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A trip to Scotland isn’t complete without visiting at least one castle. It’s basically a rite of passage. So, I’ve rounded up the most beautiful castles in Scotland that you absolutely should visit.
Born and raised here, I’ve criss-crossed the country from Loch Lomond to the North Coast 500, exploring every castle on this list along the way. These are the ones that for me truly stand out…the ones I know you need to see when you come to Scotland. Let’s go!
8 Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland: Where Are They Located?
Edinburgh Castle: Scotland’s Iconic Hilltop Fortress
- Best view: From the Vennel or Grassmarket in Edinburgh.
- Fun fact: Edinburgh Castle is considered the most besieged castle in the world.
- Nearby bonus stop: Visit Victoria Street, which has Harry Potter vibes! Check out my free things to do in Edinburgh guide for more ideas of places to visit.
Perched atop Castle Rock in the heart of the city, the iconic Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for over 900 years.
Serving as a royal residence, military stronghold, and now a top tourist attraction, it houses the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Wander through the Great Hall, visit the National War Museum, or enjoy sweeping views of the city below. Edinburgh Castle belongs at the very top of every visitor’s Scottish bucket list.
Stirling Castle: One of the Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland for History Lovers
- Best view: From King’s Park in Stirling, driving the M9, or the Bannockburn Bus Depot.
- Fun fact: The oldest surviving football in the world was found hidden in the castle.
- Nearby bonus stop: Just a 10-minute drive from here, Bridge of Allan is a charming town brimming with independent cafes, boutique shops, and cosy restaurants.
Located in central Scotland, Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Once a favourite residence of Scottish kings and queens, it’s renowned for its Renaissance architecture and lavish interiors, including the Great Hall and the Royal Palace. Historically, it played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, changing hands multiple times between the Scots and the English.
Visiting Stirling Castle is a journey into Scotland’s royal past and turbulent history.
Dunrobin Castle: A French-Inspired Gem in the Highlands
- Best view: From the gardens at the back of Dunrobin Castle.
- Fun fact: During the First World War, the castle was converted into a naval hospital.
- Nearby bonus stop: Visit the Trawler’s Fish and Chips and enjoy your takeaway on Golspie beach.
Located near Golspie on the NC500 route, Dunrobin Castle is a majestic, French-inspired chateau with sweeping gardens that resemble a palace more than a traditional fortress.
Dating back to the 13th century, it’s the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Visitors can explore the lavish interiors and wander its extensive formal gardens.
This is one of my favourite castles in the whole of Scotland – it really is one-of-a-kind.
Dunnottar Castle: A Dramatic Ruin on the Edge of the Sea
- Best view: Where I’m sitting in the picture above. It’s directly across from Dunnottar Castle, before you start walking the path over to the castle.
- Fun fact: During Cromwell’s invasion, defenders hid the Scottish Crown Jewels in the castle and smuggled them out.
- Nearby bonus stop: If the weather’s nice, go paddleboarding in Stonehaven, or visit the nearby city of Aberdeen.
Perched upon a clifftop near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s most photogenic ruins.
The castle has faced sieges, fires, and centuries of harsh coastal storms since the 7th century, leaving behind dramatic ruins for visitors to explore.
From Viking raids to the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite uprisings, it has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history – and its stunning cliffside location makes it as breathtaking as it is historic.
Be aware that during extreme weather, like snow, ice, or strong winds, the castle may not be open to visitors.
Craigievar Castle: The Fairytale Pink Castle of Aberdeenshire
- Best view: From the surrounding trails around Craigievar Castle.
- Fun fact: Craigievar is famous for its pink coloured walls, which inspired the idea that it helped inspire Disney’s Cinderella Castle (not confirmed, but iconic lore!).
- Nearby bonus stop: Visit nearby Castle Fraser (it’s just as beautiful!).
Nestled in Aberdeenshire just off the NE250 route, Craigievar Castle is a fairytale pink tower house dating back to the 16-17th century.
The Forbes family built the castle, and it has remarkably preserved its original plasterwork, wood panelling, and period furnishings. Its whimsical architecture – with turrets and pastel walls – gives it a storybook charm that has inspired legends and possibly Disney’s castle designs.
I loved Craigievar Castle because it feels more like a cosy family home than a grand, imposing palace. Its quaint, romantic charm sets it apart from other famous Scottish castles.
Eilean Donan Castle: Scotland’s Most Photographed Castle
- Best view: From the Carr Brae viewpoint, Dornie side of the bridge, or the castle’s own car park.
- Fun fact: In the 20th century, the castle was rebuilt after the 1719 Jacobite uprising had destroyed it.
- Nearby bonus stop: Visit the Isle of Skye, where you can hike dramatic landscapes like the Old Man of Storr, or visit the breathtaking Fairy Pools.
Set on a tiny island where three sea lochs meet in the Highlands is Eilean Donan Castle – one of Scotland’s most photographed and famous sites.
Its thick stone walls, picturesque bridge, and loch-side location with towering mountains in the background make it instantly recognisable. It has a truly cinema-worthy setting. Explore the interior rooms, learn about clan history, and enjoy the dramatic Highland views.
If you’re driving the NC500 between Applecross and Inverness, a stop at Eilean Donan Castle is a short detour you absolutely can’t miss.
Urquhart Castle: Legendary Views Over Loch Ness
- Best view: From a Loch Ness Cruise or walk up the hill from the castle’s car park towards Drumnadrochit.
- Fun fact: In 1692, government soldiers partially destroyed the castle to prevent Jacobite forces from occupying it after the Battle of Cromdale.
- Nearby bonus stop: Visit Scotland’s most northerly city, Inverness.
Perched on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle offers a perfect mix of history and scenery.
Dating back to the 13th century, Scottish clans used it as a key stronghold, though attackers largely destroyed it in the 17th century. Today, its ruins gives a sense of its medieval past while offering stunning loch views – perfect for spotting the mythical Nessie!
Wander through its towers, gatehouses, and exhibition center, and imagine life during Scotland’s turbulent past, all set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most famous lochs.
Culzean Castle: Clifftop Beauty on the Ayrshire Coast
- Best view: From the bridge next to the gardens or Maybole Beach.
- Fun fact: The Kennedy family gifted a suite in Culzean Castle to US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in thanks for his WWII leadership, and he stayed there several times.
- Nearby bonus stop: Stop by Maidens, a lovely little village on Scotland’s west coast. If you’re up for a city adventure, Glasgow – often called Scotland’s friendliest city – is just an hour away. Check out my full blog on free things to do in Glasgow, packed with the best budget-friendly spots to explore in the city.
Set dramatically on the cliffs of the Ayrshire coast, Culzean Castle is an 18th-century masterpiece designed by architect Robert Adam. It was built for the Kennedy family and is renowned for its interiors, gardens, and cliff-top views of the Firth of Clyde.
I actually grew up near Culzean Castle, so I spent a lot of time here with my family and our dog – I know it really well. My advice would be don’t just visit the castle itself; the surrounding grounds and trails are equally stunning. Be sure to stop by the swan pond and pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
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Kirsty x
