The best Scottish Castles will transport you in another world.
But there are so many… which ones should you visit?
Below you will find my selection of the best castles in Scotland (with pictures and a map): the fairy-tale looking, strangest, most dramatic, most scenic…
Start planning your trip!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William
My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe
My favorite places to stay:
- Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
- Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
- Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
- Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel
Best Castles in Scotland – selection and map
It is not easy to reduce the list of the best castles in Scotland. Below you will find my top 16 with pictures.
But let’s start with my absolute favorites and a map to get your oriented.
Best Scottish Castles – my top 7
- Inveraray Castle
- Caerlaverock Castle
- Edinburgh Castle
- Dunrobin Castle
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Sinclair Girnigoe Castle
- Glamis Castle
Best Castles in Scotland Map
They are some of the best things to do in Scotland. So, find out where those 7 are located in the map below to help you plan your itinerary.
I am sorry to tell you that they are spread out around Scotland. A road trip will be necessary…
All the castles in this article, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook. It facilitates the planning of your Scotland road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
- 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 170+ original photos to help you choose
Most Enchanting Castles in Scotland
Let’s start with the most fairy-tale looking Castles in Scotland. And when you think princesses, 2 come to mind:
Inveraray Castle
- Why visit
The beautiful green castle is mesmerizing, especially in spring when the park’s flowers are blooming.
Its shape is quite simple but elegant and well-balanced.
It is definitively one of the best castles in Scotland (or at least my favorite…).
Discover more photos of this fascinating building in my dedicated article about Inveraray Castle. - Location
West of the Trossach National park
Near Lock Fyne, in the Argyll region
Town of Inveraray
It is often visited on a day trip from the Trossachs or Glasgow.
Edinburgh to Inveraray = 2h30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in Inveraray
Dunrobin Castle
- Why visit
Located North of Inverness, Dunrobin Castle is a magnificent building surrounded by parks and gardens, close to the sea.
All its angles are interesting and it is as dreamy from the front as it is from the back.
This is one of the most fairy-tale looking castles in Scotland. Some sections date from the 14th century and the Versailles-inspired gardens were established in 1850.
Discover more photos in my Dunrobin Castle article. - Location
North West Coast of Scotland.
Near the village of Golspie.
Edinburgh to Dunrobin = 4h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Most Famous Castles in Scotland
But when you think about Scottish Castles, maybe the two presented before where not the ones that came to mind. The most famous are the big medieval fortresses in Edinburgh and Stirling (and maybe Eilean Donan that I will introduce in the next category).
Edinburgh Castle
- Why visit
Located at the end of the Royal Mile, this castle can only impress.
Thanks to its great location on top a hill, you can see it from many places in the city. The impressive fortress is worth being admired from the Princes Street Garden and also worth being visited.
This is one of the best castles in the UK.
Discover it with video and plenty of photos on my article: Visit Edinburgh Castle - Locations
In the center of Edinburgh, on a hill, so you cannot miss it! - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in Edinburgh.
Stirling Castle
- Why visit
Stirling has a similar structure to Edinburgh.
It is located on top of a steep hill with several buildings and a protection wall.
One of the best views of the structure is at its foot where Scottish cattle hang out. Such a classic Scottish picture! - Location
Just North of Edinburgh, in the town of Stirling, on top of the hill
Edinburgh to Stirling = 1h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in Stirling.
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Scottish Castles in best scenery
The landscapes of Scotland are mesmerizing. And when you combine the lochs, mountains and castles, it is picture perfect!
Eilean Donan Castle
- Why visit
Unless you take a ferry to reach the Isle of Skye, you have to drive past Eilean Donan Castle. The small fort is located where 3 lochs meet between the magical Skye island and the summits of the Scottish Highlands.
