Must-See Castles in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Jörg Angeli on Unsplash

You could say that every country has unique historical and cultural sites that set it apart as a worthy travel destination, and in Scotland’s case, we’d argue that it’s the country’s castles. Scotland is home to over 1,000 castles, the oldest of which was built almost 1,000 years ago. Some of the castles are empty, some can be explored through guided tours, and some have been renovated into hotels. There are a few that we think stand out as must-visits for anyone traveling in Scotland—here’s why.

Dunrobin Castle

Dating back to the 1300s, this castle is one of the oldest continually operated houses in the UK, though most of the current building and grounds were added much later in the 1830s. It’s known for its resemblance to a French chateau and is surrounded by 1300 acres of gardens.

Edinburgh Castle

How many capital cities can claim to have a castle at their center? Edinburgh castle is a popular tourist destination that people flock to for everything from guided tours to weddings. We recommend stopping by to enjoy afternoon tea at The Tea Rooms located at the top of the castle.

Dalhousie Castle & Spa

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a castle, consider booking a few nights at Dalhousie, a 13th century castle-turned-hotel. The hotel has its own spa and even a dining room set in the castle’s dungeon.