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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
Discover 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
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
Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians
The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland.
View Details : Craigmillar CastleDunagoil Vitrified Fort
Bute, Argyll & The Isles
Discover this ancient Iron-Age fort located at the southern end of the Isle of Bute.
View Details : Dunagoil Vitrified FortFort George
Inverness, The Highlands
Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain.
View Details : Fort George
Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate
Turriff, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. A magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Castle’s 800-year history is rich in legends, folklore and even ghost stories. Discover the amazing collection of antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Stroll around the picturesque loch, or visit the restored glass-roofed racquets court and ice house.
View Details : Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate
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
Craignethan Castle
Stonehouse, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Craignethan Castle sits in a beautiful setting with rugged surroundings providing magnificent views.
View Details : Craignethan Castle
Bothwell Castle
Uddingston, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Bothwell Castle is the largest and finest 13th century stone castle in Scotland, much fought over during the Wars of Independence.
View Details : Bothwell 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 CastleToward Castle
Dunoon, Argyll & The Isles
Explore the ruins of the former seat of Clan Lamont, one of the most powerful families in the history of west Scotland.
View Details : Toward Castle.jpg)
Huntingtower Castle
Perth, Perthshire
Huntingtower Castle has two fine and complete towers, built in the 15th and 16th centuries and joined by a range in the 17th century.
View Details : Huntingtower 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.jpg)
Blackness Castle
Bo'ness, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
One of Scotland's most impressive strongholds, Blackness Castle was built in the 15th century by one of Scotland's most powerful families, the Crichtons.
View Details : Blackness 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
Kellie Castle & Garden
Anstruther, The Kingdom of Fife
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Medieval origins meet Victorian style at Kellie Castle. Whether your interest lies in nature, gardens, arts & crafts, fine interiors, ornate plasterwork or furniture, you’ll find much to inspire you here. Marvel at the castle’s fairytale stone towers, magnificent rooms and beautiful garden.
View Details : Kellie Castle & Garden
Drumlanrig Castle
Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway
Immerse yourself in history at majestic Drumlanrig Castle.
View Details : Drumlanrig Castle
Duart Castle
Mull, Argyll & The Isles
Visit the ancestral home of Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull.
View Details : Duart Castle
Floors Castle
Kelso, The Scottish Borders
Discover Floors Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited Castle and visit one of the leading visitor attractions in the Scottish Borders.
View Details : Floors Castle
Braemar Castle
Ballater, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
A 17th century castle with a colourful past and an exciting future. Built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, it has been hunting lodge, fortress, garrison and family home.
View Details : Braemar Castle
St Serf's Church & Dupplin Cross
Dunning, Perthshire
St Serf’s Church is a picturesque parish church which houses the 9th century Dupplin Cross, a masterpiece of Pictish sculpture.
View Details : St Serf's Church & Dupplin Cross
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
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 House
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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