Scotland is home to over 3,000 castles, each with its own story. From medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces, these landmarks showcase centuries of history and architectural evolution. Here’s why you should visit:
- Rich History: Walk through centuries of battles, royal events, and cultural milestones.
- Iconic Locations: Explore castles like Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
- Architectural Evolution: See how designs adapted to changes in warfare, from wooden forts to stone towers.
- Accessibility: Many castles are easy to reach by public transport or car.
Quick Highlights:
| Castle | Key Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | One O’Clock Gun, Crown Jewels | Morning to avoid crowds |
| Stirling Castle | Great Hall, Renaissance Royal Palace | Midday for best lighting |
| Eilean Donan | Island setting, picturesque views | Sunset for dramatic photos |
When to Visit:
- Best Months: April-May or September-October for mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Summer: Longer days but busier.
- Winter: Quieter, but limited hours.
Planning Tips:
- Book tickets online for discounts.
- Use ScotlandOK for maps, routes, and transportation options.
- Consider multi-site passes to save money.
Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, or breathtaking views, Scotland’s castles offer something for everyone.
Castles of Scotland – Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide
Major Scottish Castles
Discover the stories and unique features behind some of Scotland’s most iconic historic castles.
Edinburgh Castle: Scotland’s Crown Jewel
Sitting high on Castle Rock, 443 feet above sea level, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline. Evidence shows humans have been present here since at least 900 BC. The Chapel of St. Margaret, located within the castle, is the oldest building in both the castle and the city . If you’re visiting, don’t miss the daily One O’Clock Gun firing (except Sundays). Arrive about 10 minutes early for the best experience. Tickets are approximately $25 for adults, $20 for concessions, and $15 for children, based on current exchange rates.
Stirling Castle: Royal Residence
Known for its striking Scottish Renaissance design, Stirling Castle features Scotland’s largest medieval banqueting hall . It was at its height as a royal residence during the 1500s, with major upgrades made under James IV and James V . A vivid description captures its significance:
"Stirling Castle has been likened to ‘a huge brooch clasping Highlands and Lowlands together’".
The Royal Palace inside showcases intricate Renaissance designs, crafted to impress James V’s French queen, Mary of Guise .
Eilean Donan Castle: Highland Icon
Eilean Donan Castle is a classic example of Highland fortress design. Its stunning location has made it one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. The castle’s defensive walls, some up to 14 feet thick, were built to withstand attacks. Though destroyed during the 1719 Jacobite uprising, it was lovingly restored over 20 years after nearly two centuries in ruins. Jordan Ferguson perfectly captures its allure:
"Eilean Donan Castle majestically stands at the confluence of three lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh – creating one of the most iconic and picturesque scenes in the Scottish Highlands".
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your visits:
| Castle | Key Feature | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | One O’Clock Gun & Crown Jewels | Early morning to avoid crowds |
| Stirling Castle | Great Hall & Royal Palace | Midday for optimal lighting |
| Eilean Donan | Island setting & strong defenses | Sunset for dramatic photos |
Trip Planning Guide
When to Visit
The best times to visit Scotland’s historic castles are mid-April to May and mid-September to mid-October. These months typically offer mild weather and fewer visitors. For the best experience, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the lighting is ideal, and crowds are minimal.
"The best time for sightseeing in Scotland is when there’s a good chance for decent weather, plenty of daylight, and fewer tourists to interrupt the views. That’s generally mid-April through May or mid-September through mid-October."
Summer provides warmer weather and extended daylight hours, but it also brings larger crowds. Winter, on the other hand, offers a quieter experience with lower prices, though operating hours may be limited.
Getting to the Castles
Many of Scotland’s major castles are easy to reach using public transportation. For instance, Stirling Castle is just a short walk from the Stirling train station. If you want to explore more remote locations, renting a car is a good option. ScotlandOK offers detailed directions and parking information for each castle when you book transfers.
Tickets and Tours
Ticket prices and hours of operation can change depending on the season and the castle. To save time and money, book your tickets online in advance. Many castles also offer multi-site passes or guided tours that include transportation.
You can cut costs by booking online, visiting during the off-peak season (November–April), checking ScotlandOK’s special offers, and using multi-day passes for multiple sites.
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Visitor Tips and Information
Make the most of your visit with these practical tips and helpful details.
Photo Tips and Rules
Photography is allowed at most castles, but using photos for commercial purposes requires permission from Historic Environment Scotland. For the best shots, aim to take photos during the "golden hours" – early morning or late afternoon. Be mindful of posted restrictions and other visitors, especially in crowded areas. Some interiors may have rules about lighting or flash to protect historical artifacts.
"For filming, photography and media enquiries at Edinburgh Castle, contact Historic Environment Scotland"
In addition to photography rules, many castles now offer features to make visits enjoyable for everyone.
Access for All Visitors
Efforts are being made to improve accessibility across Scottish castles. Edinburgh Castle, for instance, has several features to accommodate visitors:
- The esplanade has a 5° incline over 360 feet (about 110 meters).
