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Scottish Castles

The rich history of Scotland is reflected by the hundreds of castles dotted throughout the landscape. Many were constructed for defence from foreign invaders or the English Kings but others were built to demonstrate personal importance!

Although numerous castles are now in the care of Historic Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland, there are many still under individual ownership and lots which are still lived in.
From ancient ruins to lavishly furnished residences, from royalty to ordinary people who wanted to fulfil a dream, there is a castle to spark the imagination of young and old alike.

See the different areas below to discover which castles you can visit across Scotland and where you can stay at a Scotland’s Best B&B.

Please check opening times with each castle to avoid disappointment.

Highland

Ballindalloch Castle 14 miles from Grantown-on-Spey - Filled with family memorabilia and paintings, this splendid castle has been the home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. Extensive grounds and a walled garden. Shop and tearoom. Golf course. Open daily (10.30am - 5pm) from Easter to the end of September (closed on Saturdays). Admission charges apply. Tel: 01807 500 205. www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk

Cawdor Castle & Gardens, East of Inverness - Mixture of formal gardens and parkland, including maze. Open daily 10am - 5.30pm from 1st May to 2nd October 2011. Gift shop and tearoom. Golf course. Admission charges apply. www.cawdorcastle.com

Brodie Castle - East of Nairn - The castle was the home of the Brodie family until the late 20th century. The family’s association goes back further than the castle, possibly as far as 1160 when it is believed Malcom IV gave these lands to the Brodies. In 1645, the castle came under attack from Montrose’s army. Today, you can still see the additions made to the building in the 17th and 19th centuries. Castle open various days April to October. Admission charge. Tearoom and Shop. Grounds open all year. www.nts.org.uk
Urquhart Castle Drumnadrochit - Picturesque ruins on the banks of Loch Ness.
Visitor centre with exhibition, film show, shop and restaurant. Open all year. Tel: 01456 450551. Admission charges apply. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.

Eilean Donan Castle - Dornie - This castle was around before Viking times, but was rebuilt from a ruin in the early years of this century. Used for film sets such as 'Highlander' it sits on its own tiny island, with the stunning backdrop of Loch Alsh, and Skye in the distance. Open daily 10am to 6pm from March to November plus certain days for winter 2011. Admission charges apply. Gift shop and restaurant. Web site: www.eileandonancastle.com

Dunvegan Castle - Isle of Skye. Home of the Chief of Clan MacLeod. It is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland today. Paintings, antiques, weapons and relics such as the famous Fairy Flag and items from Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald. Open daily 1 April to 15 October 10am to 5pm. Open by appointment in Winter for groups only. Admission charges apply. Gardens, wooded grounds and seal boat trips. Gift shop and restaurant. Web site: www.dunvegancastle.com

Ardvreck Castle 10 miles E of Lochinver - The castle was built about 1590 by the MacLeods of Assynt who had owned the area since the 13th century. Rumour has it that The Marquis of Montrose was captured around here in 1650, after his defeat at Carbisdale, and was held at the castle until being sent to Edinburgh for his execution. The MacKenzies seized the castle when they came to Assynt in 1672 and built Calda House, just a stone’s throw away in 1726. Free. www.historicassynt.co.uk

Dunrobin Castle near Golspie Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. Open April to mid October. Admission charges apply. www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Castle of Mey (located between Thurso and John O'Groats)
The Queen Mother's old home in Caithness, now holiday home to Prince of Wales in early August when the castle is closed. Castle and Gardens open to visitors for the Easter weekend (22 - 25 April), and then daily from 1st May to 27th July inclusive and from 9th August to 30th September inclusive. (Closed from 28 July to 8 August 2011 inclusive). Opening times are from 10.30am until 4pm. Visitor centre with tearoom, toilets and gift shop. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01847 851473. Web site: www.castleofmey.org.uk

Aberdeen & Grampian

This area is home to Scotland’s only Castle Trail - a selection of 13 unique castles and often referred to as Castle Country. Experience the romance and history of these restored family castles, ruins and stately homes, by simply following the trail. With its distinctive white on brown signs and a blue castle logo, which leads you through the heart of Aberdeenshire, it couldn't be a simpler day out.

