Top 5 best castles in Scotland to visit

I’ve been living here for the past 3 years and I have found the top 5 best castles in Scotland to visit. The best thing about living in this country is that it doesn’t really matter where you live, a castle must be nearby.

A simple google search would say that there are around 2000 castles in Scotland to this day. Mind you, not all of them are intact, some are complete ruins, but they are still amazing to see.

It was hard to narrow the list to just a few castles, as I think each of them has their unique way, but these are the top 5 best castles in Scotland to visit.

1. Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Dunnottar Castle has one of the most dramatic views of all the castles on my list. Located along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, viewing the castle is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and explore. It’s no wonder this made it to the top 5 best castles in Scotland to visit!

Its action-packed history includes the invasion from a Pictish king, the Viking invasion, the English invasion, and other tumultuous events. This castle once belonged to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the Earls of Marischal

2. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Another amazing castle worth seeing is Urquhart Castle, situated on the shores of Loch Ness. If you are looking for the Loch Ness monster, also stop by the castle to be amazed by its views.

This castle also has a rocky history. It was constantly raided by the McDonald Earls of Ross. During the Wars of Independence with England (1296–1356), both Scottish and British tried to win the castle’s control. Today, the castle is in ruins, but it offers a glimpse into medieval times and how people used to live.

3. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

One of the most accessible castles in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle. Just a short walk from the city center, you can admire this historic castle. It stands on Castle Rock, an inactive volcano. Edinburgh Castle went through different stages as it was a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress.

It’s part of Scotland’s national heritage, and millions of tourists visit it each year. Don’t miss the One O’clock Gun, a custom dating back to 1861! It happens daily at 1 p.m., except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Days.

4. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Another favorite castle is Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, just a short trip from Edinburgh. It is considered one of Scotland’s largest and most architecturally significant castles.

Its history is turbulent and includes great historical figures like William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Before the union with England, almost every Scottish monarch lived, died, or was crowned in this castle.

5. Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, Golspie

Dunrobin Castle is one of my favorite castles because of its stunning architecture and beautiful garden. It is also Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited castle, having been lived in since 1300. The castle serves as the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland.

Sir Charles Barry, the designer of London’s Houses of Parliament, drafted the current building and its gardens. The castle has 189 rooms, making it the biggest in the Northern Highlands.

There are many more amazing castles worth exploring all over Scotland. All have mesmerizing histories, dramatic at times and fascinating always. If you find yourself in Edinburgh, check out what castle you can see by clicking here.

Until then, unwind and explore.