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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

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians
Located just outside the walls of Edinburgh Castle in front of the Gate House and castle ticket office is the castle esplanade.
View Details : Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Ellon Castle Gardens
Ellon, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Situated in the grounds of a romantically ruined castle, our 7 acres of walled Garden contain 19 ancient English yews which for centuries have grown quietly into a magical cathedral of nature. This is thought to be the finest collection of ancient yew trees in the UK.
View Details : Ellon Castle Gardens
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
Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians
The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland.
View Details : Craigmillar Castle
Lauriston Castle and Gardens
Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians
Edwardian home in tranquil free grounds cradling the sea near historic Cramond. Regular historical costumed performances. Year round programme of special events.
View Details : Lauriston Castle and Gardens
Spynie Palace
Elgin, The Highlands
The residence of the bishops of Moray from the 14th century to 1686.
View Details : Spynie PalaceCraigievar Castle
Alford, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. If fairytales were real, all castles would look like Craigievar. Discover the beautiful property said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Admire an impressive collection of artefacts and art – including Raeburn portraits, armour and weapons – or enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden and estate.
View Details : Craigievar Castle
Balvenie Castle
Huntly, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Balvenie Castle is a ruined castle near Dufftown in the north of Aberdeenshire.
View Details : Balvenie Castle
Rothesay Castle
Rothesay, Argyll & The Isles
Once a bulwark against invading Viking forces, the magnificent ruins of Rothesay Castle boast a long and close connection to the Stewart dynasty.
View Details : Rothesay Castle
Ravenscraig Castle
Kirkcaldy, The Kingdom of Fife
Ravenscraig Castle is one of the earliest artillery forts in Scotland and has two round towers linked by a cross range.
View Details : Ravenscraig Castle
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Connel and North Connel, Argyll & The Isles
Visit the mighty stronghold of the ‘Kings of the Isles’ where Jacobite heroine Flora MacDonald was believed to have been held in prisoner.
View Details : Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
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
Caerlaverock Castle
Glencaple, Dumfries & Galloway
Visit Caerlaverock Castle and discover one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses.
View Details : Caerlaverock Castle
Culzean Castle & Country Park
Maybole, Ayrshire & Arran
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. With gardens, beaches, woods, trails and new adventure playgrounds to explore, and to crown it all, a cliff-top castle of monumental size: there’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic day out at Culzean. There really is something for all the family in this wildlife-rich 260ha estate, which is opulent to the extreme.
View Details : Culzean Castle & Country Park
Clan Hunter
West Kilbride, Ayrshire & Arran
Visit one of the best kept Pele Towers in Scotland and unlock the secrets of Hunterston Castle.
View Details : Clan Hunter
Duart Castle
Mull, Argyll & The Isles
Visit the ancestral home of Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull.
View Details : Duart 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
Dunimarle Castle
Culross, The Kingdom of Fife
Set in 52 acres of woodland, formal gardens and meadow, Dunimarle Castle and Gardens provides a beautiful day out for the whole family.
View Details : Dunimarle Castle
Balmoral Castle
Ballater, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Balmoral Castle is the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are now open daily, until the 11th August 2024. Admission charges apply.
View Details : Balmoral Castle
Dingwall Community Development Company
Dingwall Area, The Highlands
A town centre Heritage Trail with a series of information boards at key historical sites, linking a fully accessible pedestrian trail around Dingwall using existing roads and footpaths. Walking the Trail takes about 30-45 minutes.
View Details : Dingwall Community Development Company
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
Dunrobin Castle
Golspie, The Highlands
A warm welcome to Dunrobin Castle, home of my ancestors for over seven hundred years. I'm so proud that people from all over the world pay us a visit and I enjoy being able to share the magnificent castle and gardens with others. Lord Strathnaver.
View Details : Dunrobin CastleCastle Menzies
Aberfeldy, Perthshire
Welcome to Castle Menzies: visitor attraction, museum, clan centre and venue for weddings, concerts, corporate events and other hire. Full details are available on our website at www.castlemenzies.org
View Details : Castle Menzies
Arniston House
Gorebridge, Edinburgh & The Lothians
Arniston House is a magnificent William Adam, Palladian style mansion house set in acres of beautiful parkland just 11 miles from Edinburgh. It has been home to the Dundas family for over 400 years. You are most welcome to come and visit us, have a tour, see the beautiful grounds and perhaps consult with our Events Coordinator about a wedding or other event. We invite you to come and visit us.
View Details : Arniston House1 of 24
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