10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CASTLES IN SCOTLAND
We run through 10 of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, let us know if you think we have left any out.
A visit to Scotland would surely be incomplete without becoming caught up in the turbulent history and fascinating stories that lay behind the stone walls of its many castles. Scattered across the country, over two thousand magnificent castles offer travelers a wondrous serving of escapism amongst the wilderness of the Scottish landscape. Here, we round up the top ten castles that should hastily be scribbled into your Scottish bucket list…
Dunnottar Castle
Dramatic. Evocative. There is something mystical, almost unbelievable about the ruined cliff top fortress that is Dunnottar Castle. But there it is, perched on the edge of a cliff, open to the elements of the sea.
Once the home of the earls Marischal, it is stunningly beautiful but haunting. It was a fortress that was almost impenetrable and worth a visit if only to take a cursory glance into its rich past. Open from 10 am during the spring and summer months, a must-visit when in Stonehaven.
Photograph by Connor Mollion
Photograph by Hidden Scotland
Inveraray Castle
Located on the shore of Loch Fine, the longest sea loch in Scotland, Inveraray Castle is often considered to be a country house or stately home. But its spectacular exterior, which has previously been captured on camera in Downton Abbey’s 2012 Christmas Special, is undoubtedly fit for a king. Steep conical turrets and a third floor were added to the structure in 1877 after a fire had spread through its interior, whilst a second fire in 1975 put the future of the castle in jeopardy. Following extensive restoration however, Inveraray now overlooks 16 acres of beautiful gardens that can be enjoyed by visitors all year round.
Photograph by Moners
Photograph by @gisforgeorgina
Castle Stalker
This four storey, tower keep on Loch Laich is notoriously difficult to visit. Surrounded by water and privately owned, there are only a limited number of tours that invite visitors through its doors each year. Yet, the castle, and its magnificently rugged backdrop provided by the Morvern Hills, is even more captivating when seen from afar. Visible even from the A828, between Oban and Glencoe, visitors might recognise Castle Stalker by another name – one which is perhaps more peculiar than its own – ‘The Castle of Aaaaaaaaaaaarghh’ from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Photograph by @simonhird
Photograph by @chris_j_houston
Kilchurn Castle
At the head of Loch Awe stands a five storey tower house belonging to Kilchurn Castle. Built in the 1400s by the first Lord of Glenorchy, the fact that this tower still stands is remarkable in its own right. For visitors though, who may reach the site by boat from Lochawe Pier, the chance to walk Kilchurn’s battlements and relish in the immeasurable view it provides is a truly invigorating and exceptional experience.
Photograph by Moners
Photograph by @gord.cook
Eilean Donan Castle
Situated on its own tidal island, Eilean Donan Castle marks the point where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh unite. Accessible by a single stone bridge, this 13th Century castle was once a magnificent family home, with views across the water reflecting the mountains of Kintail in its ripples. Whilst, in 2001, the island’s recorded population stood at a grand total of one, the most recent census shows that even the island’s final resident has disappeared.
Photograph by Connor Mollison
Photograph by Connor Mollison
Craigievar Castle
Nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Craigievar Castle is a Princess’ dream. With its sculpted turrets and tickled pink exterior, it’s widely rumoured that Craigievar’s Scottish Baronial architecture was the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s famous castle motif. Visiting Craigievar on a dry day allows visitors to explore the castle’s sweeping gardens; perhaps even following one of its two waymarked walks.
Photograph by Hidden Scotland
Photograph by @Gord.cook
Caerlaverock Castle
If ever you need inspiration for building a castle, Caerlaverock Castle would be it. Complete with picture-perfect moat and a grand, turreted entrance, Caelaverock truly looks as though it has been torn from the pages of medieval history books. Standing on the southern coast of Scotland, the strength of this triangular stronghold is proven by the substantial ruin that remains there to this day. The surrounding area is internationally recognised for its waterfowl and wading birds, whilst smaller visitors will be delighted by Caerlaverock’s castle themed adventure park.
Photograph by @coiacreative
Photograph by @coiacreative
Dunvegan Castle
First built in the 13th Century, Dunvegan castle was remodelled as a mock medieval build some 600 years later. Situated just a mile to the north of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, the castle stands as the longest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Steeped in over 800 years of Clan history, the magnificent grounds of Dunvegan are as intriguing as they are beautiful; with a stunning maze of water features, walled gardens and glass houses offering a sanctuary to those that visit.
Photograph by Paul Tomkins
Duart Castle
Duart Castle became the ancestral home of Clan MacLean after having been included in a dowry received by the 5th Clan Chief in 1350. Brought back from ruin in 1911, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull now offers its visitors action packed experiences swathed in the spirit of Duart. After walking amongst its shadowy dungeons, visitors will be relieved to emerge into the swirl of fresh Scottish air atop the castles battlements. Whilst below, events in the grounds include ghost tours, displays of swordsmanship and theatre company performances.
Photograph by Paul Tomkins
Ardvreck Castle
Ever since fire devastated Ardvreck Castle in mysterious circumstances in 1737, its gnarled remains have become a striking feature amongst its spectacular mountain surroundings. Historians believe that Ardvreck was once a formidable structure, with a stunning walled garden and magnificent courtyard. Now however, when waters rise from Loch Assynt, Ardvreck can often be cut off from the mainland – leaving little more than an enthralling, knotted mass of stone emerging from the ground.
Photograph by @jonnyjoycephoto
Photograph by @jonnyjoycephoto
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