’s biggest rabbit sculpture.
Guided tours are available to see the altered castle’s shape and purpose.
Cared for by the National Trust of Scotland. The admission ticket to the castles costs £11. I loved my time here.
Nearby Accommodation: The Old Mill Inn
Brodick Castle, Isle of Arran
Location: Brodick Castle
This is one of the grand baronial fairy tale castles in Scotland, located on the Isle of Arran.
The castle was built in 1844, but the site dates back centuries as the seat has a strategic position overlooking the Firth of Clyde and made Brodick a fortress to be reckoned with.
The castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and contains a fabulous collection of valuable artefacts.
There is an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including the Victorian arcade, mood lighting and evocative sounds. The visitor experience allows you the lives of people who used to live there.
Also, there are amazing stories which bring the building to life. Moreover, you can admire the collection of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies.
Outside, you can explore Britain’s only island country park. This is an excellent opportunity to relax and discover ponds and waterfalls.
Also, the country park has over 10 miles of woodland trails, where you can spot a wide variety of wildlife including red squirrels.
Outside in the gardens, you can walk in the formal gardens including the Silver Garden Trail and Plant Hunters’ Walk.
Brodick Castle is dramatically against the backdrop of Goat Fell Mountain, the majestic castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde.
The views of the castle alone in the surrounding area makes the visit worthwhile.
Entry to castle and grounds costs £14.50 per adult. The site is managed by National Trust for Scotland.
Nearby Accommodation: West Knowe stays
Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire
Location: Craigievar Castle
This castle is known as Scotland’s pink Cinderella castle as it inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle at the Disney parks. Craigievar Castle is one of the most preserved and well-loved castles in Scotland.
Built in the 16th century, it is a great example of Scottish Baronial-style architecture. The castle remains have remained largely unchanged since William Forbes completed it in 1626.
Inside the castle, admire an impressive collection of artefacts and art, including Raeburn, armour and weapons.
It was a family home until the 1960s, it is an unusual but quirky blend that mixes 20th-century cosy furnishing with the ancient walls.
The enchanting castle is set on a picturesque hillside in Aberdeenshire, not far from Banchory. There are lovely Scottish Glen gardens and nature trails to follow.
Also, there is a small stone wall and turret next to the castle which leads into the gardens. A perfect place to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Craigievar Castle is a fairy tale castles in Scotland currently managed by National Trust for Scotland. Due to a large conservation project on the castle.
Nearby Accommodation: The Coach House
Final Note
The list above lists the fairytale castles in Scotland which are fit for kings and queens. The British Royal Family still own a few castles on the list.
From the rural area of Caithness and the western isles to the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Scotland, there are lots of fabulously preserved castles to explore.
Lots of castles on the list are being cared for National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland. There are many brilliant castles on the islands of Scotland, also you can explore the west coast or east coast of Scotland.
More specifically, there are castles near Edinburgh, near Glasgow and in Dumfries and Galloway.