Uncover the beauty of the north of Scotland with an unforgettable day trip to Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats and the Northern Highlands. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline with a guide, and explore the Abbey Kirk burial place of Robert the Bruce. Glamis was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, wife of King George VI, and is steeped in history, legend, and beauty in equal measure. Check out some of the country's most haunted places on Scotland's Ghost Trail. Scotland is known for its awe-inspiring highlands, countless lochs, a wee bit of haggis as well as a multitude of charming castles. Glamis Castle. Explore Itinerary Personalize My Tour. Just twenty minutes drive from the city is Borthwick Castle, a magnificent 15th century keep from which Mary Queen of Scots was forced to escape disguised as a servant boy. 1555. Urquhart Castle. Below are 15 of the best tours of Edinburgh. Stay in a castle to be close to the history and culture of Scotland. Package tour: See the stunning Dublin Castle and Edinburgh Castle. 5. It costs $10 for the tour but includes a $25 voucher for any Take Walks tour, valid for 2 years. Get more information here. Perched on a lonely limestone hilltop in Brecon Beacons National Park and often shrouded in mist, Carreg Cennen is easily the most evocative castle in the land. Perched atop the volcanic plug of Castle Rock, the Scottish capital's crowning glory is a strong start to a tour of the best castles in Scotland. Your first visit is Castle Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses. Explore the Best Castles to Visit in Scotland. Discover more about them in this ultimate visitor guide to the best castles to visit in Scotland. 1. With its foreboding exterior and sublime interior, Inveraray Castle boasts many characteristics that make it one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. Scottish Castle Hotels Mysterious, ruined, and beautiful. Stirling Castle, Scotland. From Edinburgh to Glasgow. 2. Delve into Scotland's rich history and heritage on this 1-day Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh. Choose between places like Doune Castle aka Castle Leoch, Linlithgow Palace aka Wentworth Prison, Culross in Fife aka Cranesmuir, Blackness Castle aka Fort William, Midhope Castle aka Lallybroch, and the Duke of Sandringham's residence. Scotland: Savour freshly-made Scottish tea at the Ardgowan Estate and cruise the Loch Ness and soak up the incredible scenery. Dunrobin Castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland from as far back as the early 1300s. (+44)-808-225-0224. Windsor Castle: Windsor castle is one of the best preserved castles that were built by William the Conqueror as part of his ring of fortresses. 3. Made famous by Shakespeare as the home of Macbeth, it is a fairly tale castle over 600 years old. Old Town. Taking it one historic castle, distillery, and breathtaking glen at a time, savoring the amazing food and drink that Scotland is famous for along the way. Braemar Castle It's also one of the largest castles in Scotland and has been home to many of Scotland's monarchs for over a thousand years. The 12 Best Castles To Visit In Scotland Are: Slains Castle Dunnottar Castle Edinburgh Castle Dunrobin Castle Fyvie Castle Kilchurn Castle Castle Fraser Blackness Castle Duart Castle Stirling Castle Eilean Donan Castle Castle Stalker 1. 8 Reasons Why Castles are the Best Place to Stay When Visiting Scotland . Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dave souza used under CC BY 2.5. Ticket Prices. Stirling Castle is undoubtedly, one of the best castles in Scotland to visit. If The Crown and Downton Abbey got you daydreaming about living in a castle, just travel to Scotland, where you will have your pick of castle hotels.Scotland, known for having the most number of castles in the United Kingdom, has long been a favorite among the royals, who have . Entering through its huge stone archway transports you back to the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Work on this Gothic Revival castle by Loch Fyne started in 1743, and it has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll since the late 18th century. from. Glamis Castle: the childhood home of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A Day Tour to Scotland's Castle Country from Aberdeen. . Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA, UK. 25 Best Castles in Scotland 1. Over 1,000 castles in Scotland, from the minuscule to the magnificent, are dotted across the country. Stirling Castle gives a panoramic view where William Wallace defeated the British army at Stirling Bridge in 1297. #2: Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan Castle has a little extra magic at sunrise. Castles. A castle of your own for a day!! 8. Outlander Tour Scotland. From Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, it seems obligatory for Scottish castles to look like something out of a fairytale. 7. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh. See the heart of Scotland as you travel from the capital, Edinburgh to Glasgow. Our Scottish castle tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow are completely customizable but include all transport, sightseeing passes to visit Scotland's heritage sites and most importantly, characterful and historic castle or manor house accommodations by night. Escorted Scotland Castle Tours Our Escorted Scotland Castle Tour includes seven nights in five authentic and unique Scottish Castles with two nights at the 5* Inverlochy Castle. Click to book the Small group personal Outlander tour Outlander adventure tour Blackness Castle Duration: 9 hours Explore 15th-century Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Midhope Castlewhich all featured in 'Outlander'and gain insight into the impact these imposing buildings brought to the TV show. And while it may not be quite as. There truly is no other palace in Scotland like this 500-year-old castle! Nearby is Crichton Castle, once owned by the Earl of Bothwell, Mary's third husband. 