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Updated for 2026 you will want to explore these top 8 magnificent historic castles in the Scottish Highlands.
Scotland is steeped in history spanning the centuries. Many have fallen in love with this fabulous country and have built their magnificent homes! Plus there are a few who have tried to stamp their authority and built castles which more closely resemble a fortress. We hope that you will enjoy learning more about these 8 historic castles in the Scottish Highlands. We have grouped these lovely castles by location, to help you plan your visit. Book your stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa and let your adventure begin.
Historic Castles in Inverness & surrounding area
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle, stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa and make sure you book a room with a view. The hotel is ideally situated opposite Inverness Castle, wake each morning with a stunning view of Inverness Castle and the River Ness. Inverness Castle was built in 1836, on the edge of the cliff, the site of an 11thcentury defensive structure. Today this fabulous building is being returned from its current purpose as Court House to its original splendour.
The Inverness Castle Experience re-opened in December 2025 after several years of transformation. Make this part of your stay in Inverness; you will enjoy spectacular light installations, immersive storytelling, and beautifully curated spaces that capture the soul of the Highlands. This is an experience designed to move you, a celebration of Highland culture, heritage and spirit. You truly leave with the Highlands in your heart. Make sure you check out our First Hand Guide to the Inverness Castle Experience so you don’t miss anything.
8 Magnificent Castles in the Scottish Highlands updated 2025
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle is only 11 miles from the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa . The Castle is famed for its literary connection to Macbeth as the 14th century home of the Thanes of Cawdor. It is an outstanding visitor attraction and remains a family home. Make the time to discover the sumptuous interior of Cawdor Castle, a hiding place of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Explore the castle’s manicured gardens, there are three beautiful gardens, enjoy adventuring with the children in the Cawdor Big Wood. Make a day of it pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at the Courtyard café an educational and fun visitor attraction. Every Summer the Castle delivers open air theatre, you can enjoy a professional theatrical performance on the lawn, the productions are very special and need to be booked in advance.
2026 Cawdor Castle Open Air Theatre Dates
- Saturday 4th July 2026 Outdoor Theatre at Cawdor Castle see King Arthur and The Holy Fail, on Saturday 4th July live on the front lawn at Cawdor Castle. A truly memorable evening, bring your chair, blanket and picnic and prepare to be entertained!
- Saturday 18th July 2026, Outdoor Theatre at Cawdor Castle, live on the lawn at Cawdor Castle you can enjoy a performance of Treasure Island.
- Friday 14th August 2026, Outdoor Theatre at Cawdor Castle, live on the lawn at Cawdor Castle you can enjoy the a performance of MacBeth, what better place to enjoy a production of MacBeth in the grounds of the castle with Shakespeare connections.
2026 Cawdor Castle Christmas Market
- TBC December 2026 Cawdor Christmas Market, 10am to 4pm; a lovely day out, with fabulous artisan stalls, delicious treats at the Castle cafe; definitely a date for your Christmas calendar; all with the wonderful historic backdrop.
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch Ness. Today Urquhart Castle remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Urquhart Castle was once one of Scotland’s largest castles. It’s remains include a tower house, it is the most recent building on the site. The castle commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen. Urquhart Castle witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Its’ history from the 1200s to the 1600s was particularly bloody. The castle’s history is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the visitor centre.
Why not combine a cruise down Loch Ness and a visit to this iconic castle. You can soak up the myth and mystery of Loch Ness on a Jacobite Tour from Inverness. Take a scenic drive to the Clansman harbor and from there you can cruise the still waters of Loch Ness. Take in those breathtaking views, keep a watchful eye out for “Nessie” after 30 mins you will arrive at Urquhart Castle. Disembark and enjoy an hour long independent tour of the ruins of this fabulous castle. Afterwards you can head to the visitor center and learn about the historic figures that inhabited or invaded this site. To learn more about these cruises see Jacobite Cruises.
Top Tips for Urquhart Castle
- Book your tickets in advance
- Arrive early or late in the day – it’s one of Scotland’s busiest castles, so visiting outside peak hours gives you a quieter experience (and better photos).
