What are the most beautiful castles in Scotland? The country is usually associated with bagpipes, men dressed in skirts (kilts) lakes, mountains and castles. Some estimates put the number of castles in the UK at over 1,500.
The most optimistic estimates tend to include castles where the ruins are no longer visible. Any real count of the number of castles in Scotland has to take into account those that fulfil the main purpose - to serve as a shield against enemy attacks.
To consider the beauty of the building, it's also important to evaluate its location and the surrounding landscape. Scottish castles were built primarily for defence, which is why many are located on cliff tops overlooking the sea or on the shores of lochs.
Scotland is full of fascinating castles, but it can be difficult to choose which ones to visit. From the fortress that dominates the Edinburgh skyline to the magnificent structures on the Isle of Skye, or the beauty of the Highland castles, these are some of the most beautiful castles in Scotland.
Scotland's Castle Route
1 Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Scotland, simply because it stands in an enviable position. The surrounding landscape is absolutely brilliant and even on the greyest of days, this Scottish castle is worth a visit.
There are few more picturesque castles in Scotland than Kilchurn, near Dalmally in Argyll. Built on a small island in Loch Awe, it is one of numerous castles erected by the powerful Clan Campbell, who exercised control over part of the west of Scotland at the end of the medieval period.
The views from the top towards Loch Awe or from the shore towards the castle - with the peak of Ben Cruachan in the background - are fabulous. To get to Kilchurn Castle there are small boats to cross Loch Awe.
Opening Hours: 1st April to 30th September from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Ticket price: Free
2 Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is probably one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and therefore one of the most photographed.
In fact, it's unthinkable to travel through the Scottish Highlands and not visit Eilean Donan. It's located at the junction of Lochs Long, Duich and Alsh and in the middle of a picturesque natural landscape.
The clans played a significant role in Scottish history and the Eilean Donan served as a refuge for the MacKenzie and MacRae clans until it was partially destroyed in the Jacobite uprising around 1719. In the 20th century, it was rebuilt and opened to the public in 1932.
This Scottish castle is also famous for films such as Highlander and James Bond - The World is Not Enough. To get to Eilean Donan Castle you only have to cross a single bridge.
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm in winter and 10am to 6pm in summer
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the following day and 3, 8 and 28 November.
Ticket price: 10£
3 Dunnottar Castle
I really enjoyed my visit to Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven. One of the reasons I consider it one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland is because of its sublime, dramatic and bold location.
It is built on top of a cliff overlooking the north-east coast of the country and is exposed to the elements of erosion such as the sea and the wind. It was also here that for many months a group of faithful defended the jewels of the Scottish crown against attacks from others.
Although it is in ruins, this medieval fortress is associated with Scottish history and personalities such as William Wallace and Charles II, before he became king. To get to Dunnottar Castle, you'll have to take a short walk, but I can assure you that it's well worth every step.
Opening hours: The Castle always opens at 10am, but closes at different times throughout the year. Check the official website before your visit for exact information.
Closed on Christmas Day and the following day and 1 and 2 January. The castle may close without prior warning due to strong winds or storms.
Ticket price: £8 (must be bought online)
4 Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the main attraction in Scotland's capital, welcoming more than a million tourists every year.
Historically it was an important fortress, the scene of disturbances and conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite uprising. It is rumoured to have been besieged more than 20 times.
Edinburgh Castle is visible from almost every point in the city and if you decide to visit Edinburgh in two days, it's one of the must-see attractions. As well as being the site of decisive battles in Scottish history, it is also one of several official residences of the Queen of England.
Opening hours: 1 October to 31 March from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 1 August to 30 September from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the official website before your visit for exact information.
Closed on 25 and 26 December.
Ticket price: £15.50 (must be bought online)
5 Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is perhaps the largest castle in Scotland, with 189 rooms. It was home to the earls and dukes of Sutherland for centuries.
Situated in the Highlands near Dornoch, it is set amidst stunning countryside with beautiful gardens and views of the Moray Firth and the North Sea.
