4 Stunning Castles To Visit In Scotland That Are Easy To Reach

Planning a visit to Scotland? Don’t forget to include at least one of these castles on your bucket list.

We’ve explored Scotland a few times now, and we always try to include at least one castle in our plans.

On our very first trip, we started in the capital, Edinburgh.

I still remember the moment we arrived in the city and caught sight of our first Scottish castle, Edinburgh Castle, sitting high on Castle Rock, anchoring the city.

It’s a view you never forget.

With more than 60 castles scattered across this compact country, it’s easy to spot one, or at least a dramatic ruin, even on a short trip.

Many Scottish castles are in scenic locations that are perfect for both visiting and photographing.

So if you’re wondering which castles are worth the effort, here are four that are easy to reach and totally worth your time.

Start with Edinburgh’s Most Famous Landmark

You can’t talk about castles to visit in Scotland without starting here. Edinburgh Castle is central, iconic, and incredibly easy to explore.

Edinburgh Castle has stood as a military stronghold since the Iron Age and has played a major role in Scotland’s history over the centuries.

It later became a royal residence for Scotland’s kings and queens, and today it’s home to the city’s oldest surviving building, St. Margaret’s Chapel, built in honor of Queen Margaret.

In more recent times, the castle also served as a military garrison.

One of our favorite exhibits is the one dedicated to Scottish soldiers and their roles in both World Wars.

Edinburgh Castle is a place packed with history, from royal drama to military tradition.

It even has a small cemetery for soldiers’ dogs, something quite unique.

But even if history isn’t your thing, go for the views.

The castle sits high above the city, and there’s simply no better place to take in the full sweep of Edinburgh.

About Edinburgh Castle

Opening Hours: 9:30 am daily, closes 5-6 pm depending on the time of the year. Closed December 25 and 26.

Tickets can be purchased online, and we highly recommend you do so to avoid the sometimes lengthy lines.

Inside there’s a cafe, bathrooms, and shops.

For tickets, opening hours, and additional information, visit the Edinburgh Castle website.

Make a Quick Escape to Stirling for Royal History and Big Views

An easy train ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow brings you to one of Scotland’s most important castles, Stirling Castle.

Located in the town of Stirling, this is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles to visit in Scotland.

This is a place where kings were crowned, battles raged, and legends were born.

Stirling Castle sits high on Castle Hill, by steep cliffs, so it’s easy to see why it made such a strong defensive position.

For centuries, it guarded the furthest downstream crossing of the River Forth.

This made Stirling Castle one of the most important fortresses in Scotland.

In addition to being an important fortress, Stirling was also one of the most-used royal residences.

Several Scottish kings and queens were crowned here, including Mary, Queen of Scots.

The views from the castle stretch across open fields and rolling hills; it’s one of my favorite views of Scotland.

If you’re into Scottish history, this is the place to be.

Both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought major battles nearby, and their legacy lives on in and around the castle.

If you’re planning which castles to visit in Scotland, Stirling Castle absolutely deserves a spot on your list.

Getting to Stirling Castle

By Train – from Edinburgh Waverley Station, it’s a 1-hour ride to Stirling. From Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, you can take a 45-minute train ride to Stirling. From the Stirling station, it’s a 2-minute taxi ride, a bus ride, or a 14-minute walk to the castle.

By Bus – Scottish City Links will take you from Edinburgh’s Princess Street to Stirling in an hour and a half. Flix Bus will take you from Buchanan Station in Glasgow to Stirling in 35 minutes.

As part of a day tour – our favorite is local tour operator Rabbie’s, Viator, and Get Your Guide also include them as part of some of their day tours.

About Stirling Castle

Opening Times: daily from 9:30 am to 5-6 pm.

Online booking is available. For more information, visit the Stirling Castle website.

Looking for a Castle with Coastal Drama? Head to Culzean

Perched on a clifftop with sea views and lush gardens, Culzean Castle feels like something out of a dream, and it’s surprisingly accessible from Glasgow.

One of my favorite castles has to be Culzean.

Unlike Stirling and Edinburgh castles, Culzean was built as a residence, and the interiors are a reflection of this.

With grand stairs and comfortable rooms, this is a charming residence built by the chief of the Clan Kennedy.

One of the highlights of visiting the interior of the castle is Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase, the spectacular centerpiece of the home.

Outside, you can explore the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park, and cliffs.

A visit to Culzean Castle makes for an amazing half or full day, even on a typical Scottish rainy day.

Getting to Culzean Castle

Culzean is located on the West coast of Scotland, which makes it easier to access from Glasgow.

By Train – from Edinburgh, take a train to Glasgow Central. From Glasgow Central, a 55-minute ride will take you to Ayr, then a 30-minute bus ride on Line 60 will take you from Smith Street to Glenside, from where you walk to Culzean.

Because of its location, I would recommend either driving or taking a day tour to visit Culzean.

Unless you want to spend a full day exploring the gardens, beaches, in addition to the castle itself.

Rabbie’s, Viator, and Get Your Guide all have day tours that include Culzean Castle in their itineraries.

For more information on visiting hours and prices, visit the Culzean Castle page.

The One Castle Everyone Photographs (and for Good Reason)

Eilean Donan might be one of the most photographed places in Scotland, and to me, it lives up to the hype.

Remote, magical, and unforgettable, this is one castle to visit in Scotland at least once.

Currently, the property of the McRae family, this castle has been around since the 6th Century.

Destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, it has been used in many movies and TV series.

This makes it one of the most recognized Scottish castles.

My first view of Eilean Donan was at sunset on my way to the Isle of Skye.

The colors were spectacular, and the views of the castle were magical.

I had the opportunity to explore the grounds of the castle on my return from the Isle of Skye, and it did not disappoint.

This is the most remote, but still accessible, of the castles.

But its beauty and the views are worth the effort.

Getting to Eilean Donan Castle

Getting to Eilean Donan from Edinburgh or Glasgow is a full day affair.

It can easily fit on a road trip itinerary on your way to or from Inverness and the Isle of Skye.

Using public transportation will require a train ride followed by a bus ride and an investment of 6 to 7 hours in one direction.

Commonly, tour operators include a visit to Eilean Donan as part of multiple-day tours to Inverness or the Isle of Skye.

For more information on opening hours and prices to visit Eilean Donan, visit their website.

Your Castle-Hopping Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re traveling by train, car, or organized tour, these four castles to visit in Scotland are easy to reach.

Castles played a major role in the history of Scotland, and they are worth a place in your Scotland itinerary.

Whether you are driving or letting someone else do the driving, one of these four amazing castles is sure to fit into your schedule.

Have you visited any amazing Scottish Castles? Which do you recommend?

Drop us a note in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

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Happy traveling!