9 Best Castles To Visit In Scotland That Are Actually Worth Visiting!
Scattered throughout Scotland, from the highlands to the lowlands, there are plenty of castles to visit, each with its unique tale. Scottish castles are perfect for families seeking adventure and enchantment. But are they all worth visiting?
From towering fortresses to romantic ruins, Scotland has many beautiful castles to visit. We have yet to visit them all, but having lived and travelled extensively in Scotland over the decades, we have seen more than a few!
Top Castles To Visit In Scotland
Our Family Favourite – Stirling Castle
Most Picturesque – Eilean Donan Castle
Most Visited – Edinburgh Castle
Best Castles To Visit In Scotland
There are over 1,500 castles in Scotland, from royal homes and military establishments to barely recognisable ruins. Each has its own story and is worthy of a place on a Scotland Bucket List. Whichever you visit, you’ll find history and intrigue aplenty!
You can even sleep like the kings and queens of old by booking a stay in some Scottish castles.
If you have time, all of Scotland’s castles are worth visiting, even the smallest, Hermit Castle in Achmelvich. Here are our top recommendations for castles to add to your Scotland itinerary.
Edinburgh Castle | Lothian
Edinburgh Castle is Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Perched prominently atop an extinct volcanic rock, its location symbolises Scotland’s power and resilience over the centuries.
This iconic stronghold, steeped in history, offers panoramic views of the city below. Scotland’s most famous landmark is also the country’s most visited castle; we have certainly enjoyed a few fair visits as a family!
Exploring its ancient dungeons, royal chambers, and the vault where the crown jewels are located will keep you and your family engaged for hours. Don’t miss the daily firing of the One O’clock Gun (not on Sundays) – a tradition dating back to 1861 that never fails to thrill children of all ages.
Festivals such as the Edinburgh tattoo and the capital’s Hogmanay celebrations take centre stage within the castle.
A visit to Edinburgh Castle is an excellent way for the whole family to experience some Scottish history and enjoy impressive views over the city before taking a walk down the Royal Mile and exploring beyond.
Stirling Castle | Stirlingshire
Stirling Castle is located on a cliff overlooking the historic city of Stirling. This grand Renaissance palace was once the favoured residence of Scottish monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots.
Step into history as you wander through its lavishly decorated Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and Royal Apartments. Take a guided tour to learn more about the castle’s history and the life of its residents.
The live performances brought the castle’s vibrant past to life, making it a memorable experience for our family. Our kids particularly enjoyed franking a keepsake coin with one of the historical actors.
Eilean Donan Castle | Highlands
Venture to Scotland’s west coast, where three lochs uniquely come together, and the iconic Eilean Donan Castle sits. Nestled on a small island, this fairy-tale fortress is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks.
As you cross the stone bridge, you become immersed in the castle’s romantic atmosphere. We loved exploring its medieval towers, ramparts, and courtyards while our kids reenacted tales of knights and noble clans that once roamed the halls.
Remember to capture the perfect family photo against the backdrop of this picturesque castle and its scenic surroundings.
Dunnottar Castle | Aberdeenshire
Perched on an isolated cliff, overlooking the fierce North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is one of the best castles in Aberdeenshire.
Accessible via a narrow coastal path, the ruin offers families breathtaking views and a real sense of adventure. Explore Dunnottar Castle’s rugged fortifications and hidden chambers as you uncover centuries of history and intrigue. Find the Scottish Crown Jewels’ hiding place, used in the 17th century to keep them safe from Oliver Cromwell.
If you take the Dunnottar Castle walk from Stonehaven, watch for puffins and other seabirds that call these cliffs home. The birds add to the castle’s wild and mystical allure.
Urquhart Castle | Scottish Highlands
Urquhart Castle is situated on the shores of Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, home to the legendary monster Nessie.
Wander through its atmospheric ruins and imagine the battles and sieges that once echoed through its walls. Our kids enjoyed navigating the castle and interacting with the guided demonstration of items worn in the past.
You can take a boat tour from the castle onto the loch, where you will get a unique perspective, and perhaps, if you’re lucky (or not!), you might spot the monster.
Glamis Castle | Angus
This is our family’s most visited castle in Scotland. Glamis Castle brings Macbeth to life with its historical connection to William Shakespeare.
Set in Glamis, the gateway for hiking the Angus Glens and the Cairngorm National Park, this fairytale-like castle boasts majestic turrets, secret chambers, and manicured gardens, perfect for a family day out.
