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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

Lochranza castle on the Isle of Arran
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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
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
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
Dunnottar Castle
Stonehaven, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Once seen, never forgotten... Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience exploring the impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
View Details : Dunnottar Castle
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 Fort
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)Edzell Castle and Garden
Edzell, Dundee & Angus
The beautiful walled garden at Edzell is one of Scotland's unique sights, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604.
View Details : Edzell Castle and GardenCarnasserie 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
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
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
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
Tolquhon Castle
Pitmedden, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Explore the impressive ruins of this fairytale castle set in the stunning Grampian countryside.
View Details : Tolquhon Castle
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
Banff and Macduff Heritage Trail
Banff and Buchan - The North East Coast, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Explore Banff and Macduff at your own pace, on a self-guided tour finding out about the topics that interest you most. Listen to members of the local community telling some of the stories which make this place special.
View Details : Banff and Macduff Heritage Trail
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
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
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
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 Castle
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
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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