14 Picturesque Castles in Scotland You Need to Visit!

Scotland, and the highlands, in particular, is famous for its numerous castles.

Many of them were home to the clans that ruled Scotland getting into numerous, bloody battles several hundred years ago.

Nowadays visitors to Scotland, whether history lovers or not, love exploring these beautiful castles in Scotland whether they’re in ruins or have been lovingly restored and often sit on some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes!

After spending 5 months living in Scotland and having taken numerous trips to this part of the UK over the years, I’ve visited my fair share of castles (even staying overnight in one!).

I’ve got my favorites – they’re mostly the ones that are surrounded by beautiful nature – but depending on what you’re looking for, your favorites might differ.

Some of these castles in Scotland are definitely more intact than others. Some are ruins, some are now stately homes and gardens but they’re all worth visiting in their own way.

Here is my pick of the best castles in Scotland but I’m sure there are more! Do you have a favorite?

14 of the best castles in Scotland

1. Dunvegan Castle

On the northwest shore of the beautiful Isle of Skye is Dunvegan Castle.

Believed to be the longest continuously inhabited castle by one family in Scotland, Dunvegan Castle has been owned and operated by the MacLeod Clan for the last 800 years!

Not only is it beautiful but it’s packed full of history.

Dunvegan Castle is perched on the shores of Loch MacLeod and casts an imposing shadow.

Inside the building, there are relics, medals, and antique furniture whilst outside there are 42,000 acres of grounds to explore! You can also take a boat trip on the loch and spot the grey seals that live there.

2. Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle sits atop a cliff overlooking the northeast coast of Scotland.

A medieval fortress, it’s now in ruins but has a rich history and is connected to people such as William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and Charles II.

It’s perhaps most well known as the location in which a small group held out for 8 months against Cromwell’s army and succeeded in protecting the Scottish crown jewels!

If you’re visiting just prepare yourselves for the step walk and the steps you need to climb to get up there.

3. Eilean Donan

Meaning ‘Island of Donnan’, this castle is on a small tidal island located in the western Highlands of Scotland and sits on the gateway to the Isle of Skye.

This is arguably one of the most famous castles in Scotland.

The castle was first founded in the 13th century and in 1719 it was partially destroyed and fell into ruin. However, after being fully restored the castle is now joined to the mainland by a bridge.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan is considered one of the country’s most romantic castles.

It’s absolutely stunning at sunset!

It’s also appeared in several films including Highlander and The World Is Not Enough.

4. Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is often considered to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles.

As part of the National Trust Collections, if you’re wondering “whether “is Glamis Castle National Trust?” The answer is: kind of.

This Scottish castle has towers at the front and modern parapets and it also has a small chapel.

Glamis Castles can also boast royal connections as it was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth’s Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

5. Culzean Castle

The former home of Clan Kennedy and previous accommodation of President Eisenhower, Culzean Castle is a sight to behold.

The Castle sits on the Ayrshire Coast with stunning views out to sea. The Castle has also featured on the back of the Scottish £5 note since 1987.

Now owned by The National Trust, you can book a room to experience what it’s like to live in a castle.

Culzean Castle is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of swords and pistols.

However, you may want to refrain from seeing these until after you’ve spent the night if you’re easily scared. It’s rumoured the castle is haunted and it once featured on a Most Haunted TV show.

I stayed here on a trip to Scotland once and was terrified asI was staying in Eisenhower’s room on my own! Playing a Murder Mystery Game before bedtime probably didn’t help…

6. Edinburgh Castle

Undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most famous castles, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline from atop an old volcano called Castle Rock.

Edinburgh Castle has been in occupation since the Iron Age and has been considered a royal residency from the 12th century to the 17th century where it was then used as a military barracks.

It is now one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions with a colourful history and domineering structure.

7. Stirling Castle

Scotland’s Stirling Castle is surrounded by 3 steep cliffs which helps its former inhabitants to protect the River Forth from invasion in the late 1900s.

Containing a mixed history the castle has some buildings that date as far back as the 14th century but the majority of the castle was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Several Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned here including Mary, Queen of Scots.