Crathes Castle near Banchory. 12 miles east of Aberdeen - One of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Scotland occupied by the Burnetts of Leys for over 350 years and set against a magnificent garden with its world-renowned June border. The Horsemill bookshop is an exciting new addition to the existing Courtyard café and retail facilities at Crathes. Admission charges apply. Tel 01330 844525. www.nts.org.uk

Dunnottar Castle - 2 miles south of Stonehaven - Dating from 1276, this stronghold of the former Earls Marischal of Scotland enjoys a spectacular narrow cliff top setting. It withstood an eight month siege by Cromwellian forces in 1652 and during this time, the Scottish crown jewels were supposedly lowered into a small boat at the foot of the cliff to keep them out of English hands. More recently, Dunottar provided a stunning location for Franco Zeffirelli's film of Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Admission charges apply. Tel: 01569 762173. Web site: www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk

Kildrummy Castle near Alford, Aberdeenshire. Biggest and best example of 13th century castle in Scotland. Gardens. Open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm from 1 April to 30 September. Admission charge. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Corgarff Castle at Cock Bridge, Upper Donside -16th century tower house converted to barracks for Redcoats. Furnished and complete. Spectacular position. Admission charge. Open daily 1 April - 30 September from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Tel: 01975 651460. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Craigievar Castle near Alford - 15 miles from Banchory - This fairytale castle which inspired Walt Disney for his ‘Cinderella’ is an example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture. It was built by William Forbes in 1626. Open 1 May to 30 June, Fri-Tue 12-5.30; 1 July to 31 August, daily 12-5.30; 1 September to 30 September, Fri-Tue 12-5.30. Grounds open all year. www.nts.org.uk
Fyvie Castle, 8 miles south-east of Turriff - Historic castle dating back to the 13th century when it was a royal stronghold. Impressive collection of paintings, portraits, fine furniture, tapestries, arms and armour. Admission charges apply. www.nts.org.uk

Glenbuchat Castle, at Strathdon - Ruined 16th century castle with wonderful Gothic atmosphere. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Open: all year. Admission free.

Drum Castle near Banchory - The original 13th century keep has an adjoining Jacobean mansion house and additions made by Victorian lairds. There are woodland trails and a garden of historic roses in the grounds. National Trust of Scotland. Admission charges apply. Grounds open daily all year. www.nts.org.uk

Castle Fraser - 16 miles west of Aberdeen - Built between 1575 and 1636, this magnificent building contains an array of historic furnishings, paintings and embroidery. Extensive parkland. Shop and tearoom. Admission charges apply. www.nts.org.uk

Angus & Dundee

Glamis Castle 12 miles NE of Dundee - Glamis Castle has a fascinating and exciting history. It has been the family home of the Earls of Strathmore since 1372, when King Robert II (the first of the Stuart Kings) of Scotland gave the castle to Sir John Lyon. Legends and myths have grown around the castle. King Malcolm II was said to have been murdered here in the 11th century. Open daily from 2 April - end December 2011. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01807 840998. Web site: www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Edzell Castle 10 miles N of Brechin - Edzell was home to the Lindsays. When they acquired the estate in 1358, the lordly seat was a timber residence beside the ancient church. During the 16th century, they built a brand-new castle a short distance away – the one we admire today. The ‘icing on the cake’ of their new residence was the wonderful ‘great garden’, added in 1604. Open all year. Admission charges apply. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Broughty Ferry Castle near Dundee - 15th century estuary fort with museum and fantastic views of the River Tay. Admission free. Tel: 01382 436916. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Perthshire

