Top 10 Castles to explore in Scotland
Scotland is home to some of the most magnificent and enchanting castles in the world, and there are thousands of these unique and powerful sites across the land. Some ruined and some still lived in to this day!
We’ve led 1,000’s of tours around Scotland to the farthest reaches and the most remote castles… so you can bet this is a great list of the top castles in Scotland. If you’d like to come see these castles in person, consider taking a 5-star tour with us at Scotland’s Wild!
Each and every one plays a crucial part in our rich history, and you are bound to come across them on your travels. But let’s whittle down the list to some of the best: here is our top 10 Scottish castle list!
Edinburgh Castle
We have to start with the most obvious right?
In the heart of the capital city, perched upon castle rock, the iconic Edinburgh Castle dates back to the Iron Age. This historical fortress is world famous, and was a key player in various pivotal moments in Scotlands past, including the Wars of independence and Jacobite risings.
The castle is possibly one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, with millions of visitors from all around coming to explore the impressive site every single year.
It’s also a castle that’s seen a fair amount of action. It was besieged some 17 times in its history - not a castle I’d like to try and storm mind you.
You can visit this castle & then see the rest of the Highlands and Islands with us on an epic day or multi-day tour from Edinburgh!
2. Stirling Castle
Arguably the most historically significant castle in Scottish history, Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles here in Scotland, sitting high on a volcanic crag, the impressive landscape and views are enough reason to visit alone.
The castle has served as the prime location for many famous battles and ceremonies such as the 1543 coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, and it welcomes a huge amount of visitors through its gates throughout the entire year.
This castle is a favourite amongst our guides as it’s been pivotal in so many events throughout Scotland’s history as well as being a simply impression castle to witness. You can visit this castle on a few of our tours included a day tour from Edinburgh -
You can see an image of this castle in the interactive map below!
3. Dunrobin Castle
Visually Dunrobin Castle is the most enchanting and fairytale-like of its kind, and it is a really magical experience walking around the grounds and gardens.
But as well as being truly lovely to look at and wander around, this castle also bares historic significance, and served as the family seat for Sunderland’s Earls and Dukes, dating all the way back to the 1300’s.
This is a castle you can still visit, walk through the majestic halls and gardens - there’s even a bird of prey show that runs most weeks on the MASSIVE lawn.
4. Eilean Donan Castle
Sitting amongst the dramatic scenery of the Scottish highlands, on an island where three great lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle might just be one of the most recognisable castles here in Scotland. Originally built in the 13th Century, this castle has been destroyed and rebuilt various times as a result of many historic feuds and events, it was the stronghold for Clan MacKenzie and MacRae, and now it welcomes tourists to explore and delve into its prominent past.
Check out the interactive map below to see an extended list of our favourite castles!
5. Dunnottar Castle
The ruins of the famous Dunnottar Castle lie on the north east coast of Scotland. The impressive medieval fortress, with its striking seaside backdrop and surrounding landscape, is a fantastic example of Scottish architecture and history.
Once the renowned hiding place of the Scottish crown jewels, the dramatic remains of this fortress allow visitors to look into the past and understand the significance this carefully positioned castle once played.
6. Urquhart Castle
Situated in the Scottish Highlands, on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is a significant part of Scottish history, and was heavily connected to the Wars of Scottish independence, being passed back and forth between scottish and English rule throughout the 13th century. The magnificent ruins and the idyllic landscape of the loch are a great place to visit when here in Scotland.
7. Inveraray Castle
Built somewhere around between 1746 and 1789, Inveraray castle is a stunning example of Gothic revival architecture. The unique blue-grey coloring is really beautiful against the blooming gardens, and it is a great spot when crossing the bridge into Inveraray.
The castle is home to over 1300 weapons, but once served as the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell.
Visit this castle and Kilchurn castle ruins on a day tour from Glasgow to see ancient history and these two magnificent structures.
8. Kisimul Castle
The medieval fortress which sits by itself on a small island just off Castlebay, Barra, is a smaller but highly impressive and interesting castle here in Scotland. The MacNeil clan built this stronghold in the 15th century as their ancestral seat, which was specifically positioned for the defence and control over the waters around.
9. Balmoral Castle
A well known residence for the British Royal family, Balmoral is located in the Cairngorms, and it was purchased for the family in 1852 after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took a trip to the Highlands.
It is still privately owned by the Monarch, but it is a beautiful piece of Scottish architecture, and a huge part of the country’s past.
10. Glamis Castle
In Angus, Scotland, lies a great example of Scottish Baronial architecture, Glamis Castle. This was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, and the ancestral home of the Lyon family since 1372. Over 57 square kilometers in size, the impressive grounds feature extensive well kept gardens and fantastic views of the castle, and is a popular place for visitors.
Scotland is world famous for its castles, there are so many more that deserve a mention here, but there’s simply too many to choose from! So if you are coming on a trip soon and you are wanting to experience our rich culture and history through these special and magnificent structures, then these are the top 10 that we think you should try and hit up first!
