The Scottish Highlands are home to some of the most dramatic castles in the world. Each fortress tells a story of clan rivalries, royal ambitions, and the rugged beauty that defines northern Scotland. Visitors often imagine mist, lochs, and mountains when they think of the Highlands, but the truth is even more impressive when seen up close. 

This guide explores seven castles that you can truly experience. From restored family homes to romantic ruins, these are the sites that give the Highlands their enduring magic. 

 1. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Overlooking the dark waters of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most famous historic sites in Scotland. The ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries and once witnessed battles between Scottish clans and English forces. 

Visitors can walk through the remains of the great hall, climb Grant Tower for panoramic views of the loch, and explore the visitor centre’s museum exhibits. Urquhart Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open year-round. 

Insider tip: Visit early in the morning when the light catches the mist rising from the loch. 

 2. Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie

Eilean Donan Castle stands on a small tidal island at the point where three lochs meet: Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. The setting alone makes it one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. 

Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellions and rebuilt in the early 1900s by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. Today, it is privately owned but fully open to visitors. Inside, you can see the recreated great hall, family portraits, and armoury, while outside the stone bridge offers sweeping views across the water. 

Travel idea: Many Celtic Horizon Highlands itineraries combine Eilean Donan with the Isle of Skye, creating a perfect day for castles and coastline. 

 3. Cawdor Castle, near Inverness

Cawdor Castle is one of the most romantic castles in Scotland and a living piece of heritage. Associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it remains a private home of the Cawdor family but is open to the public from spring to autumn. 

The castle features beautifully furnished rooms, fine tapestries, and one of the most picturesque walled gardens in the Highlands. The surrounding woodlands are ideal for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting. 

Good to know: Cawdor Castle also has a tearoom that serves traditional Scottish baking and local produce. Allow at least two hours to enjoy both the interior and the gardens. 

 4. Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland

With its white spires and sea views, Dunrobin Castle resembles a French château more than a fortress. It has been the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century. 

Inside, visitors can explore more than 180 rooms, including grand staircases, portraits, and Victorian furnishings. The castle museum displays hunting trophies, archaeological finds, and family heirlooms. 

Outside, the formal gardens stretch toward the North Sea, inspired by those at Versailles. One of the highlights is the falconry display held daily during the summer months, where trained hawks and owls perform in front of the castle. 

 5. Inverness Castle

Perched above the River Ness, Inverness Castle is the heart of the Highland capital. Although parts of it are currently being redeveloped, the viewing platform remains open and offers some of the best views over the city and the surrounding countryside. 

A new visitor experience is planned to open soon, focusing on Highland culture, folklore, and storytelling. Even if interior access is limited, the castle grounds and riverside walk are among the most enjoyable in Inverness. 

Nearby suggestion: Stop by the Victorian Market for coffee and crafts or visit St Andrew’s Cathedral along the same stretch of river. 

 6. Castle Stalker, Appin

Castle Stalker rises from a tiny islet on Loch Laich, creating one of the most striking silhouettes in Scotland. It was originally built in the 14th century by Clan MacDougall and later became a stronghold of the Stewarts of Appin. 

Although privately owned, small guided tours can be arranged during the summer, accessible only by boat at low tide. Even from the mainland viewpoint, the scene is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the water mirrors the castle perfectly. 

Tip: There is a small café on the shore with panoramic views of Castle Stalker and Glencoe’s mountains. 

 7. Fort George, near Ardersier

Unlike the romantic ruins of other castles, Fort George is a vast military fortress built after the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It remains one of the most complete examples of 18th-century military architecture in Europe. 

Visitors can explore the ramparts, barracks, chapel, and regimental museum. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is still an active military base, so parts are off-limits, but the open sections are extensive and well presented. 

The fort also overlooks the Moray Firth, where dolphins can often be spotted from the walls. 

 

Planning a Highlands Castle Route 

Visiting all seven castles independently requires a good amount of driving and coordination. Roads can be narrow, and distances can be longer than they appear on the map. Joining a Celtic Horizon Highlands Tour simplifies the experience by including coach transport, ferry crossings, hotel stays, and castle entry tickets in one itinerary. 

Typical inclusions: 

• Return travel from Ireland 

• Accommodation and breakfast 

• Admission to featured castles and attractions 

• Local guides who share stories behind each site 

Exploring them on your own can be rewarding but also demanding, with winding rural roads, unpredictable weather, and complex ticketing. That’s why so many travellers choose Celtic Horizon Tours. Our Highlands itineraries weave these castles into a journey that balances comfort with adventure, history with landscape, and storytelling with local hospitality. 

If you have ever dreamed of standing on the ramparts of a Highland fortress or watching the sun set over a loch-side castle, this is your moment to make it happen. 

Let us take care of the planning while you experience the magic.
Book your Scottish Highlands Castle Tour with Celtic Horizon Tours today and see history come alive in one unforgettable journey.