Article: Scottish Castles & Palaces Worth Visiting
When vacationing in Scotland, visiting the country’s castles is an absolute must. Since most visitors fly into Glasgow and Edinburgh, you should highlight castles that are easily accessible from those cities.
Of course, for those who venture that far, we had to add one more attraction on the Isle of Skye!
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcano that has been inhabited since the Iron Age. The castle itself was built in the 11th century and served as a royal residence until the 16th century. Since then, it has played a prominent role in Scottish history and has been used for many purposes, including as a royal residence, armory, treasury, national archive, mint, prison, military fortress, and finally as the repository of the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish regalia).
According to a 2024 study, Edinburgh Castle—having endured 26 sieges over its 1,100-year history—is one of the most frequently besieged sites in the United Kingdom and one of the most contested in the world.
Glasgow
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle sits atop a volcanic cone known as Dumbarton Rock, which was formed 300 to 400 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. There is well-documented evidence of settlements in this area, underscoring its strategic importance. No wonder, then, that Dumbarton Castle boasts the longest documented history of any fortress in Scotland!
It is located on the River Clyde, about 30 minutes from Glasgow, and is a great destination for a day trip.
Stirlingshire
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle sits atop a rocky outcrop surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, making it a strategically advantageous defensive position. Thanks to its strategic location, it guarded (prior to the 1890s) the point on the River Forth furthest downstream, making it an important fortress in the region. When Scotland was still an independent country, it was frequently used by Scottish kings and queens as both a palace and a fortress. Many kings and queens were crowned here, including Mary Stuart in 1542.
The castle is conveniently located near Glasgow and Edinburgh, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Stirlingshire
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century. It was likely damaged during the Scottish Wars of Independence and rebuilt in the late 14th century; it has retained its current appearance ever since. It appears in numerous literary works, including Sir Walter Scott’s “Waverley” (1814); more recently, the castle served as the filming location for Winterfell in “Game of Thrones” and as the setting for Castle Leoch in “Outlander”!
Western Highlands
Eilean Donan Castle
Thanks to its picturesque setting, Eilean Donan Castle features prominently in paintings and films. The castle is situated at the confluence of three lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Long) and was originally a tidal island. The original castle was built in the 13th century and developed into a stronghold of the Mackenzie clan. The picturesque footbridge was added in the early 20th century.
Isle of Skye
Duntulm Castle
Although it is now nothing more than a ruin, this was once the seat of the chieftains of the MacDonald clan. Built in the 14th century, the estate was the scene of numerous local feuds between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds. It was expanded several times during this period, until the MacDonald clan emerged victorious in the 17th century. In 1732, it was finally abandoned in favor of a new residence, Monkstadt House.
It’s a wonderful place to wander around and let your imagination run wild. Looking out over the hills of Harris, it’s easy to see why this place played such an important role in history.
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