Witnessing the Splendid Castles in Scotland

Scotland is a country that has inspired and influenced artists and people alike from all around the world, due to its abundant natural beauty. A trip to this sacred land will make you realise that once isn’t enough. Visiting Scotland gives you a good reason to celebrate life. So, what’s holding you back? Book your holiday package at Veena World and explore all the popular and offbeat places to go in Scotland. 

While exploring the length and breadth of Scotland, castles are one among many things that you are bound to notice. According to historians, there are more than 1500 castles in Scotland that are known to have existed. These castles are spread across valleys, hills and clifftops. Each castle has its own story to tell, as it takes you back in time. The Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is considered to be one of the most exciting historic sites in Scotland. Travelling makes you rich in terms of experiencing the culture, traditions, food, scenic locations and much more. There is no doubt in believing that Scotland is blessed with rugged mountains, remote valleys, beaches, glaciers, lakes and forest reserves that compel our guests to visit, at least once in their lifetime. For an immersive experience, you can also find affordable castles to stay in Scotland.

The Best Castles to Visit in Scotland  

• Castle Tioram 
• Eilean Donan Castle 
• Loch An Eilein Castle 
• Edinburgh Castle 
• Lochleven Castle 

Castle Tioram

This castle was built in the 1200s in a remote location of Moidart known as the Rough Bounds. It sits on a tidal island, making Castle Tioram an ideal destination for outdoor camping and swimming. You need to take a ferry to get here. One must bear in mind that visiting Castle Tioram is not for the faint-hearted. This makes Castle Tioram one of the least visited castles in Scotland. Allan MacRuari is one of the chiefs who ruled from Castle Tioram. He was remembered mainly for building a reputation for himself as an untouchable terror. Even though the doorway to the castle is barricaded, there are more reasons to explore the surroundings of this castle.

Eilean Donan Castle

This castle is located on a stunning island at the meeting point of three lakes, Duich, Long and Alsh and is seemingly not far from a pretty village called Dornie. The castle lies in the backdrop of scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all around the world to admire the beauty and to know the history associated with the castle. This fairytale-like fortress has also drawn the interest of some famous filmmakers, no wonder that it is being romanticised by people around the globe. If you are fond of photography, then being here is exactly what you want, as you can explore and capture the moments of beauty, both the landscape and your time with your loved ones. Getting here would be convenient if you were driving by yourself. However, if you book Scotland tour packages with Veena World, you don’t have to worry about local travel as that will be taken care of by our professional tour manager.

Loch An Eilein Castle

Loch An Eilein translates to ‘Loch of the Island’, which is hidden in the forest. The crystal clear water, pine trees and scenic mountain views add charm to this island, but what makes it exceptional is the 13th-century castle that is in the middle of the loch (lake). This castle holds a special place in the hearts of every visitor, making it one of the coolest castles in Scotland. Even though the structure of this castle at present is ruined due to natural wear and tear, it gives no less reason to visit this awe-inspiring destination. Visitors use their power of imagination to wonder what this ancient castle was like.

Edinburgh Castle

It stands on a castle rock and is a famous historic castle in Scotland as well as a world-famous icon. The crown jewels of Scotland are on display within the walls of the castle, which makes it a major part of the ‘Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site’. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the capital city of Scotland. The castle has also been voted the ‘Best UK Heritage Attraction’, for the fourth straight year in a row, and so, a trip to Scotland without visiting Edinburgh would be incomplete. An interesting fact about Edinburgh Castle is that it remains an active military base, also known as the ‘defender of the nation’.

Lochleven Castle

Each castle has its own story to tell, and nothing is quite like the story of Loch Leven Castle. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here at this island castle after she was forced to surrender to her nobles. Since she was the Queen, she wouldn’t give up that easily. After she found allies, they plotted her successful escape. One of the best among the many other things that you can do here is explore the island at your leisure and admire the beauty of nature and life itself. You can also indulge in a fact-finding quiz as you explore the castle.  

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Scotland is a year-round destination. This means you can visit Scotland at any time of the year and still be surprised by all the beauty that every season brings. The best time to visit any destination depends on how well-prepared you are with the itinerary. For Scotland, the majority of tourists consider Spring as the best time to explore the country. Even during autumn, the weather and nature’s forces turn the landscape's colours into something inviting and exciting for photographers and trekkers.  

Veena World offers a fantastic option to those who want to customise their holiday package. This option gives you the freedom to plan your trip according to your preferences. You can choose the sightseeing destinations that pique your interest, ensuring that your customised holiday to Scotland is filled with memories to cherish.  

FAQs 

Q1. How many castles are there in Scotland? 

Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles, ranging from complete, well-preserved structures to romantic ruins. That’s roughly one castle for every 25 square miles, making Scotland one of the most castle-rich countries in the world.  

Q2. Do you need to book tickets in advance to visit castles in Scotland? 

For popular sites like Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle, it’s strongly recommended (and often cheaper) to book tickets in advance online, especially during summer months and holidays. Smaller or rural castles may accept walk-ins, but guided tours or special events often require pre-booking.  

Q3. Are Scottish castles historically tied to clans? 

Yes, many castles were built, owned, or fought over by powerful Scottish clans, such as the Campbells, MacDonalds, MacLeods, and Douglases. These clan-based castles served as strongholds, administrative centers, and symbols of power. Some still remain in the hands of the original clans’ descendants.  

Q4. Can you actually stay in a Scottish castle, and how do you book it? 

Yes, many Scottish castles offer luxury accommodations for guests who want to experience life in a historic setting. Castles like Dalhousie Castle, Borthwick Castle, and Inverlochy Castle have been converted into hotels or exclusive venues for special events. Booking is generally done online through the castle's official website or luxury hotel platforms, and many offer packages for romantic getaways, private tours, or even castle weddings.  

Q5. Are Scottish castles accessible year-round? 

Many of Scotland’s most popular castles are open year-round, but some operate seasonally (especially in rural or remote locations), typically closing or offering limited hours in winter (November–March). Always check the official website before visiting for up-to-date hours and weather advisories.