Blair Castle, 5 miles north of Pitlochry. Ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army. The earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and is known as Cumming’s Tower. John Cumming of Badenoch took advantage of the Earl’s absence on the crusades to start building a tower. Despite the Earl’s complaints to the King, the tower survives to this day and forms the highest part of the castle. The original tower had an extension added to it by the 3rd Earl in 1530 to form a Great Hall. Admission charges apply. Restaurant and shop. Extensive grounds, pony trekking, walks and ranger service. Tel: 01796 481207. Web site: www.blair-castle.co.uk

Blair Castle

Drummond Castle Gardens, near Crieff - One of the finest formal gardens in Europe, first laid out in the early 17th century. Gardens open at Easter, then from 1 May to 31 October 1pm - 6pm. Admission charge. Note: the castle itself is not open to the public. www.drummondcastlegardens.co.uk
Castle Menzies near Aberfeldy - This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes vistors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulant history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. Splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house. Open from 1st April (or Easter) to mid October. 10.30am - 5pm (Sundays, 2-5 pm) Tel: 01887 820982. www.menzies.org/castle
Scone Palace near Perth - Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Open daily from 1 April - 31 October, 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4pm on Saturdays). Evening and winter tours by arrangement. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01738 552300. Web site: www.scone-palace.net
Huntingtower Castle near Perth - The structure consists of two separate tower houses, of a type common from the north of England through the Borders up into Scotland, which were subsequently joined together to form a larger residence. Tel: 01738 627231. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Elcho Castle near Perth - 16th century fortified mansion with three towers. Open daily 1 April - 30 September 9.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 01738 639998. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Lochleven Castle near Kinross - This late 14th or early 15th century tower was the setting for the most traumatic year in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. It was here in 1567 that she was imprisoned and forced to abdicate before her dramatic escape a year later. Visitors can enjoy the south and east wooded walks from April to July. Open daily 1 April to 31 October. Admission charges apply. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond & Stirling

Duart Castle Isle of Mull - Home of the Chief of Clan Maclean with dungeons and state rooms and 13th Century keep. Admission charges apply. Open in April 11am - 4pm (closed Fridays & Saturdays except Easter). Open from 1 May to 18 October 2011 daily from 10.30am - 5.30pm. Gift shop and tea-room. Free parking and entry to the grounds. Limited disabled access. Telephone: 01680 812309. Web site: duartcastle.com

Inveraray Castle at Inveraray. Magnificent castle built in 1720 and home of the Dukes of Argyll. Tearoom, toilets and gift shop. 16 acres of grounds. Open 1 April to 31 October from 10am, last entry 5pm. Admission charges apply. Woodland walks (free). Web site: www.inveraray-castle.com

Stirling Castle - One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314. Cafe. Open daily 1 April - 30 September, 9.30am - 6pm; and daily 1 October - 31 March, 9.30am - 5pm. Admission charges apply. www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

Kingdom of Fife

Aberdour Castle 5 miles east of the Forth Bridges. The 13th century fortified residence of Aberdour has a delightful walled garden and terraces with beehive-shaped doocot. Admission charges apply. Tel 01383 860519. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Edinburgh and the Lothians

Edinburgh Castle This impressive castle on top of an extinct volcano is the story of Scotland’s history. Home to The Stone of Destiny and The Honours of Scotland (the Scottish "crown jewels"). Also home to the National War Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National War Memorial. Open daily 1 April to 31 October 9.30am to 6pm; and daily 1 October to 31 March 9.30am to 5pm. Admission charges apply. Restaurant and gift shop. Tel: 0131 225 9846 www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Craigmillar Castle E of Edinburgh - The tower house is one of the oldest in Scotland, and with fascinating features, including a fine great hall and the so-called ‘Queen Mary’s Room’. Admission charges apply. Tel: 0131 661 4445 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Blackness Castle 4 miles from Linlithgow - Blackness Castle stands beside the Firth of Forth, at the seaport which in medieval times served the royal burgh of Linlithgow. The castle was built in the 15th century by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons. Admission charges apply. Tel 01506 834807. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Linlithgow Palace - Linlithgow. The magnificent ruins of the Palace were once the home to all the Stuart Kings including the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Admission charges apply. Tel: 015060842896. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Ayrshire and Arran

