Top 6 most beautiful castles and palaces in Scotland2026 ranking

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (the holy cross), right next to the former abbey of the same name, sits at the opposite end of Edinburgh Castle from the Royal Mile, and at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Unlike the Castle, the area around the Palace is much less lively. The Palace itself: you follow a self-guided route with audio guide commentary that leads you to the royal bedrooms and Mary Stuart's reception room, where her private secretary was murdered right in front of her by her husband. The tour lets you learn a lot about the Crown of Scotland, the Stuart dynasty, and how it joined with the British crown. The rooms still have their period furniture and decor (the royal family still visits…

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Built on an ancient volcano, the castle houses several buildings from different eras. According to the guide, the site has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years, which apparently is a European record (though I have my doubts about that). I recommend taking the guided tour to get lots of info and fun facts about the castle and Scotland, from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and all the way up to the recent world wars. Try to be there in person if you want to catch the cannon firing, the one o'clock gun. From the ramparts, you get a lovely view of the surrounding area.

I found the visit to Inverness Castle very interesting. The route is well laid out and lets you discover the whole history of the Highlands. It really lets you dive into the region's past. Even though the castle is not from the original period, it is still a beautiful building that fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

This fort has pretty impressive architecture. You get a really beautiful view of the sea from the heights. Even though it is still being used by the military, you can visit it. Even if you do not have access to the entire fort, plenty of rooms are open to the public. An audio guide can accompany you during your visit.

This castle is very well maintained and preserved. You can visit the gardens all year round, as they are perfectly kept, but the interior is only accessible during certain periods. In fact, the castle is still inhabited. I had the chance to talk with the owners, who are very friendly. It is a very interesting visit.

Not bad for discovering the history of the Highlands, but the castle itself isn't necessarily worth the trip. It is actually a fortress entirely rebuilt in the 19th century, so there is very little archaeological interest.

An edifying structure, right on the edge of the Moray Firth, and still occupied by the Army. Served during the Second World War. Stunning view of the fort if you go for a boat trip from the Moray Firth and Avoch to spot the (many) dolphins.

I highly recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle if you are in the city. This pretty impressive building offers a superb view of the surroundings. It is perfect for taking some great photos. The museums inside are also very interesting. You will learn more about Scottish culture and history. It is worth seeing at least once.

While it is interesting for history buffs and imposing in its size, I think there are many other castles to visit in Scotland that are more interesting than Stirling. But if it is raining and you happen to be passing through Stirling, then why not. It is still a pleasant visit, even if this castle doesn't move me as much as others.

A little gem, and above all a very Scottish welcome from the family, so very friendly. In winter, you can only visit the gardens, but they are worth the trip. A little enchanted getaway, a fascinating history. A must-see if you have two hours to spare while passing near Inverness.