Posted by Maris on 8th Jan 2024
The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit in the Scottish Highlands
Discover these Scottish Highland castles, which offer amazing vistas and a distinct history.
Dunrobin Castle
The ancient seat of the Dukes of Sutherland, this château-style castle is a fantastic fantasy that wouldn't seem out of place in the Loire or Bavaria.
A stunning example of a formal 19th-century garden, set out on terraces that drop down to the sea, can be found in the castle grounds.
All of the estate's attractions, including the frequent falconry demonstrations in the castle grounds that provide for fantastic photo ops, should be explored in good time.
Urquhart Castle
Scotland's largest ruins are those of Urquhart Castle. They are situated atop a headland with expansive views of the well-known Loch Ness.
Urquhart Castle's location has a lengthy past. You may explore the great hall, ascend Grant Tower, and have a peek inside a prison cell that once housed prisoners.
There is a state-of-the-art visitor center at the castle where you can discover all about its past. It's understandable why this castle, which welcomes more than 500,000 tourists annually, is among the most popular in Scotland.
Inveraray Castle
Situated on the banks of Scotland's longest sea loch, Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is well known for its delicious fish.
With its facade of gray stone, this castle is among the oldest instances of Gothic Revival architecture. The Dukes of Argyll, the heads of Clan Campbell, have resided here since the eighteenth century.
When you visit the castle, you may see the well-known Armoury Hall, which is home to some 1,300 pieces of armor, including preserved swords from the Culloden Battle.
Situated near Inverary Castle, the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa features a swimming pool, a spa, and stunning views of the Cowal Hills across Loch Fyne.
Kilchurn Castle
You'll quickly understand why Kilchurn Castle is among the most photographed castles in Scotland if you decide to pay it a visit. Its stunning setting at the head of Loch Awe, with Ben Cruachan's peak in the distance, provides vistas that will never be forgotten.
The oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland are located in these stunning castle remains. The castle's five-story tower house with its four angle-turrets is sure to impress, even though visitors are only permitted to see the outside at this time.
Kilchurn Castle is only a short distance away from the Ben Cruachan Inn, which is conveniently located in the center of the Argyll community of Lochawe.
Cawdor Castle
This majestic medieval stronghold is well-known for its literary association with Shakespeare's Macbeth, serving as the scene of Duncan's murder.
Though Cawdor has its own special stories to tell, the real events of the eleventh century that served as the inspiration for Macbeth's story happened many years before the castle was constructed. The castle is said to be constructed around a thorn tree; however, research has revealed that the tree is actually a 1372 holly. The tree is still visible in the dungeon today.
Along with expansive herbaceous borders, a kitchen garden, a peony walk, a holly maze, and a charming bluebell woodland walk, the spectacular gardens also feature a rose garden.
Eilean Donan Castle
It should come as no surprise that Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Highlands, perched on an island where three large water lochs converge, encircled by stunning landscapes on every side.
Only its stone footbridge leads to the magnificent castle; en route, you may see a few otter in the puddles below.
Culzean Castle
Situated atop the Ayrshire cliffs, this majestic castle commands a tranquil view of the Firth of Clyde. Robert Adam created Culzean Castle in the late 1700s. It is a beautiful, wildlife-rich woods that is perfect for a leisurely stroll in the afternoon.
If you decide to visit Culzean Castle, you should also schedule some time to visit Culzean Beach, a quiet area tucked away beneath the cliffs that is a great site to go rockpooling at low tide.
Culzean Castle can be reached by car in slightly over 30 minutes, and the Enterkine House Hotel has lovely views across the River Ayr.
Blair Castle
Blair Castle boasts some of the best views in Scotland, nestled amid the peaceful countryside and rolling hills of Perthshire.
The castle's history has seen it evolve from its chilly, austere Middle Ages origins to a charming Georgian home and finally a Baronial Victorian castle.
Blair Castle is also home to a gothic folly, a large forested grove, a red deer park, a nine-acre walled garden, and the remnants of a Kirk.
Brodie Castle
Nestled within acres of gentle Moray countryside, this blush-colored castle has been as the Brodie clan's family home for more than 400 years.
Discover how the castle has changed over the ages as you tour it; from the fortified guard chamber from the 16th century to the cozy 17th-century wing and the sprawling Victorian addition.
A wonderful assortment of furniture, ceramics, and artwork, including works by Scottish Colorists of the 20th century and Dutch masterpieces of the 17th, can be found inside.
Scone Palace
Perched above the Tay in Perthshire, the stunning site of this red sandstone palace looks out over the roads that lead east through Strathmore to the coast and north to the Highlands.
Perth can be seen over the river, and the Grampian Mountains provide a striking backdrop. Parliaments have met at Scone Palace, which has also served as the coronation site for the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.