The best castles in Scotland
The top 3 according to 685 votes from people: Edinburgh Castle · Eilean Donan Castle · Dunnottar Castle. (Updated Apr 13, 2025.)
Clifftop ruins, island strongholds and royal fortresses: Scotland's best castles according to Nordic Visitor, Finding the Universe and AFAR.
Top 10
-
1
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most visited castle, on Castle Rock, home of the Honours of Scotland.
-
2
Eilean Donan Castle
Perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland, on an islet where three sea lochs meet.
-
3
Dunnottar Castle
Dramatic clifftop ruin near Stonehaven where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell.
-
4
Stirling Castle
Historic royal fortress on a volcanic crag, where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned.
-
5
Dunvegan Castle
Seat of Clan MacLeod on Skye for over 800 years, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
-
6
Urquhart Castle
Ruined castle on the shores of Loch Ness, a classic Nessie-spotting spot.
-
7
Balmoral Castle
The royal family's Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, with grounds open in spring and summer.
-
8
Kilchurn Castle
Campbell ruin at the head of Loch Awe, magical on misty mornings.
-
9
Inveraray Castle
Gothic Revival seat of the Duke of Argyll on Loch Fyne, seen in Downton Abbey.
-
10
Caerlaverock Castle
Unique triangular moated castle near Dumfries.
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 10… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
-
11
Glamis Castle
Childhood home of the Queen Mother and setting associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth.
-
12
Dunrobin Castle
Fairy-tale château with French-style gardens and falconry displays in Sutherland.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (8)
Dunnottar on the cliffs is the most dramatic castle in Scotland.
Dunnottar on its cliff is breathtaking, and it inspired Disney's Brave apparently.
Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, so much history.
Stirling Castle is more interesting than Edinburgh's honestly, and less crowded.
Eilean Donan is the most photographed castle in Scotland for a reason.
Kilchurn at sunset reflected in Loch Awe 😍
Urquhart with Loch Ness, didn't see Nessie though 🦕
Balmoral is only open a few months a year, check before going.