2022. You'll also see Mons Meg, a huge 15th-century canon that's still used for ceremonial purposes and a daily salute. It dates from the late 18th century and was designed by Robert Adam in the neoclassical Georgian style. Our pick of the best English castle tours. And Culloden Moor is the resting place of those lost in the final land battle to have taken place in Great Britain. 9. 7-day Historic Scotland Explorer Pass (valid over 14 days). Heart of Scotland Tours operates a variety of daylong and multiday excursions across the United Kingdom to top sights like Alnwick Castle, St. Andrews and Inverness, among others. The history of Britain's most besieged place goes back a thousand years, and the castle's Georgian barracks proudly overlook the Princes Street Gardens that separate Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. Later on, you can have an opportunity to visit Banchory where you might be able to see salmon jumping at the Falls of Feugh. Dunnottar Castle - This is the archetypical Scottish castle. Easily one of Scotland's well-known attractions, Edinburgh Castle sits proudly above the city from its craggy, hilltop location on Castle Rock. Slains Castle Why not explore even more with our multi-day Outlander tours & uncover Scotland's history and sites. Self drive tour packages, staying in castle hotels in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales +44 (0) 1422 323 200. Craigmillar is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Scotland. Brodie Castle & Culloden - A 16th-century mansion that belonged to the Brodie Clan until 1980. Then we were off to Dunkeld, the river Tay, a wee hike in the woods to find a salmon ladder (alas,, no salmon running at that moment), coffee at a charming shop in Dunkeld, a tour at Edradour Distillery, the only remaining hand made single malt whiskey in Scotland, and the smallest to boot. Film fans might recognise it from numerous films, including Highlander and The World is Not Enough, and it is a must see in our opinion. In stark contrast to the relatively unknown Dunalastair Castle, the silver medal for the best castle in Scotland goes to Eilean Donan Castle; perhaps the most photographed castle in the entire country!. Eilean Donan Stirling Castle & Doune Castle Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's best. There are 641 in total. Golf Tours in St Andrews. Some historians estimate that it dates back to the 600s, however it's more realistically dating back to the 1200s. This is the official royal residence of the queen who undertakes formal duties here and the place she typically spends her weekends. More 5 hours Free Cancellation From $515.31 per group Eilean Donan Castle & the Highlands Tour from Private Tours Edinburgh This sprawling complex houses the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The duke's rich tastes can be seen clearly in the medieval courtyard, which has since been featured in everything from Monty Python and the Holy . Cawdor Castle: best know for its connection to William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. Even earlier, the Scottish King Malcolm was murdered here. Destinations Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra, Butrint, Saranda, Borsh, Divjake Age Range 2 to 70 year olds Country Region Castle Travel Style Family, Private, Group +3 more Operated in English Operator Visit Albania Tour length 3 days Price per day $151 From US $452 Download Brochure View tour View Map Bicycle Bike and Barge: the Seine Plus! 3. Windsor Castle, England The 11th-century Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied palace in Europe, one of the most famous, and the world's largest occupied castle. Rest assured you will experience the best day tour and multi-day tours Scotland has to offer. Castles & Garden Tours - Best of Scotland Castles & Garden Tours Between the UK and Ireland, there are thousands of historic castles and beautiful gardens that are a must-see for anyone venturing to this part of the world. Edinburgh Castle Set atop a craggy extinct volcano high above Scotland's capital, Edinburgh Castle is unquestionably Scotland's most famous and important castle. 52,229. A top attraction in Scotland, Stirling Castle hails from the 12th century and remains an intact piece of history, significant enough to warrant a day trip from Edinburgh. Eilean Donan Some say that Eilean Donan is the most beautiful castle in Scotland. This 7-day tour takes you through the heart of Scotland and lets you explore a total of 9 destinations . Eilean Donan Castle Found on a tidal island in the western Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is an iconic Scottish castle which is. Edinburgh Castle. 1. Abandoned for nearly 200 years, Kilmartin Castle has been lovingly restored and refurbished into a luxury bed and breakfast venue, designed exclusively for nature-lovers. Mons Meg, St Margaret's Chapel, the Scottish Crown Jewels, war memorial and war museum are very interesting to see. Uniquely, it has three gardens. Many of these tours operate daily from London, whilst some are only available on selected dates. An iconic destination, Dunnottar castle is a photographer's dream. