Amazing Reasons to Visit Scotland: Part 1
From dramatic landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Scotland offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller. Whether you're drawn by ancient castles, world-class whisky, or the rugged beauty of the Highlands, this enchanting country has something to inspire and delight...and what better way to discover its magic than by staying in a real castle..?
In Part 1, we reveal our first five wonderful reasons to visit Scotland - each brought to life through a stunning castle chosen by our experts from our collection of over 100 castle properties across the UK and Ireland.
In Scotland, you can wander the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, trace your ancestry through ancient clans, hike through rugged glens or or immerse yourself in traditional music. Let us inspire your next adventure—and perhaps your next stay—in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Charming Cities & Quaint Villages
The renowned cities of Scotland offer a vibrant mix of history, culture and nightlife, making them perfect starting points for any Scottish adventure. Beyond the urban buzz, Scotland is dotted with idyllic towns and villages, such as Tobermory’s colourful harbour, and the historic streets of St Andrews, that invite visitors to slow down and soak in local traditions.
Whether you’re exploring Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town or wandering through the quaint lanes of a seaside village, Scotland’s blend of lively cities and quaint communities makes it a fantastic destination for all tastes and interests. Castle Expert, Lizzy, loves this enchanting castle for its short distance from some favoured spots.
Fonab Castle, Perthshire
Tucked into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Fonab Castle offers a luxurious retreat with a rich sense of place. Overlooking the tranquil waters of Loch Faskally and nestled by thick forest, it boasts commanding views across Highland Perthshire and peaceful grounds to explore..
The five-star castle hotel combines traditional features with a contemporary design; its unique style and bold use of colour create a charming atmosphere and aesthetic, making it a joy to plan your days and reflect on places you've visited. Relax in elegant rooms, indulge in fine dining and unwind in its luxurious spa. Lizzy observes...
“Fonab is a natural choice for me to appreciate the varied cities and villages close by. Pitlochry is considered one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in Scotland, with its cosy cafés, boutique shops and stunning natural surroundings. And then, as if the castle had been perfectly placed - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling are all under two hours away.”
Whisky Heaven
The “water of life” flows freely in Scotland. Tour world-famous distilleries in places like Islay, Speyside, and the Highlands, and sip some of the finest single malts you'll ever taste.
Whether you're drawn to the rich and smoky peat of a Highland whisky or the citrus notes of the gentle drams of the Lowlands, each region offers its own unique character and charm. Visiting these distilleries isn’t just about the whisky—it’s about stepping into centuries of craft, culture, and tradition.
Celtic Castles features dozens of properties within easy reach of some of the best distilleries, each with its own unique appeal. Celtic Castles Director, Julie, selects her choice for its seamless blend of opulent accommodations and immersive whisky experiences.
Rothes Glen, Speyside
Built by the Dunbar family in 1893 in the heart of Scotland’s famed distilling region and designed by the famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig, this iconic Baronial-style castle offers breath-taking views towards the glen and an unparalleled experience.
Alongside 14 king-size bedrooms and a large snooker room for relaxation, guests can enjoy a dedicated tasting room and secure vault—ideal for savouring rare drams. A range of seasonal country pursuits are available on local estates. The recently refurbished kitchen and breakfast room complete the setting, making Rothes Glen the perfect base for exploring nearby distilleries. Julie explains why this castle fits the bill so well...
“The owner of Rothes Glen, Damian Riley-Smith, is also the owner of Whisky Magazine. The castle boasts a walk-in whisky vault, plus a dedicated tasting room adorned with portraits of inductees into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, celebrating the luminaries of the whisky world.”
Wildlife & Nature
There’s no denying it; Scotland is a paradise for nature lovers. From the soaring peaks of the Highlands to tranquil lochs, windswept coastlines and ancient woodlands, the natural surroundings are wild, breath-taking and unique. The country’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of wildlife—from majestic red deer in the Highlands and puffins on the cliffs, to orcas off the coast, dolphins in the firths and golden eagles soaring above.
Each region offers a distinct wildlife experience, making it challenging to choose just one castle for its location - but for Simon at Celtic Castles, the chance to immerse himself in Scotland’s rich natural world made his choice easy.
Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull
This 19th-century family-owned castle is perched dramatically on the northern tip of the Isle of Mull, surrounded by wild moorlands and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its enchanting turrets and stone façade, the castle offers a truly atmospheric base for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Just a 15-minute drive from the island’s main town of Tobermory, Glengorm feels a world away; peaceful, majestic and deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.
With direct access to coastal trails, ancient woodlands and windswept cliffs, these three premium self-catered castle apartments are the perfect place to experience the untamed charm of the surrounding isle. Whether you're exploring on foot or simply enjoying the far-reaching views from the bathtub or a cosy window seat, staying here means nature is never out of reach. Simon says...
“The Isle of Mull is big for wildlife and nature enthusiasts and one of the best places to experience Scotland’s natural beauty up close. Stay at Glengorm Castle during the spring or autumn months for peak wildlife activity - from the grounds you can spot red deer, sea eagles and even otters along the rugged shoreline - and enjoy the contemporary style and comforts of the rooms, home-cooked breakfasts and the deep quiet of a castle truly immersed in nature.”
