Top 7 Castles To Visit In Scotland: Not Glamorous Yet Rich in History
We all know that Scotland is famous for its castles. I was reading about the history of Queen Mary of Scots and came across many events she was involved in, including some famous castles she visited. We are not going to cover the topic of the Queen herself. Instead, we are going to talk about some famous castles in Scotland that are filled with history. They may not look much compared to the grand ones out there, but the history is fascinating. The fun thing is that you can visit any of them that I listed here, and knowing the history will make the visit a hundred times better!
And if you are in a hurry, here is a quick list of the 7 castles (reading is recommended for the history nerds ;D)
– Tantallon Castle
– Dirleton Castle
– Craigmillar Castle
– Blackness Castle
– Castle Campbell
– Doune Castle
– Stirling Castle
Dirleton Castle: Through the Beautiful Gardens
Dirleton Castle, located in East Lothian, Scotland, is quite famous due to its beautiful gardens and history. The gardens which are most stunning contain a number of plants and flowers which provide a peaceful ambiance that receives hundreds of visitors.
These gardens enhance the splendor of the castle and also the artworks of the families of nobility who possessed the castle. Three families of great interest have for many years occupied this region, namely, the De Vaux family, the Hays family, and the Ruthvens family, all of whom have any role in the evolution of this castle to date.
Different building styles are present in the castle complex because of the evolving character of the castle throughout the history timeline. One significant change in the history of the castle occurred in 1650 and it was during a season referred to in history as ‘the Siege of Dirleton’ when Oliver Cromwell’s army laid siege on Dirleton Castle.
The soldiers were subjected to a rather impressive siege and this siege illustrated the significance of the castle. As it invites many people to walk across its grounds and gardens, which are richly historical, and take a step back in time, Dirleton Castle is one of the places that can be said to represent Scottish heritage quite aptly in the present context.
Tantallon Castle: Stunning Coastal Fortress
Tantallon Castle is another jewel in Scotland’s crown that has a lot to offer for those who seek to know the history or simply wish to have a breathtaking view.
Constructed during the 1300s by the Douglas family, this medieval stronghold withstood multiple siege attacks and even survived parts of it being destroyed during the Cromwell invasion.
Though worn out due to some damage, the castle is preserved to high standards so a maximum amount of people are able to see the grand walls and picture life there, also admiring the broad views of Old Sea. It is an outstanding combination of Nature and History; such a place cannot be missed while traveling!
You will also appreciate visiting those parts of the fortress that are not so well known and finding out more about this monumental structure and what it stands for. Be it just a historical site or a lovely place to go for a walk on the shoreline, Tantallon and its surroundings have a few things for everyone. Stunning ruins set against the sea make it a memorable place to visit, one that leaves a lasting impression!
Craigmillar Castle: Scotland’s Best-Preserved Medieval Castle
Craigmillar Castle, located just a few miles to the southeast of Edinburgh, is perhaps one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland.
Built-in the 15th century, the castle allows its guests to daydream of what the lives of Scottish nobles would have been like during the olden days.
One of the most revered occupants of the castle, Sir Simon Preston, was an ardent supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. She was captured, and this became her first night as a prisoner in 1567.
While moving around the castle, the history lover in you will stay thrilled as you see original garden beds, which are very hard to come across. Craigmillar has even made its way onto screens, appearing in “Outlaw King” and other TV shows.
Castles are always a great touring spot. These walls have seen so much history, and standing on that tower lets you admire Edinburgh from up high and appreciate the many stories embedded in those walls. It is a beautiful place that any person who is a fan of Scots has to visit.
Blackness Castle: The Ship That Never Sailed
Strikingly beautiful and historically interesting, Blackness Castle is located on the southern edge of the Firth of Forth. Thanks to its unique shape, Blackness was popularly known as “the ship that never sailed,” but this castle was not only used as a stronghold; it was also a state prison and an artillery port.
Built in the fifteenth century by Sir George Crichton, this structure has some surprising moments in its history as well, for example when Crichton’s own son locked him in a castle built by Crichton himself.
As time progressed, the castle acquired a new purpose and was used as an ammunition depot throughout World War I.
The castle’s courtyard, which consists of natural rocks, has a certain ruggedness to it, thus adding unique features to the castle and enhancing its appeal to both history lovers and tourists.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of this castle, then Blackness Castle is a must, as it has beautiful views of the Firth of Forth and many more beautiful features and history to explore. Each step will be accompanied by many historical figures and events that took place there.
Castle Campbell: Royal Guests and Historic Moments
The Castle Campbell was formerly known as Castle Gloom, in the picturesque Ochil Hills, Scotland. It’s name change was due to a kind made by King James IV for the growing importance of the great Campbell family.
It has seen the front line of Scotland’s rich history, with many historic events passing this castle by, and in 1563 the castle welcomed Mary Queen of Scots and protestant reformer John Knox who also preached inside it’s walls.
Castle Campbell was unfortunately caught up in the confusion of Royalist rebels plundering and burning the castle over the course of two nights in 1654.
In the end, what we have left with whenever this happens is the abstracts, the stuff that makes for a great story, all in the present tense.
The castle has seen struggles, some awful times. But it always had a place in the political history, the royal history of Scotland. There is a lot waiting for the visitors: Beautiful landscapes, old constructions, and corridors of time where some genius might have passed. It’s quite a breathtaking viewpoint and historical place. Castle Campbell is a must-see for history lovers and casual tourists alike.
Doune Castle: A Cinematic Icon in Pop Culture
A historic gem which possess an impressive past, Doune Castle sits in the Scottish countryside.
It was built in the 14th century and served a variety of overlapping roles as royal retreat and hunting lodge, as a military stronghold during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Jacobite risings.
With its medieval design you can get a glimpse at royal life during the medieval time especially its grand great hall that is almost 11 meters high.
Fans of pop culture will recognize Doune Castle as the place of many Outlander fan TV shows, and it even served as the iconic Winterfell in Game of Thrones (pilot).
Doune Castle has both if you’re a history buff or just want a scenic place with a cinematic feel to it. Step back in time while walking through its halls, combining real-life history with movie screen history come to life. A visit here brings Scottish history to life.
Stirling Castle: Bares The Scottish History
With hundreds of engaging events in its long history, from royal ceremonies to political intrigue to battles, this impressive fortress has played host to countless things that shaped Scotland.
Of all of Scottish history, The Battle of Stirling Bridge 1297 was one of its most pivotal moments when William Wallace led his forces to a stunning victory against the English.
It involved the first major Scottish victory in the struggle for independence, putting Scots back in control. It was strategically important and underlined by changing hands over the years between the Scots and the English.
Then in 1314, Robert the Bruce retook Stirling Castle at the decisive Battle of Bannockburn, and it secured a place in Scottish hearts as the center of the nation’s history.
As the castle came under the Stewart dynasty, the castle became a major royal residence and, in many ways, the site of potentially the most important of those events. It was also apparently notable as Mary, Queen of Scots who was crowned here and had her son James VI baptized here once.
Today you can visit Stirling Castle, wander the stunning architecture that exists there, and explore its storied past through interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides. With the views from the castle ramparts, you can see what was a big part of Scotland‘s history – the area that the landscape revealed.
And…there you have it, the top 7 castles in Scotland that you can visit anytime (I won’t recommend it in the winter though). Since you already know the necessary information/history about the castle, you can fully enjoy the experience while visiting. Have fun on your journey!