Discover more photos of the castle and its environment on my Eilean Donan article. - Location
Close to the bridge to the Isle of Skye
West central coast of Scotland
Near the village of Dornie
Edinburgh to Eilean Donan Castle = 4h15 - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Kilchurn Castle
- Why visit
The ruins of Kilchurn Castle are not the most impressive. But its location in the North of the enchanting Loch Awe makes it worth a quick stop – sorry that my picture is not so good. - Location
North of Loch Awe, on the West coast
Edinburgh to Kilchurn Castle =2h30 drive
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Most Dramatic Castles in Scotland
Scotland has a lot of coastal areas to protect. This is why many castles are located right on the cliffs making them quite dramatic (or at least what remains of them…)
Girnigoe Castle
- Why visit
Girnigoe was one of my favorite Scottish Castles: the mix of ruins on a strange promontory carved by the sea is spectacular.
There is not much left, but I love rock formations, which is why I really enjoy visiting it.
Discover more pictures of the ruins and the cliffs on my Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Post. - Location
Located North East of Scotland, near the town of Wick
Edinburgh to Girnigoe = 5h30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Tantallon Castle
- Why visit
The massive wall still standing of Tantallon castle is very close to the cliff. It is not as pretty as Girnigoe, but the fact that you can still climb to the top and see the incredible views makes it special.
Discover the experience in video and photos in my Tantallon Castle article. - Location
East of Edinburgh, near the town of North Berwick
Edinburgh to Tantallon castle = 1h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Dunnottar Castle
- Why visit
Another famous Scottish castle for its location is Dunnottar.
The ruins of the 13th century are located on a rocky promontory. It is one of photographers’ favorite places in Scotland. - Location
South of Aberdeen, East coast of Scotland
Edinburgh to Dunnottar Castle = 2h15 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Best Scottish Castles in ruins
We have already seen ruins of castles above, but I have one more for you that are interesting to visit. Not for the location but for the ruins themselves.
Dirleton Castle
- Why visit
If you like ruins, you will find plenty in Scotland. They are often disappointing with just half of a tower remaining. But sometimes you find a partial structure that you can explore. It is the case with Dirleton Castle
Explore the castle in photos on the article dedicated on Dirleton. - Location
East of Edinburgh, near the town of North Berwick
Edinburgh to Tantallon castle = 1h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Other castles in Ruins
Some of the best ruins also include the Tantallon and Girnigoe castles mentioned in the previous category.
Best Scottish Castles – Strangest Architecture
Caerlaverock Castle
- Why visit
Caerlaverock was the first place I visited in Scotland.
The castle is very intriguing with its triangular shape. Take the time to explore the inside as well as tour it from the outside. Every angle is fascinating.
Discover more photos in my article dedicated to Caerlaverock Castle. - Location
South West of Scotland, near the town of Dumfries
Edinburgh to Caerlaverock castle = 2h30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Braemar Castle
- Why visit
Another very unique shape: quite difficult to describe!
The fort overlook the River Dee and it was the base of grand hunting parties in the surrounding woodland. - Location
Located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, near the village of Braemar.
Edinburgh to Braemar Castle = 2h30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Graigievar Castle
East of Cairngorm National Park, the castle remains at is was built in 1626. Located in a vast park with old trees, the Pinkish tower is a great example of Baronial architecture.
Where to stay in Scotland?
My favorites:
- Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city – see best-rated accommodations
- Portree to explore the isle of Skye – see best rated accommodations
- Glencoe to take time in the magnificent valley – see best rated accommodations
- Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 – see best rated accommodations
- Thurso for the North coast + ferry – see best rated accommodations
- Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys – see best rated accommodations
- Inverness for the Speyside whiskies – see best rated accommodations
Best parks around castles
Culzean Castle
- Why visit
The architecture of Culzean Castle is square and austere. But the giant park that surrounds is what makes it famous. It is home to woodlands, gardens, beaches, a swan pond, a pagoda…
Discover the castle and its park on my Culzean Castle Article - Location
South West Coast, near the town of Maybole
Edinburgh to Culzean castle = 2h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Dunrobin again
- Why visit
Dunrobin was one of the first castles listed in this article. I decided to add it again in this category because its gardens between the castle and the sea are beautifully maintained and provide stunning views of the castle. - Location
North West Coast of Scotland.