Literary buffs will be interested to find out that Stirling Castle is also famous for being the location where Robert Burns chose to write a large amount of his poetry.

8. Inveraray Castle

On the shore of Loch Fyne in western Scotland is Inveraray Castle which dates back to the 18th Century. It’s considered a must see, especially if you’re on Scotland’s west coast.

The castle took 43 years to be constructed and then fell victim to a fire in 1877.

Thankfully the fire did not destroy the entire building and Inveraray Castle still retains its magnificence.

9. Balmoral Castle

What started out as a hunting lodge for King Robert II in the 14th Century became the infamous Balmoral Castle.

Balmoral Castle is possibly the most famous castle Scotland has to offer (more so than Edinburgh Castle!) given that it’s the preferred holiday residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

Located in Aberdeenshire the castle dates back to the 14th century when is began as a hunting lodge.

Nowadays Balmoral Castle is home to a variety of landscapes and some rooms have been opened to the public when the Queen isn’t in residence

10. Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness isn’t just famous for the mysterious monster that may or may not be living within it. It’s also where you can see what is deeply connected to the Wars of Scottish Independence.

It’s believed Urquhart Castle was once one of Scotland’s largest castles but unfortunately, there’s really just the tower house left standing today.

But let’s not put it down too much.

There are stunning views of Loch Ness from here and it’s said that more people have seen the Loch Ness Monster from this location than any other on the loch!

While you can’t stay in this Scottish castle, you can find some gorgeous lodges on Loch Ness with hot tubs to book!

11. Duart Castle

On the Isle of Mull, just off Scotland’s west coast, is Duart Castle which dates back to the 13th Century.

It started out as a rectangular stone wall surrounding a courtyard and transformed into a beautiful building.

The ruined castle overlooks the Sound of Mull and has been used as a film location multiple times for productions such as Entrapment.

The castle is said to be the ancestral home of the Maclean family who have been working hard to restore the castle for the last 20 years.

12. Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle has strong links to Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth.

However the poet and playwright’s telling of Macbeth being crowned as Thane of Cawdor is pure fiction.

The castle was actually built hundreds of years after the play was set.

The current home of the Dowager Duchess of Cawdor, the castle is now open to the public for several months of the year. Upon visiting you can see impressive, lived-in interiors and have access to historical rooms such as the old kitchen, a bedroom, dining, and drawing room.

Visiting this castle in Scotland is one of the best things to do near Loch Ness.

13. Craigievar Castle

Aberdeenshire remains the place in the United Kingdom with the highest density of castles, ruins, and stately homes; the count is over 300.

If you follow the designated castle trail, soon enough you’ll come across Craigievar Castle.

Located in the picturesque countryside Craigievar Castle has pink-tinted stone and has more of a fairytale style.

Recently restored, the castle sits between the rolling Aberdeen hills and boasts a large collection of family portraits, original plaster ceilings, Jacobean woodwork, and antique furniture.

What’s quite cool is you can actually stay at Craigievar Castle! The National Trust for Scotland rents out Craigievar Castle accommodation overnight and not many people can claim to have slept in a castle!

14. Drum Castle

Drum Castle near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire was home to the chief of the Clan Irvine for centuries.

The original 13th-century tower of Drum Castle is believed to be one of the three oldest tower houses in Scotland (and notably unaltered).

Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust and is open during the summer months.

Many visitors enjoy strolling in Drum Castle’s gardens, which include a rose garden and arboretum containing trees from all regions of the 18th-century British Empire.

FAQs on the best castles Scotland has to offer

Final thoughts on the most beautiful castles in Scotland

This guide has covered just a few of the most beautiful castles Scotland has to offer its visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to tick off some of these Scottish castles which can be found all over the country.

Some of my favorites include Edinburgh Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle as well as Urquhart Castle which sits on the shores of Loch Ness. However, there are so many to find and you’ll likely end up passing by a few castles of Scotland without even really meaning to!

If you’re looking for more beautiful places in Scotland to visit, be sure to check out this guide to what to see in Glencoe, as well as this guide to the best things to do in Inverness, or how to spend one day in Glasgow.

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Hannah