- The main path from the entrance to Crown Square covers roughly 1,148 feet (about 350 meters).
- Blue badge parking is available but must be booked in advance.
Other accessibility options at many castles include wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, sensory backpacks for visitors with autism, priority parking for disabled guests, and access for assistance dogs.
"In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate – Adult/Concession/Child."
Where to Stay and Eat
Some historic castles offer unforgettable stays. Here are a few top-rated options:
| Castle Hotel | Rating | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Glenapp Castle | 9.5/10 | Award-winning dining, outstanding service |
| Glengorm Castle | 9.6/10 | Beautiful location, charming atmosphere |
| Dalhousie Castle | 8.3/10 | Dungeon Restaurant (2 AA Rosettes), spa |
| Crossbasket Castle | 9.1/10 | Pristine property, tranquil setting |
For dining, The Witchery by the Castle is a standout choice, rated 9.2/10. It offers a memorable and atmospheric experience.
Looking for a unique place to stay? Consider Barcaldine Castle near Oban. Built in 1609 and restored in 1897, it combines luxury accommodations with breathtaking views of Loch Creran and the Glencoe mountains.
Castle Protection and Care
Current Restoration Work
Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland are working on several projects to preserve Scotland’s historic castles.
Here are some key restoration efforts:
| Castle | Project Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fyvie Castle | Repairs to 20 stone guardians, roof, and timber | Ongoing |
| Brodick Castle | Fixing flat stone parapets with lime mortar | 2-year project |
| Craigievar Castle | Reharling and re-limewashing its pink façade | In progress |
| Falkland Palace | Tapestry and South Range statue conservation | Active |
| Crathes Castle | Regenerating historic yew hedges | Since 2001 |
"Carrying out routine, planned maintenance work is an essential aspect of conserving our built heritage. The intention is to catch a defect and repair it before it causes damage to the building and to keep all areas of the building in good working order." – Annie Robertson, Chartered Surveyor, Aberdeenshire & Angus
Your support plays a crucial role in ensuring these efforts continue.
How to Help Preserve Castles
You can help preserve Scotland’s castles in several ways:
- Purchase a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass, valid for 14 days, which grants access to sites like Edinburgh, Stirling, and Urquhart Castles.
- Become a Historic Scotland member to provide ongoing support for heritage preservation.
- Shop at castle gift shops or dine in their cafes – proceeds help fund maintenance.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) also conducts regular condition surveys to assess these sites and understand how climate change is affecting them.
"[Historical buildings] are fundamental to Scotland’s identity. They mean so much to us and evoke such powerful senses of place." – Sarah MacKinnon, Head of Building Surveying (Operations)
Castle Learning Programs
Specialized learning programs complement public efforts to protect these landmarks. Experts focus on both immediate repairs and long-term care by:
- Monitoring humidity and temperature daily
- Conducting pest control inspections
- Cleaning gutters and repairing slate roofs
- Maintaining stonework
- Preserving interior decoration
The National Trust for Scotland oversees projects like regenerating Crathes Castle’s yew hedges (planted in 1702), improving water management at Drum Castle’s 13th-century Old Tower, and conserving armorial panels at Castle Fraser.
"Our response to this situation requires us to evolve our approach and what we are finding will increasingly become an issue for many building owners across Scotland." – Dr. David Mitchell, director of conservation at HES
Plan Your Castle Visit
Use the details below to finalize your itinerary and make the most of your trip.
Main Points to Remember
Booking tickets online ahead of time is a smart move. You’ll often get better rates and secure your spot, especially during busy months.
| Consideration | Details | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Vary by season and castle | Check specific dates for your visit |
| Entrance Cost | Prices differ by castle; check online | Book online for discounts |
| Bag Policy | Large bags may not be allowed | Free lockers available at major sites |
| Accessibility | Depends on the location | Use Euan’s Guide for accessibility info |
| Transportation | Driving is best for Highland castles | Plan routes carefully between sites |
At places like Eilean Donan Castle, look for family ticket deals (around £35 for 2 adults and 3 kids). Bonus: children under 5 usually get in free.
Use these tips to organize your trip easily with local planning tools.
Start Planning with ScotlandOK
ScotlandOK’s tools make planning simple. Here’s what they offer:
- Interactive Castle Maps: Plan your route through Scotland’s historic landmarks.
- Real-Time Availability: Check ticket availability and opening hours instantly.
- Local Insights: Find nearby accommodations and dining options.
- Transportation Guide: Discover the best ways to reach each castle.
For a Highland castle adventure, VisitScotland suggests this 4-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Urquhart, Cawdor, Brodie
- Day 2: Fort George, Dunrobin
- Day 3: Eilean Donan
- Day 4: Dunvegan, Armadale
With over 3,000 castles in Scotland, focus on the ones that match your interests and needs. ScotlandOK’s filters let you search by historical importance, architectural design, and more. Pair these tips with your love for history to fully enjoy Scotland’s castle treasures.