Scotland’s Historic Castles: A Guide to the Best Places to Visit

Scotland is home to some of the country’s most impressive castles, from grand royal residences and fairytale towers to atmospheric ruins overlooking lochs and rugged coastlines. With centuries of history, these remarkable places offer a fascinating way to learn more about Scotland’s past while exploring some of its most beautiful landscapes.

Many castles are found in some of Scotland’s most scenic corners, making them easy to combine with a wider trip. We’ve picked out some of the best to visit across the country, including several that are within easy reach of Crerar Hotels.

From the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll to the royal residence of Balmoral and the atmospheric ruins of Kilchurn Castle, discover some of Scotland’s most memorable castles and the landscapes that surround them.

Inveraray Castle, Inveraray

For a classic Scottish castle experience, Inveraray Castle is a wonderful place to begin. Sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne, this striking Gothic Revival castle is the Duke of Argyll's ancestral home and has been the seat of Clan Campbell for generations.

The castle dates back to the 18th century, with its distinctive towers and turrets creating the kind of fairytale appearance that many visitors associate with Scotland. Inside, you can explore historic rooms filled with paintings, furniture, armour and fascinating reminders of the Campbell family's long history.

The surrounding gardens and woodland are equally impressive, with beautiful views across the Argyll countryside. The castle is also just a short distance from Inveraray itself, making it easy to combine a visit with exploring the town and the shores of Loch Fyne.

For more inspiration, discover our guide to visiting Inveraray Castle and explore more of the historic sights around the area.

Where to Stay: Make Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa your base for exploring Inveraray, with the hotel sitting beside the shores of Loch Fyne and within easy reach of the castle.

Kilchurn Castle, Argyll

Few Scottish castles have a more dramatic setting than Kilchurn Castle. Standing at the head of Loch Awe with Ben Cruachan rising behind it, the atmospheric ruins are surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Argyll.

Built in the 1400s, Kilchurn Castle was originally a stronghold of the Campbells of Glenorchy and later became a garrison during the Jacobite period. Today, its ruined towers and stone walls create an unforgettable sight against the mountains and loch.

The castle is particularly impressive when viewed from across Loch Awe, where you can appreciate its remote setting and photograph one of Scotland’s most recognisable castle landscapes. It’s an ideal stop for anyone exploring the area around Inveraray.

Our guide to sights and adventures in Inveraray also features Kilchurn Castle alongside other local attractions, making it a useful starting point for planning your visit.

Where to Stay: Stay at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa and explore Kilchurn Castle as part of a wider Argyll adventure.

Dunstaffnage Castle, Oban

Just outside Oban, Dunstaffnage Castle is one of the area's most fascinating historic sites. Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Lorn, this imposing medieval fortress has stood here for centuries and has played an important role in the history of western Scotland.

The castle was once a stronghold of the powerful MacDougall family before passing into royal control. Its thick stone walls and strategic coastal position give it a wonderfully atmospheric character, while the surrounding scenery provides a glimpse of the rugged landscape that makes Argyll so special.

Dunstaffnage is particularly easy to combine with a stay in Oban, allowing you to spend time exploring the castle before returning to the town for seafood, shopping or a stroll along the waterfront.

For another castle experience nearby, Dunollie Castle sits overlooking Oban Bay and can also be reached from the town. 

Where to Stay: Stay at Oban Bay Hotel, a waterfront base for discovering Oban and the surrounding castles of Argyll.

Castle Stalker, Appin

Few castles in Scotland look quite as magical as Castle Stalker. Sitting dramatically on a small tidal island in Loch Laich, this medieval tower house is surrounded by water and mountains, creating one of the most recognisable castle views in the Highlands.

The castle dates back to the 14th century and has a fascinating history involving Clan MacDougall, Clan Stewart and the changing fortunes of Scotland's powerful families. Today, its isolated position makes it feel wonderfully remote, despite being easily accessible from the main road.

You can admire the castle from the nearby viewpoint and café, which offers spectacular views across the loch towards the island. For keen photographers, it’s particularly worth stopping when the light is changing across the water.

Castle Stalker is also a natural addition to a west coast road trip. Crerar's Argyll Coastal Route includes Castle Stalker as one of its key stops between Oban and Glencoe.

Where to Stay: Make Oban Bay Hotel your base for exploring the west coast, or stay at The Glencoe Inn if you’re continuing north towards Glencoe.

Balmoral Castle, Ballater

For a castle with a royal connection, Balmoral Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous. Set within the spectacular landscape of Royal Deeside, the estate has been a much-loved royal retreat since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased it in 1852.

