Best Castles in the Scottish Highlands: 5 Castles You Must Visit from Inverness
There are few places in the world where history feels quite as alive as it does in the Scottish Highlands.
Around almost every bend in the road, you’ll spot the ruins of a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop, a grand castle overlooking a loch, or a stately home that has stood for centuries. Some were built to defend Scotland from invading armies, others became homes for powerful Highland clans, and a few have even starred in blockbuster films and television series.
The best part? Many of the Highlands’ most spectacular castles are easy to reach from Inverness, making them perfect for day trips during your stay.
Whether you’re fascinated by Scottish history, love photography, or simply want to experience some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, these castles deserve a place on your itinerary.
1. Urquhart Castle
Distance from Inverness: 30 minutes (18 miles / 29 km)
How to get there: Driving is the easiest option. Simply follow the A82 south along the shores of Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most scenic roads. If you don’t have a car, several coach tours and local buses from Inverness stop near the castle throughout the year.
What makes it unique?
Urquhart Castle changed hands repeatedly during the Wars of Scottish Independence before eventually being blown up in 1692 to prevent it falling into Jacobite hands.
Today, visitors can climb Grant Tower for panoramic views across Loch Ness, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Nessie!
Local tip: Visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest tour groups. If the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the loch.
2. Eilean Donan Castle
Distance from Inverness: Around 1 hour 45 minutes (80 miles / 129 km)
How to get there: Take the A82 towards Fort William before joining the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh. The drive itself is one of Scotland’s most spectacular journeys, passing mountains, lochs and glens. Many travellers combine a visit with a day trip to the Isle of Skye.
What makes it unique?
Although the original castle dates back to the 13th century, it was largely destroyed during the Jacobite rising in 1719.
The castle you see today is the result of a painstaking restoration completed in the early 20th century, making it one of Scotland’s greatest restoration success stories. Inside, you’ll find beautifully furnished rooms, fascinating Jacobite artefacts and stunning views in every direction.
Local tip: Stay until sunset if you can. As the light fades over the surrounding mountains, the castle becomes one of the most magical photography spots in the Highlands.
3. Dunrobin Castle
Distance from Inverness: Around 1 hour 20 minutes (53 miles / 85 km)
How to get there: Follow the A9 north towards Golspie. The route hugs the Moray Firth coastline and is a lovely drive with opportunities to spot seals and even dolphins.
What makes it unique?
The formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, are unlike anything else in the Highlands. If you’re visiting between spring and autumn, don’t miss the resident falconry displays. Watching hawks and falcons soar above the gardens is one of the highlights of any visit.
Local tip: Take time to explore the museum inside the castle, which houses fascinating collections from around the world gathered by the Sutherland family over the centuries.
4. Cawdor Castle
Distance from Inverness: Around 25 minutes (15 miles / 24 km)
How to get there: Drive east from Inverness along the A96 before following signs to Cawdor village. Public buses also operate between Inverness and nearby Nairn, with local transport available to the castle during the visitor season.
What makes it unique?
Legend says the castle was built around a holly tree after a donkey carrying gold chose the site by lying down to rest there.
Remarkably, the remains of that ancient tree can still be seen inside the castle today.
Outside, you’ll discover colourful gardens, woodland walks and one of the most peaceful estates in the Highlands.
Local tip: Allow plenty of time to wander the gardens. Many visitors spend just as long outside as they do exploring the castle itself, especially during late spring and summer when everything is in bloom.
5. Fort George
Distance from Inverness: Around 25 minutes (16 miles / 26 km)
How to get there: From Inverness, take the A96 towards Nairn before following the signs to Ardersier and Fort George. The journey is straightforward by car, and there are also local bus services from Inverness to Ardersier.
What makes it unique?
Fort George has never been attacked. Its star-shaped design, thick defensive walls and strategic location overlooking the Moray Firth made it one of the strongest fortifications ever built in Britain.
It’s also home to the Highlanders’ Museum, where you can discover the fascinating history of Highland regiments through uniforms, medals and personal stories.
Local tip: Bring a pair of binoculars. Dolphins from the Moray Firth are often spotted just offshore, so you might leave with both a history lesson and a wildlife encounter.
Before you set off...
A little planning goes a long way when exploring Highland castles.
• Buy tickets online where possible, especially during the summer months.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Many castles have uneven paths, spiral staircases and cobbled courtyards.
• Pack waterproof clothing. This is Scotland, after all! A little rain often makes the castles look even more atmospheric.
• Allow extra driving time. The Highlands are full of scenic viewpoints you’ll want to stop and admire.
• Bring a camera or fully charged phone. You’ll be taking far more photos than you expect.
One of the joys of castle-hopping in the Highlands is that the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination. Winding roads, dramatic glens, shimmering lochs and friendly villages make every drive part of the adventure.
What is the most famous castle in the Scottish Highlands?
While there are many spectacular castles, Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most famous thanks to its stunning setting and appearances in numerous films. Urquhart Castle is a close second, largely because of its dramatic location on the shores of Loch Ness.
Can you visit Highland castles without a car?
Yes, but having a car gives you far more flexibility. Some castles, such as Urquhart Castle and Cawdor Castle, can be reached by bus or organised tour, while others are best visited as part of a self-drive itinerary.
What's the best time of year to visit the best castles in the Scottish Highlands?
Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September) are ideal. You’ll enjoy longer days, beautiful scenery and generally fewer crowds than during the height of summer.
Where to Stay While Exploring the Highlands?
If you’re planning to visit these best castles in the Scottish Highlands, staying in or around Inverness makes an excellent base. You’ll be within easy driving distance of many of the Highlands’ most famous landmarks while enjoying easy access to restaurants, shops and the stunning scenery that makes this region so special.
At Highlands Perfect Stay, you’ll find a collection of carefully selected properties, from cosy city-centre apartments to peaceful countryside cottages, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring Scotland’s incredible history.
Wherever your castle adventure takes you, one thing is certain…you’ll leave the Highlands with a camera full of memories and a deeper appreciation for Scotland’s remarkable past.
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