Brodick Castle and Gardens - Isle of Arran. Red sandstone castle at the foot of Goatfell mountain. Once home of the Dukes of Hamilton. The castle is open on certain days from 1 April to 31 October. Admission charges apply. The Country Park is open daily all year from 9.30am until sunset. Tel 01770 302636. www.nts.org.uk
Kelburn Castle near Largs - Dating from the 13th century and still lived in by the present Earl and his family, Kelburn Castle provides an impressive background to exotic gardens, famous trees and many features of historical interest. Admission charges apply. www.kelburnestate.com

Culzean Castle and Country Park - near Maybole. Principal seat of the Kennedy family from 1759, now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Magnificent rooms overlooking the sea, including Eisenhower's private office. A masterpiece of architecture designed by Robert Adam with a famous Oval Staircase. 600 acre estate with deer park, walled garden, swan pond, adventure playground, auditorium with video and exhibition, restaurant and cafe, gift shop, book shop, etc. Castle open daily from 1 April to 1 November from 10.30am with last entry at 4pm. Admission charges apply. The Country Park is open daily all year. Tel: 0844 4932149. www.nts.org.uk

Dumfries and Galloway

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Park near Thornhill. Completed in 1691 and still home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. One of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland. Oppulent rooms and historical artefacts. 120,000 acre estate, country park and grand Victorian gardens. Tea room, cafe, gift shop, craft & art studios, cycle museum. Castle open daily 11am - 4pm from 26 March - 31 August 2010. Gardens and country park open daily 10am - 5pm from 26 March to 24 October 2010. www.drumlanrig.com
Threave Castle - Castle Douglas. The stronghold of the Black Douglases built in the late 14th century by Archibald the Grim, 3rd Earl of Douglas, on an island in the River Dee. Ring the bell for the custodian to ferry you across the river to the island. Admission charges apply. Open 1 April - 30 September daily 9.30am - 5.30pm (last boat across 4.30pm). www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Cardoness Castle - Gatehouse of Fleet. Ancient home of the McCullochs, this 15th century six storey tower house stands on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet, guarding the access from the Solway Firth. Particularly fine fireplaces in the Great and Upper halls. Admission charges apply. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
MacLellan's Castle in Kirkcudbright. Well preserved ruins of a late 16th century noble residence. Open daily April - October. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Caerlaverock Castle 8 miles from Dumfries - One of Scotland's finest castles. This unusual three sided, moated castle is everyone's idea of a medieval fortress. Children's Adventure Park, model siege engine and nature trail. Admission charges apply. Open 1 April - 30 September daily 9.30am - 5.30pm; 1 October - 31 March daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

The Scottish Borders

Floors Castle - Kelso - Scotland's largest inhabited castle. In 1721, the 1st Duke of Roxburge made additions to create a plain Georgian country house. The 6th Duke remodelled the castle between 1837 and 1847 and made a romantic fairytale castle with its roofscape of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. Open for Easter, then from 1 May to 31 October daily 11am - 4.30pm. Admission charges apply. www.floorscastle.com

Thirlestane Castle - Lauder. The home of the Maitlands, The history of Thirlestane dates back to at least the 13th century, when a large Border fort was built on the site to defend the approach to Edinburgh from the south. The central part of the present Castle was completed in 1590, remodelled in the 1670s, and then again in the 1840s. Café. Admission charges apply. Open Easter, then 2nd May - 30th June 2010 on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursdays, plus May Bank Holidays. July and August every day except Fridays and Saturdays. September on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.Open from 10am - Castle doors close at 3pm. Grounds close at 5pm www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk