Scotland has many many castles, both still standing strong, and in ruins, all throughout. Some are owned by the National Trust of Scotland, others to Historic Scotland, some are private residences, while others are used as offices. Regardless of what area of Scotland you are visiting, you won't have to try very hard to find a castle near by to visit.  How to choose which to see? Well, decide on your priorities.  Have you seen many castles before? Do you want one with a full tour? How much time will you have in Scotland?

A visit to Edinburgh would allow you to see Edinburgh Castle, or Stiring Castle.  Both are large, preserved, stunning, and let you wander the grounds. Stirling is a quant, small town, about a 30 minute train ride from Edinburgh.  

In the Grampian region of Scotland, you could visit a number of castles in a day, if you were to rent a car and follow the Castle Train. Many of these are in ruins, but not all of them.  The castles in ruins are still quite magical and may let take your imagination further. 

There is really no region of Scotland where you will have a hard time finding a castle within an hour worth visiting. 

Most of my focus here is on castles which would be of interest to first time visitors.  These also focus on castles which aren't in ruins, however if you are on a budget or fancy something a bit different, there are many castles in ruins or partial ruins, and they are far cheaper and sometimes free to visit.  This is hardly an exhaustive list, so if you will be in a specific region of Scotland during your trip, be sure to visit www.undiscoveredscotland.com to find out the sights in the area.

Some of the top castle recommendations 

Edinburgh Castle 

Eilean Donan Castle

Scone Palace

Cawdor Castle

Drumlanrig Castle

Culzean Castle

Stirling Castle

If your in Inverness 

Inverness Castle

Urquart Castle

If your in the Grampian region 

Dunnotar Castle

Balmoral Castle

Braemar Castle

Fyvie Castle 

Glamis Castle 

Guthrie Castle

Dunans Castle

Inveraray Castle