Castles and Palaces
From fearsome fortresses and fairy-tale towers to romantic ruins and bloody battle sites.
Scotland’s many historic castles and palaces are just waiting to be explored.
Immerse yourself in the folklore and legends behind each imposing stone and follow in the footsteps of the famous characters who once prowled their battlements and corridors.
Things to see...
Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Eilean Donan Castle
Stirling Castle
Cawdor Castle
Urquhart Castle
Doune Castle
Scone Palace
Blair Castle
Alnwick Castle
St Andrews Castle
- Dunvegan Castle is probably the oldest inhabited castle in the north of Scotland. The Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod have occupied it continuously for more than 750 years.
- The castle on Dumbarton Rock is strategically positioned to monitor traffic on the River Clyde and to guard the mouth of the River Leven, the gateway to Loch Lomond.
- Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle as a gift to Queen Victoria in 1852.
- It is believed that Bram Stoker took inspiration from Slains Castle for his novel, Dracula.
- The Scottish Crown jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army at Dunottar Castle.
Tours that visit Castles
Loch Ness and the Highlands
1 Day Tour from £42.00
The Loch Ness Monster - fact or fiction? Maybe you’ll find out on this splendid tour through the glorious Scottish Highlands.
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky
1 Day Tour from £33.00
A wonderful day that combines historic Stirling Castle, the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and a visit to pretty Glengoyne Distillery.
Skye and the Scottish Highlands
3 Day Tour from £225.00
Experience more of what the Scottish Highlands has to offer on this tour to the beautiful Isle of Skye.
Edinburgh by Train
1 Day Tour from £205.00
Want to visit Edinburgh for a day during your stay in London? This convenient tour package is just for you!
Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands
3 Day Tour from £415.00
Leave London behind to get a taste of historic Edinburgh and experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
1 Day Tour from £45.00
This popular “Scotland in one-day” tour will introduce you to some of the finest scenery the Highlands has to offer including, of course, Loch Ness
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle
1 Day Tour from £34.00
This fascinating tour will introduce you to the history of Stirling, with its famous castle and the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye
1 Day Tour from £48.00
The Isle of Skye is famed the world over for its dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque seascapes. Come with us and explore the Magical Isle.
Taste of Scotland
5 Day Tour from £785.00
This short tour combines visits to Scotland’s two great cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow with a delightful tour through the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders
1 Day Tour from £42.00
Tour through the beautiful Scottish Border country and visit mighty Alnwick Castle, Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Movies!
Bonnie Scotland
7 Day Tour from £1,429.00
Discover Scotland's unrivalled beauty on this feature-packed tour that includes city stays in historic Edinburgh and lively Glasgow.
Castles and Whisky
1 Day Tour from £38.00
Discover the mountains, malt whisky and castles of the Cairngorm National Park
Scotland's Highlands and Islands
14 Day Tour from £2,877.00
Discover magical islands, sophisticated cities and the rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands on this far-reaching tour.
Scottish Highland Fling
10 Day Tour from £2,059.00
Combine visits to historical and sophisticated cities with the stunning scenery of the Highlands, including a magical excursion to the Orkney Islands.