- Climb the Grant Tower – the views over Loch Ness are breathtaking and one of the highlights of the visit.
- Keep your camera ready – whether for the ruins, the sweeping Highland scenery, or a possible Nessie sighting, you’ll want to capture the moment..
Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle near Forres is stuffed to the turrets with antique furniture, paintings, ceramics, the legacy of generations of Clan Brodie, this 16th-century castle is a slice of Scottish history not to be missed. Explore the rooms, passageways and towers, all sensitively restored to show what everyday life was like for one of Scotland’s most ancient clans. Make sure to take in the art collection frlanom Old Dutch Masters to modern day pieces.
There is plenty to discover outside the castle too. The 71 hectare estate has landscaped gardens, a large pond, a walled garden, a woodland walk, an adventure playground and a nature trail with observation hides for watching wildlife. The castle is set in peaceful parkland, this fine 16th-century tower house is packed with enough art and antiques to keep connoisseurs happy all day.
Brodie Castle works for everyone, romantic stroll, family days out, keep an eye on their Facebook page for information on events and exhibitions.
NEWS – Brodie Castle Grounds Open daily Jan to December. Brodie Castle Opens 1st March 2026, Easter Egg Trails dates for 2026 3rd April to 6th April.
Top Tips for Brodie Castle
- Explore inside and out – the interior is filled with fine art and antiques, while the grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Springtime visit? Look for the daffodils – Brodie is famous for its carpets of daffodils, one of the best displays in Scotland.
- Check the events calendar – the castle often hosts family activities, exhibitions, and seasonal events, adding extra fun to your visit.
Brodie Castle – 16th century Castle not to be missed!
Magnificent Highland Castles South of Inverness
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle on Skye and well worth a visit on your way north or break the journey on the way home. Eilean Donan is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland. The castle benefits from a stunning location with all the romance of a fairytale castle. Eilean Donan castle is situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. It is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands.
Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. The castle has its own visitor centre which includes a coffee and gift shop.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens on Skye is a testament to the wealth of MacLeod family. Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without savouring the wealth of history at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Built on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan once entirely encircled by the sea. Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. On display are many fine oil paintings and clan treasures, the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag.
Legend has it that this sacred Banner has miraculous powers and when unfurled in battle, the clan MacLeod will defeat their enemies. Another of the castle’s great treasures is the Dunvegan Cup. A unique ‘mazer’ dating back to the Middle Ages. It was gifted by the O’Neils of Ulster as a token of thanks to one of the clan’s most celebrated Chiefs, Sir Rory Mor.
Thanking him for his support of their cause against the marauding forces of Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1596. Today visitors can enjoy tours of an extraordinary castle and Highland estate. Make sure to take in the beauty of its formal gardens. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens has not one but three craft and souvenir shops.
Magnificent Castles North of Inverness
If you are adventuring north of Inverness, perhaps taking in the some of the acclaimed North Coast 500 route then don’t miss out these Highland beauties.
Castle of Mey
Castle of Mey is famous for its Royal connections. Castle of Mey on the north coast of Caithness, is the beloved estate of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Castle of Mey was built by George, the 4th Earl of Caithness, for his second son William Sinclair. Her Majesty purchased what was then Barrogill Castle in 1952 and set about renovating and restoring both the castle and its gardens. She also restored the castle’s original name, changing Barrogill Castle back to The Castle of Mey.
This wonderful castle is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 1st May to 30th September. The Castle closes every year for the last week in July and first week in August. Don’t forget the Highland games which benefit from Royal patronage.
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle a little closer home to the Countess of Sutherland Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. It’s truly spectacular location on the sea cliffs, fairytale turrets, it is the most northerly of Scotland’s Great houses. This stunning fairytale Castle bears a close resemblance to a Disney castle. This fabulous fairytale Castle is the largest home in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms, there are 16 open rooms for you to explore as well as the tea room and Castle shop.
