Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles In Scotland

Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles In Scotland. Photo KnowInsiders

With 3,000 stately homes, castles and ruins throughout Scotland, choosing which ones to visit can be difficult. From the fortress dominating the Edinburgh skyline to the structures perched on the shores of the Isle of Skye, here are some of the Scottish castle highlights that are not to be missed.

List of Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles In Scotland

1.Eilean Donan Castle

2.Stirling Castle

3.Edinburgh Castle

4.Dunnottar Castle

5.Culzean Castle

6.Dunrobin Castle

7.Glamis Castle

8.Linlithgow Palace

9.Inveraray Castle

10.Dumbarton Castle

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What Are The Most Beautiful Castles In Scotland?

1.Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle was built on land that was inhabited as early as the 6th century, although the first fortified castle was built for another 700 years. The castle was partially destroyed in an uprising in early 1719, and then fell into ruins for a couple of hundred years.

Now fully restored, the castle sits on an island connected to the mainland by a stone footbridge. It is named for a Celtic saint who was martyred here in 617. Located in the Highlands, Eilean Donan is considered one of the country’s most romantic castles. It has appeared in several films including Highlander and The World Is Not Enough.

As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.

2.Stirling Castle

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Stirling Castle was considered the arts center of Scotland in the 16th century, but it also was important historically and strategically as home to many of the country’s kings. Stirling Castle is huge, giving visitors many opportunities to see how Scottish royalty lived, including the royal palace and chapel where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1534. The castle is also famous as the site where Robert Burns wrote many of his poems.

3.Edinburgh Castle

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Edinburgh Castle is a magnificent example of Scotland’s architecture, ideology, political tact and military importance. High up on the summit of a dormant volcano lurks this dominating structure. Its presence is visible for miles in every direction. Intimidating all who would challenge them, the Scottish utilized Edinburgh Castle for all of their major battles and military strategizing.

A strong standing symbol of their perseverance and struggle for independence, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s top attractions.

READ MORE: Top 10 Oldest Castles In The World

4.Dunnottar Castle

The castle, which is privately owned by the Pearson publishing family, has played a supporting role in many of Scotland’s key periods of history, from the Picts, to Oliver Cromwell’s invasion to the Jacobites.

Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland’s most scenic and well photographed castles, has been ‘rebuilt’ by digital artists and architects to show how the ruin would have looked more than 400 years ago.

The castle, near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, was one seven created by a project to reconstruct some of the world’s oldest and most dramatic landmarks for the digital age.

Once here, take a ramble down to the rugged shoreline, explore the old castle grounds and buildings and learn more about a lion that once lived inside the castle walls. Yup, it’s true… this once used to be home to a lion.

5.Culzean Castle - Scotland's White House

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle in Ayrshire is known as Scotland's White House thanks to its dedicated Eisenhower Apartments.

Culzean Castle, may look strangely familiar upon arrival, having been featured on the back of the Scottish five-pound note since 1987. This castle, owned by the National Trust of Scotland is dramatically situated atop a cliff, surrounded by the Culzean Country Gardens, and was previously owned by Clan Kennedy and rebuilt as a fine country home in the late 18th century by Robert Adams. Thus, it has a more elaborate exterior than other similar buildings across Scotland.

Culzean Castle overlooks the Firth of Clyde and displays numerous rooms to the public, along with its extensive grounds. The castle’s top floor apartment was presented to Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, as a recognition of his efforts during the Second World War. Today, you can stay in these apartments as a paying customer; that is, if you aren’t afraid of the seven ghosts that reportedly live within the castle walls.

6.Dunrobin Castle

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On the northern coast near Dornoch, architecture lovers can marvel at the stunning French design of Dunrobin Castle. The most northerly of Scotland's great houses, Dunrobin is the largest castle in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms. It dates back to the early 1300s, and is home to the Earls, later known as the Dukes, of Sutherland. Its interiors were designed by Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer while its magnificent architecture and fairy-tale spires were added by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed London's Houses of Parliament.

7.Glamis Castle

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Glamis Castle has ties to royalty, since Queen Elizabeth II grew up here as did her mother, the Queen Mum, and Princess Margaret was born here. Located in a prehistoric village, Shakespeare’s Macbeth was once the thane of Glamis. Even earlier, the Scottish King Malcolm was murdered here. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, set amid green trees and grass. Home to the earls of Strathmore for 600-plus years, visitors today can enjoy a walk in the formal gardens or take a guided tour of the historic rooms

8.Linlithgow Palace

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In the town of Linlithgow, the site that calls the most attention is the palace, which is located just next to the main church (Saint Michael), in the center of town and on a hillside at the foot of a small lake that shares its name with the palace and the people. Even though the palace is in ruins, it has been very well preserved. It was built to create a supply intermediate position between the castles of Stirling and Edinburgh. It was rebuilt several times over the years due to having been destroyed by fires, this palace was in use until the nineteenth century. Among the most prominent guests, throughout its history, we find Bonnie Prince Charlie and was born within its walls could be queen, Mary Queen of Scots (cousin of Elizabeth I).

9.Inveraray Castle

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Inveraray Castle is considered a must-see on Scotland’s west coast. Home to the Dukes of Argyll for centuries; it took 43 years to build and then was partially destroyed by a fire in 1877. Castle rooms tell the story of the Campbell Clan, once the most powerful clan in Scotland. The castle has formal gardens and an extensive collection of weaponry, which parents say fascinated their children. The castle, open only between April and October, features a tea room that offers traditional Scottish fare.

10.Dumbarton Castle

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Dumbarton Castle is located in the ancient capital of Scotland and is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking River Clyde. Conquer more than 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds.

Overlooking the town of Dumbarton, historically a port town of strategic and economic importance, Dumbarton Castle was once one of the most important places in the British Isles. Now, with military approaches having outgrown the need for castles, it is now regarded as one of the most attractive, interesting and historic tourist destinations in all of Scotland.

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