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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
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Highland castles itinerary
See some of Scotland's most amazing castles as you tour the Highlands over four great days.
6Days
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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

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
Rough Castle Experiences Ltd
Bonnybridge, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
The home of woodland experiences in the heart of Scotland.
View Details : Rough Castle Experiences Ltd
Stirling Castle
Stirling, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle.
View Details : Stirling Castle
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor, The Highlands
Discover the romantic Highland castle, the 14th century home of the Thanes of Cawdor.
View Details : Cawdor Castle
Urquhart Castle
Loch Ness, The Highlands
Wild natural beauty and 1,000 years of history - Urquhart Castle offers a taste of the Highlands at their most dramatic.
View Details : Urquhart Castle
Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians
The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland.
View Details : Craigmillar 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
Newark Castle
Greenock, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Enjoy stunning views of the Firth of Clyde from Newark Castle in Port Glasgow.
View Details : Newark Castle
Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch, The Highlands
Please be advised that Ballindalloch Castle, Gardens and Grounds will reopen on Tuesday 26th March – Thursday 26 September 2024 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm) Sunday - Thursdays (Closed Fridays and Saturdays)
View Details : Ballindalloch CastleElcho Castle
Bridge of Earn, Perthshire
Elcho Castle is a handsome and complete 16th century fortified mansion with three projecting towers on the banks of the River Tay.
View Details : Elcho 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 CastleCarnasserie Castle
Kilmartin, Argyll & The Isles
Explore this magnificent ruined castle, the former home of the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles.
View Details : Carnasserie 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 Castle.jpg)
Castle Of St John
Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway
This medieval tower house was built around 1500 by Ninian Adair of Kilhurst, one of the most powerful Lairds of Wigtownshire.
View Details : Castle Of St John
Haddo House
Pitmedden, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Stately and striking, Haddo House combines elegant Georgian style with luxurious Victorian interiors. Step inside and listen to the stories of the Gordon family while admiring the exquisite furniture and paintings. Then head outside to discover the delightful terrace garden, with its lavish herbaceous border and geometric flower beds.
View Details : Haddo House
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
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park
Lochwinnoch, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Glasgow's nearest fully accessible countryside attraction for a healthy family fun day out for lochside or woodland walks or outdoor activities in Scotland's largest Regional Park.
View Details : Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
Banchory, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Explore 700 years of history in one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. Drum Castle has something for everyone, from the medieval High Hall to modern art exhibitions. Take a stroll through the grounds to see the centuries-old oak trees and magnificent wildlife, and breathe in the perfumes of the Garden of Historic Roses.
View Details : Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
Castle Sween
Tayvallich, Argyll & The Isles
Discover the impressive remains of this once great castle believed to be one of the oldest in Scotland.
View Details : Castle Sween
Provan Hall
Glasgow City Centre, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
500 years of history in the heart of Easterhouse, Glasgow. Arguably Glasgow’s oldest house, Provan Hall is the best example of a medieval fortified house in Scotland and lies with the Seven Lochs Wetland Park.
View Details : Provan Hall
Church of the Holy Rude
Stirling, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
The Church of the Holy Rude is one of Scotland's most historic religious landmarks. Known for its stunning architecture, the Church hosted the coronation of James VI who went on to becoming the first monarch of the United Kingdom.
View Details : Church of the Holy Rude
Kelburn Castle and Estate
Largs, Ayrshire & Arran
Welcome to Kelburn Castle and Estate. One of Scotland's most beautiful woodlands combined with one of its most interesting castles.
View Details : Kelburn Castle and Estate
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
Stirling, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
Welcome to The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum. Here you will discover the story of one of Scotland’s great Highland Regiments, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which has maintained close associations with Stirling Castle reaching back over 200 years. The museum is housed in the ancient 'Kings Old Building' parts of which date back to 1496, and King James IV. It was completely redeveloped in 2020 and is bright, modern and engaging. Through our collection of documents, artefacts and tales we bring to life our regiment's, and Scotland's history, from the Jacobites through the changing role of women, music, military medicine, community and our diaspora. It gives a unique insight into Scottish culture and heritage.
View Details : The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
Gordon Castle Walled Garden
Fochabers, The Highlands
If you’re looking for a great day out in North-East Scotland, visit our beautiful Walled Garden at Gordon Castle, which is being lovingly restored to its former glory.
View Details : Gordon Castle Walled Garden1 of 24
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