Are you interested in exploring historic castles? These are the must-see castles in Scotland:
1Edinburgh Castle
EdinburghThis most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft 2Stirling Castle
StirlingStirling Castle is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and archaeology. 3Eilean Donan Castle
DornieEilean Donan is a small island situated in Loch Duich, in the western part of Highland, Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and is approximately a kilometer away from the village of Dornie. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. 4Culzean Castle and Country Park
MayboleCulzean Castle is a historic site located near Maybole, Carrick, in South Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland. The castle, which overlooks the Firth of Clyde, is a former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy. Today, it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public. 5Urquhart Castle
DrumnadrochitUrquhart Castle, a ruined castle, is situated on the banks of Loch Ness, near the village of Drumnadrochit in the Highlands. The castle is easily accessible as it is located on the A82, just 21 km from Inverness and 2 km from Drumnadrochit. This makes it a convenient destination for tourists visiting the area. 6Blair Castle
Blair AthollBlair Castle is a museum in Pitlochry. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War. 7St Andrews Cathedral And St Rule's Tower
Saint AndrewsSt Andrews Cathedral has a rich history that dates back to the year 742. It was during this time that the relics of the apostle Saint Andrew, who is now the patron saint of Scotland, arrived in the area. This event marked the beginning of the cathedral's existence and its significance in Scottish history. 8Caerlaverock Castle
BankendCaerlaverock Castle is a museum in Caerlaverock, Near Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and law and order. 9Craigmillar Castle
EdinburghCraigmillar Castle is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Architecture. 10Castle of Mey
MeyThe Castle of Mey, previously known as Barrogill Castle, is a castle-palace located in Caithness, on the northern coast of Scotland. It is situated approximately 9 km west of the country's northernmost point, John o' Groats. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the northernmost part of Scotland and enjoy the stunning coastal views. 11The Black Watch Castle and Museum
PerthBalhousie Castle, a 17th-century structure, is situated in Perth, Scotland. It was initially the residence of the Earls of Kinnoull. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue for visitors, providing a glimpse into the past and the nobility that once resided within its walls. 12Falkland Palace, Garden and Old Burgh
FalklandFalkland Palace, Garden and Old Burgh is a museum in Cupar. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Sport and Architecture. 13Callendar House
FalkirkCallendar House is a historic mansion located near the Scottish town of Falkirk. It holds significant historical value, as it was included in the Scottish monument lists in the highest category A in 1960. This recognition highlights the architectural and historical importance of the mansion, making it a notable site for tourists interested in Scottish history and architecture. 14Dean Castle
KilmarnockDean Castle, a significant historical site, is situated in the town of Kilmarnock, in the East Ayrshire region of Scotland. This location is easily accessible and offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Scotland's rich history. 15Blackness Castle
LinlithgowBuilt in the 15th century by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined as a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison. 16Broughty Castle Museum
DundeeBroughty Castle is a historic site located along the River Tay in Broughty Ferry, near Dundee, Scotland. This strategic location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the castle while enjoying the scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. 17Brodie Castle
ForresBrodie Castle is a significant historical site located ten kilometers northeast of Nairn in the Scottish Council Area Highland. This castle is the ancestral home of the Brodie Clan, making it a place of great historical significance. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about the history of the Brodie Clan and their influence in Scotland. 18Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
JedburghJedburgh Castle is a historic building located in the Scottish village of Jedburgh. It was constructed in 1823 on the foundations of a medieval castle that was destroyed in the early 15th century. This gives the castle a rich history and a unique blend of architectural styles, making it an interesting site for visitors interested in history and architecture. 19Drumlanrig Castle
ThornhillThe magnificent 17th century Drumlanrig Castle boasts over 40 acres of beautiful gardens and offers a range of of activities for the whole family. Set in the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, complete with a country park and Victorian gardens, this 17th century castle is one of the most important Re 20Dumbarton Castle
DumbartonDumbarton Castle is a museum in Dumbarton. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, weapons and war and architecture. 21Traquair House
InnerleithenTraquair House, also referred to as Traquair Castle, is a historic Scottish manor situated in the scenic Tweed Valley. It is located approximately one kilometer south of the town of Innerleithen. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful Scottish countryside while also immersing themselves in the rich history of the manor. 22Newhailes
MusselburghNewhailes House, previously known as Whitehill, is a neoclassical mansion situated on the western outskirts of the Scottish town of Musselburgh, in the Council Area of East Lothian. This historic building, designed by the Scottish architect James Smith in 1686 as his own residence, has undergone several changes over the centuries. It was sold to John Bellenden, 2nd Lord Bellenden, in 1701, who later sold it to David Dalrymple, 1st Baronet, in 1709. The estate was renamed Newhailes, a name inspired by Dalrymple's Hailes Castle. 23Thirlestane Castle
