Castles in Scotland

Discover castles in Scotland, from mighty medieval fortresses and windswept ruins to fairytale towers and grand royal residences. Explore famous castles such as Edinburgh and Stirling, atmospheric ruins on the coast, or seek out hidden gems where you can wander gardens, hear stories of clans and kings, and take in some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes.

From ancient legends and royal stories to romantic escapes and family adventures, Scotland’s castles offer an experience for everyone. What kind of castle adventure are you looking for?

History buffs

Step beyond the castle gates and into centuries of Scottish history. Explore castles, palaces and ancient strongholds that have witnessed royal intrigue, famous battles, political rivalries and pivotal moments in Scotland’s past. Step inside grand royal residences, walk historic battlements and discover the stories that helped shape the nation.

• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Scone Palace
• Linlithgow Palace
• Caerlaverock Castle

Ideal for: those who want to feel Scotland’s history rather than simply read about it. Perfect for history lovers, heritage travellers and curious explorers.

Fairytale castles & romantic escapes

Imagine spending the night in a historic castle, strolling through beautiful gardens and discovering hidden corners steeped in history. Whether you're planning a proposal, celebrating a special occasion or escaping for a romantic break, Scotland's castles provide unforgettable settings filled with charm, atmosphere and fairytale magic.

• Inveraray Castle
• Dunrobin Castle
• Craigievar Castle
• Blair Castle
• Castle Stalker

Ideal for: those dreaming of a fairytale Scottish escape and drawn to Scotland’s most magical side. Perfect for romantic breaks, special occasions and luxury getaways.

Find out more about fairytale castles in Scotland

Royal Scotland

Experience the places where Scotland's royal story unfolded. Explore grand residences, historic estates and coronation sites, and uncover the lives, decisions and events that helped shape a nation through generations of kings and queens.

• Stirling Castle - a grand royal residence and childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Scone Palace -  the historic coronation site of Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce.
• Linlithgow Palace - the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, overlooking Linlithgow Loch.
• Falkland Palace - a favourite residence of Mary, Queen of Scots and a royal hunting retreat.
• Balmoral Castle - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Highland retreat, still a royal residence today.

Ideal for: those fascinated by Scotland’s royal legacy and the lives of its kings and queens. Perfect for royal history enthusiasts, cultural travellers and first-time visitors.

Film and TV adventure

Follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters and learn more about the castles behind some of film and television's most iconic scenes. From sweeping landscapes to evocative fortresses, experience the locations that have helped bring epic stories to life on screen.

• Doune Castle - played Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie, in Outlander and featured as several locations in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
• Blackness Castle - stood in for Fort William in Outlander, providing the setting for some of the series’ most dramatic scenes.
• Midhope Castle - featured as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home, in Outlander.
• Dunnottar Castle - its dramatic clifftop setting has inspired filmmakers and featured in several screen productions.
• Eilean Donan Castle - one of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, featured as a cinematic backdrop in several films.

Ideal for: those who love the idea of exploring famous filming locations. Perfect for film fans, Outlander visitors and pop culture travellers.

Legends, ghosts & mysteries

As you explore Scotland’s castles and ruins, imagine the lives, loves and legends that once filled these halls. Walk through shadowy passageways, stand beneath towering battlements and uncover stories of ghostly sightings, lost loves and centuries-old folklore. These are places where every creaking staircase and hidden chamber seems to hold a secret.

• Glamis Castle - Look out for the Grey Lady, one of the castle’s most enduring ghost stories.
• Fyvie Castle - what secrets lie behind its infamous Curse of the Weeping Stone?
• Cawdor Castle - discover the legend that connects this castle to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
• Hermitage Castle - step into the haunting history of this remote Border stronghold.
• Crathes Castle - can you see the Green Lady who is said to haunt the castle halls?

Ideal for: those captivated by Scotland's darker tales and enduring mysteries. Perfect for folklore lovers, curious explorers and those seeking a spookier side of Scotland.

Discover Scotland's most haunted castles

Scenic castles & photography

Stand before dramatic clifftop ruins, gaze across mist-covered lochs and step into island fortresses surrounded by wild landscapes. Whether you're chasing golden-hour light, capturing ancient stone against sweeping scenery or simply pausing to take in the view, these castles offer spectacular perspectives at every turn.

• Dunnottar Castle - dramatic clifftop views over the North Sea near Stonehaven.
• Eilean Donan Castle - a picture-perfect island setting surrounded by lochs and mountains in the Highlands.
• Kilchurn Castle - atmospheric ruins framed by Loch Awe and the surrounding mountains.
• Tantallon Castle - coastal views across the Firth of Forth towards the Bass Rock.
• Duart Castle - a striking clifftop setting overlooking the Sound of Mull.

Ideal for: anyone who loves a castle in a spectacular setting. Bring your camera, chase the changing light and discover dramatic scenery. Perfect for photographers, road trippers and lovers of a memorable view.

Castles with gardens for all the family

Find castles where the experience extends far beyond the walls. Wander through landscaped gardens bursting with colour, follow woodland paths beneath changing autumn leaves, spot carpets of snowdrops and bluebells as the seasons unfold, and find family-friendly activities around every corner. These are places to explore at your own pace, turning a castle visit into a memorable day out.

• Culzean Castle
• Brodick Castle
• Dunvegan Castle
• Drum Castle
• Floors Castle

Ideal for: families and groups looking to create lasting memories together. Perfect for families, multi-generational trips and spring or summer days out.

Accessible castles

Find castles and historic sites with accessible facilities, routes or visitor information. Access varies from site to site, so check the individual attraction's access information before travelling.

• Urquhart Castle
• Brodie Castle
• Duffus Castle
• Doune Castle
• Stirling Castle

Ideal for: travellers looking for more accessible castle experiences, from visitors with mobility needs to families with pushchairs and those who prefer easier routes around historic sites.

Find more information about accessible castles | PDF 4.1MB