Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Scotland

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle sits in the countryside of Aberdeenshire. It is an example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Queen Victoria referred to it as her "dear paradise in the Highlands". It remains as the privated home of the Royal Family. When they are not in residence visitors can enjoy exhibitions in the Castle Ballroom which is the largest room in the castle. You can explore the beautiful gardens.

Braemar Castle

This castle is part of the Cairngorms National Park. It is a 17th century fortress with turrets, winding spiral staircases, and a bottle-neck dungeon. It was built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as a hunting lodge.

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle is located on the Ayrshire coastline. It is a cliff-top fortress. The castle is surrounded by gardens, beaches, and woods. Altogether there are forty buildings. Visitors can explore the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park and cliffs. You can admire the enormous collection of flintlock pistols and military swords. Children can run wild and enjoy the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the northeast coast of Scotland, south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The castle is best known as the place where the Honors of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. The ruins of the castle are surrounded by steep cliffs that drop off to the North Sea. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace.

Dunrobin Castle

This castle is located in the north Highlands of Scotland near Golspie. It overlooks the amazing Dornoch Firth. Dunrobin Castle resembles a French chateau with towering conical spires. It is surrounded by lovely gardens.The castle has 189 rooms as well as hidden chambers. It served the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland, Chief of Clan Sutherland. A museum displays the trophy heads of animals shot by family members on safari, ethnographic items from around the world, and an important collection of archaeological artifacts

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits atop of a craggy extinct volcano overlooking the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. It stands on Castle Rock, which has been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. The castle complex houses the Crown Jewels and Mons Meg.

The castle is the site of the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum. The One O'Clock Gun is a time signal, fired every day at precisely one p.m., excepting Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day. The castle is the venue for the annual fireworks displays marking Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations and the end of the Edinburgh Festival in the summertime.

Eilean Donan Castle

This castle is among the most photographed castles in the world. It dates back to 643 AD. Eilean Donan Castle is located in a romantic setting on an island at the entrance to Loch Duich. It is surrounded by the forested mountains of Kintail and overlooks the Isle of Skye. The castle has been the backdrop in films such as "Highlander", "The World is Not Enough", and "Rob Roy".

Scone Palace

Scone Palace is located outside of the city of Perth, overlooking the River Tay. It was the crowning place of Scottish kings, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. It is a a mix of Gothic and Scottish Baronial styles and is surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland, ideal for walking and exploring.On view in the State Rooms of Scone Palace are collections of furniture, ceramics, ivories, and clocks.

Stirling Castle

This is a restored Renaissance castle and was the residence of the Stewart kings and queens. The highlights here are the Great Hall, Chapel Royal and Tapestry Studio. It is located in Stirling and is one of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. Stirling Castle sits atop of a crag that forms part of the Stirling Sill, a geological formation. This is a fine castle to meet up with spirits such as the Green Lady supposedly once a maidservant who rescued Queen Mary from a perilous situation.

The castle hosts various events throughout the year, including historical reenactments and festivals. Educational programs are available for schools and groups.

Urquhart Castle

This castle is located on the banks of Loch Ness. The ruins of the castle display a collection of artifacts left by former residents, historic replicas, and you can see a short film, Visitors can climb the Grant Tower for awesome views. You can also see the inside of an ancient prison cell and imagine what the banquets were like in the Great Hall.