List of 10 Must-Visit Castles in Scotland

Imagine standing on a windswept cliff at one of the majestic castles in Scotland, where the sun rises before you! Sounds magical, right? Well, in Scotland, every corner is filled with over 2,000 castles like this, bringing you closer to rich European history.

However, while exploring these enchanting destinations, unexpected challenges, like a sudden medical emergency, can arise. This is when travel insurance can be your ultimate saviour by offering significant benefits.

Continue reading this to learn some of the famous castles in Scotland to visit and how a travel insurance plan can keep you protected.

10 Best Castles in Scotland for Every Traveller

For anyone uncertain about the best castles in Scotland to explore, this curated list highlights the top picks.

Edinburgh Castle

The iconic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland sits atop an extinct volcanic crag. Known as one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, this castle is home to historical landmarks including St. Margaret's Chapel, Great Hall, and the One o'clock Gun.

You can also buy tickets to Edinburgh Castle in advance to avoid any hassle during your visit.

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: Daily 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Entry Fee:

- Online Price: £21.50 - £74.00 (Approximately ₹2,547 - ₹8,768)

- Walk-up Price: £24.00 - £82.00 (Approximately ₹2,050 - ₹9,716)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: The Royal Mile, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and St Giles' Cathedral

Stirling Castle

Regarded as the most shining example of Renaissance architecture, Stirling Castle has been a part of numerous historical events in Europe. From the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543 to the Battle of Bannockburn I in 1314, the list is quite long.

To experience the authentic essence of Scottish architecture and war history, travellers should not skip this place.

Location: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: Daily 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Entry Fee:

- Online Price: £11 - £63.00 (Approximately ₹2,547 - ₹8,768)

- Walk-up price: £12 - £70.50 (Approximately ₹1,254 - ₹7,379)        

Attractions to Visit Nearby: The National Wallace Monument, The Old Town Jail, and The Church of the Holy Rude

Eilean Donan Castle

Located on an island at the meeting point of three great sea lochs, Eilean Donan Castle will make your Scotland trip feel like a fairytale. Due to its stunning backdrop, famous movies such as Highlander were filmed here. Therefore, your time here will definitely be special.

Location: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Entry Fee: £6.50 - £35 (Approximately ₹770 - ₹4,147), free for under 5s

Attractions to Visit Nearby: The Skye Bridge, Plockton Harbour, and the Loch Carron area.

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. This palace has been the private home of the British royal family since 1852. As the entry in this castle is restricted each year for a certain period of time, plan your visit accordingly.

Yet, when you come here, the beautiful gardens, abundant wildlife, and dense woods will create a sense of calmness in your mind.

Location: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Entry Fee: £110 (Approximately ₹13,034) for interior tour (Adult only), free for the disabled

Attractions to Visit Nearby: The Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Crathie Kirk, and the village of Ballater.

Inveraray Castle and Gardens

Inveraray Castle has been the residence of the Duke of Argyll and the Clan Campbell for many years.  Apart from being a royal residence, this picturesque castle in Scotland features fairytale-like turrets and beautiful gardens. So, for an ideal castle experience, travellers should not skip this place.

Location: Cherry Park, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XE

Visiting Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Entry Fee:

- For Castle & Gardens: £12 - £65 (Approximately ₹1,072 - ₹5,830)

- For Garden only: £10 (Approximately ₹1,185), free for under 5s

Attractions to Visit Nearby: Auchindrain Historic Township, Inveraray Jail and East Escape Room.

Dunnottar Castle

Standing on a rocky headland near the town of Stonehaven, this Scottish castle is famous for its dramatic ruins. In fact, this place played a prominent role in protecting the Scottish crown jewels during Oliver Cromwell's invasion in the 17th century.

For photography and history-loving tourists, experiencing the dramatic ruins against stunning waves from the castle will be a great pleasure.

Location: Stonehaven AB39 2TL, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Entry Fee: £6 - £60 (Approximately ₹525 - ₹5,250)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: Stonehaven Harbour, The Tolbooth Museum, and RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, the Culzean Castle and Country Park will make your Scotland trip extra special with its attractions. From taking a tour of the stunning interiors to exploring the adventure playground of Adventure Cove, there will never be a dull moment in this castle.

Location: Broadstone, 50 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9LD

Visiting Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Entry Fee: £1 - £20 (Approximately ₹105-₹2,100)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: Crossraguel Abbey, Dunure Castle, and the Turnberry Lighthouse

Braemar Castle

Braemar Castle was built by the Earl of Mar in 1628. This 17th-century castle in Scotland features a unique star-shaped design that you can not find anywhere else. Additionally, it is located in the heart of the UK's largest national park, the Cairngorms National Park. Therefore, if you are seeking adventure with a royal twist, do not miss this place.

