The most beautiful castles in Scotland: 12 castles to visit

Scotland boasts some of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Perched on cliffs, nestled beside lochs, or hidden in the Highlands, castles of Scotland They tell centuries of history. Each one has its own character: royal fortress, romantic ruin, or still-inhabited residence.

In short: Eilean Donan is the most photographed Scottish castle; Edinburgh and Stirling are the most historically rich. The Stone of Destiny has been on display at the Perth Museum since 2024. Doune Castle has served as a filming location for Outlander, Monty Python, and Game of Thrones. A 7- to 10-day tour allows you to see several castles along with the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Skye.

Here is our selection of twelve castles to discover, along with our tips for incorporating them into your trip. At Brightside Travel, we combine them with more secluded locations in our tailor-made itineraries.

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What kind of traveler are you for? The most beautiful castles in Scotland: 12 castles to visit "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

Question 2 of 5

Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

Question 3 of 5

During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

Question 4 of 5

Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

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What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

The most famous castles in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the entire capital. It houses, among other things, the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels.

Note: The Stone of Destiny, long displayed here, moved to the Perth Museum in 2024. The castle, however, still offers one of the most beautiful views of the city.

Stirling Castle

A former residence of the Stuart kings, Stirling Castle has thus been at the heart of the country's history. Mary Stuart was crowned there as a child. Nearby, the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn also played a significant role in the Wars of Independence.

Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the castle can therefore easily be visited in half a day.

Eilean Donan Castle

Perched on an islet where three lochs meet, Eilean Donan is arguably the most photographed of all Scottish castles. Located on the mainland, just before the bridge to Skye, it's a natural addition to any trip to the island, which we detail in our guide to... must-sees on the Isle of Skye.

Scottish castles on the shores of lochs

Urquhart Castle

On the shores of Loch Ness, the ruins of Urquhart offer one of the most beautiful views of the lake. A visitor center also recounts several centuries of history. Find the other stops in our guide. What to do around Loch Ness.

Kilchurn Castle

On the shores of Loch Awe, the ruins of Kilchurn offer a highly photogenic setting. On calm days, their walls are even reflected in the water. The site is also located on the road between Loch Lomond and Oban.

Inveraray Castle

On the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is the residence of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell. Its Gothic style, interiors, and gardens are also open to the public. To understand the role of this family, read our guide on the history of Scottish clans.

Castles of Scotland on the coasts and islands

Dunnottar Castle

Near Stonehaven, the ruins of Dunnottar stand on a headland battered by the North Sea. In the 17th century, the Scottish crown jewels were hidden there. Access, however, involves many steps.

Dunvegan Castle

On the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan has been linked for centuries to the chieftains of Clan MacLeod. It features furnished rooms and gardens, and boat trips sometimes offer the chance to see seals.

Castles of Scotland in Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire

Glamis Castle

In Angus, Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Its legends and ghost stories also contribute to its fame. For more tales of this kind, see haunted castles of the United Kingdom.

Blair Castle

In the heart of Perthshire, Blair Castle is easily recognizable by its white facades. The historic home of the Murray clan, it also boasts beautiful gardens.

Doune Castle

Between Stirling and the Trossachs, Doune Castle is a particular draw for film buffs. It has appeared in films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as well as in the series Outlander and Game of Thrones. Outlander fans will also appreciate our Outlander tour of Scotland.

Balmoral Castle

In the Dee Valley, Balmoral is the Scottish residence of the royal family. Only part of the estate is open to the public, and only at certain times of the year: so check the dates before you go.

How to visit the castles of Scotland?

Several major sites, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Doune Castle, are managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The organization offers a pass that grants access to many of its monuments. Other castles, such as Eilean Donan Castle, Glamis Castle, and Inveraray Castle, however, are privately owned and have their own separate tickets.

In summer, book the most popular attractions in advance, especially Edinburgh Castle. Opening hours and prices can be found on the website.’Historic Environment Scotland.

When is the best time to visit the castles of Scotland?

Major attractions like Edinburgh and Stirling are open year-round. However, some privately owned castles are only open seasonally, so check their opening dates before you go. Furthermore, the light in spring and autumn mornings particularly highlights ruins by the water. Our guide when to go to Scotland details each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most beautiful castle in Scotland?

Eilean Donan is the most photographed. Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, on the other hand, are the richest in history.

Where is the Stone of Destiny today?

At the Perth Museum since 2024. It was previously exhibited at Edinburgh Castle.

Is it possible to sleep in one of Scotland's castles?

Yes, many castles and historic residences now house hotels. They are often fully booked, especially in summer. They are also an ideal stopover during a honeymoon in Scotland.

Which castle was used as a setting for Outlander?

Doune Castle appears in the series. It has also served as a location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Game of Thrones.

How many days does it take to see several castles?

A 7 to 10 day tour allows you to visit several of them, combining them with the Highlands, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye.

Discover the castles of Scotland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we integrate castles into tailor-made trips, booking visits and selecting charming accommodations. For more itinerary ideas, browse The 20 most beautiful places to visit in Scotland and the most beautiful lochs in Scotland.

Discover also our tailor-made holidays in Scotland.

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