Dunrobin Castle bears some resemblance to French buildings due to its cone-shaped towers, although it was originally designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.
Opening hours: 1st April to 31st October from 11am to 4pm
Ticket price: 11£
6 Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle was built in the shape of a triangle, with imposing sandstone walls and towers at each corner. It is situated in an inspiring location near Glencaple, in Dumfries & Galloway.
The castle's turbulent history is due to its proximity to England and there were brutal cross-border conflicts, and he was besieged (and captured) on several occasions.
Caerlaverock's triangular shape is unique among British castles, while the moat and green spaces make it one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. The area around Caerlaverock Castle is recognised for its wealth of fauna and flora.
Opening hours: 21 August to 31 October from 10am to 4pm
Closed 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January
Price: 6£
7 Duart Castle
Located on the Isle of Mull, Duart Castle dates back to the 12th century and has a strategic location. The castle protects the cliffs, while enjoying one of the most enviable positions on the west coast of Scotland.
Duart Castle tells 800 years of history, including four centuries of one of Scotland's oldest clans (the Macleans) and is one of the last surviving privately-owned clan castles in Scotland.
Visitors can walk through the dungeons and admire the castle's strategic position at the end of a peninsula overlooking the Straits of Mull. Duart Castle was the location for the film Entrapment, starring Scotsman Sean Connery and Welshwoman Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Opening hours: April from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 1st May to 18th October from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed between October and April
Price: 8£
8 Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most important castles in historical and architectural terms and was a royal residence before the union between Scotland and England.
The clifftop location on Stirling Sill is superb, but because of its tumultuous past, many Scottish castles have suffered sieges. Stirling Castle was no exception, and on at least eight occasions the fortress came under siege. By the 17th century, the castle's importance as a royal residence had diminished and it was mainly used for military purposes and even as a prison.
From the top of the volcanic cliff, the castle has guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries and remains a huge symbol of Scottish independence.
Opening hours: 1 August to 30 September from 9.30am to 6pm and 1 October to 31 March from 9.30am to 5pm
Closed 25 and 26 December
Price: 14£
9 Dunvegan Castle
On the north-west coast of Isle of Skye is - what is estimated to be - the oldest castle continuously inhabited by one family in Scotland. As it has for 800 years, Clan MacLeod continues to lead Dunvegan Castle.
With 42,000 hectares of land on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, the structure imposes itself on the landscape, while inside you can admire an exhibition of relics, medals, antique furniture and oil paintings.
Those visiting one of Scotland's most beautiful castles (such as Dunvegan Castle) can choose to stroll around the gardens or take a boat trip to see the resident seal colony.
Opening hours: 10am to 5.30pm
Closed 25 and 26 December
Price: 14£
10 Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle was once considered one of the greatest castles, but now only the tower house remains. The past is tumultuous, but the breathtaking views over Loch Ness are sublime and relaxing.
This castle is one of the most visited in Scotland (or at least one of the most seen), as it is situated on the banks of the famous Loch Ness.
Climb to the top of the tower to try and catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster, maybe you'll be lucky... or maybe not. Miracles are said to have taken place there as far back as the 6th century, so anything is possible. Take a peek inside the cells of the old prison or the opulence of the banqueting hall.
Opening hours: 1 August to 30 September from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 1-31 October from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 1 November to 31 March from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Closed 25 and 26 December
Price: 9,60£
Castles in Scotland where to stay
Now that you've taken note of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, how about staying in a castle when visit Scotland?
You read that right, because it is possible to stay in a castle in Scotland and in some you don't even have to pay an exorbitant amount. To check prices and availability, just click on the links below.
- Glengorm Castle (9.7)
- Levan Castle (9.5)
- Glengarry Castle (9.3)
- Glenapp Castle (9.2)
- Inverlochy Castle (9.2)
- Fonab Castle (9.2)
- Cornhill Castle (9.2)
- Sherbrooke Castle (8.9)
- Dalmunzie Castle (8.4)
- Tulloch Castle (8.1)
Map of Castles in Scotland
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