Presenting some of the glorious, magical and most beautiful castles in Scotland! With a stunning landscape as a backdrop, each of these castles are unique in its own and should definitely get into your bucketlist of Scotland Travel.
When we moved to Scotland we didn’t know we would stay here this longer. What started as a mere expat life has now grown into an addiction towards this country that we currently call home. Living in Scotland is pretty much like being on a holiday.
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There’s lot of things that we love about Scotland – incredible islands full of hidden gems , coasts where we got lost road tripping, countless weekends we spent in the highlands, exploring the vast wilderness of this country or the festivals that coloured the cities with tourists.
The more we stayed here, the more we deciphered the mystery and secrets Scotland beholds, and it only surprised us every single time.
We have created a list of epic castles (in no particular order) which we think are the must-visit and beautiful castles in Scotland. Some of these castles can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh. Some of these castles are scattered around Western Scotland and some on the heart of Scottish Highlands. We are very sure this post will only mesmerize and inspire you to head over to Scotland.
13 Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the iconic and most visited monument in Scotland, and 2nd most visited attraction in the entire United Kingdom. The imposing castle that sits on a dormant volcanic hill dominates the city’s skyline, and is the prettiest sight to behold from any corner of the city. It is impossible to walk past without noticing the magnificent structure.
A UNESCO heritage site, the history of Edinburgh castle dates back to 12th century. The castle serves as a backdrop to the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival (one of the best things to do in Edinburgh during festival season).
A lot of people who travel to Scotland stay in Edinburgh to explore it’s attractions before heading to Scottish Highlands. Some of the best views of Edinburgh castle can be seen from Princes Street, Calton Hill, Arthurs Seat, Grass Market and Blackford Hill.
Also Read: Street Performers and Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2. Balmoral Castle
A large estate house in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle has been one of the summer residences of the Royal Family since 1852 when it was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The castle is an example of Scots Baronial architecture and the castle surrounds gorgeous 50000 acres of land that includes gardens, grouse moors, farmland. The estate ground, garden and Ballrooms are open to public during Spring-Summer.
3. Culzean Castle
Located on a dramatic settings along the Ayrshire coast, it’s easy to see why Culzean Castle has been one of the most popular attractions in Scotland. Considered as architect Robert Adam’s masterpiece, the castle has impressive oval staircase, armory, circular saloon and gas house.
There are also sea caves beneath the castle which are open to public only during summer. The castle surroundings are very huge and are Scotland’s first country park which has deer park, ponds, walking trails. Easily makes a great day out.
4. Dunnattor Castle
Dunnattor castle is a ruined medieval fortress located on a rocky headland on the north-east of Scotand, about 3 kms south of Stonehaven, it is nothing but a stunning landscape.
The castle has played a major role in the history of Scotland, primarily because of its strategic location. The castle can be reached by steep narrow path from the car park.
5. Tantallon Castle
Tantallon Castle is certainly one of the eye catching 14th century castle, located not too far from Edinburgh. Sitting on a small cliff along the shores of North Berwick overlooking Bass Rock, the semi-ruined castle is an unmissable photogenic monument – whether seen from land or from the sea.
Suggested Reading: North Berwick is a birdwatcher’s paradise
6. Glamis Castle
Not only famous for its architecture and history, but reputed as one of the most haunted and intriguing castle, Glamis castle was the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Located in the quaint village of Glamis in the Angus region, this castle has strong connections with Royal family. The castle was childhood home for The Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth), and her 2nd daughter Princes Margaret was born in this castle.
7. Duart Castle
This impressive castle is located in the charming Isle of Mull, an island off the coast in Western Scotland. Duart Castle and it’s history dates back to 13th century.
For over 400 years this has been home base for Clan McLean. The castle is surrounded by a landscape that looks beautiful in all angles with wide open coast. In the spring, the castle field is bloomed with wild bluebells, and is quite a sight to behold.
Also Read: Top 20 things to do in Isle of Mull
8. Inverness Castle
A prominent structure that you cannot miss while you are in Inverness, the castle gets the name after the city, and it overlooks River Ness. The impressive red sandstone structure was built on 1836 by William Burns (architect), and the castle currently serves as a Sheriff Court.
Suggested Reading: Eagle Brae Log Cabins in Scotland
9. Stirling Castle
One of the important castles in Scotland both historically and architecturally, Stirling Castle sits on an extinct volcano surrounded by steep cliffs. Several scottish kings and queens have been crowned here including Mary Queen of Scots, and the castle played an important role during Scottish Wars of Independence.
Also Read: Top things to do in Callander
10. Dunvegan Castle
Visit to Isle of Skye is almost incomplete without visiting the Dunvegan Castle. Located in the west coast of Scotland, this castle is seat of Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for about 800 years, and it still is. Unfold the history, stroll around the castle gardens, or take a boat trip to visit the nearby seal colony or simply enjoy the landscape that Dunvegan offers.
11. Kelburn Castle
Kelburn Castle is probably one-of-its-kind of a castle in the entire United Kingdom, that is smeared with graffiti art on its walls. Located in the Western Scotland, near the seaside town of Largs, this castle is roughly 1.5 hours drive from Edinburgh. The entire castle and country park is dotted with water streams, tiny cascading waterfalls, secret forest, gardens, farmland.
Also Read: Things to do in Kelburn Castle and Kelburn Country Park
12. Inverary Castle
A country house in Argyll county, Inverary castle is seat of Duke of Argyll, the chief of Clan Campbell since 17th century. It is surrounded by 16 acre garden and estate of 60,000 acres. This photogenic castle is one of the most visited castles in west of Scotland.
