Top 10 Most Photogenic Castles in Scotland
With its snow-capped mountains, mysterious woodlands, and breath-taking valleys, it’s almost impossible to outdo the majesty that is Scotland’s wild landscape. However, nobody told these castles that!
Grab your camera and head on down to see our top 10 most photogenic castles in Scotland.
10. Blackness Castle
Location: Blackness, Linlithgow (22 miles to Edinburgh)
In the small harbour village of Blackness sits Blackness Castle. From afar, the castle’s unique design gives it an appearance of a ship so you will often hear this castle being referred to as the ‘ship that never sailed’.
Although small in comparison to other Scottish Castles, there is lots to see and learn about here. Our favourite views of the castle are either from the coastal path that links Blackness to Bo’ness, or from the pier which you can access once you’ve entered the castle. When you are here, we suggest heading up the castle walls to get a great vantage point over the famous Forth Bridges. To read more about Blackness Castle and the local area, have a look at our guide to Falkirk.
9. Edinburgh Castle
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle sits in a prominent position over Scotland’s capital and from every angle, it’s jagged volcanic base and thick defensive walls give it a brooding demeanour. You’ll struggle to find a spot in the city where you can’t catch a glimpse of this mighty fortress.
To get the perfect view of Edinburgh Castle, we suggest heading down to the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens and you can capture both in one shot. Or if you prefer a more encompassing photo, go to the free roof terrace at the National Museum of Scotland to get views over the castle’s south face.
8. Urquhart Castle
Location: Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire (174 miles to Edinburgh)
On the banks of the world-famous Loch Ness sits Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s biggest fortresses. This stunning location has been blighted by bloodshed over the years as the castle has been involved in many aspects of Scottish history.
You can get great views of Urquhart Castle from all along the shoreline however, if you want to see it from a different angle, we suggest getting a Loch Ness boat tour that will take you up alongside the castle.
7. Inveraray Castle
Location: Inveraray, Argyll (110 miles to Edinburgh)
Surrounded by acres of untouched forest, Inverary Castle is the picturesque home of the Duke of Argyll. The four round towers that protect each corner of the building are capped with Disney-esque cones reminiscent of their famous princess castle.
To get the best view of Inveraray Castle we suggest heading down into the beautiful gardens. A tour of the gardens is well worth it on your visit to the castle as the temperate Argyll climate makes great growing conditions for all the flowers.
6. Tantallon Castle
Location: North Berwick, East Lothian (31 miles to Edinburgh)
Although mostly ruins now, Tantallon Castle is still able to impress. Perfectly positioned at the edge of a cliff, its large red sandstone outer wall shows some of the best-preserved architecture from the 13th century despite its visible battle scars.
Once inside, we recommend climbing up the towers to get a commanding view of the beautiful East Lothian countryside. Once you’re up here, take a look out to sea and try to spot Bass Rock. Tantallon Castle offers the best views of this small rocky island which was once used as a prison and is now home to a large colony of gannets.
5. Culzean Castle
Location: Maybole, South Ayrshire (95 miles to Edinburgh)
It’s almost impossible to get a bad angle of Culzean Castle. It just looks amazing no matter where you spot it from and that is exactly what the architect wanted.
This castle was never meant to withstand sieges or defend the townsfolk, this magnificent building had only one purpose and that was to show off the wealth and opulence of its owner the 10th Earl of Cassilis – it works, wouldn’t you agree?
Culzean also features on our list of the 10 Most Amazing Castles to Visit in Scotland – why not check it out?
4. Castle Stalker
Sitting alone on a small island in Loch Laich is the sturdy looking, medieval tower house known as Castle Stalker. Its isolated location and picturesque surrounding mean taking a great photo of this castle can be done easily from all around. Although it is privately owned, you can still tour this castle on select days throughout the year.
To get here from Edinburgh you will most likely pass the through one of Scotland’s most stunning locations, Glen Coe which would make the trip here even more worthwhile.
3. Dunnottar Castle
Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire (112 miles to Edinburgh)
Even just the thought of a ruined Scottish castle, steep cliffs and roaring waves fills your mind with wonder. But when you visit Dunnottar Castle and see the real thing, you will be in awe at its beauty.
Our favourite view is to follow the path from the car park and bear right down the curled path which takes you to a small look out point. From here you will have unobstructed views of the castle and down to the sea.
2. Dunrobin Castle
Location: Golspie, Sutherland (208 miles to Edinburgh)
When you first walk up the long driveway to Dunrobin Castle’s front entrance, you may feel a bit underwhelmed. Its design is nice but nothing too extravagant. However, the real magic hits you after you’ve completed your tour of the rooms and take your first step out to the gardens.
The view from the terrace is breath-taking. A sea of flowers and hedgerows unfurls itself in front of you, only stopped by the blue waters of the North Sea that lap up on to the small beach at the far side. Once you have strolled the gardens you must turn round and gaze back at Dunrobin Castle to see its full beauty. You’ll immediately recognise the connection to a French Château and see why this is considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the country.
1. Eilean Donan Castle
Location: Dornie, Inverness-shire (193 miles to Edinburgh)
Apart from Edinburgh Castle, Eilean Donan is probably the most recognisable castle in Scotland and it’s easy to see why. Situated on a small island in the majestic water of Loch Duich, surrounded by rolling hills and dark forests, and within sight of the mystical Isle of Skye – you would be hard pressed to find a better spot.
If you want to replicate the photos that adorn millions of calendars, park up and find a spot on the mainland, left of the bridge. From here you will be able to get the bridge, castle, and scenic background into one great shot.
