5 Castles to Visit in the Scottish Highlands
Thinking about visiting some of the castles in the Scottish Highlands? It’s a great way to escape the trappings of modern life and step back in time by exploring the many magical ruins in this region. From finding the fairy tower at Dunvegan to delving into the gloomy dungeons at Duart, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip.
Here’s our guide to five of the best castles to visit in the Scottish Highlands… but bear in mind there are many more awe-inspiring castles to visit in the region, so you may want to book yourself into local accommodation for a few days to soak up as much interesting history and dramatic scenery as possible. Have a look at some of Pitchup’s outdoor offerings – from simple farm sites to glamping tents and holiday parks with plenty of family facilities – for inspiration.
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Duart Castle
Duart Castle is on a dramatic clifftop on the Isle of Mull and is believed to have been built in the 13th century by Clan MacDougall, a Scottish clan historically based in and around Argyll.
It fell into ruin from the 18th century until 1911, when it was purchased and refurbished by Sir Fitzroy Maclean, a Scottish officer and the 26th chief of Clan Maclean. It’s now one of the last surviving privately owned clan castles in Scotland.
A trip to Duart will teach you all about the turbulent history of the clans and the battles that have been fought on this site. You’ll also get the chance to explore the castle rooms (including the great hall and the state bedroom) as well as the ancient keep and gloomy dungeons.
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
On the east coast of the Northern Highlands, Dunrobin Castle is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland – it’s been home to the earls and dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century.
The early castle was a square keep with six-feet-thick walls and a vaulted ceiling; around 200 years later, a staircase and high house were added. Fast forward to 1845 and Sir Charles Barry – the architect who designed the Houses of Parliament – was in charge of remodelling the fortification.
Unfortunately, much of Barry’s interior was destroyed by a fire in 1915, while it was serving as a naval hospital. Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer restored much of the interior, and self-guided tours lead through (among others) wood-panelled state rooms, the library, private sitting rooms and the nursery.
There is a museum in the formal castle grounds that’s home to one of the most remarkable private collections in the British Isles. Here you can browse local archaeological relics, and there’s a section on geology, coal mining at Brora and gold panning at Kildonan.
The castle is open to the public each year from the start of April to the end of October, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the website for any changes before you visit. The ticket price also includes entry to the museum, the Victorian gardens and an impressive falconry display.
Want to watch more feathered creatures in action? Read about some of the best birdwatching spots in the Highlands.
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
In the village of the same name on the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. It’s open to the public daily between April and October.
It’s one of the most popular attractions on the island, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world each year. The castle was built in six different stages over a period of around 500 years (starting in the 1300s), and although its exterior may initially seem rather austere, the rooms inside are suitably luxurious and full of Clan MacLeod heirlooms such as drinking horns, swords and the tattered Fairy Flag, historically hoisted during clan conflicts to summon help from the little people.
Once you’ve explored the Fairy Tower and the Pit Dungeon, take the 25-minute boat trip to get up close and personal with the Loch Dunvegan harbour seal colony. It’s a marvellous experience, so don’t forget your camera.
There are a number of events and exhibitions held at the castle each year, including a spooky Halloween Trail and a much-loved fireworks display in which a representation of a Viking longboat is burned.
Castles aren’t the only awesome sights to behold in the region – check out our list of the top six places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle stands on its own small island at a point where the three lochs of Duich, Alsh and Long meet. It’s one of the most recognisable and visited castles in Scotland, and also one of the best family-friendly day trips to be had in the Highlands.
The first fortified structure was thought to have been built here in the 13th century to strengthen defences against the Vikings. The majority of what can be seen today is from around 1932 – when the castle was lovingly restored to its former glory after a period of abandonment in the 18th century.
Visitors can wander around the enchanting castle rooms to admire period furniture, fine art and Jacobean artefacts, while kids explore the battlements, find hidden spy holes and admire displays of weapons.The surrounding mountain and loch scenery is spectacular, and this is an awesome place for spotting wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins and otters as well as ospreys and sea eagles.
As always, when planning your visit make sure you check the castle website for updated opening times and admission prices.
Urquhart Castle
The impressive Urquhart Castle sits on the northwestern shore of Loch Ness and the views across the surrounding area are truly spectacular. Urquhart is one of the largest and most-visited castles in Scotland and there’s over 1,000 years of history to uncover there. It has seen a lot of military conflict over the years – it was taken by the English when King Edward I invaded in 1296 and later passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence.
In the 16th century the castle was given to Clan Grant, who were charged with its repair. The family built the suitably named Grant Tower and, although part of it was destroyed during a fierce storm in 1715, the five-level stone keep can be climbed by visitors today.
Urquhart was largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century, but the ruins are certainly worth exploring. Imagine the many opulent banquets hosted in the Great Hall – now little more than a footprint – over the centuries, and stand in the cell where Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn was imprisoned for cattle rustling.
For more inspiration on what else to do around the Highlands and Islands, check out our detailed Scottish camping guide. If you’re planning to stay for a few days to do some exploring, take a peek at the many options for outdoor accommodation featured on Pitchup.