Castles are my favorite to explore, especially ones that are rich in history! Scotland has some of the best castles to explore! Here are a few you should check out!
Edinburgh Castle
The most famous castle in Scotland is the one right in the heart of the city. Edinburgh Castle is situated on the top of the hill, on the west side of the Royal Mile. You will need about two hours to explore this fantastic castle! You will see chapels, dungeons, and beautiful views of the city!
Tips To Know:
- Get there early! The tour buses show up around 11 am, so try to get there before then to get some great pictures and have the castle to yourself.
- General Admission: 18.50 euros. (We bought our tickets online for 17 euros).
- Opening times: Opens daily at 9:30 am. (Last entry at 4 or 5 pm depending on the time of year you go).
- There is a café for food and drinks. Outside and inside seating is available.
Fun Fact: Don’t forget to see the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny!
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is northwest of Edinburgh. It is the sight for many different movie sets; including Outlander, the Outlaw King, Monty Python, and the Holy Grail. There are audio guides available. You will start by going up the main stairs and will explore the rooms above. Unfortunately, when we were there, there was scaffolding around the area. There are a few walking paths around the castle as well, they are located around the back and to the left, facing the castle.
- General Admission: 6 euros.
- Opening times: Opens daily at 9:30 am. (Last entry at 4 or 5 pm depending on the time of year you go).
- There are facilities to the left of the parking lot.
Urquhart Castle
In the heart of Scotland is Loch Ness, and right in the middle sits Urquhart Castle! The castle would have been standing today, however, during the Jacobite uprisings in the 1700s, the government forces did not what the castle to fall into the rebels’ hands, so they destroyed it. There are many parts to explore in the ruins. There is a path you can get close to the water as well.
- General Admission: 9 euros (If you take the tour down Loch Ness (Jacobite Cruises), the Castle is included, and you get immediate access).
- Opening Times: Opens daily at 9:30 am. (Last entry at 4, 5, or 6 pm depending on the time of year you go).
- There is a café inside the visitor center, as well as, a gift shop and a documentary movie to enjoy.
Blackness Castle
Also, known as the ship that never sailed. Due to its triangular shape, it is similar looking to a ship’s sail. It is about 30 minutes from Edinburgh and sits close to the water. It does have many steps and bumpy pavement, so be careful as you explore. There are two main overlook areas: one on the main tower, and the other as you walk along the walls. There is also a gorgeous view of the Firth of Forth and the three bridges from three different centuries: Forth Bridge-1890, Forth Road Bridge-1964, and Queensferry Crossing-2017.
Outlander fans will recognize this location as the infamous ‘Fort William’ where Jamie was held prisoner (and the heartbreaking whipping scene).
- General Admission: $ 4.50 euros.
- Opening Times: Opens daily at 9:30 am. (Last entry at 4 or 5 pm depending on the time of year you go).
Linlithgow Castle
Also, close to Edinburgh is Linlithgow Palace. We only saw this castle from afar, but it is so beautiful! There are paths to walk around the castles and a gorgeous lake for perfect photo ops.
- General Admission: 6 euros.
- Opening times: Opens daily at 9:30 am. (Last entry at 4 or 5 pm depending on the time of year you go).
Bonas
I thought I would share with you a few more of my favorite castles we visited! There are over two thousand castles in Scotland! So it is very hard to narrow it down to just 5.
Midhope Castle
I had to mention this castle because, not only is it one of the most unique, but also it was used as Lallybroch in the series Outlander! If you have never seen Outlander, we still recommend visiting Midhope. The property is so beautiful and peaceful, you won’t want to leave! You can no longer go inside the castle, but it is such a gorgeous place and just as beautiful on the outside!
How To Get There:
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that gets you to Midhop, so we had to take a cab. It was a bit pricey, but the cab driver waited for us and stopped the meter as we were exploring! To get into the property, there is around a $5 fee.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace is at the end of the Royal Mile, the opposite end of Edinburgh Castle. It is such a fun palace to visit! Rich with history and is the modern-day residence of the Queen of England when she visits Scotland.
Tickets are very easy to get at the information booth, and they are 14 euros per person. You have the chance to walk through the many rooms in the palace. The rooms are so beautiful and kept as if they would have been back when Mary, Queen of Scots lived there.
You also get the chance to walk through Holyrood Abbey. It was destroyed in the War of Rough Wooing, but it has so much character! The palace also has lovely gardens to walk through as well. Get there early as it does get crowded in the afternoon!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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