Dunrobin Castle is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating in part from the 1300’s. The castles’ history is quite fascinating and has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry and Sir Robert Lorimer. The castle was a navel hospital in the First World War and from 1965 to 1972 as a boy’s school. Dunrobin is also has some fabulous furry residents, you may be lucky enough to see the Red Squirrels which call the gardens home! The Castle is just 50 miles north of Inverness and definitely worth a visit.
Top Tips for Dunrobin Castle
- Don’t miss the falconry displays – these are held daily in the gardens, they’re thrilling and family-friendly.
- Visit the gardens after the house – the French-inspired terraces are spectacular, especially when viewed from the castle windows.
- Allow plenty of time – Dunrobin is one of the largest castles in the Highlands, with over 180 rooms, so it’s worth planning a few hours here.
Guided Castle Tours
Let someone else do the driving, you can relax and take in the views. We are lucky to have many excellent Tour providers in and around Inverness, WOW Tours are experts, let them show you Skye not only will you see so much more you will also learn. Experts guide with lots of local stories and tips, they excel in tours of Skye and it’s castles!
Happy Tours, run by Cameron the man with a beaming smile. Cameron and his team will ensure you have a fabulous day out, have a look at his options, one of his favourites is Dunrobin Castle pictured above. They offer a wonderful day out combining the majestic Dunrobin Castle and a trip to another Scottish gem the Glenmorangie Distillery
Frequently Asked Highland Castle Questions
Each of the castles detailed in this guide offer something unique from ruins with legendary views to fairytale fortresses and lived-in homes. Together, they showcase the richness of Scotland’s heritage and the magic of exploring it in person.
What is the best castle to visit near Inverness?
If you’re based in Inverness, Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness is a must-see. Its dramatic ruins and sweeping views over the loch make it both beautiful and atmospheric. You can wander through centuries of history, climb the Grant Tower, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Nessie! Exciting News, Inverness Castle will reopen in early 2026 following a multi million pound transformation.
Which is the most beautiful castle in Scotland?
That’s a tricky one because Scotland has so many! Many people consider Eilean Donan Castle, near the Isle of Skye, to be the most beautiful. Set on its own little island where three lochs meet, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It’s also one of the most photographed castles in the world.
Is Cawdor Castle worth visiting?
Absolutely. Cawdor Castle, just outside Inverness, is a wee gem. Famous for its connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it’s still a lived-in family home with gorgeous gardens, woodland trails, 9 hole golf course, maze and a fascinating interior filled with antiques and history. It’s especially lovely in spring and summer when the grounds are in full bloom. Plus visit in the Summer and enjoy theatre on the lawn, with excellent travelling Shakespearean companies. Alternatively plan a trip to their much loved Christmas Market.
Why is Urquhart Castle famous?
Urquhart Castle is famous for its spectacular setting on the shores of Loch Ness and its dramatic history. Once one of the largest castles in Scotland, it witnessed centuries of clan battles and Jacobite uprisings. Today, its romantic ruins draw visitors from all over the world, blending history, legend, and of course, the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. Make sure you book your ticket in advance, alternatively book a cruise down Loch Ness with a stop at the Castle.
How many castles are in the Scottish Highlands?
There are hundreds of castles scattered across the Scottish Highlands, from dramatic cliff-top ruins to beautifully preserved family homes. While it’s hard to give an exact number, estimates suggest there are over 300 castles, forts, and tower houses in the region. Some, like Urquhart, Cawdor, and Eilean Donan, Dunrobin are well known and easy to visit, while others are hidden gems tucked away in glens or perched above lochs. Exploring them is part of the magic — each one tells its own story of clans, battles, and Highland life.
Stay With Us
We want you to be inspired to come and explore these fabulous historic Castles. The haunting, spectacular craggy Urquhart Castle on the stunning banks of Loch Ness to the medieval magical majesty of Cawdor Castle and its links to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. There is so much to Do, See & Share with your special people, see your explore page. Choose to stay with us at 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, a family run hotel in the heart of Inverness; we look forward to welcoming you soon! Remember #bookdirect for your best offers.
