The 8 Stunning Scottish Castles You’ll See and Visit on the Royal Scotsman

Many countries in Europe are known for specific stately homes and structures that perfectly depict the history and heritage of that nation. Austria is dotted with Baroque palaces and historic landmarks, while France has its sprawling fairytale-like chateaux. Scotland, on the other hand, is abundant in its majestic, breathtaking castles that were once (and some, at present) the homes of the United Kingdom’s greatest kings and queens.

Visiting Scotland’s many grand castles is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and embrace the romance and beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Not only will you learn a thing or two about how the royals once lived in those fortified walls, but you’ll see the castles’ majesty and allure firsthand.

The best time to visit Scottish castles across the Highlands is when you’re on a luxurious train ride aboard the Royal Scotsman. This upscale rail allows you to travel through Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant towns and cities, which are also home to the country’s most stunning castles.

Ready to see the best Scottish castles you’ll see when you take a memorable trip aboard the Royal Scotsman Scotland? Keep reading to see eight of them you don’t want to miss.

The 8 Best Castles to See Aboard the Royal Scotsman

Edinburgh Castle

Perhaps the most popular castle in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle, the majestic palace perched atop Castle Rock, a volcanic plug. From the heart of the capital city of Edinburgh, it’s easy to spot this mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site dominating the skyline, but it’s even better up close.

Visitors can take guided tours inside the castle. Here, you can see the crown jewels of Scotland, the famed Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in all of Edinburgh. Don’t forget to stick around for the traditional one o’clock gun firing that happens in the castle every day!

Ballindalloch Castle

If your rail route stops at Aviemore, disembark for a bit to visit the lovely Ballindalloch Castle. This baronial castle surrounded by picturesque rolling hills is more than just the home of the noble Macpherson-Grants—it’s also a “museum” of sorts, with beautiful Spanish paintings, impressive hallways and different living areas on display for visitors.

On top of all that, Ballindalloch Castle is also home to a popular whiskey distillery. Drop by and have a taste of Scotland’s finest whiskey before heading back to your train.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II was also known to spend her early years here, and her sister Princess Margaret was even born here. Many also believe Glamis Castle to be the castle that inspired the setting of Macbeth, making it a must-visit for fans of the iconic Shakespearean classic.

When you’re aboard the Royal Scotsman, disembark at Dunkeld to see Glamis Castle’s beautiful, red sandstone walls and striking turrets from the outside and its extravagant rooms on the inside.

Stirling Castle

At Stirling, disembark your train again to see the majestic Stirling Castle. The medieval structure is one of the greatest stone castles that rose to power in the history of Scotland, having survived eight different sieges. Tour what was once the childhood residence of popular monarchs like James VI and Mary Queen of Scots.

Key areas to visit within the castle grounds include the Great Hall, the Stirling Heads Gallery and the lush Queen Anne Gardens. If you find the castle familiar, it’s likely because it has served as a set for shows like Outlander and Game of Thrones. Awesome, right?

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire has been the official Scottish residence of the British royals since the 1850s. Initially, a smaller castle was situated in the area, but it was far too tiny for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. So, a larger castle was erected. To this day, when the British Royal Family needs a bit of extra fresh air, they head north to the Highlands to spend time at Balmoral.

The castle is located on the outskirts of Cairngorms National Park. When visiting the area, make sure to tour the nearby parklands to spot wildlife.

Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle in Perthshire is stunning in its own right, with its Victorian towers and dramatic rock walls. But it’s the castle’s formal terraced gardens that make it incredibly famous. Explore these manicured, well-maintained gardens for the perfect garden stroll.

The sprawling formal gardens with a unique cross design have been around since the 17th century. And while many of the hedges and plants in the gardens today were replanted in the last century, most of their features are well-preserved. You can even spot a beech tree planted there by Queen Victoria herself in the 1840s.

Inverness Castle

A stop at Inverness might mean a chance to see Loch Ness, the river where the mythical “Nessie” is said to reside. But apart from the loch, be sure to visit Inverness Castle, which sits on a cliff overlooking the famous river. While the castle’s doors aren’t open to the public for now, you can still admire its red sandstone walls and stunning towers from the grounds below.

Inveraray Castle

The Gothic Revival-style Inveraray Castle has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll since the 18th century. It gained popularity after being featured in an episode of Downton Abbey. While the present-day Duke and his family still live in the castle, a part of it is open to the public.

Plan Your Scottish Adventure Today

Enjoying the window views of the Scottish Highlands from your luxurious cabin aboard the Royal Scotsman is one thing. It’s a whole different ball game to get out on key stops to see Scotland’s most majestic historic castles.

From Edinburgh Castle in the bustling capital to the quiet regality of Balmoral Castle in the countryside, these Scottish castles will steal your heart and take your breath away.

Want to see more of the world’s most beautiful structures and palaces? Check out all of Entire Travel Group’s Holiday Packages and tick a new country off your adventure bucket list!