Visit the most beautiful castles in Scotland

Located at the eastern end of Edinburgh‘s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is inhabited to this day— in fact, it’s the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. As you wander from room to room, intricately carved wood paneling and 17th-century French and Flemish tapestries transport you back to the time of its earliest residents.

The Great Gallery is hung with portraits of real and legendary kings of Scotland—and one queen, Mary Queen of Scots whose bedchamber is decorated with period furniture and artifacts from the 16th century. Look through the windows to catch a glimpse of the neighboring Holyrood Abbey, a roofless ruin at the foot of the ancient Arthur’s Seat volcano.

Overlooking the Forth Valley to the west of Edinburgh,  Stirling Castle was strategically built to protect the main route between the Highlands and the Lowlands. Follow the ancient cobbled slope up to the main gate, flanked by defensive towers. Highlights inside include the royal apartments of James V, restored to their former glory and which feature a set of modern Flemish-style tapestries known as the Unicorn Tapestries.

From the ramparts, your gaze takes in views of Bannockburn, the site of a battle that forever changed the course of Scottish history. There, the tower erected in honor of William Wallace remains a proud tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest heroes.

Just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, Linlithgow Palace welcomes you with its grand arched entrance leading to a vast courtyard bordered by scorched walls. This largely destroyed Gothic palace was one of the favorite residences of the Stuart kings and queens and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Ascend one of the spiral staircases to reach the former hall, reduced to bare walls, a fireplace, and window frames.

In the center of the courtyard, your gaze is drawn to the Renaissance-period fountain with its intricate sculptures depicting lions, sirens and foliage. Then make your way down to the loch where a footpath hugs the calm waters, affording unspoilt views of the castle ruins dominated by its bell tower.

You approach Crathes Castle along a sweeping driveway lined with ancient beech trees. This magnificent 16th-century fortress, built for the Burnett family, still boasts its original tower adorned with charming corbeled turrets and exquisitely carved stonework. Take your time exploring the castle’s stunning interiors, particularly the famous Green Room, with its ornate floral ceiling and beautifully preserved wall paintings.

Outside, wander through the enchanting walled gardens, where themed beds showcase vibrant peonies, elegant lilies and stunning seasonal displays. This magical place creates a perfect sanctuary of natural beauty in the heart of the picturesque Dee Valley.

You’ll spot Dunnottar Castle from miles away, perched dramatically on its rocky crag with wild waves crashing all around it. A winding path leads you across the heather-covered moorland, then down a steep stone stairway to the castle’s single entrance.

Duck through the low stone doorway cut into massive walls, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking ruins with centuries of history etched in the stone. This is where Scotland’s crown jewels were stashed in the 1650s when Cromwell’s army invaded, a perfectly remote hideaway for the glittering Honors of Scotland.

On the stunning shores of Loch Fyne in the West Highlands,  Inveraray Castle captivates visitors with its fairy-tale Gothic towers and imposing turrets. Step inside a living castle which is still the residence of the Duke of Argyll, the proud chief of Clan Campbell. Begin your tour in the stunning Armory Hall where a vast vaulted ceiling soars above an impressive display of gleaming halberds, ancient swords and battle-worn armor.

Wander through the sumptuous rococo state rooms, where sparkling crystal chandeliers cast light on centuries of family portraits and beautifully crafted wooden panels. Outside, lose yourself in the peaceful gardens as you meander along tree-lined paths bordered by towering beech trees and vibrant rhododendrons, eventually reaching the tranquil river that winds through the estate – the perfect spot to soak up the Highland magic.

Nestled where three tranquil lochs come together, Eilean Donan Castle seems to float between the clear waters and soaring peaks. Painstakingly restored in the early 1900s from crumbling medieval ruins, you’ll cross a beautiful arched stone bridge to reach this enchanting fortress.

Step inside and wander through a series of rooms filled with period furnishings – the grand banqueting hall, the ancient tower and intimate bedchambers, each space bringing the proud heritage of Clan MacRae to life. Peer through the castle’s narrow windows and watch the ever-changing Highland light dance across the water and paint the mountains gold. Stunning!

The harmony radiating from Mellerstain House in the Scottish Borders takes your breath away from the very first glimpse: its flawlessly symmetrical facade, designed by the legendary Robert Adam, embodies the Georgian ideal of perfect proportions and elegant simplicity. The castle’s architecture strikes you with its remarkable unity and grace. Start your visit in the magnificent library, bright and spacious, where pale blue wood paneling frames shelves lined with precious antique volumes.

The grand double staircase, positioned at the heart of the building, sweeps you up to elegant drawing rooms adorned with delicate bas-reliefs and exquisite French mirrors. Step outside onto the raised terrace overlooking a charming lake surrounded by ancient trees, and take a moment to drink in this absolutely stunning view!

Built by the author of Ivanhoe in Melrose, the Gothic mansion of Abbotsford House offers a unique glimpse into a literary genius’s world and is a living tribute to Scotland’s rich history. From the moment you enter, you’re transported into Sir Walter Scott’s fascinating universe, especially in the armory where every single piece was carefully chosen for its historical significance.

Discover his remarkable library, a grand wood-paneled room housing over 7,000 precious books. A well-worn armchair, his writing desk, and scattered manuscripts are precious souvenirs of his writing days. As you wander into the gardens, listen for the gentle murmur of the River Tweed flowing just beyond the hedge—the perfect soundtrack to this enchanting literary pilgrimage.