Castles in Scotland are more than just stones and walls; they are subtle reminders of past countries shaped by wars, royalty, and different traditions. Each castle tells its own stories of kings, queens, battles, and legends who once lived here. If you are planning to learn more about history or have a slight interest or obsession with castles and their history, the selected list below includes some of the castles you should not miss.
Best Castles in Scotland
1. Edinburgh Castle
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse
3. Stirling Castle
4. Dunnottar Castle
5. Eilean Donan Castle
5 Best Castles in Scotland
Below are the top 5 Castles in Scotland that made it to the list:
1. Edinburgh Castle
Sitting high on a hill, the Edinburgh Castle stands out as one of the most important landmarks in Scotland. Tickets are best booked in advance as entry can be strict and staff do not allow early entry. You can get in with the morning slots around 10 am – 10:30 am, as there is less crowd, while the later time around 3:30 pm – 4 pm gives enough time to see everything before closing at 6 pm. Guided tours last around 30 to 45 minutes and are led by knowledgeable guides who share the history of the castle. Self-guided tours are also available, with earphones or handheld audio guides offered in different languages. These need to be downloaded ahead of time and are useful for learning about the highlights.
Inside the castle are several small museums with a small focus on military history, dungeons, and other exhibitions. The daily cannon firing at 1 pm is another highlight, though it’s best to secure a viewing spot earlier. Several events like Scottish dancing, bagpipes, Swiss drummers, music, and military performances by the U.S Air Force added to the experience. If you are planning to see several monuments, an extra charge applies as prices can be as high as £22-£50 HES pass, although hourly reservations are still required. Edinburgh Castle is a must-see for anyone looking to spend some time in the city.
Ticket Price: £84
Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, Scotland
Business hours: Sunday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 6 PM
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse remains an official residence of the royal family but is widely open to the public. Smaller than the public expectation, the castle has been beautifully kept and decorated with paintings, richly ornamented interiors, and treasures that reflect centuries of history. One of the highlights here is the ruins of the old monastery with its crumbling walls and hidden histories. Self-tour options are well organised and tourists rely well on the different language audio guide provided through small iPads with headphones.
The audio guide thoroughly explains the roles of the palace in Scottish history, covering figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Jacobite uprising, making the experience both informative and interactive. The palace is accessible to mobility scooters, with staff going out of their way to assist. Most of the tour route is smooth, though there is a set of stairs at the end that is not accessible. Even with this limitation, the experience remains very positive. Even though photography is not allowed, the interior, combined with the history explained through the audio guide, makes the experience more memorable.
This palace is more than a royal residence; it is a living museum of Scottish history, which is highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Ticket Price: £21
Location: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
Business hours: Sunday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 6 PM
3. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historic landmarks, offering tourists and visitors an extraordinary view and sense of history. Unlike Edinburgh Castle, no reservation is required, and entry is very minimal as tickets can be pre-purchased for convenience. Free guided tours run throughout the day and are highly recommended for the amount of detail and context provided. The tour guides are very helpful, sharing beautiful information that brought the history of the castle to life.
Moving through the royal rooms, gardens, and expansive grounds often takes about two to three hours on foot. The royal apartments and beautiful garden are among the highlights, with views stretching over the city of Stirling and across ancient battlefields where William Wallace once fought. From various vantage points, Stirling Bridge, the Wallace Monument, and the River Forth can all be seen.
Before entering, the grounds display monuments to King Robert the Bruce and to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who died in the Boer War. Cafés and shops are scattered across the site, making it easy to spend most of the day exploring without needing to leave. Toilets and a gift shop are also available for convenience. The castle is sometimes compared to Edinburgh Castle in terms of beauty, but is less crowded and feels more relaxed, as it sits slightly off the main tourist path.
Ticket Price: £29
Location: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, Scotland
Business hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
4. Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle, with a striking location on the North Sea, has been used many times by film and television crews. To get into the castle itself requires several sets of stairs, which set the tone of an unforgettable experience. History had it that one Lord Cowdray acquired the ruins in 1919, began some conservation work which protected the castle from further damage before opening it for public visiting.
The admission ticket includes an illustrated A5 card showing a bird’s eye view of the castle, with a simple quiz on the reverse to add some extra fun to the visit. The enthusiastic character of the member of staff and the unforgettable experience make the visit worthwhile. Facilities include free parking and toilets near the path, though the car park gets filled quickly. Coaches have a small, separate parking area. The site is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties due to the number of steps and uneven paths. What makes Dunnottar Castle more breathtaking is the location, ruins, and the architectural achievement in Scottish history.
Ticket Price: £60
Location: Stonehaven AB39 2TL, United Kingdom
Business hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Eilean Donan Castle
Not many castles can compare to Eilean Donan Castle when it comes to location. Located where three sea lochs meet and surrounded by dramatic mountains, it’s often described as a true symbol of the Highlands, setting a picture-perfect view before stepping in. The highlights include the great hall and the recreated kitchen, both filled with character. Entry cost is reasonable, with touring that takes about two hours, with so much to admire.
The exterior views and the setting alone are enough to stop anyone in their tracks. Members of staff are very welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly love to tell the castle’s story with so much enthusiasm. While photography is not allowed inside, the experience remains engaging and memorable. Audio guides are available, providing further context and detail as visitors move through the rooms. This castle is one of the most rewarding stops in Scotland as it lives up to its reputation.
Ticket Price: £72
Location: A87, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX Scotland
Business hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Conclusion
Every castle mentioned here has a mix of history, beauty, and royal atmosphere, as they all create a journey that cannot be found elsewhere. Visitors who have gone here have learnt, explored, and admired not only their history but the beautiful environment around them, which will continue to inspire travellers from around the world.
