Yester Castle
A woodland walk of around an hour, hidden ruins and a hall supposedly built by goblins. Near Gifford in East Lothian, Yester Castle brings medieval architecture together with stories of magic.
CastleScotland
THE INDEPENDENT SCOTTISH CASTLE GUIDE
Scottish castles
map & visitor guides
Explore castles, tower houses and ruins across Scotland with an interactive map, original photographs and practical advice on tickets, travel and parking.
81castles personally visited
11regions to explore
original photos & sourced history
THE CASTLE ATLAS · FIND YOUR PLACE
Where to next?
Search a castle, choose a region or browse by setting.
A LIVING ATLAS
Scottish castles by region
Start with a region, then follow the roads, coastlines and old borderlands at your own pace.
EXPLORE SCOTLAND11 regions · 81 castles
THE SCOTTISH ATLASEXPLORE
All Scotland
81 castles to discover
All Scotland: 81 castles
NEW IN THE COLLECTION
Recently added castles
Preston Tower
Preston Tower has an unusual silhouette: a medieval defensive tower topped by a much more elegant Renaissance addition. Standing in a walled garden in Prestonpans, it tells the story of a family home repeatedly caught up in war — and of changing ideas about comfort and status.
Glengorm Castle
Glengorm is a Victorian country house with the silhouette of an older Scottish castle. Its turrets and stepped gables stand above the Atlantic on northern Mull.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY
Where will you go next?
Choose a region you will be in. Visit suggestions do not include travel time from your home.
One day from Edinburgh
Choose a castle near the capital and build your day around it.
Explore the plan
Castles without a ticket
Free grounds and exterior viewpoints, with access explained.
Explore the plan
The Royal Heart · 2 days
Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Stirling and Doune, with overnight stops.
Explore the planBEFORE YOU GO
A better castle day
starts here.
Practical advice shaped by real visits. Not only the history, but the details that make the day work.
Check the place before you set out.
Opening hours and access can change with weather, conservation work or events. Always check the official site on the day you travel.
Explore the Scottish castle mapTickets & opening
Popular castles often use timed entry. Book ahead in summer and during school holidays.
Weather & footwear
Clifftops, ruins and island paths can be wet and exposed. Bring a waterproof layer and shoes with grip.
Parking & access
Remote ruins may have tiny lay-bys or a walk from the road. Check the individual guide before arriving.
Photography
Early and late light can be more dramatic, and the sites quieter. Respect signs, private land and any indoor restrictions.
RANDOM PLACES FROM THE ATLAS
Five castles. Five reasons
to leave the main road.
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CASTLE APP
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Castles, photos and your travel plans, close at hand. Add Castle app to your phone’s home screen and get ready for your next adventure. The PWA is currently available in English only.
- Save your favourites and visited castles
- Explore the map and plan your route
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Explore Scotland
Find Scottish castles by region, landscape or the stories that bring them to life.