LauderThirlestane Castle, located in the Scottish town of Lauder, is a historic building with a rich history. It was initially built in the late 16th century and has undergone significant changes over the years. The Maitland family, who were the former earls of Lauderdale, remodeled the castle in the 1670s and further expanded it in the 1840s. This castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland and is classified as a Category A building. 24Craigievar Castle
AlfordCraigievar Castle, with its distinctive pink facade, is located approximately 9.6 km south of Alford, in the county of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle is currently the seat of the Sempill clan, adding a rich historical context to its already impressive architecture. 25Drum Castle, Garden and Estate
DrumoakDrum Castle, located near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, holds a significant place in history as it was the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine for centuries. The castle's name, Drum, is derived from the Gaelic word 'druim', meaning 'ridge'. This historical site is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public, offering a glimpse into Scotland's rich past. 26Castle Fraser
SauchenCastle Fraser, located near Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, is recognized as the most elaborate Z-plan castle in the country and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history and heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. 27Castle Campbell and Garden
Dunning GlenCastle Campbell, originally known as Castle Glume, is a historic castle located near the Scottish town of Dollar, situated above the scenic Dollar Glen in the Council Area of Clackmannanshire. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of Scotland while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. 28Fyvie Castle
TurriffFyvie Castle is a historic site located in the village of Fyvie, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle's oldest sections date back to the 13th century, making it a significant piece of Scotland's architectural history. Visitors can explore the castle's ancient structure and learn about its rich past. 29Kellie Castle and Garden
PittenweemKellie Castle and Garden is a museum in Pittenweem. The museum features exhibits related to Agriculture. 30Museum of the Isles
Aird of SleatArmadale Castle, located in the Scottish village of Armadale on the Isle of Skye, was built between 1790 and the mid-19th century. It was once the residence of Clan Donald, who settled in Skye in the 15th century and established their main residence in Armadale from the mid-17th century. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Isles, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. 31Castle House Museum
DunoonThe Castle House Museum, which has been open since 1998, is one of Dunoon’s most historic locations. Dunoon became a holiday resort when Lord Provost Ewing of Glasgow bought the land around the ruined medieval castle and built himself a holiday home. This was in 1824 and many other wealthy businessm 32House Of The Binns
LinlithgowThe House of the Binns is a historic mansion located near the Scottish town of Blackness in the West Lothian council area. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Scotland's rich history and architectural heritage. The mansion is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, providing a serene environment for tourists. 33Bothwell Castle
BothwellBothwell is Scotland’s largest and finest 13th century castle. Part of the original circular keep survives. At Uddingston off the B7071. 34Stranraer Museum
StranraerStranraer Castle, also known as the Castle of Saint John, is a significant historical site located in the small Scottish town of Stranraer, within the council area of Dumfries and Galloway. This tower house, built around 1510 by Ninian Adair of Kinhilt, is a testament to the rich history of the region and the Adair family, who originally hailed from Ireland and had established a high social reputation in Scotland by the 13th century. 35Clan Cameron Museum
AchnacarryAchnacarry is a quaint hamlet nestled in the Lochaber area of the Highland council area. This privately owned settlement is home to a castle and is situated approximately 15 miles north of the town of Fort William, near the village of Spean Bridge. Its location makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the Scottish Highlands. 36Castle of St John
StranraerStranraer Castle, also known as the Castle of Saint John, is a tower house situated in the quaint town of Stranraer, within the council area of Dumfries and Galloway. This historic structure offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich past and is a significant landmark in the region. 37Alloa Tower
AlloaAlloa Tower is the ancestral home of the Earls of Mar. It is one of Scotland’s largest surviving medieval Tower houses with an important collection of portraits, silver and furniture; temporary exhibitions from family’s private collections. Features of the tower, where Queen Mary once stayed, includ 38Menstrie Castle
MenstrieMenstrie Castle is a significant historical site located in the Scottish town of Menstrie, within the Clackmannanshire council area. The manor house has been recognized for its historical importance and was listed in the highest category A of the Scottish monument lists in 1960. This recognition highlights the castle's architectural and historical value, making it a site of interest for visitors to the area.- 39
Dollar Museum
DollarDollar Glen is a picturesque valley located to the north of the town of Dollar, in the council area of Clackmannanshire, Scotland. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the valley is part of the southern side of the Ochil Hills. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who enjoy peaceful walks amidst beautiful landscapes.