Scotland’s castles are not just photo stops – they’re open doors into centuries of battles, legends, and family ties. Many of our tours include the option to step inside some of the country’s most iconic castles, perfect for anyone curious about Scotland’s heritage or exploring ancestral roots.
Visit the magical Isle of Skye and romantic Eilean Donan Castle.
See the village of Inveraray, Doune Castle, West Highlands and Loch Lomond.
Iconic Outlander filming locations; Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, Falkland and Culross.
Cruise to Urquhart Castle, beautiful Beauly, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns stones.
Outlander filming locations; Falkland, Culross, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Doune Castle.
A taste of Scotland; see historical sights and the Trossachs National Park.
Explore the Highlands, Skye, Loch Ness, Glen Coe, with an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.
Highlands & Islands; world-famous Loch Ness to remote corners of Lewis, Harris and Skye.
The entire package; remote Orkney, famous North Coast 500, and magical Skye.
If you’re up for a little adventure outside Scotland, our 1-day tour from Edinburgh takes you across the border to explore England’s spectacular Alnwick and Bamburgh Castles. Wander historic halls, enjoy stunning coastal views, and if you love Harry Potter, you’ll recognise Alnwick’s famous broomstick flying scenes.
Visit Alnwick Castle on a Day Tour
Many of our tours offer the chance to step inside some castle grounds or buildings across Scotland. In other cases, castles are included as photo stops where you can admire the architecture, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy the surrounding landscapes from outside. The exact experience can vary depending on the tour and the site you visit.
One of Scotland’s most historically significant strongholds, Stirling Castle sits dramatically above the town below. The castle played a central role in Scotland’s medieval history and offers sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Perhaps Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan Castle stands where three sea lochs meet. The stone bridge approach and mountain backdrop make it an unforgettable Highland viewpoint.
Home to the Clan MacLeod for centuries, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Visitors can explore its gardens and learn about the clan’s long history on Isle of Skye.
Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle feels wonderfully remote. The walk down to the ruins is part of the experience, with dramatic coastal views along the way.
With fairy-tale turrets and beautifully maintained gardens, Dunrobin Castle is one of the grandest stately homes in the Highlands. The castle’s coastal setting adds to its striking appearance.
Located on a small peninsula in Loch Awe, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle are surrounded by mountain and water scenery that changes beautifully with the light.
Famous as the exterior of “Lallybroch” as a popular filming location for Outlander, Midhope Castle is a small but well-loved stop for visitors looking for a touch of cinematic Scotland.
Known for its impressive courtyard and strong medieval architecture, Doune Castle has appeared in several films and offers a glimpse into Scotland’s historic past.
Often called “the ship that never sailed”, Blackness Castle sits dramatically on the shores of the Firth of Forth and offers unique views across the water.
These coastal ruins were once at the heart of Scotland’s religious power struggles. Today, visitors can wander through the remains, peer into the castle’s bottle dungeon, and take in wide sea views from the cliff edge.
Few castle locations are as recognisable as Urquhart’s position beside Loch Ness. The dramatic ruins stretch along the shoreline, offering panoramic views across the water while telling the story of centuries of Highland conflict.
Inveraray Castle stands out for its fairy-tale turrets and sweeping Highland backdrop. As the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, it offers insight into centuries of clan history, with ornate interiors and expansive grounds to explore.
This map shows some of the castles you might see on our tours across Scotland. Stops can vary depending on the itinerary, but it gives you a sense of the historic landscapes and landmarks you could experience in the surrounding area and along the way.
Some of the most popular castles featured on our tours include Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness, Stirling Castle, and Doune Castle (a favourite for Outlander fans). Each one offers something different – royal drama, medieval battles, or sweeping views.
While many of our tours include stops where you can choose to explore the inside of the castles, others are derelict inside or not open to the public and can only be enjoyed from outside. For castles with optional entry, you can decide what suits you on the day. Depending on the tour, you can either add tickets when booking or pay locally at the site.
Most of our tours include castle stops, but entry is usually optional. Depending on the tour, you can add tickets when booking or pay locally on the day. This gives you the flexibility to decide how you'd like to experience each site.
You’ll typically have 30–90 minutes at each castle, depending on the site and the day’s itinerary. That gives you enough time for photos, exploring the grounds, and going inside if you choose. Castles viewed from the outside only are usually shorter photo stops.
Yes, our tours welcome travellers aged 5 and up, and most castle stops are suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Some sites have uneven ground or stairs, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is recommended. For detailed accessibility info, check out Euan’s Guide, which reviews many Scottish castles and attractions.
Scotland has no shortage of eerie legends and ghost stories! One of the most atmospheric sites is Cawdor Castle, linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and rumoured to be haunted by restless ghost believed to be a former resident and heiress of the castle. There’s only one way to find out if the stories are true – visit if you dare.