Dozens of countries in the world are famous for their castles, for example, Switzerland, Germany, and France.
One country that has some of the most unique and mysterious castles in the world is Scotland.
Nestled away in the moors of the Highlands, precariously built atop the craggy coastline, or standing watch over one of the country’s largest cities, Scotland’s castles have an air of mystery and history about them.
Some have been built during the Middle Ages while others date back even farther. What makes Scotland’s castles different from others is how they are intertwined into the clan history and folklore of the country.
So if you’re interested in satisfying your castle wanderlust, take a look at the list we compiled below of the Best Castles in Scotland.
Best Castles Where You Can Stay in Scotland
In Scotland, you’ll find that many castles have been converted into hotels or resorts that allow people to stay in traditional rooms and learn more about the history of the castle.
With so many castles it will be hard to decide which Scottish castle hotel to choose! Thankfully, we’re here to offer a few suggestions:
1. Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Just outside of the historic city of Edinburgh sits a truly medieval Scottish Castle. Dalhousie Castle Hotel is a spa hotel that allows you to relax in its comfortable spas and lets you discover some of the castle’s darker past with its eerie dungeons.
This castle sticks to its more traditional and rustic past with many of the rooms retaining their exposed stone masonry, such as one of the dining rooms and some of the suites. Not to worry though, the hotel and castle do feature a grand ballroom and patio that are little more traditional.
However, if you are interested in staying in a room that takes you back to the Middle Ages, you have that option as well.
2. Balfour Castle
Balfour Castle is located on a small island called Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. The castle stands out against the surrounding area as it is the only building on the property that is nestled in between the forest nearby and the shoreline.
Known for its towering turret, the castle offers stunning 360-degree views of the beautiful gardens and forest below. The castle was built in the mid-1800s around an older castle and features intricate wallpaper, ornate furniture, and historic, luxurious rooms.
Guests can arrive by charter boat to reach the castle and enjoy a stay unlike any other as they are secluded from the outside world.
3. Inverlochy Castle
As we mentioned above, the castles in Scotland have an intricate tie into the history and landscape of the country. Inverlochy is one of those castles.
Nestled in a glen underneath the towering Ben Nevis Mountain near Fort William, this centuries-old castle is the quintessential Scottish castle. This five-star luxury hotel is known for its amazing views of the mountains and glen and for its comfortable and interesting period-themed rooms.
One of the biggest draws to staying at this hotel is the historic landmarks nearby. The Inverlochy Castle is located near the famous Glenfinnan hamlet where the Jacobite rising started, the Great Glen Way, the Glen Nevin falls, and Fort William itself.
4. Glenapp Castle
Located in Southwest Scotland in Ayrshire, Glenapp is one of the most romantic castles in Scotland. The castle was redone in the traditional Scottish Baronian-style and is known for many of its Victorian furnishes. The castle was formerly the seat of the earl for the surrounding area and was later transformed into a luxury hotel.
When visiting you can spend as much time as you want outside strolling through the castle’s massive acres, enjoy a fine dining experience, or spend a relaxing couple of hours by taking a tour of the are with a traditional horse and buggy.
Scottish Castles You Reach by Train
The Scottish rail can get you to most places in Scotland. While some of the country’s castles you have to drive to, there are some that all you have to do is hop off the train and you’re there.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Arguably the most famous castle in all of Scotland, the Edinburgh castle is a short 10-minute walk from Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s largest train station. It sits on what is called Castle Rock and archaeologists have proven that people have inhabited that area for centuries.
When taking a tour of the castle you can see how guards would have been able to detect invaders, learn about the multiple sieges the castle faced, and even walk into the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James.
A couple of the highlights when visiting the castle are the amazing views of Edinburgh and the Scottish crown jewels. These crown jewels were secretly stolen back after many years and are now on display for the public to see.
2. Linlithgow Palace
Another castle easily accessible by train is the Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian, Scotland. The castle is around 15 miles outside of Edinburgh and you can take a train from the city to the palace. The palace sits right on Linlithgow Loch and has an expansive garden and park.
This royal palace is known for who it housed. It was the residence of the royal family during the 15th and 16th centuries and was the birthplace of the infamous Mary Queen of Scots.
Her granddaughter Elizabeth Stuart also lived in the palace as well. For those who are looking to get out of the city and explore other avenues of Scottish history, this ruined castle is a good option.
3. Stirling Castle
A castle just a short walk away from another train station that was a major political and historical center for Scotland is Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill in Stirling which is made of volcanic rock and is above the meeting point of the Highlands and Lowlands.
The castle was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I. The castle has been beautifully restored to give you an idea of what it would have been like to live in the castle during its height.
You can easily reach the castle by catching a train out of Edinburgh or Glasgow. The castle is a short walk from the train station and is a nice day trip from both of these major cities.
Scottish Highland Castles
No place in Scotland has as much history or romance than the expansive and otherworldly area than the Highlands.
Steeped in folklore and legends and the major center for the historic Scottish clans, there are countless of castles in the Highlands that are worth a visit. Below is just a shortlist of some of those.
1. Eilean Donan Castle
One of the most famous and beautiful Highland castles is the Eilean Donan Castle. This 13th-century castle sits at the meeting of three lochs, or lakes, Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. The name of the castle means “Island of Donan” as the castle is just outside of the village of Dornie and is likely named for the Bishop Donan, an Irish saint that came to Scotland in the 600s.
The castle is a frequent visitor to films and TV series because of its photo-worthy views of the lochs and the castle itself. You can easily visit the castle by car or there are many Scottish Highland tour companies that make sure to include a stop at the castle on their itinerary.
2. Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle is the center of the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. The castle sits on a sandstone cliff overlooking the River Ness that connects to the mysterious and legendary Loch Ness. The modern Inverness Castle was built in the 1800s atop an 11th-century structure that was connected to remnants of a castle. The castle is now used today as the Inverness courthouse.
While much of the castle is not open to the public, there are some plans to change that in the future, the north side of the castle is open to the public as a viewing port. This port offers world-class views of the city below and the coastline. On the other side of the castle, you can take in the views of the River Ness while relaxing on the gentle slopes of the cliff.
3. Dunrobin Castle
The farthest northern castle you may find in the Highlands is the Dunrobin Castle. The castle is located in Sutherland and was the family seat of the Sutherland Clan and the Earl of Sutherland. It is the largest castle in the Highlands with over 180 rooms and is one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Scotland.
What makes this castle unique amongst a sea of amazing structures is its architecture. The Dunrobin Castle looks like a castle out of a fairytale with its stark white stone and colossal towers. The castle has an expansive garden that you can stroll through, enjoy tea time at the cafe, or investigate the falconry displays.
4. Urquhart Castle
If you want to take a step into some of Scotland’s most storied legends, take some time out of your day to visit Urquhart Castle. The castle sits on the western banks of the infamous Loch Ness and they say this castle is where you have the best chance of seeing Nessie.
Notwithstanding potential Nessie sitings, this castle is also where you can get the best views of the loch and surrounding area. The castle was a medieval fortress that saw conflict for much of its existence and was a main contention point during the Jacobite Rebellion.
There are tours offered of the castle and it is a short drive from Inverness if you wish to explore some of Scotland’s most famous stories.
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