The castle sits within an expansive estate surrounded by mountains, woodland and the River Dee, making the journey there an experience in itself. Visitors can explore parts of the estate and discover more about the royal history of Balmoral while enjoying the beautiful Highland surroundings.

The nearby village of Ballater is also worth exploring, with its Victorian architecture, independent shops and strong connections to the Royal Family. It’s the perfect place to spend a day combining history, scenery and a little Scottish village charm.

For more inspiration, read our guide to Ballater and the footsteps of royalty or discover everything you need to know about travelling from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle.

Where to Stay: Stay at Balmoral Arms in Ballater, a five-star inn ideally positioned for exploring Balmoral and the wider Cairngorms.

Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire

With more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK, Aberdeenshire is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Scottish castles. One of the region's most impressive is Castle Fraser, a grand 15th-century tower house surrounded by beautiful grounds.

The castle was home to the Fraser family for more than 400 years and is filled with fascinating stories, historic rooms and architectural details to discover. Outside, woodland and countryside provide plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding estate.

Castle Fraser is particularly convenient for visitors staying around Inverurie, making it an easy addition to a wider Aberdeenshire castle trail.

There are plenty more historic sites to discover in the area too. Explore our guide to the best castles in Aberdeenshire for more inspiration, including Tolquhon Castle, Huntly Castle and other highlights from Scotland's Castle Country.

Where to Stay: Stay at Thainstone House, an elegant country house hotel near Inverurie and a convenient base for exploring Aberdeenshire's castles.

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire

Another must-see on an Aberdeenshire castle trail, Fyvie Castle is a magnificent fortified castle surrounded by extensive grounds and gardens.

The castle has more than 800 years of history and has been home to some of Scotland's most powerful families. Its impressive turrets, grand interiors and collections of historic furniture and artwork make it one of the area's most fascinating castles to visit.

The surrounding grounds are equally worth exploring, with gardens, woodland and peaceful paths providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Fyvie Castle is one of the castles Crerar Hotels specifically recommends for guests staying at Thainstone House, alongside Castle Fraser.

Where to Stay: Return to Thainstone House after a day exploring Aberdeenshire's castle country.

Blair Castle, Perthshire

Set among the dramatic scenery of Highland Perthshire, Blair Castle is one of Scotland's most impressive historic houses. The whitewashed castle has been home to the Atholl family for more than seven centuries and has witnessed some of the most important moments in Scottish history.

Inside, visitors can discover grand rooms filled with historic collections, while the extensive grounds provide plenty of space to explore. The castle's story spans Mary, Queen of Scots, the Jacobite cause and the Battle of Killiecrankie, offering plenty for history lovers to uncover.

The gardens are also a highlight, with woodland walks, sculptures and beautiful countryside surrounding the castle. It's a particularly good choice for a full day out in Perthshire.

Blair Castle features in Crerar's guide to sightseeing in Perthshire, alongside other historic attractions in the area.

Where to Stay: Make Dunkeld House Hotel your base for exploring Perthshire, or stay at Fonab Castle in Pitlochry for a truly memorable castle stay.

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull

For a castle adventure with a difference, head across the water to the Isle of Mull and Duart Castle. Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Sound of Mull, this historic castle is one of the island's most famous landmarks. The ancestral home of Clan MacLean, Duart Castle dates back centuries and has played an important role in the history of Mull and the surrounding islands. Its spectacular coastal position makes the journey to the castle just as memorable as the visit itself.

Inside, you can discover more about the castle's history and the MacLean family before stepping outside to take in panoramic views across the Sound of Mull. On a clear day, the surrounding mountains and coastline create an unforgettable backdrop.

Duart Castle is also highlighted in Crerar's guide to things to do on Mull in the rain, making it a useful option when the Scottish weather isn't quite cooperating.

Where to Stay: Stay at Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, a coastal retreat close to Craignure and perfectly placed for exploring Mull's historic sights and spectacular landscapes.

Plan Your Scottish Castle Trail

Scotland's castles are spread across some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, making them ideal for exploring as part of a wider Scottish getaway. 

The beauty of a Scottish castle trail is that you don't need to visit them all in one trip. Choose a region, make one of Crerar Hotels your base and spend your days exploring the historic sights nearby.

Whether you're heading west to discover Inveraray and Kilchurn Castle, exploring the castle country of Aberdeenshire, following royal footsteps around Balmoral,l or travelling across the water to Duart Castle on Mull, there's always another piece of Scottish history waiting to be discovered.