9 of the Top Castles in the Scottish Highlands

Perched on a small tidal island at the meeting place of the three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Alsh, and Loch Long), picture-perfect Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most recognizable. Originally built in the 13th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times while Scotland’s feudal history unfolded.

Now fully restored to its former glory, the romantic castle is open to visitors, meaning you can explore its rooms and artifacts on your next trip. However, if you're content to just photograph the exterior, know that the castle is a pitstop on many day trips to the Isle of Skye.

Located near the town of Inverness, the ruins of Urquhart Castle stand on the shores of Loch Ness, making it an ideal addition to an itinerary that includes the legendary monster’s lair. Snap photos of the scenic ruins and countryside, and stop into the large visitor center, which is open most days. The castle can also be seen during a Loch Ness cruise; most dock nearby and allow you a bit of time to explore the site. 

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since Prince Albert purchased it for Queen Victoria in 1852. Royals continue to spend August and September in residence at Balmoral each year, and it was also said to have been Elizabeth II’s favorite residence (as well as where she passed away in September 2022).

When the royals aren't in residence, you can explore the Aberdeenshire castle’s grounds and, for a few weeks in summer, take a guided tour of some of the castle’s rooms. Balmoral Castle is also a stop on many sightseeing tours of Royal Deeside departing from Aberdeen, as well as Scottish Highlands castle tours around Aberdeenshire.

Seat of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for more than 800 years, Dunvegan Castle, on the Isle of Skye, is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Loch Dunvegan, this castle is home to a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including the Fairy Flag, a tattered banner said to have miraculous powers.

You can explore the castle and its surrounding gardens on a guided tour and take a boat trip from the castle to see Loch Dunvegan’s seal colony. A stop at Dunvegan Castle is included on many sightseeing tours of the Isle of Skye, between attractions such as Kilt Rock and the Fairy Pools.

Insider tip: Dunvegan, like many Scottish castles, is closed to visitors in the winter months. Check opening dates before planning a trip.

Situated near Nairn, Cawdor Castle is famed as the fictional home of the Thane of Cawdor in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Built in the 13th century (three centuries after the reign of the real King Macbeth), it’s one of the most historic castles in the Scottish Highlands.

You're welcome to explore its 12 main rooms and collection of art, tapestries, and furniture, as well as the surrounding gardens, which feature contemporary sculptures among the rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses. In the summer you can also enjoy open-air theatrical performances on the lawn. Many sightseeing tours of the Highlands include stops at Cawdor Castle alongside the nearby Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns.

On the east coast of the Northern Highlands, overlooking the Moray Firth, Dunrobin Castle is one of the most famous castles in the Scottish Highlands. It’s notable for its French château (aka Disney® palace) appearance, enhanced by towering spires. Sixteen of the sprawling castle’s 189 rooms are open to the public, as are the landscaped gardens, which host twice-daily falconry displays.

Inside the castle, a museum displays ancient artifacts, including Pictish stones more than 1,000 years old. The castle is a stop on some sightseeing tours from Inverness, as well as shore excursions departing from the Invergordon cruise ship port.

Insider tip: Animal lovers should be aware that the castle contains a very large number of trophy heads.

Standing on a rocky islet on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula’s Loch Moidart, Castle Tioram is a hauntingly beautiful ruin. At low tide, you can walk across a sandy bar to reach the castle and explore its exterior—check tide times before setting out. You can also follow a coastal path through woodland, heathland, and moorland for further castle views—given the remote location and lack of facilities, you may get the place to yourself.

On the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the 18th century, but it's perhaps best known today for its appearance in Downton Abbey where it stood in for the fictional "Duneagle Castle."

One of Scotland’s earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, the castle has an equally enchanting interior and extensive gardens, which you're welcome to explore. You can also visit the castle on a Highland day tour departing from Glasgow.

In Caithness, at the northern tip of mainland Scotland, the Castle of Mey was built by the Earls of Caithness in the mid 1500s, and purchased by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952, the year of George VI’s death. The Queen Mum restored the semi-derelict castle and transformed it into a retreat.

Today, the castle and gardens are open to visitors from May through September, except for 10 days in summer when Charles III and Queen Camilla stay there. You can also meet the castle’s resident donkey, sheep, and rabbits.