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, set amid green trees and grass. Private tour guides, luxury coach tours, and small group tours of Scotland and city tours from Edinburgh. Explore or castles and gardens experiences here. 6 nights accommodation in the above Castles including Scottish breakfast. You can feel as though you are living in a historical era, as the castle hotels offer a glimpse into medieval life. Best Guided Tours in Scotland 2022. . Some of the best Scottish castles to include in a sightseeing itinerary are; Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle. Dive into the cream of Scotland's castles, landscapes, wildlife, and culture with a selection of guided tours, experiences, and attraction tickets in the categories below, or look further down the page to view the highest-rated tours from Get Your Guide. Entrance to Glamis Castle. Explore further on our private Outlander Tours from Edinburgh, Scotland. Stirling Castle is set up on a hill in the Scottish Highlands and is an important part of the country's history and architectural heritage. Fascinating exhibits, superb volunteer guides, quality of food and service in the Bistro outstanding. This medieval fortification is steeped in over 900 years of history and draws in millions of visitors every year. Preceding arrival to Stirling, your vehicle will go by the empty shell of Linlithgow . Yet, Edinburgh Castle wasn't built until the 12th century. Experience the raw natural beauty of Glencoe, Scotland's West Coast and the isles of Skye, Lewis and Harris on our Hebridean Highlights tour. Written by Lavanya Sunkara and Lura Seavey Updated May 26, 2022. The castle sits on a cliff top overlooking the Ayrshire coast and is surrounded by 600 acres of coastline, woods and extravagantly landscaped gardens. Majestic mountains? 10 of the best Outlander locations to visit in Scotland 1. Walking Tour of Historic Old Town. You will learn more about the tradition and can ask the expert questions in this live experience. Built as the home of Regent Albany, "Scotland's uncrowned king," Doune Castle is one of the finest surviving examples of late-14th-century palace architecture. Estimates range from 2,000-4,000, but here are 12 of the best Scottish castles! . Visit our site for more details and information. When you go on one of our tours, our team will escort you to every destination. 1. [ View &. 3 reasons why you should take a guided castle tour. Reopened in 2019, this Western Scotland castle sits on the edge of Kilmartin Glen, one of the most famous sites in prehistoric history.The interior retains a traditional Celtic feel, with its candle-lit dining room ensures . Thornbury Castle - Exploring Bath and the West Country Day 4 Coombe Abbey - 12th-Century Wonder Besides the Cotswolds Day 5 Swinton Park Castle - York Minster and the Yorkshire Dales Day 6 Langley Castle Hotel - Medieval Musing in Northumberland Day 7 Melville Castle - Hadrian's Wall and Rural Scotland Day 8 Most castles to stay in Scotland offer luxury amenities, such as pools and spas, to . Popular Glamis Castle This stunning Castle is the home of the Earl and the Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne, but is open to the public. Highlights of a visit to Edinburgh Castle include seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny, displays of weaponry and armor, and the Royal Palace of the Scottish kings. Get there in time for the firing of the One O' Clock Gun. Our self-drive tours are designed to guide your exploration of a new region or country, taking in a historic castle on each . Speak to a castle expert. The best Scottish castles to visit What do you think of when you picture Scotland? Scotland's Northeast Castle Trail Scottish Castles Castles & Gardens Tour All you have to do is show up and enjoy your castle trips like the kings and queens you are. We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). 10. This is an itinerary packed with ghost stories, romantic . Castle Leod 50 Castles By tom646 Hired a car and driver to take us from Edinburgh to the seat of the Mackenzie clan since my wife has MacKenzie. Ballindalloch Castle, Scotland Castles are an intrinsic element of the Scottish experience and this tour plan visits the best castles in Scotland. Guest review. Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan Castle and its magnificent scenery. 225. . Stirling Castle. Search. Popular Balmoral Castle From working royal residences at Windsor Castle to moated castles at Leeds Castle and medieval fortresses at Warwick Castle see the best of England's heritage! Get Your Guide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours . Menu. Edinburgh Castle Why you should visit: Sitting atop an extinct volcanic rock in the heart of Edinburgh's old town, this is one of the best historic castles in Scotland. Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland Home; Find a Scotland Tour . Castle Tours. 11. Best of Scotland in 13 Days Tour from $4,495 per person + air Single Supplement $1,275 See Dates & Prices On our Best of Scotland tour, along mossy mountains, windswept isles, mysterious lochs, and heathered glens, you'll discover a land and culture that are strongly persistentand persistently lovable. Spend your days exploring the beautiful Scottish countryside and your nights relaxing in historic castles. Best of West Highlands and Oban Tour Experience from Glasgow - 1 Day - 9 hours 15min approx. 