Vibrant Festivals
Whether it’s the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the celebrations of Hogmanay, or the varied Highland Games held in coastal towns, valleys, and glens across the country, there’s always something happening in Scotland that brings people together.
From local cultural gatherings featuring a ceilidh (traditional dance) to large-scale annual events, the country comes alive with music, art, storytelling, and pageantry—set against a backdrop of striking landscapes and centuries-old heritage.
Castle Expert, Séamy, recommends the perfect base for experiencing Scotland’s vibrant festival scene—valued for its proximity to Edinburgh, dramatic façade and as a peaceful, historic retreat after a fun-filled day.
Melville Castle, nr Edinburgh
Nestled in peaceful parkland just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, this impressive and stunningly-decorated castle showcases a unique style amid 18th-century elegance, all the while oozing contemporary comfort. This grand yet intimate estate is surrounded by peaceful woodland and riverside walks, offering a serene escape with effortless access to the city—so you truly can enjoy the best of both worlds.
With its enchanting turrets, sweeping staircases and storied past, calming Melville Castle beautifully complements colourful, culture-infused days and nights in the city. Consider staying over Christmas or New Year with family or friends, indulging in four-poster beds, refined local Scottish cuisine and wandering the woodland in and amongst the festivities. Séamy recalls his experience...
"After enjoying all Edinburgh has to offer, Melville Castle is the perfect place to return to with their friendly staff, comfortable bedrooms, and delicious food prepared in the onsite restaurant.
This is exactly what I did when exploring the big city's Christmas Markets in 2024, and it made the experience so special! The staff were able to arrange a taxi to and from the capital for me, and helped me make a dinner reservation to look forward to in the evening."
Castle Attractions Galore
Scotland is home to over 1,500 castles, each steeped in legend and rich in history.
From iconic strongholds to romantic ruins, there’s a castle around nearly every corner; from turreted towers to royal palaces and cliff-top fortresses, situated across the country’s dramatic landscapes.
Castle Expert, Louisa, would recommend Craigietocher Tower as an ideal base for castle lovers eager to explore the rich history and architecture of northeast Scotland. Perfectly placed in the heart of Aberdeenshire—known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’.
Craigietocher Tower, Aberdeenshire
Tucked away in the rural beauty of northeast Scotland, Craigietocher Tower is an authentic reproduction of a 16th-century tower house, with some of Scotland’s most iconic castle attractions and heritage sites within easy reach.
You will be the guests of Phill and Meryl, who were responsible for this extraordinary project. Eager to share their experiences, they'll personally guide you through the property, offering fascinating insights into each room's story and unveiling the challenges and triumphs of undertaking such a task.
Louisa comments...
“Craigietocher is ideally located for guests to immerse themselves in Aberdeenshire’s famous Castle Trail. Staying in your very own historic tower house while exploring centuries of nearby Scottish heritage is a truly magical experience. What’s more, the owner, Phill Plevey—who has visited over 600 castles in his lifetime—is always delighted to share his passion and deep knowledge of Scotland’s castles, including his own grand design project, with guests.”
Castles close by you can visit...
- Delgatie Castle - 4 miles - Evocative old tower long held by the Hay Earls of Errol.
- Craigston Castle - 4 miles - A beautifully preserved 17th-century U-plan tower house.
- Towie Barclay Castle - 4 miles - Mid-16th-century L-plan tower which took 7 years to restore.
- Fyvie Castle - 8 miles - 800-year-old royal stronghold; grand interiors and extensive grounds.
- Castle Fraser - 26 miles - One of Scotland’s largest tower houses; grand interiors and grounds.
- Kildrummy Castle - 34 miles - Extensive 13th-century ruins with large grounds and gardens.
- Dunnottar Castle - 50 miles - Dramatic cliff-top ruins with sweeping views on public access land.
- Balmoral Castle - 57 miles - The Royal Family’s Scottish estate (grounds open seasonally).
Why choose Celtic Castles when you visit Scotland?
With historic castles transformed into luxurious hotels dotted all across Scotland, you don’t need to choose between comfort and adventure — you can have both. Wherever your journey takes you, and however you choose to spend your time, our castle experts are ready to make your stay in Scotland as enchanting as the land itself with their recommended castle accommodation. Wake up in regal surroundings, enjoy roaring fires and panoramic views, and end your day with fine dining fit for royalty.
Our dedicated team of experts is available seven days a week, providing free, unbiased advice to support you from your first enquiry to final booking. Prefer to handle it yourself? You can also book quickly and securely online.
Author Bio
Amy has over 20 years’ experience creating copy across a range of industries and styles.
Prior to Celtic Castles, she worked for several historic homes in the north of England and Scotland, collaborating with the owners and experiencing the day-to-day running of the properties.
Amy also coordinated venue showrounds, meeting with guests planning their wedding, special celebration, filming location or corporate event. This knowledge and expertise has helped her understand people's different needs and wants in relation to a castle stay.
We're delighted Amy can bring this experience to Celtic Castles where she creates content to help guide people looking for their own unique castle experience.