10 Best Castles

While it may evoke images of royalty and times gone by, the Atholl Palace Hotel isn’t actually a castle. Built in 1878, this grand hotel is a prime example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and the likely reason it’s often mistaken for a true castle. Scotland however boasts a wealth of historical castles nearby, from imposing ruins whispering tales of battles to grand landmarks standing sentinel over the landscape. Each has its own unique story waiting to be discovered.

1. Blair Castle & Gardens

Blair Castle is just a 6-mile drive north from Atholl Palace Hotel and is the ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl, boasting a fascinating history you won’t want to miss. It’s also home to Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Every year, the castle grounds host the Atholl Gathering, a spectacular Highland Games event showcasing traditional Scottish strength and athleticism.

15 minute drive from hotel

2. Stirling Castle

Perched high on volcanic rock, Stirling provides spectacular views over two of Scotland’s most historic battlefields – Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Much of today’s castle dates from the 15th – 18th centuries.

1 hour & 15 minute drive from hotel

3. Castle Menzies

Named the ‘third best castle in Scotland’ by The Times, Castle Menzies is a spectacularly restored 16th-century Scottish castle located just north of the River Tay at Weem on B846. You’ll encounter room after room of fascinating artifacts with a rich history of Cromwell, Jacobites and even Bonnie Prince Charlie leaving their mark.

25 – 30 minute drive from hotel

4. Edinburgh Castle

Perched high above the capital, this is Scotland’s most important and famous castle. There has been a castle here since the 11th century and today’s castle is a mix of military barracks, palace, fortress and war memorial.

1 hour & 37 minute drive from hotel

5. Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle is the jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland. This grand cliff-top country house was remodelled in the late 18th century by the renowned architect Robert Adam in his trademark neo-classical Georgian style.

2 hours & 38 minute drive from hotel

6. Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle dates from the mid 15th century but was greatly enlarged in later centuries to give its current structure. In addition to its Shakespearean connection, Cawdor is also famed for its magnificent gardens, parts of which are over 300 years old.

1 hour & 51 minute drive from hotel

7. Drummond Castle

Located in Perthshire near Crieff, Drummond Castle & Gardens is one of Europe’s and Scotland’s most important and impressive formal gardens. A mile of beech-lined avenue leads to a formidable ridge-top tower house. Enter through the woven iron portcullis and suddenly revealed is a magnificent Italianate parterre.

1 hour & 1 minute drive from hotel

3. Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan is for many people, the archetypal Scottish castle and is certainly one of the most photographed. Ruined in the early 18th century, it was restored to all its glory some two centuries later and is now the headquarters of the Clan McRae.

2 hours & 51 minute drive from hotel

9. Huntingtower Castle

Huntingtower Castle, once known as Ruthven Castle or the Place of Ruthven, is located near the village of Huntingtower and just 5km from the centre of Perth and boasts an interesting history. Huntingtower Castle today looks like a single building, but previously had consisted of two fine tower houses standing about 3m apart forming an unusual layout. Huntingtower Castle has hosted some notable visitors including Mary Queen of Scots and her new husband Lord Darnley who stayed during the Chaseabout Raid.

30 minute drive from hotel

10. Scone Palace

Scone Palace is located near the village of Scone in the heart of Perthshire and was the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned and the original home of the Stone of Scone. Today Scone Palace is home to the Earls of Mansfield and boasts over 1000 years of history.

43 minute drive from hotel