10 epic castles to visit in Scotland

I challenge anyone to visit the ruggedly beautiful Scotland and not be completely captivated by its landscapes.

From the magic of Edinburgh to the picturesque beauty of the Highlands, the country is tailor-made for fairytales.

It’s a haven of breathtaking views, historical landmarks, and rolling countryside – but its crowning jewels are its epic castles.

Because of its strategic location and frequent conflicts throughout history, Scotland doesn’t have a shortage of castles. 

It’s home to military fortresses, royal residences, and a huge historical heritage. Here I share my pick of the best castles in Scotland so that you can start working on your itinerary!

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Map of the best castles in Scotland

Use the map below to see where my pick of the top 10 castles in Scotland are located:

1. Eilean Donan Castle

Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX

Top tour to book: Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

You’re probably familiar with the Eilean Donan Castle from postcards or Pinterest photos.

The castle is often featured in photographs for its medieval style and dramatic aura. It has also served as a backdrop for plenty of movies, including Rob Roy and Highlander.

The castle overlooks the Isle of Skye, sitting at the entrance of Loch Duich and embraced by Kintail’s mountains.

It’s said that Eilean Donan was built in the 13th century, though its site traces back to 643 AD.

After surviving an English attack in the early 1700s, it was dormant for more than three centuries. In 1930, it was reconstructed to its current version.

2. Craigievar Castle

Address: Craigievar, Alford AB33 8JF

The pinkish hue of Craigievar’s turrets is one of the many reasons it’s so captivating.

It looks like something straight out of a fairytale, and its ornate interiors are even more impressive.

The pink colour is a result of a 2002 renovation, and it’s similar to the castle’s original colour that faded away with the past.

Until 1963, the castle was owned by the Forbes family before the National Trust of Scotland acquired it.

3. Edinburgh Castle

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Top tour to book: Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

While sitting atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has witnessed everything a castle can witness: battles, royal intrigues, and prison horrors.

There’s no wonder it’s the most visited castle in Scotland – it’s also the oldest one on my list.

It was first used as a royal residence, and then it functioned as a fortress during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Starting from the 15th century, Edinburgh Castle was used as a prison for political prisoners of war. It stayed that way until the 19th century, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Insider tip: If you’re visiting Edinburgh Castle, make sure to catch the firing of One O’Clock Gun. It fires every day at 13:00 except on Sundays.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland’s capital, check out my guides:

• Edinburgh travel guide
• 18 luxury hotels in Edinburgh
• 12 cosy cafés in Edinburgh
• 17 Michelin restaurants in Edinburgh
• 16 Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh

4. Inveraray Castle

Address: Inveraray PA32 8XE

Top tour to book: West Highland Lochs & Castles Day Trip from Edinburgh

Inveraray Castle is often labelled as a country house rather than a castle, but its turrets tell you otherwise.

It’s the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll, and it overlooks the shore of Scotland’s longest sea loch, Loch Fyne.

Built in the 1700s, this castle features Gothic Revival architecture that’s nothing short of striking.

Everything on Inveraray’s grounds screams noble heritage, from the impressive collection of arms and armour inside to the expansive lush gardens.

5. Glamis Castle

Address: Forfar DD8 1RJ

You may be familiar with Glamis Castle as the birthplace of Princess Margaret or as the ancestral home of the Queen Mother.

The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly spent plenty of her early childhood at the castle, and the Queen Mother was raised there alongside her family.

There’s an aura of mystery surrounding Glamis Castle – a lot of people believe that it’s haunted.

There are even rumours that the Monster of Glamis lives there, a hideous, deformed child that haunts the sitting room!

If you love ghostly tales, don’t go to Scotland without paying Glamis a visit!

6. Culzean Castle

Address: Maybole KA19 8LE

Top tour to book: Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast

When it comes to looks and architecture, Culzean Castle is my personal favourite. It’s a living proof of Robert Adam’s architectural genius, expanding over 640 acres of land.

Overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Culzean features beautiful gardens, parks, adventurous playgrounds, beaches, and trails.

It also houses the Eisenhower apartment, which can be reserved by guests.

However, in my opinion, the best thing in the castle is the dramatic oval staircase designed by Robert Adam.

7. Dunrobin Castle

Address: Golspie KW10 6SF

Top tour to book: Dunrobin Castle & Easter Ross Day Trip from Inverness

Featuring an opulent white exterior, Dunrobin Castle looks like something out of Walt Disney’s sketchbook. It’s often described as a Fresh chateau look-alike.

The castle overlooks Dornoch Firth and features more than plenty of outdoor space. It houses cafes, a beach, and a Victorian garden.

On top of that, it’s the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, housing a whopping total of 189 rooms.

8. Balmoral Castle

Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB

Top tour to book: Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour from Aberdeen

You may be familiar with Balmoral Castle because it’s synonymous with the British monarchy or because it’s where the late Queen Elizabeth II took her final breath. 

Since 1852, the castle has been serving as a royal residence and a private retreat for the royal family.

It was originally bought by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, and she loved it so much that she described it as a paradise.

Though I would’ve loved to see the interiors of this castle, they’re closed to the public. Instead, you can enjoy the estate grounds and gardens and get a glimpse of the royal way of life.

9. Dunnottar Castle

Address: Stonehaven AB39 2TL

Top tour to book: Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside Day Trip from Aberdeen

The Dunnottar Castle may not be the best-looking castle in Scotland, but its strategic site is what makes it an iconic landmark.

Since 1392, it’s been sitting atop a 160-foot cliff, surrounded by the North Sea from three sides. 

Bonus fact: It’s the third oldest castle on this list after Edinburgh and Caerlaverock.

You need to climb more than 200 steps to see this castle, but seeing its silhouette against the setting sun is worth the effort.

10. Caerlaverock Castle

Address: Castle Road End, Dumfries DG1 4RU

Top tour to book: 2-Day Scenic South West Scotland from Glasgow

Caerlaverock Castle is the second oldest of the castles in Scotland on this list, having been built in the 1270s.

That’s why it doesn’t feature lavish turrets or ornate interiors. Instead, it features a unique triangular shape with a twin-towered gatehouse. 

Originally owned by the Maxwell family, the castle was abandoned in 1640 after it was besieged by the Covenanters.

That was the last time it could be used as a defence tower because it was stripped of its south curtain wall after the siege.

The castle later underwent plenty of renovations and reconstructions and is now open all year round for guests.

Visiting these castles in Scotland gives you a close look into the medieval times of the country and the private residences of the British Monarchy. I wouldn’t miss it!

Have you visited any of these castles in Scotland? Let me know in the comments below!

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