The most beautiful castles to visit in the Scottish Highlands

This château-style castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland and is a wonderful fantasy castle which wouldn't look out of place in the Loire or Bavaria.

In the castle grounds you'll find a magnificent example of a formal 19th-century garden, laid out on terraces which descend to the sea.

You'll want to set aside plenty of time to explore all that the estate has to offer, such as the falconry displays which take place regularly in the castle grounds, offering some great photo opportunities.

VISIT DUNROBIN CASTLE WITH PRIMA

Urquhart Castle's ruins are some of the largest ruins in Scotland. You’ll find them on a headland with panoramic views of the famous Loch Ness.

The site of Urquhart Castle has a rich history. You can climb the Grant Tower, see the great hall and peer into a prison cell used to hold captives.

The castle also has a modern visitor centre where you can learn all about the castle’s history. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most visited castles in Scotland, attracting over half a million visitors every year.

VISIT URQUHART CASTLE WITH PRIMA

Inveraray Castle is on the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland's longest sea loch, and is renowned for its tasty seafood.

This castle is one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture with its grey stone exterior, and has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the 18th century.

During a visit, you can enter the castle and view the famous Armoury Hall containing around 1,300 pieces of armoury, including preserved swords from the Battle of Culloden.

The Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa is very close to Inverary Castle and offers wonderful views across Loch Fyne to the Cowal Hills, as well as a swimming pool and spa.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and if you choose to visit you’ll soon see why. Its breathtaking location, at the head of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible in the distance, makes for unforgettable views.

These beautiful castle ruins contain the oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland. At the moment, visitors are only allowed to view the castle’s exterior, but you’re bound to be impressed by its five-storey tower house with its four angle-turrets.

For somewhere to stay nearby, Ben Cruachan Inn is in the heart of the Argyll village of Lochawe, minutes away from Kilchurn Castle.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

This imposing medieval castle is famed for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth as the setting of character Duncan's murder.

The actual 11th century events which inspired the story of Macbeth took place many years before the castle was built, but Cawdor has its own unique tales to tell. According to legend, the castle is built around a thorn tree, which has since been identified as a holly dating from 1372. You can still see the tree today in the dungeon.

The magnificent gardens include vast herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a peony walk and a kitchen garden - there is also a holly maze and a romantic bluebell woodland walk.

VISIT CAWDOR CASTLE WITH PRIMA

Located on an island at the meeting point of three great sea lochs and surrounded on all sides by breathtaking scenery, it's no surprise that Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most visited sites in the Highlands.

The picturesque castle can only be reached by its stone footbridge, and when crossing, you might spot an otter or two in the waters below.

VISIT EILEAN DONAN CASTLE WITH PRIMA

This magnificent castle is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, overlooking the peaceful Firth of Clyde. Designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, Culzean Castle is surrounded by glorious woodland rich with wildlife which is lovely for a long afternoon walk.

If you choose to visit Culzean Castle, you’ll want to make time to go down to Culzean Beach too, a secluded spot nestled underneath the cliffs, and a good place for rockpooling at low tide.

Enterkine House Hotel is just over half an hour's drive away from Culzean Castle and offers charming views over the River Ayr.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Nestled in the rolling hills of Perthshire and surrounded by tranquil countryside, Blair Castle is home to some of the finest views in Scotland.

Throughout the ages the castle has been transformed from its cold and austere beginnings in the Middle Ages to a delightful Georgian mansion and then to a Baronial Victorian castle.

Visitors to Blair Castle will also find a delightful nine-acre walled garden, an expansive wooded grove, the ruins of a Kirk, a red deer park and a gothic folly.

VISIT BLAIR CASTLE WITH PRIMA

Set in acres of mellow Moray countryside, this blush-coloured castle has been the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years.

As you explore the castle, you'll witness how the building has been altered through time, from the impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber to the cosy 17th-century wing and the rambling Victorian extension.

Inside you'll find a fantastic collection of furniture, ceramics and artwork, including paintings by 17th-century Dutch masters and 20th-century Scottish Colourists.

VISIT BRODIE CASTLE WITH PRIMA

Perched above the River Tay in Perthshire, this red sandstone palace's amazing location overlooks the routes northwards to the Highlands and eastwards through Strathmore to the coast.

The Grampian Mountains make a dramatic backdrop and across the river you can gaze upon the city of Perth. Scone Palace has been the seat of parliaments as well as the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including both Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.

VISIT SCONE CASTLE WITH PRIMA