Scottish Castles & Ruins Worth a Road Trip

Scotland is home to well over a thousand castles, from royal palaces to weathered ruins on lochside cliffs. Here are some of the most memorable to build into a road trip through the Lowlands and Highlands.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Sitting atop an extinct volcano in the heart of the capital, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most visited historic site. Inside you'll find the Honours of Scotland — the country's crown jewels — and the legendary Stone of Destiny.

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Often called the "key to the kingdom," Stirling played a pivotal role in the Wars of Scottish Independence and was home to generations of Stewart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Its Renaissance Great Hall and Royal Palace have been beautifully restored.

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie

Perched on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet and reached by a graceful stone footbridge, Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in the world — the classic postcard image of Scotland.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

A sprawling, romantic ruin on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart offers open grounds to explore and a fair chance of a Nessie sighting across the water, along with genuinely excellent views up and down the Great Glen.

Doune Castle, Stirling

A well-preserved 14th-century castle that's become almost as famous for its screen appearances — Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones have all filmed here — as for its own history.

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar once safeguarded the Scottish Crown Jewels from English forces. The walk out to the ruins is steep, but the coastal views are some of the best in the country.

Glamis Castle, Angus

Regarded by many as Scotland's most beautiful castle, Glamis sits at the end of a long tree-lined avenue and has royal connections stretching back centuries — it was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother.

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe

A crumbling lochside ruin that was once the seat of Clan Campbell's power in the Highlands, Kilchurn is one of the most atmospheric — and photographed — ruins in Scotland, especially at sunrise.