Join a guided tour to uncover its royal connections, ghostly legends, and hidden treasures. With its rich history and picturesque setting, Glamis Castle offers a magical experience that will captivate visitors of all ages. Once you’ve taken a tour, explored the grounds and had afternoon tea, visit the adventure playpark where the kids can let off steam!
St Andrews Castle | Fife
Nestled on the rugged coastline of Fife, St. Andrews Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s turbulent past.
This imposing fortress overlooks the North Sea, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval life. Built in the 13th century, it is worth exploring its underground tunnels, hearing tales of siege and conquest, and remembering to visit the infamous bottle dungeon!
After leaving the castle grounds, head to the surrounding beach to get another perspective of how the castle was attacked from below.
Craigievar Castle | Aberdeenshire
Hidden within a forest in Aberdeenshire, be prepared to be whisked away into a fairytale at Craigievar Castle.
With its striking pink hue and turreted towers, this picturesque castle is straight out of a storybook and is thought to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Built in the 17th century, it’s famed for its romantic architecture and charming interiors.
Be sure to wander through the enchanting gardens and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. We participated in an enjoyable, organised family Easter treasure hunt in the gardens.
Balmoral Castle | Aberdeenshire
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle serves as the Scottish retreat for the British Royal Family. While parts of the castle are private, the grounds and gardens are open to visitors at certain times of the year.
Although worthy of a place on the best castles to visit in Scotland, it is not the most interesting castle for kids. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside by taking the free Prince Albert Pyramid walk, which is open all year round, and admire the castle from afar.
Castles In Scotland Map
As you can see on the map, these castles are spread all across Scotland. If you’re interested in enjoying the best castles in Scotland, take a castle hopping road trip, but make sure you check out which castles are nearby to maximise your viewing time.
Tips For Visiting Castles In Scotland With Kids
Visiting castles in Scotland with kids can be a memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to help your family have a smooth and enjoyable adventure:
- Choose The Best Castles For Kids: Opt for castles that cater to families with children. Look for those offering guided tours tailored for younger visitors or interactive exhibits that engage kids in learning about the castle’s history. Stirling and Glamis Castle are our kid’s favourites.
- Plan Ahead: Research the castle you plan to visit in advance. Check for opening hours, special events, and any age restrictions or safety guidelines. It’s also wise to inquire about family ticket options to save on admission fees.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Exploring castles can be tiring, especially for little ones. Pack plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day. Picnicking on castle grounds can also be a fun and budget-friendly option.
- Dress Comfortably: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Consider dressing in layers and be prepared for rain and wind. It can snow between October and April so do check the weather forecast before you depart. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to climb stairs or walk on uneven terrain within the castle grounds.
- Engage with Activities: Many castles offer children’s activities such as treasure hunts, dress-up stations, or storytelling. Encourage your kids to participate and immerse themselves in the castle’s history and atmosphere.
- Respect the Rules: Teach your children to respect the castle’s rules and regulations, including not climbing on historic structures or touching delicate artefacts.
- Capture Memories: Encourage your kids to take photos to capture memorable moments during your castle adventures.
FAQ | Scottish Castles
Scotland is known for its many castles, ranging from well-preserved fortresses to ruins scattered throughout the countryside. Estimates suggest there are over 1,500 castles in Scotland, although not all are accessible to the public.
Scotland’s turbulent history, marked by conflicts, invasions, and power struggles among clans and kingdoms, has contributed to its abundance of castles. Castles served as strategic strongholds for defence, control, and asserting dominance over territory. Castles often symbolised wealth, status, and authority for Scottish nobility, further contributing to their proliferation across the landscape.
Edinburgh Castle is the largest and most famous castle in Scotland. It dominates the capital city’s skyline and boasts centuries-long history. Visitors can explore its grand halls, ancient dungeons, and marvel at the Crown Jewels of Scotland housed there.
Many castles in Scotland are not free to enter, with the admission fees going towards maintenance and preservation. However, some exceptions exist, with certain castles offering free entry or access to their grounds and gardens without charge at particular times of the year. If you are happy just to view a castle externally, some, such as Edinburgh Castle, can be seen from almost anywhere in the surrounding area.
Final Thoughts | Castles To Visit In Scotland
Castles have long been an iconic symbol of Scotland. Each has its own unique charm and historical tales, and with well over 1,000 to visit, you’ll never be too far from an adventure into the past.
From habitable fairy-tale structures to minimal ruins, Scotland’s castles have something to offer everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable family outing.
Castles are just one of many reasons to visit Scotland with kids. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world for hiking and a long, rugged coastline with beaches that rival those in the Caribbean.
