15 Best Castles in Scotland to Visit in 2023
The exact amount of castles in Scotland is unknown — the general consensus being around 3,000. There are more Scottish castles than anywhere else in the British Isles. Which, considering how many historic UK cities there are with castles, is an impressive title. Visiting castles is the best way to immerse yourself in historic Scotland, whether you pick a medieval fortress, tower house, or royal residence.
Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland
This guide is jam-packed with the best castles in Scotland. These are the most exciting castles, and all have unique claims to fame or stories to their name. Buckle up because you are in for some serious castle inspiration.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle needs a little introduction. As probably the most famous castle in Scotland, the medieval castle sits on Castle Rock in proud display in the center of Edinburgh Old Town. Edinburgh Castle is the second most visited attraction in the UK, so you best believe that tickets book out quickly and crowds flock in peak seasons. We suggest booking your tickets here for skip-the-line access before you go.
Because of this, Edinburgh Castle is best-visited off-season. With fewer people around, you can really take in Scotland’s history. Edinburgh Castle has hundreds of exhibits, including The Honours of Scotland, aka the Scottish crown jewels.
Admittedly, it would be criminal for Edinburgh Castle not to make our list. Not only is it the medieval castle that has survived for centuries in Scotland’s capital city. Edinburgh Castle is also one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland. For a full day out with plenty of educational and informative details, you can’t go wrong with Edinburgh Castle. And bonus points for anyone who finds somewhere to stay in Edinburgh with views of the castle on Castle Rock.
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: $22
2. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is another central building in Scottish history. The castle dates back to the 12th century and was once a Renaissance royal palace — full of luxuries like a great hall for balls and feasting and a royal hunting lodge. Situated in Stirling, Stirling Castle was also tactically used as a stronghold during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Stirling Castle sits on a volcanic rock on an elevated vantage point. Because of this advantageous position, many battles were fought around Stirling Castle, including Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Stirling Castle was a hub of conflict.
Today, Stirling Castle is fascinating for visitors intrigued by Scottish history — especially related to the Wars of Independence. It is surrounded by battlefields. While in Stirling Castle, visitors can tour the different rooms and get involved with the more entertaining aspects like trying on period costumes and chatting with the costumed character actors.
Stirling Castle is fun and family-friendly, despite its somber history. It earned a spot on our list for its links to the Wars of Independence. Only a few castles in Scotland offer such vital insight into this period of Scottish history. So don’t overlook Stirling Castle.
Hours: 9:30 am — 5 pm Entry Fees: $18
3. Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is one of the most dramatic castles in Scotland. The castle remains sit on a 160-foot rock overlooking the North Sea, which is believed to have been the first fortified castle. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the Early Middle Ages, while the surviving parts that visitors see today are dated to the 16th century. Despite its ruined state, Dunnottar Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It speaks to a lost era of Scotland and is an utterly romantic addition to our top Scottish Castles.
Dunnottar Castle has seen the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace cross its threshold. And with over 1000 years of history, it is one of the best places to experience historic Scotland. The castle is located in the coastal town of Stonehaven, along Scotland’s east coast. It is a two-hour drive from Edinburgh, but we suggest spending a few nights there. Especially since it is near the Cairngorms National Park.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Entry Fees: $11
4. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Scotland. The castle has over 650 years of history and is said to have inspired Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. The ancestral owners of Glamis Castle are the Strathmore family, who have resided there since 1372. It is even said to have hosted Mary Queen of Scots and was the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. At Glamis Castle, the Queen Mother also gave birth to Princess Margaret.
The long links to royals bagged Glamis Castle a spot in our guide. It is engaging to visit, with a great insight into historic Scotland. It is one of the only castles in Scotland to embrace its literary links, too, featuring a Macbeth Trail, which brings the play to life. The castle is situated outside the village of Glamis, a 20-minute drive north of Dundee.
Hours: March-October: 10 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: $9
5. Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is a royal residence — aka part of the collection of royal castles belonging to the British royal family. Prince Albert bought the castle for Queen Victoria in 1852, and Balmoral Castle was famously a favorite spot for Queen Elizabeth II. What most people don’t know, though, is that the original Balmoral Castle was deemed ‘too small’ for the royal family. Prince Albert actually commissioned a new castle to be built in 1856. Balmoral Castle is a beautiful place to learn more about the British royals. Its close links to the British monarchy earned it a spot on our list.
Balmoral Castle is located in the Cairngorms National Park near the village of Balmoral. It is a beautiful place to visit along the River Dee, and it is easy to see why a royal hunting lodge was added. Balmoral Castle is surrounded by nature.
Hours: April-July: 10 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: $20
6. Eilean Donan Castle
Chances are you’ve seen a picture of Eilean Donan Castle already. The castle sits on a tidal island amidst a confluence of three lochs. The loch setting is magical (who knows, maybe the Loch Ness monster has a cousin?), and Eilean Donan Castle is easily one of the best castles in Scotland for a scenic location. The 13th-century castle was once the stronghold of the MacRae family. Still, it was sadly destroyed in the war during the Jacobite Uprising. Only in 1932 was the Scottish castle restored to its former glory and opened to the public.
