Scotland is the kingdom of castles. With over 2,000 castles spread across the land, and some estimates saying there are closer to 3,000 castles, you almost can’t turn a corner without seeing one.
You can’t see all those castles; many of them are ruins or remains dug up by archaeologists. Only approximately 1,500 of them are still standing, or standing enough that you can see them.
And you definitely should see them. There’s so much history and beauty behind the walls. Some are bigger than others, so here are the top 5 biggest castles in Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle
We had to start with Edinburgh Castle because it is by far the biggest and most popular. It’s roughly 35,000 m² if you count the courtyards and buildings. You can’t imagine the size of it until you go to see it for yourself. Well, you can’t see all of it when you’re there, but you can pay to go inside (£21.50 online for adults or £24.00 at the door) and see the non-restricted areas.
Built in the 12th century, it has undergone a renovation or two over the years, but that hasn’t taken the magic and history away from the walls. Some of the standout highlights include:
- The Crown Jewels of Scotland
- The Stone of Destiny
- Mons Meg cannon
You can get official guided tours of the castle for an additional fee, but all of the information and the history are well displayed throughout. Unless you love a guided tour, we wouldn’t say you need one.
Stirling Castle
You can use a motorhome hire to easily get from Edinburgh Castle to Stirling Castle; it’s only just over an hour’s drive.
Stirling Castle is slightly smaller than Edinburgh Castle, covering 30,000 m². Although most people wouldn’t call that slightly smaller, it’s the perfect tell for how massive Edinburgh Castle is.
Stirling Castle might be 5000 m², but it has just as much to offer. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, this massive fortress was once the key to controlling Scotland. There was a famous saying of “He who holds Stirling holds Scotland.”
You can explore Stirling Castle for £18.50 per ticket if you’re an adult buying in advance or £20.50 if you pay at the door. Once you’re inside, some of the standout highlights include:
- The Great Hall
- Renaissance Palace of James V
- The Royal Chapel
If you go to Scotland in December, Stirling Castle puts on their ‘A Christmas Carol’ event that runs from the 19th to the 22nd of December, which tourists and locals always love.
Glamis Castle (Angus)
Glamis Castle is one of the most stunning in Scotland. It might not be the biggest, but it makes up for it with its turrets and towers that make it look like it’s from a fairytale.
It’s only 17,000 m² and was built in the 14th century, so it’s not as old as the first two castles we mentioned, but it’s definitely full of more character. It was a fortress in the 14th century, turned into a grand baronial residence by the 17th century. The castle was also the birthplace of Princess Margaret.
The entry cost is £18.50 for adults, and that will get you access to the castle, gardens, and the grounds. Once you’re inside, some of the highlights of Glamis Castle include:
- The absolutely stunning interiors
- Haunted legends such as the “grey lady”
- Historical connections to Macbeth
Its haunted and supernatural reputation is actually what makes the castle so popular.
Floors Castle (Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders)
Floors Castle is Scotland’s second-largest inhabited castle, meaning people still live there. The massive 52,000 m² estate is home to the 11th Duke of Roxburghe, Guy Innes-Ker, and his wife, the Duchess of Roxburghe, Annie. Built in 1721, 11 generations of Roxburghes have roamed the castle walls.
It’s one of the more modern castles, if you can call it that, that was designed by William Adam and later remodelled by William Playfair. Despite the Duke and Duchess living there, it is open to the public. The fee to go inside is £20, but that will get you inside the castle and most of the grounds. Some areas are restricted because the family still lives there, but you can see most of it.
Once you’re inside, some of the standout features include:
- The stunning art collections
- The 17th-century Victorian kitchens
- The breathtaking views of the River Tweed
There are thousands more castles you could see in Scotland, but those are some of the biggest. All of them have a different story to tell, managing to keep the history of Scotland alive to this day. And now we’re getting close to the festive season; it’s the perfect time for the history of the castles to come alive.