The 5 Best Castles In Scotland
Renowned globally for its deep-rooted history and grand architecture, Scotland is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary castles. It is estimated that the country had around 3,000 castles at one point in history, with one located almost every 100 square metres. Now, there are more than 1,500 castles left, which stand as one of its most iconic symbols.
From stunning grounds and glamorous interiors to crumbling ruins and enchanting châteaus like just out of the pages of a fairytale, the country boasts some of the most mesmerising strongholds. Each holding a place in Scotland’s history book, and each with its own story to tell.
It’s without a doubt that you’ll be longing to uncover the tales of time belonging to each of these unique but equally spectacular forts. Even today, you’ll never find one of its historic castles too far away from wherever you may be just waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ve recommended the 5 best castles in Scotland to give you a taste of some of the country’s most fantastic, forts, châteaus, and palaces in hopes of inspiring you for your next Scottish adventure.
Edinburgh Castle
Once the major stronghold of the country’s capital and now one of the most iconic places in the country, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city from its confines up on Castle Rock. Drawing millions of tourists to its boundaries a year, the city’s most iconic landmark takes its visitors back in time as they delve into the history of the biggest castle in Scotland and discover just what makes this iconic structure so breathtaking.
Its location on top of Castle Rock, which is actually an ancient and dormant volcano, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of Edinburgh and the Eastern Scottish landscape. It takes the title as one of the oldest fortifications in Europe and has developed a diverse historical timeline, having been the base for a military garrison, royal residents, sieged by Brits, defended by Scots, and been host to many battles.
Edinburgh is within easy reach of many of Scotland’s major cities and towns, and the castle can be easily reached, with public parking available nearby in the town centre. The fort is open from 9:30 am until 6 pm every day, and information on ticket prices can be found here.
If you plan your arrival around 1 pm on any day other than a Sunday you’ll experience the one o’clock gun firing, marking the hour that ships in the Firth of Forth estuary would change their maritime clocks to that hour.
Stirling Castle
As one of the grandest and most famous Scottish castles in history, Stirling Castle is without a doubt one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. The fortress has hosted many a historic figure in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots, who spent much of her life in the castle.
If you’re planning on visiting with children, Stirling Castle is one of the best castles in Scotland to add to your list. You’ll find many roleplaying and costume-wearing figures roaming its halls, alongside knowledgeable guides, waiting to share the fort’s rich history and transport you back to 16th-century life from the confines of its stone walls.
You’ll find lots of activities on the castle’s grounds as well, with dressing-up areas and opportunities to play mediaeval instruments. For after you’ve explored every nook and cranny, there is also a restaurant on-site with fantastic views from its rooftop terrace to reflect on your visit and be mesmerised by the central Scottish landscape.
During your visit, be sure to meander through The Queen Anne Gardens, a tranquil and open green space located on the south side of the castle which overlooks the Queen’s lodgings and Prince’s Tower. The castle is open from 9:30 am until 6 pm daily, with details of ticket prices and booking available here.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay locally that is within easy reach of Stirling Castle, Auchterarder House is only a 30-minute drive away and is an outstanding accommodation option to make your visit to Scotland that little bit more special.
Glamis Castle
A site bearing over 1000 years of history, Glamis Castle has lived through some of Scotland’s most impactful events, having stood through the times of William Shakespeare, Mary Queen of Scots, and even the Jacobite rebellion.
The property is located by the village of Glamis in Angus and has hosted the likes of recent royals, including Queen Elizabeth and her daughter Princess Margaret, who was born there.
If this castle may seem familiar to you, it may be that you’ve heard its name in the famous Shakespearian play, Macbeth, as his home. However, the fortress bears no connection to the historical figure the play is based on. It is now the home of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and is open to the public. The castle is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily, and tickets and events at the castle can be booked here.
Dunrobin Castle
The spectacular Dunrobin Castle, located in the Highlands of Scotland, is one of the most famous Scottish castles and looks like it’s been plucked straight out of the pages of a storybook.
Its gleaming white stone structure with round turrets and blue-tiled roofs proudly overlook the Highlands and Moray Firth below, painting a picture of how grand Dunrobin Castle really is. It is the most northerly castle in Scotland and the largest in the Northern Highlands.
The castle overlooks its spectacular adjoining gardens, filled with fountains, lily ponds, and pristinely trimmed hedgerows which all only add to the greatness of this glorious stately home. Visitors from all over the world flock to Dunrobbin to witness its magnificence for themselves, and as one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back as far as the early 1300s, the property has its fair share of history to tell. The castle is open annually from the 1st of April until the 31st of October from 11 am until 4 pm daily. Details of ticket prices can be gained here.
It is worth mentioning that all ticket prices include entry into the castle, its museum, gardens, and even the onsite falconry, where visitors can enjoy the ancient art of falconry alongside the castle’s resident Falconer.
Culzean Castle
The grand Culzean Castle is a castle in Scotland that you really won’t want to miss. Now owned by the National Trust, the opulent fort overlooks the Firth of Clyde and is located on the West Coast of Scotland near Maybole, with a backdrop of conifers and beech-rich woodland in its 260-acre estate.
The property was designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century and features some beautiful masterpieces inside crafted by Adam himself, including the beautiful oval staircase – the centrepiece of the property – and many gorgeous antique furnishings and paintings.
There are 39 different buildings and secret follies spread throughout the country park if you exclude the castle, so for those who enjoy exploring, the world is your oyster at this Scottish castle. Those who love meandering through parkland, beaches, and woodland can do so here, walking alongside the bordering cliffs (with many secret coves waiting to be discovered!) which boast fantastic views of the castle from every angle.
The castle is open from the 2nd of April until the 31st of October from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm daily. You can find more information on opening hours here, and ticket prices here.
Summary
When it comes to castles to visit in Scotland, you’re not short of options. All are worthy of their own mention for their intriguing stories, spectacular architecture, and the significant role they’ve played in Scotland’s history. During your next trip, you should definitely factor in a visit to at least one of these famous castles in Scotland to experience some of the country’s finest attractions.
If you’re looking for accommodation during your next visit to Scotland, our luxurious country house is available to rent in the heart of the Scottish Highlands throughout the year and is close to some of the best castles in Scotland. Learn more and enquire about a holiday here.