Near the village of Golspie.
Edinburgh to Dunrobin = 4h drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Drummond Castle
- Why visit
Drummond Castle is mostly famous for its surrounding park.
The terraces are covered in formal garden with statues and clean cut trees. - Location
Located in the Perthshire, near the town of Crieff
Edinburgh to Drummond Castle = 1h20 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Best castles in Scotland – special mentions
Balmoral Castle
- Why visit
You might have heard the name before. This is because this castle is the summer residence of the Queen. I actually reached the gate of the Balmoral Castle park. But the huge number of busses and monarchy adoring tourists made me turn around. I chose to spend more time in nature further South. - Location
Located in the Cairngorm National Park, not far from Braemar
Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle = 2h30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Glamis Castle
- Why visit
Glamis is one of the most impressive castle in Scotland based on its size and color. The impressive building dates back largely from the 17th century. - Location
Located North East of Perth
Edinburgh to Glamis = 1h 30 drive - Where to stay nearby?
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area.
Most disappointing
And when planning your Scotland Itinerary, I thought you might also want to know if some Scottish castles had disappointed me…
But this is only my personal opinion.
Urquhart Castle
Some people might shout at me for it. But I think the Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are overrated, all because of a monster that nobody can see… yes it is fun to tell people you have been to the Loch Ness but after seeing so many lochs in Scotland, I can tell you this one is quite boring. And I think the ruins of the Urquhart castle pale in comparison to all the other castles I have shown you in this article.
Yet this is a highly touristic site, with big coaches coming in everyday.
Inverness Castle
I was not expecting much from it so I was not that disappointed. But when you see the castles in Edinburgh and in Stirling, the castle of Inverness looks boring.
However the lovely river and surrounding town make up for it.
Iconic Castles in Scotland Video
And now, sit back and enjoy a Scotland road trip through its castles.
Spending the night – Castle Hotels in Scotland
Spending the night in a castle in Scotland, does that tempt you?
In Scotland some large houses and castles are open to the public as Castle hotels.
For those who are looking for a unique experience!
- The Crossbasket Castle is located in High Blantyre, 40km from Stirling. You can enjoy an exceptional night with beautiful decor and a very relaxing park. – Check out Photos and Prices
- The Stonefield Castle Hotel is loction in the Argyll and Bute region. Its botanical garden is enchanting, as are the views over Loch Fyne – Check out Photos and Prices
- The Broomhall Castle, not far from Stirling, offers beautiful suites with a lot of charms and for some of them a view over the Stirling Castle.Spending the night in a castle with a view over another one!!! – Check out Photos and Prices
- The Cornhill Castle in Biggar is only 45km from Edimbourg. This building has a lot of character and the decor is a real success! – Check out Photos and Prices
- The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is in Glasgow. This is a beautiful building with a modern interior design and an exceptional restaurant, A little piece of heaven to relax away from the city noises. – Check out Photos and Prices
- The Mercure Ardoe House in Aberdeen is a Victorian House not a castle, but it sure looks like one! – Check out Photos and Prices
Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?
- Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article
- Best things to do in Scotland – read article
- Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article
- Most beautiful lochs in Scotland – read article
- Most scenic drives in Scotland – read article
- The magnificent Isle of Skye – read my best-of guide
- The magnificent Wester Ross region – read article
- The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
Planning a trip to Scotland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
- 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 170+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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I’m trying to follow my ancestors in Scotland my partner want to do a tour in Scotland road trip and trying and trying to find my great uncle in Inverness and like to do a world tour
Thank you for this in depth review of castles. My son has decided he wants to go visit real castles and Scotland is on our list!
I found Dalhousie Castle a charming place to spend the night…