13. Eilean Donan Castle
An iconic image of Scotland, Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in the world, and it wouldn’t be fair to miss it out from your itinerary if you are planning a trip to Scotland.
Located in a small island where 3 lochs meet (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh), the castle is connected with land by a lovely foot bridge. This is one of the unusual view of the castle taken from top of the village hill.
Please note that the castles are not in any particular, and are purely our own opinion on what we have seen and experienced. We hope you’ve enjoyed touring the Scottish Castles with us virtually.
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You may enjoy reading these posts too!
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- Weekend in the coastal town of Largs
- Guide to visiting the enchanted forest show in Pitlochry
What is your favourite castle among these? Have you visited any of these castles in Scotland?
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Destination Infinity
I like the Balmoral castle. The white shades in that picture are too good. So why don't you build one for yourself on the lines of these castles? 😛
Destination Infinity
countryhoppingcouple
Building a castle – I build a lot of them in the air and dreams 🙂 Lets just reserve the castle building for wise people!
Teresa Trangmar
Wow! A fantastic list. I have visited Edinburgh and Stirling castle, and seen Inverness from a distance. I seem to remember I have seen Dunnattoor as well, would have to go back and check. My favourite from your list? It has to be Culzean although I would happily be transported to any of them!
countryhoppingcouple
Oh we''ve been dreaming about visiting Culzean castle now. Somehow we keep missing them.
Agness Walewinder
What a great collection of wonderful castles. Actually, I didn't know there are so many stunning castles in Scotland. My favourite one is definitely Culzean Castle!
countryhoppingcouple
There's these 12, and lot more castles in Scotland that are waiting to be explored. Actually they all got pretty spooky story behind.
Rajaraman
Enchanting voyage to these mystery filled castles in Scotland. Narration of the journey compel you to undertake the journey.
Janice Mucalov
A great collection for castle lovers! Dunvegan in the mist and fog looks so moody…
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks a lot Janice. For me, it's difficult to nail down to one favourite castle from this 🙁
Renuka
Stunning is the only word I have! Scotland is one of my dream destinations and knowing that you are living there makes me envious. 😛
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks Renuka 🙂 It also says that you have a good friend to meet in Scotland.
Shrinidhi Hande
Great captures. Loved each of the castles
The Trusted Traveller
Stunning! I love visiting castles and have been to only Edinburgh castle and the ruins of an old castle in the highlands that I can't remember the name of. You guys are very lucky living in such a beautiful place!
Bikram
I so want to see them all, I have been to edinburgh one twice now.. and coincidentally we were planning to go a week this year too end of this month , saw some cottages in aberdeen but the 7 hours drive put me off 🙂 maybe next year
Bikram's
Els Mahieu
Been to 3 of them, I love castles, they hold so much history in them!
Jessica
These are beautiful! The only one I've been to is Edinburgh castle, though I have a friend who lived in Stirling for a while who says their castle is amazing. I can see why you've stayed in Scotland longer than expected!
Hannah
Eilean Donan is one of my favourite Castles of all time! Everything about it is fairytale and I love it! Great list and photos 🙂
Carmen Edelson
What a great list of castles. Scotland is on my bucket list. I would love to stay in a castle for a few nights to get the whole experience.
Samantha Hussey
A great list! We visited some of those castles on our Whiskey tour of Scotland although Eilean Donan is by far my favorite! 🙂
Lorrie Brooks
there all so beautiful thanks for sharing that amazing photos
zof
I love castles and I really enjoyed your post. I did a similar one on Czech Republic once. The Scottish castles seem to be pretty different from what Central Europe has to offer though.
Hilary McWilliam
Have been to all but two of them . The Castle of Mey on my next trip to a Scotland. Eileen Donan is my favourite though, magical views all around
Bianca Malata
I saw a post similar to this on Stumbleupon. I want love to see more of Scotland from the end of this year. Starting with a trip to Edinburgh this coming Friday.
Hong Kong: Lunch Date at Ritz Carlton
nycjetsetter.com
WOW.. these castles are beautiful!
JP Chartier
I loved this post!! Great article.
HitchHikers Handbook
We haven't been to Scotland yet but when we finally go, I'm planning to visit all their castles! beautiful place on Earth!
If you guys like photography, we would like to invite you to participate in the next edition of our Travel Photography Competition. Every week we publish 3 winning shots on our website and write a nice bio with a link to the photographers' websites/FB/G+/Flickr pages etc.
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Take care!
Karen
This list of castles will definitely be on my radar when I get to visit Scotland. I love the Kelburn one–so whimsical.
Kelsey
I’m kind of a castle addict so I really enjoyed staring at all your photos! Kelburn Castle in particular looks really interesting, had no idea any castles like that existed anywhere, haha.
Eric Gamble
So I am quite shocked that you skipped Urquhart Castle! Dont get me wrong, this list of the top most beautiful castles in Scotland is great. I especially loved Dunnattor as it has that old coastal feel and Kelburn is fun with all of it’s street art covering it. But Urquhart Castle is beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland and may be one of the oldest ruins of a castle in all of Scotland! We only visited a few castles but I would say that Uquhart was our favorite, though I have no idea how the Scots lived there as we were FREEZING to death walking the grounds beside Loch Ness.
I do love how you also added the modern castles owned by the royal family. My wife is infatuated with them, so I am sure when we return she will want to go to Glamis!
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