SCOTLAND

Which Scottish Castle should I visit?

I have been researching recently various travel forums about Scotland and it seems that one common question appears more often than others - ‘I am coming to Scotland, could you please advise which castle should I visit’?

Scotland has plenty of beautiful worth visiting castles, however, on your holidays surely you will have limited time and will have to judge which places are the most appealing. To help you in choosing the ‘right place’ I have shortlisted below eight - in my opinion - the most charming places.

I trust that the following shortlist, together with highlights, photos and interactive map will be useful for you while exploring fascinating history of Scotland.

Castles in General

Over last six years I have visited plenty of Scottish castles and during this journey I have learned that Scotland has plenty of beautiful castles scattered throughout the country. One is different from the other - some castles are very well preserved and maintained, rich with chambers and exhibits for you to explore - a perfect example may be Edinburgh or Stirling Castle - while other places are literally only the remains of once fine castles set in beautiful scenery - Tantallon Castle.

My favourite shortlist of Scottish Castles

Eilean Donan Castle (postcode IV40 8DX)

Stunning location - this 13th century castle lies on the tiny Eilean Donan island which is connected to the mainland by a footbridge
Conveniently located on the way to Isle of Skye
Beautiful paintings and interesting interior
Hollywood blockbusters were filmed here: “World is not Enough”, “Highlander” and “Made of Honour”

Edinburgh Castle

Very conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh
Stunning Scottish Crown Jewels
Lots of chambers and exhibits (sceptre, swords etc.) to explore
Beautiful architecture - magnificent place to visit
Lovely panoramic view from the castle over Edinburgh city centre
Mons Meg (a huge cannon) and One o’Clock Gun (cannon is fired every day at 13.00 - except Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day)

Urquhart Castle (postcode IV63 6XJ)

Beautiful ruins of the castle located on the bank of world famous Loch Ness
Beautiful view from The Grant Tower
Interesting historic film is played every 15 minutes in the visitor centre - at the entrance to the site
Very nice cafe and visitor centre selling lots of souvenirs
For kids - very nice small model of the castle in the visitors centre with shinning small lights

Lochleven Castle (postcode KY138UF)

Beautifully located castle on the island of Loch Leven in Kinross
Small boat ride to the island can be very pleasant
Interesting 14th century tower house and prison cell where Mary Queen of Scots was kept
Perfect place for family picnic if the weather is good

Inchcolm Abbey

Located on Inchcolm Island (boat leaves from South Queensferry -from the pier just beside/below red rail bridge)
Very pleasant boat ride to the island - great sea excursion
Wildlife - you can spot seals lying on the rocks
Interesting medieval architecture
Lots of chambers to explore
Stunning view over Edinburgh and Fife

Stirling Castle (postcode FK8 1EJ)

One of the largest castles in Scotland
Situated in the centre of Stirling surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs
Impressive architecture
Charming Great Kitchen and other chambers
Stunning panoramic view over the town towards the Wallace Monument

Tantallon Castle (postcode EH39 5PN)

Ruins of 14th century fortress
Stunning location on the steep cliff
Stunning view from the very high (15 metres) Curtain wall overlooking the Bass Rock
Interesting tiny chambers
Close proximity to North Berwick

Blackness Castle (postcode EH49 7NH)

Located relatively close to Edinburgh, situated on the south shore of Firth of Forth
Interesting architecture
Beautiful view from the tower and walls over Firth of Forth and the bridges

Published on 6th July 2010

By Arek Zasowski

Photographs by Arek and Viola Zasowski

Useful Information

If you like history, forts and castles just for a couple of pounds a month you can become a member of Historic of Scotland and visit unlimited number of times this and other Scottish historical sites.
For the exact information on the opening hours and admission fees for all the properties managed by Historic of Scotland please go Historic of Scotland web site.
For the exact information on the opening hours and admission fees of the Eilean Donan Castle please visit Eilean Donan Castle web site.