Location: Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XR

Visiting Time:

- For Grounds: Daily,7 days a week for ground,

- For Castles: Wednesday to Sunday (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Entry Fee:  £8 - £28 (Approximately (₹673 - ₹2,357)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: Cairngorms National Park, Linn of Dee, and Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Dunvegan Castle is the only castle in Scotland to be inhabited by one family, Clan MacLeod, since the mid-14th century. However, this is not the only speciality of this castle. Visitors can enjoy its beauty with a long walk through the formal gardens or take a boat trip to the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.

At the same time, travellers looking for castles to stay in Scotland can find a variety of holiday cottages here.

Location: Dunvegan Castle, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WF

Opening Time: Daily 10 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

Entry Fee:

- For Castel & Garden: £10-£15 (Approximately ₹1,184 - ₹1,776)

- For Garden: £12 - £45 (Approximately ₹1,424 - ₹5,341)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: Neist Point Lighthouse, Old Sligachan Bridge, and Cuillin Hills.

Urquhart Castle

With over 1,000 years of history, Urquhart Castle stands high on the shore of Loch Ness. In case you are visiting Scotland for the first time, explore this ruined castle to uncover some untold stories of Scottish independence and indulge in some breathtaking views.

Location: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, United Kingdom

Visiting Time: Daily 9.30 am - 7.15 p.m.

Entry Fee:

- Online Price: £8.50 - £48 (Approximately ₹1,000 - ₹5,699)

- Walk-up Price: £9.50 - £54.50 (Approximately ₹790 - ₹4,525)

Attractions to Visit Nearby: The Loch Ness Centre, Loch Ness Highland Cows, Falls of Foyers, and Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh.

Note: The opening times and entry fees for all these castles are subject to change. Therefore, verify before visiting.

What is the Best Season in Scotland for Castle Tours?

When planning your visit to Castles in Scotland, it helps to understand how each season shapes the experience:

Spring (March – June): Ideal for castle tours, with mild weather, fresh blooms, and comfortable exploration conditions. Many iconic sites, like Edinburgh Castle, Eilean Donan, and Stirling Castle, are fully open and less crowded than in summer.

Autumn (September – October): Another excellent time, offering golden landscapes and pleasant temperatures that elevate the beauty of these historic structures.

Summer (June - August): Though vibrant, it often brings heavy tourist rush, making visits less peaceful.

Winter (November - February): Scenic and atmospheric, but shorter days and limited holiday hours can make tours less convenient.

Overall, spring and autumn provide the most rewarding castle experiences.

Why Overseas Travel Insurance is Your Saviour on a Scotland Trip?

When planning an overseas trip to Scotland, getting travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance is like having an extra cushion. It not only protects you from unexpected events but also gives you great peace of mind.

So, not getting travel insurance means missing out on the following benefits:

Coverage for Medical Emergencies

With a travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance, you receive comprehensive financial protection for medical emergencies during your trip. Whether it’s sudden illness, accidental injury, or unexpected hospitalisation, the policy ensures that your medical expenses are covered.

Protection from Trip Disruptions

Sudden illness or family emergency can lead to the cancellation of your Scotland trip or cut the journey short. In these situations, our travel insurance plan will secure you from financial expenses, including hotel room reservations and flight tickets, as per policy terms.

Reliable Baggage Security

Unfortunately, baggage misplacement is a common issue in international trips. However, the travel insurance plan by Bajaj General Insurance will provide compensation as per your policy conditions if the airline delays or loses your checked-in baggage.

Emergency Cash Benefit

In case of theft or burglary of money while visiting Scotland, our international travel insurance plan provides cash benefits up to a specified limit.

Safety from Unpredictable Events

Unpredictable events, such as home burglary while you are away, accidents or loss of a passport in foreign lands, will be a matter of great concern. This is why you should buy our international travel insurance to receive coverage for your losses.

The Bottom Line

Make your fairytale dreams come true with these 10 best castles in Scotland. Each one offers a glimpse into a world of legends, royalty, and breathtaking landscapes that will leave you spellbound.

Also, choose Bajaj General Insurance international travel insurance to protect your journey with comprehensive benefits, reliable assistance, and seamless support, so you can explore Scotland’s castles with complete peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for Scotland?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Scotland. However, you should consider having one to get medical coverage and comprehensive protection on an international trip.

Can I purchase travel insurance after reaching Scotland?

No, you cannot purchase travel insurance after you have already arrived in Scotland or in the middle of your trip. This is why you should choose an insurance plan early to maximise the benefits during your trip.

Is public transportation a convenient way to visit Scotland's castles?

Yes, you can use public transportation to visit Scotland's major castles in cities like Edinburgh. But if the location is in a remote castle, be sure to verify the transportation options. 

What documents do I need to apply for travel insurance when visiting Scotland?

To apply for travel insurance for Scotland, you will need to provide documents, including a passport, as well as details of your trip and any medical conditions.

Can I stay overnight in a castle in Scotland?

In most cases, you are not allowed to stay inside the castle buildings of Scotland. But you can still have a castle-like experience in the cottages prepared by castle authorities just for visitors.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.