5 Castles to Visit in the Scottish Highlands

 

Have you been thinking about visiting some of the castles in the Scottish Highlands recently? It’s a great way to escape the trappings of modern life and step back in time by exploring the many magical ruins in this region.

There are 16 awe-inspiring castles to visit around the Scottish Highlands so you may want to book yourself into a nearby campsite for a few days to soak up as much interesting history and dramatic scenery as possible. From finding the fairy tower at Dunvegan to delving into the gloomy dungeons at Duart, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip.

Here’s our guide to five of the best castles to visit in the Scottish Highlands…

Duart Castle

Duart Castle is on a dramatic cliff top in the Isle of Mulland is believed to have been built in the 13th century by Clan MacDougall, a Scottish clan historically based in and around Argyll.

It fell into ruin from the 18th century until 1911, when it was purchased and refurbished by Sir Fitzroy Maclean, a Scottish officer and the 26th chief of Clan Maclean. It’s now one of the last surviving privately owned clan castles in Scotland.

A trip here will teach you all about the turbulent history of the clans and the battles that have been fought on this site. You’ll also get the chance to explore the castle rooms (including the great hall and the state bedroom) as well as the ancient keep and gloomy dungeons.

Escape from it all at a campsite on the Isle of Mull.

Urquhart Castle

This striking Scottish castle is on the northwestern shore of Loch Ness and the views across the surrounding area are just stunning. Urquhart Castle is one of the largest and most popular castles in Scotland and there’s over 1000 years of history to uncover here. 

Urquhart has seen a lot of military conflict over the years – it was taken by the English when Edward I invaded in 1296 and later passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. 

In the 16th century, the castle was given to Clan Grant and they were charged with its repair. The family built the suitably named Grant Tower and, although part of the tower was destroyed during a terrible storm in 1715, the five-level stone keep can be climbed by visitors today.

The castle was largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century, but the ruins are certainly worth exploring. Take a tour of the great hall – where many opulent banquets have been hosted over the centuries – and stand in the same prison cell that the legendary Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn is rumoured to have been locked up in. 

Check out our main Scotland camping guide for some more information when planning your next trip.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is on the east coast of the Northern Highlands and is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland – it’s been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century.

The early castle was a square keep with six-feet-thick walls and a vaulted ceiling; around 200 years later, a staircase and high house were added. Fast forward to 1845 and Sir Charles Barry – the architect who designed the Houses of Parliament – was in charge of remodelling the fortification. 

Unfortunately, much of Barry’s interior was destroyed by a fire in 1915. However, there’s still plenty to see on a self-guided tour through the state rooms on the first floor and in the smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle.

There is a museum in the formal castle grounds that’s home to one of the most remarkable private collections in the British Isles. Here you can browse a significant collection of archaeological relics as well as a section on geology, the coal mine at Brora and gold panning at Kildonan. 

The castle is generally open to the public each year from the start of April to the end of October, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the website for any changes before you visit. The ticket price also includes entry to the museum, the pretty Victorian formal gardens and an impressive falconry display.

Want to watch some more feathered creatures in action? Then read about some of the best birdwatching spots in the Scottish Highlands.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is on its own small island at a point where three lochs meet, overlooking the Isle of Skye. It’s one of the most recognised and visited castles in Scotland and also one of the best family-friendlyday trips to be had in the area.

The first fortified structure was thought to have been built here in the 13th century to strengthen defences from the Vikings. The majority of what can be seen today is from around 1932 – when the castle was lovingly restored to her former glory after a period of abandonment in the 18th century.

The surrounding scenery is spectacular and it’s an awesome place for spotting wildlife such as porpoise, dolphins and otters. Visitors can also wander around the fantastic castle rooms to admire the period furniture, fine art and Jacobean artefacts that are on display.

As always, when planning your visit make sure you check the castle website for updated opening times and admission prices.

If you’re in the mood to explore some more incredible scenery on foot, then take a look at the best hiking trails in the Scottish Highlands.

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

This award-winning castle is in the village of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. It’s open to the public daily between April and October.

It’s one of the most popular attractions on the island, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world each year. The castle was built in six different stages over a period of around 500 years (starting in the 1300s) and although its exterior may not initially seem that attractive, the rooms inside are much more luxurious than you might think.

There are a number of events and exhibitions held at the castle each year, including the silver chanter – a traditional piping competition – and a much loved fireworks display (featuring a representation of a Viking longboat).

Once you’ve explored the fairy tower and the old pit dungeon, take a 25-minute boat trip and get up close and personal with the Loch Dunvegan seal colony. It’s a marvellous experience, so don’t forget your camera.

Castles aren’t the only awesome sites to behold in the area – check out our list of the top places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.