2. Pass allows entrance to over 200 historic visitor attractions in Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace. Any visitor planning to drive to the Isle of Skye will want to ensure Eilean Donan is on their itinerary. Stay in a Castle Hotel; Castle Weddings Packages. Braemar Castle: built in 1628, perfect example of a Scottish fortified tower house. The Tower of London has never been besieged and is in mint condition. enquiries@best-of-scotland.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1592 752990 Fax: +44 (0)1592 331680 Toll Free: 1-888 678 1567 USA/Canada. The trip also includes Bannockburn area where Robert the Bruce defeated Edward. Hohenzollern Castle - A Fairytale In The Woods (History & Travel Tips) The Best 20 Castles to Visit in Netherlands (Listed by Popularity) 6. The Welsh landscape is crammed with castles - brooding stone reminders of the country's turbulent history. Her son, James VI, was baptized in the old royal chapel. A Scottish Islands Driving Tour - Escape to an enchanting wilderness as you explore the frontiers of the Scottish nation and her remote outer islands. It is certainly one of the most iconic. Ardvreck Castle 190 Castles By Casespackedletsgo Dunrobin Castle: the largest castle in the Scottish Highlands, with 189 rooms! CAWDOR Castle is magical place. BALLINDALLOCH Castle one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland. Known as the Pearl of the North, it has been the home of the Macpherson family since 1546. You can round the visit off with a walk through the beautiful 18th century walled garden. Entrance to Cawdor Castle. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at the castle in 1566 to convalesce after the birth of her son James VI. Starting From $3,197 per person based on. Here is a list of the best of the best tours in Scotland. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. There is history within the walls of every ancient building, but castles contain even more. Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle a couple of miles outside Edinburgh city center. We do all the planning, too. This tower has a fascinating history, and became infamous for the executions that were hosted here during the Tudor era. Join Mostly Ghostly Tours in Dumfries & Galloway or, if you're brave enough, venture on an award-winning ghost tour in St Andrews. Carefully restored, high on a craggy hill in the Forth Valley that can be seen for miles around. Home to the earls of Strathmore for 600-plus years, visitors today can enjoy a walk in the formal gardens or take a guided tour of the historic rooms. This 13th-century castle is one of Scotland's most iconic castles and possibly the most photographed. Prices & Dates. This Private Tour from Aberdeen available Monday to Friday. Skye: "The Misty Isle" is our best kept secret and is one of Scotland's most breathtaking. We guide you on a castle trail through the centuries; from the ancient hill forts of "Iron Age" Kings to grand country houses that are still occupied by wealthy Dukes. In terms of sheer opulence, Culzean Castle is one of the best castles in Scotland. Show full description. Immerse yourself in the local culture and soak up views of white sand beaches, ancient castles and heather-clad mountains as you go. When you book a Nordic Visitor self-drive package, you can expect: An Edinburgh-based . Eilean Donan Castle is Scotland's most famous castle from the movies and it is truly a spectacular castle. The food was fantastic from start to finish. Scotland, at your leisure. Up in the Highlands, you'll find this restored castle built on a tidal island in the middle of three lochs. For more online travel in the capital, check out these virtual tours of London. Inverness Castle gives you a sneak peek of what other beautiful scenery to enjoy while in Scotland. By YvonneH1272. Dunvegan Castle. Between Stranraer and Girvan, Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae offers luxurious accommodation in 36 acres of gardens and woodland. . Craigmillar Castle visitor information: The castle . Located amidst prehistoric monuments and historical sites, in the heart of the picturesque village of Argyll and Bute, Kilmartin Castle is the perfect blend of a customary Scottish feel with loads of unique modern addition by the current owners, Simon and Stef. Dating back to 1870, this 5-star South Ayrshire hotel includes an award-winning restaurant and provides free on-site parking and Wi-Fi. Kilmartin Castle. 1. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are on board with our cookie policy however, if you would like to, you can change your . Many people like to start in Edinburgh as it sets the scene nicely. If you like exploring historic icons, getting some fresh air and stretching your legs, this walking tour of the city's historic Old Town district is a great way to kick off your Edinburgh adventure. Self Drive Tour. Explore Lallybroch and Castle Leoch on a fantastic day . Visit Scotland's most spectacular castles on these private tours from Edinburgh. Castle Tour of Wales. Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned there. Explore Scotland independently, driving scenic routes through the country's captivating landscape of lochs and glens. Vacation: Visit one of Europe's finest Japanese Gardens in Kildare and experience the spectacular scenery of the Ring of Kerry. Edinburgh isn't the only place you can uncover spooky tales of the past. Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire Fraser on a fun & relaxed private day tour. People have lived on this hill for thousands of years and archaeologists have unearthed remains from as early as the Iron Ages.