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Castles to visit in Scotland
Towering spires, thick stone walls and dramatic settings - whatever pops into your mind when you imagine a castle, you'll find it in Scotland. From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, our country is bursting with fascinating castles to visit in Scotland.
A couple exploring Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Learn more about famous castles to visit in Scotland
Find awe-inspiring well-known, medieval and ruined castles.

Stirling Castle
Famous Scottish castles
You don't have to be an avid castle hunter to know some of these famous fortresses. These castles have provided the backdrops for bloody battles or famous films, and are still frequented by Royals or used as family homes.

Castle Stalker on Loch Linnhe
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Medieval castles
Many of Scotland's castles were built in the Medieval period or late Middle Ages. A few castles remain unchanged, whilst others have been modernised and re-designed. All medieval castles in Scotland are unique and were built depending on wealth and status at the time.

Dunnottar Castle
Ruined castles
Some of the castle ruins in Scotland date as far back as the 13th century. Crumbling ruins tell us tales of intense clan rivalries and invasions from near and far, each providing a little insight into Scottish life way back when.

Duart Castle
Island castles
Scotland’s islands are home to some of the country’s most captivating castles. Choose from a diverse array of castles spanning everything from romantic, windswept ruins to extravagant pleasure palaces from the Victorian era.

Glamis Castle
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Accessible castles
Euan’s Guide is an award-winning disabled access charity who manage EuansGuide.com, a disabled access review website.
Find more castles
Check out these ideas for days out to Scottish castles.
12 Fairytale castles in Scotland
Whisk yourself away to one of these enchanting castles for a fairytale escape.
4Days
Car
Highland castles itinerary
See some of Scotland's most amazing castles as you tour the Highlands over four great days.
6Days
Car
Scotland's Castle Trail - Aberdeenshire
Experience the most famous and dramatic castles in the north east with our incredible 6-day itinerary.
Castle tours in Scotland
Join a castle tour for an in-depth look at some of our most interesting Scottish castles.
What's new & events
Find and book an event at a Scottish castle.
Castle of Light
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
See Scottish castles in a new light
Our castles make unique concert venues and hold exciting events.
Other ways to explore Scotland's castles

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Castle accommodation and weddings
Find a castle for an amazing overnight stay, or book one for your wedding.
Your castle photos
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See all of Scotland's castles

Neidpath Castle
Peebles, The Scottish Borders
Neidpath Castle, an unspoilt 14th century Keep, high above the River Tweed, offers private tours, lunches and teas to visitors, in the Great Hall. All year, by appointment.
View Details : Neidpath Castle
Fairy Pools
Skye & Lochalsh, The Highlands
Free to visit at any time, the spectacular Fairy Pools are located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye. As part of the MacLeod Estate, Glenbrittle runs roughly south to north along the River Brittle and is overlooked by the majestic Cuillin mountains. Many tributaries of the River Brittle run down from the Cuillin into the glen including a stream with waterfalls known as the Fairy Pools, a popular place for walkers. The Fairy Pools are beautiful rock pools of translucent mountain spring water fed by a series of waterfalls.
View Details : Fairy Pools
Barnbougle Castle
South Queensferry, Edinburgh & The Lothians
A hidden gem just seven miles from the heart of Edinburgh, Barnbougle Castle is awakening after nearly a century. Opening in spring 2019, this truly magical venue has never before been open to the public.
View Details : Barnbougle Castle
The Castle And Gardens Of Mey
Thurso, The Highlands
Make your visit to Caithness memorable by visiting the unique Castle and Gardens of Mey.
View Details : The Castle And Gardens Of Mey
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh & The Lothians
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
View Details : Edinburgh Castle
Luxury S.E.A.T. Ltd (Scottish Executive Airport Transfers & Tours)
Airdrie, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Luxury S.E.A.T. Ltd offers bespoke tours & transfers, which we will design together with you. Our vehicles are all top of the range Mercedes V-Class (AMG Model)and driven by Scottish guides who will enthrall you with historic tales.
View Details : Luxury S.E.A.T. Ltd (Scottish Executive Airport Transfers & Tours)
Duff House
Banff, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Duff House is the premier outstation of the National Galleries of Scotland and houses a collection of fine paintings and furniture.
View Details : Duff House
Hume Castle
Greenlaw, The Scottish Borders
Hume Castle is located in Greenlaw in the Scottish Borders.
View Details : Hume Castle
Delgatie Castle Trust
Turriff, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Dating from about 1050, Delgatie is a uniquely Scottish Castle. It is the home of the late Captain and Mrs Hay of Delgatie, and is the Clan Hay Centre.
View Details : Delgatie Castle Trust
Balvenie Castle
Huntly, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Balvenie Castle is a ruined castle near Dufftown in the north of Aberdeenshire.
View Details : Balvenie CastleLochleven Castle
Kinross, Perthshire
Lochleven Castle is a late 14th or early 15th century tower where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567.
View Details : Lochleven Castle
St Andrews Castle
St Andrews, The Kingdom of Fife
St Andrews Castle is the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century.
View Details : St Andrews Castle
Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre
Dundonald, Ayrshire & Arran
Built in 1371, Dundonald Castle is a splendid example of a medieval tower house, with a fine barrel-vaulted ceiling in the lower hall.
View Details : Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre
Castle Campbell and Gardens
Dollar, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
Formerly known as the Castle of Glooms, this castle is beautifully sited upon a narrow bridge overlooked by the Ochil Hills.
View Details : Castle Campbell and Gardens
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
Dumbarton Castle is located in the ancient capital of Scotland and is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde.
View Details : Dumbarton Castle
Threave Castle
Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway
Situated on an island in the middle of the River Dee, this formidable castle is only reachable by boat.
View Details : Threave Castle
Cardoness Castle
Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway
A fine example of a Scottish tower-house castle, Cardoness Castle was built in the later 15th century as the fortified residence of the McCullochs.
View Details : Cardoness CastleDunvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan, The Highlands
Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without enjoying the wealth of history and clan MacLeod legend at award winning 5* Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Please see our website for more details about our opening times, admission prices, events, group and cruise ship bookings, accessibility and how to find us.
View Details : Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Huntly Castle
Huntly, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
A magnificent ruin of a castle from the 12th-century motte to the palace block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Gordon family
View Details : Huntly Castle
The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Perth, Perthshire
The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star multi-award winning visitor attraction located in the beautiful city of Perth. The venue comprises of The Black Watch Museum, Bistro @ The Castle and Gift Shop. We run a varied calendar of events for all ages.
View Details : The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Inveraray Castle
Inveraray, Argyll & The Isles
Visit the romantic Inveraray Castle & Gardens on the shores of Loch Fyne and discover one of Scotland’s finest stately homes.
View Details : Inveraray Castle
Dean Castle Country Park
Kilmarnock, Ayrshire & Arran
Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for the whole family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With a recently restored 14th century castle, rural life centre, woodland walks, adventure playground,cafe and gift shops, the jewel in Kilmarnock's crown is well worth a visit!
View Details : Dean Castle Country Park
Kisimul Castle
Castlebay, The Outer Hebrides
Dating from the 15th century, Kisimul is the only significant surviving medieval castle in the Outer Hebrides.
View Details : Kisimul Castle
Kilchurn Castle
Lochawe, Argyll & The Isles
Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Lord of Glenorchy.
View Details : Kilchurn Castle1 of 24
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