Beautiful Castles in Scotland

Discover Beautiful Castles in Scotland

Visiting castles in Scotland is often high up on the itineraries of many visitors to the area. With so many to choose from, we thought we would share just five that we recommend you visit.

Ardverikie House: Beautiful example of Baronial Castles in Scotland.

Ardverikie House is a beautiful example of 19th Century Baronial Castles in Scotland. It is located on the Ardverikie Estate, on the side of Loch Laggan and has appeared in a number of films and British TV series such as The Crown, James Bond and Monarch of the Glen.

There is a wonderful 7km walk or cycle from the stunning Gatehouse at the entrance to the estate. Following the expansive driveway through the estate will take you along to the lawn at the back of the house.

The estate also has a stunning inland beach which makes the perfect location for a picnic.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 25 miles

Castle Stalker: Family-owned and surrounded by water.

This stunning castle in Scotland is a family owned castle surrounded by water about 25 miles from Oban in the Scottish Highlands.

During certain times of year it is possible to do a tour of the castle with one of the Stewart Allward family, the current owners of the castle. The tour takes two hours, including the boat trip too and from the castle.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 35 miles

Urquhart Castle: Wonderful Loch Ness location

Standing on the side of Loch Ness with incredible views across the loch is Urquhart Castle. Built around 1230AD by the Durward family, the stone castle was installed by Alexander II to assert royal authority over the Highlands.

If you plan to visit any castles in Scotland, add this one to your list. Today it is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is a great day out. You can enter the castle tower, as well as explore the ruins and learn the history of the castle.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 40 miles

Castle Tioram: One of the most impenetrable Castles in Scotland

Castle Tioram sits on Eilean Tiorum, a tidal island where the River Shiel and Loch Moidart meet. It’s design and location meant it had a reputation for being an impenetrable stronghold.

The castle’s history shows that it was once owned by the medieval Lordship of the Isles and then by the Macdonalds of Clanranald. In 1715 it was set on fire on the orders of the last chief of the direct line as he set off to join the Jacobite rising.

The castle is closed to visitors but at low tide you can walk out to the castle ruin and explore the outer walls.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 53 miles

Eilean Donan: One of the most recognisable castles in Scotland

It is located on an island surrounded by amazing scenery. It was first inhabited in the 6th century, with the first fortified castle built in the mid 13th century. Four further versions have been built and rebuilt since then.

Visiting the castle makes for a brilliant day out because unlike many castles in Scotland, large areas of Eilean Donan are accessible so you get a real feel for life in the castle.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 56 miles