Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles, ranging from grand fortresses to atmospheric ruins. But after seeing a few, they can start to blend together—unless you choose the right ones. The key is to be intentional: picking the right number of castles to visit so you don’t get “castle fatigue” and selecting the ones that align with what you want out of the experience.
To make it easier, I’ve grouped castles in Scotland into three categories based on their most compelling reason to visit:
- Castles with a Long and Important History – The heavyweights of Scottish history, where major events shaped the country.
- Pretty Castles with Pretty Views – The most photogenic castles set in breathtaking landscapes.
- Castles with a Story to Tell – These might be smaller castles, but they have intriguing legends, ghost stories, or historical significance that make them memorable.
Many castles could fit into multiple categories, but there’s usually one that stands out as the primary reason to visit. Understanding what you’re looking for—whether it’s history, scenery, or a deeper connection to Scotland—will help you choose the best ones for your trip.
If you’re not sure what types of castles would be most interesting to you, I’d advise you to think about your travel style, specifically when it comes to the types of activities that you like to do on vacation. The travel styles that are usually intrigued by castles are either Sightseers or Introspective travelers.
Sightseers would probably most enjoy either Castles with a Long and Important History or Pretty Castles with Pretty Views so they can tick off the big and important castles or get amazing photos. On the other hand, Introspective travelers would likely enjoy either Castles with a Long and Important History or Castles with a Story to Tell so they can really dive into the history and feel more connected to Scotland.
Best Castles to Visit in Scotland (By Region)
One thing I want to help you avoid is traveling all across the country just to see certain castles. Some of the prettiest castles with the prettiest views, like Eilean Donan and Dunnottar, are on opposite sides of the country and difficult to combine into one trip unless you plan to be in both of those regions.
Let me remind you again: Scotland has a LOT of castles, so we can find interesting castles in or near the regions you plan to visit. You could also use this guide to help you choose the regions you want to visit based on the must-visit castles for you. To help you plan, I’ve categorized castles by region so you can easily find the best options near where you’ll be traveling.
The Lowlands (near Edinburgh or Glasgow)
Edinburgh Castle
A Long History
Scotland’s most famous castle, towering over the capital. It has played a crucial role in battles and houses the Crown Jewels.
Linlithgow Palace
A Long History
The birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a favored royal residence for Scottish monarchs, in a stunning setting beside Linlithgow Loch.
Craigmillar Castle
A Story to Tell
A well-preserved ruin just outside Edinburgh, where Mary, Queen of Scots sought refuge. Also a filming location for Outlander and Outlaw King.
Tantallon Castle
Stunning Views
A dramatic red sandstone ruin perched on cliffs overlooking the North Sea.
Blackness Castle
A Story to Tell
Known as the “Ship That Never Sailed” due to its unique shape, this fortress served as a prison and artillery stronghold. Also a filming location for Outlander and Outlaw King.
Midhope Castle
A Story to Tell
A 16th-century tower house best known as Lallybroch from Outlander. Though the castle itself is not open to the public, its exterior makes for a great photo stop for fans of the show.
Dumbarton Castle
A Long History
A strategically vital fortress on a volcanic rock, with ties to Scottish kings and Viking sieges.
Stirling & Perthshire (Central Scotland)
Stirling Castle
A Long History
A powerhouse of Scottish history, tied to figures like William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Doune Castle
A Story to Tell
Famous for being filmed in Monty Python, Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Outlaw King, this medieval fortress is mostly intact.
Lochleven Castle
A Story to Tell
A tiny island fortress where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned (but escaped), accessible only by boat.
Blair Castle
A Long History
The ancient seat of Clan Murray, with a striking white facade and lavish interiors.
Huntingtower Castle
A Story to Tell
A lesser-known but fascinating stronghold with ties to Scotland’s royal history.
Menzies Castle
A Story to Tell
A stronghold with Jacobite connections, surrounded by stunning Highland scenery.
The Highlands
Eilean Donan Castle
Stunning Views
One of Scotland’s most photographed castles, where three lochs meet.
Urquhart Castle
Stunning Views
A dramatic ruin on the shores of Loch Ness, offering stunning Highland scenery.
Cawdor Castle
A Long History
Famously (but inaccurately) linked to Macbeth, still home to the Cawdor family.
Inveraray Castle
A Long History
A grand, fairytale-like castle with elegant interiors and extensive grounds.
Kilchurn Castle
Stunning Views
A hauntingly beautiful ruin at the head of Loch Awe in the southern Highlands.
Castle Stalker
Stunning Views
A picturesque, fairytale-like tower on a tidal islet, famously featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Aberdeenshire
Dunnottar Castle
Stunning Views
A breathtaking ruin perched on cliffs over the North Sea, tied to William Wallace.
Crathes Castle
A Story to Tell
A well-preserved tower house with ghost stories and painted ceilings.
Fyvie Castle
A Long History
A fortress with 800 years of history and an impressive art collection.
Castle Fraser
A Story to Tell
One of Scotland’s grandest tower houses, featuring hidden trapdoors and secret passages.
Kildrummy Castle
A Long History
A ruined 13th-century stronghold for the supporters of Robert the Bruce that played a key role in Scotland’s Wars of Independence.
Slains Castle
A Story to Tell
The eerie cliffside ruins that inspired Dracula, offering dramatic North Sea views.
The Scottish Isles
Duart Castle, Isle of Mull
Stunning Views
A striking coastal stronghold of Clan Maclean, fully restored and furnished.
Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye
A Long History
Home to Clan MacLeod for 800 years, featuring the legendary Fairy Flag.
Kisimul Castle, Isle of Barra
A Story to Tell
A small but dramatic island fortress, completely surrounded by water.
The Scottish Borders, Dumfries, & Galloway
Caerlaverock Castle
Stunning Views
A rare triangular-shaped castle with a moat, offering a glimpse into medieval military architecture.
Choosing the Right Castles for You
With so many castles to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or pressured to see as many as possible—but remember, you don’t have to see them all to have an unforgettable trip. Match your interests with the appropriate castle category from the above list, and you’ll have your answer.
- If you want to soak in Scotland’s history, visit the castles with long and important histories.
- If you’re after incredible views and photography spots, choose the castles with stunning landscapes.
- If you love a good legend or story, the castles with a story to tell will bring Scotland’s past to life.
Focusing on a few that truly align with your interests will make each visit more meaningful and prevent castle fatigue. Whether you’re drawn to grand historic sites, breathtaking landscapes, or intriguing legends, Scotland has the perfect castles to bring your journey to life.
