7 Fairytale castles in Scotland

With its soaring towers and turrets, ornate interiors and delicate pinkish stone, Fyvie Castle might look familiar – as if you've seen it on the pages of fairytale books.  

But this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress near Turriff in Aberdeenshire began as a simple castle in the 13th century. Once a royal stronghold, it passed through the hands of five powerful families, each of whom added significantly to its splendour by building their own towers and embellishments. 

Step inside, and it's a different experience. Creaking wooden floors, mysterious portraits on the walls, rich wallpapers, elaborate plaster ceilings and period furnishing set the mood. The grand rooms still look as glorious as when they did in the past. The magnificent sweeping staircase is probably the most dramatic architectural feature, while many treasures are also on display. 

Beyond the walls, colourful planting and beautiful views feel as magical as the castle itself. 

Step into a Scottish fairytale at Fyvie Castle 

Tucked amongst the lush green countryside near Inverurie, Castle Fraser is one of the grandest and most enchanting castles in the country. This baronial five-storey tower house boasts striking round towers with small windows and turrets that give it a romantic look.  

As you venture through the castle, admire its atmospheric rooms, hidden trapdoors, narrow secret staircases and even a spy hole, imagining the lavish life that these walls once saw. The stone-vaulted medieval great hall will leave you in awe, and so will the elegant regency dining room, making you feel as if you've stepped through time. Legend has it that a princess was murdered in the Green Room and that she still walks the castle at night. Unexplained ghostly piano music has even been heard... From the top, admire panoramic views of the gardens and estate beyond. 

Movie buffs might recognise Castle Fraser from The Queen (2006) starring Helen Mirren (it appeared as a backdrop).  

Discover the mysteries of Castle Fraser 

Situated in Kelso in the heart of the Scottish Borders and overlooking the River Tweed with the Cheviot Hills beyond, approaching Floors Castle feels like arriving at a royal palace – it really does. 

Floors is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and to this day remains the family home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh. Inside this lavish residence with sweeping facade, there's almost too much to take in at once. Your eye will wander from one beautiful object to the next, including fine works of art, timeless tapestries and priceless antiques.  

Take a walk through the stunning gardens with colourful borders filled with seasonal blooms, climbing roses, and shady fern collections. You'll find lots of quiet seating areas where you can just sit back and relax. In its imposing grounds you can see the holly tree that is said to mark the spot where King James II was killed in a siege in 1460.  

Discover the grandeur of Floors Castle 

Few castles in Scotland look so fascinating, or mysterious, as Caerlaverock Castle. Found near Glencaple in Dumfries & Galloway, this spellbinding medieval fortress dates to the 13th century. Erected in a unique triangular formation and encircled by a vivid green moat, there's simply no other castle in the world like it. 

Weathered by time, exploring its crumbling sandstone walls and ruined corner towers will take you back deep into Scotland's history. Climb up the spiralling stairways and peek into the castle's darkened rooms that once were home to the Maxwell family for over four centuries. As you stroll through, imagine an army of King Edward I besieging the castle during the Wars of Scottish Independence, or relive some of its stories during the July weekend-long event where brave knights on horses battle it out in a spectacular medieval tournament. 

Set within a nature reserve, follow the paths through the nearby woods and encounter the curious wildlife that inhabits this land.  

Step into the storybook setting of Caerlaverock Castle 

On the northern coast near Dornoch, architecture lovers can marvel at the stunning design of Dunrobin Castle. With its pointed turrets and spires, light stone facade and a perfectly manicured gardens, you might easily mistake it for a French château.  

The most northerly of Scotland's great houses, it dates to the early 14th century and is home to the Earls, later known as the Dukes, of Sutherland. It's also the largest castle in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms.  

Step inside to uncover interiors designed by Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer, filled to brim with ornate details and beautiful furnishings. Just imagining the conversations held here, candlelit dinners and bustle of the castle kitchen brings it vividly to life. As for the distinctive architecture and fairytale charms, this is owed to Sir Charles Barry, who also designed London's Houses of Parliament.  

Explore Dunrobin Castle's fantasy charm 

There's no doubt that Drummond Castle boasts one of Europe's finest gardens. While this 15th century castle is not open to the public, its formal terraced gardens, one of the largest in Scotland, can be explored. 

Located near Crieff in Perthshire, enter through a set of impressive gates and follow the beech avenue. On arrival, the first thing you’ll notice is the striking scale of the gardens, then the perfect symmetry. Clipped conifers, ornate stonework and fountains make it easy to imagine ladies in Victorian-style gowns and sun umbrellas back in the day – that's how magical it feels to be here. You'll find peacocks roaming freely, statues peeking through greenery and a St Andrew's Cross with the multiplex 17th century sundial at its centre. In the 19th century the gardens were redesigned into the Italianate style seen today. In winter, although not available to visit, the gardens look just stunning covered in the wintry white dust.  

The gardens have made appearances in the film Rob Roy (1995) and TV series Outlander, where it stood in for the gardens and grounds of the Palace of Versaille. 

Wander through Drummond Castle's magnificent gardens 

With its dramatic clifftop setting on the Ayrshire coast, near Maybole, captivating history and striking architecture, visiting Culzean Castle feels like embarking on your own fairytale adventure.  

Designed by Robert Adam in his trademark neo-classical Georgian style, the castle is surrounded by over 600 acres of Culzean Country Park, which encompasses lush woodland, landscaped gardens and rugged coastline – perfect for a great day out for all the family. Spot glimpses of towers and turrets between the trees as you approach, while inside, explore ornate ceilings, elegant fireplaces, paintings and beautiful furniture, with plenty of character and stories found in each room. 

Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the estate and the cliffs, where the sea stretching out before you completely changes the atmosphere. It's easy to see why Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. 

Uncover the splendour of Culzean Castle 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.