Top 10 Castles Near Inverness – 2025 Guide
History, mystery, and a touch of magic – the castles near Inverness offer all this and more.
Whether you’re exploring the imposing towers of Inverness Castle or wandering the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, each site tells a unique story. In this guide, we uncover 10 incredible castles near Inverness you can visit on your next Highland adventure.
Whether you’re planning a getaway to the north of Scotland or simply craving a Highland adventure, exploring the castles near Inverness is the perfect place to start. From ancient strongholds to romantic ruins, these iconic sites offer a window into Scotland’s rich and dramatic past. For a truly unforgettable experience, why not join one of our private tours? Discover the most captivating castles near Inverness with the help of our friendly, knowledgeable local guides.
Castles Near Inverness – Kilcoy Castle
Starting small but steeped in character, we look just north of Inverness to the Black Isle and the quietly striking Kilcoy Castle, tucked just outside the village of Muir of Ord. Being so close – just 9 miles from Inverness – this is one of the most accessible castles near Inverness, perfect for a half-day detour or a photo-friendly stop.
A Castle of Restoration and Resilience
Kilcoy Castle is a classic example of a Z-plan tower house, originally built in 1580 by the Stewart family. Around 1618, the structure was completed by a member of the powerful Mackenzie clan, who added to its distinctive Highland charm.
In the 18th or 19th century, the castle’s roof was removed to avoid property taxes, and Kilcoy fell into ruin. But in 1891, two Inverness architects lovingly restored the building – adding the elegant four-storey north wing in the process. Today, Kilcoy Castle stands as a remarkable blend of medieval fortification and Victorian restoration.
Visiting Kilcoy Castle: When to Go, What to Expect & Local Tips
Kilcoy Castle is privately owned, but its beautifully maintained Scottish gardens are open to the public during the summer months through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. It’s a peaceful and photogenic stop – especially appealing to those who appreciate heritage architecture and tranquil Highland landscapes.
• Parking is limited, with only a small roadside pull-in near the entrance, so it’s best visited by car for ease.
• The ideal time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the gardens are open and the Highlands are in full bloom.
• Midday light is great for clear photography, while spring mornings or autumn evenings provide soft, atmospheric tones perfect for capturing the castle’s timeless charm.
To make the most of your visit, consider pairing Kilcoy with nearby spots like the village of Muir of Ord or Logie Steading, a lovely location with artisan shops, a café, and a riverside walk. You’ll also find excellent local cafés and farm shops in the surrounding area – ideal for a light bite or coffee break.
Planning a longer itinerary? Kilcoy Castle makes a great addition to a scenic loop around the Black Isle, or even as a quieter first stop on a day heading toward Loch Ness.
If you’re interested in more history and castles in Inverness you might also wish to check out our Isle of Skye tour which passes two castles in Inverness and it’s surrounding area.
Castles Near Inverness – Loch an Eilein Castle
Loch an Eilein Castle sits on a small island in its namesake loch, giving it a mysterious and picturesque allure. Located around 35 miles south of Inverness near Aviemore, this 14th-century castle ruin was originally constructed as a place of refuge from thieves and raiders. The island stronghold could only be accessed by boat, which added an extra layer of defense against intruders. Even today, visitors can only reach the castle by canoe or kayak – most admire it from the scenic lakeside trail that encircles the water. For anyone touring castles near Inverness, Loch an Eilein Castle makes an ideal stop on a Highland day trip, offering history and natural beauty in equal measure.
History and Legends
Loch an Eilein Castle’s origins date back to the late Middle Ages. It was built in the 1300s and served as a refuge against bandits and clan feuds. One side of the loch is still known as “Robbers’ Way,” recalling the days when cattle rustlers like Rob Roy MacGregor traversed this area with stolen livestock. The castle later came into the hands of Alexander Stewart – better known as the “Wolf of Badenoch” – a notorious 14th-century Highland warlord. In 1690, during the Jacobite uprising, a group of retreating Jacobite soldiers besieged the castle after the Battle of Cromdale, but the laird’s widow Dame Grizel Mor Grant famously defended the island fortress and repelled the attack. By the late 18th century the castle had fallen out of use, and local lore hints that a secret zigzag causeway once connected it to shore – now submerged after the loch’s water level rose due to an 18th-century dam.
Visiting Loch an Eilein Castle: When to Go, What to Expect & Local Tips
Surrounded by the ancient Caledonian pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate, Loch an Eilein offers a tranquil setting for walkers and history enthusiasts. A well-maintained footpath (~5 km) loops around the loch, providing excellent viewpoints of the castle ruin through the trees. The water now laps against the castle’s base (the result of a raised water level in the 1770s), which makes the ivy-clad walls appear to rise straight out of the loch. The scenery here is so charming that Loch an Eilein was once voted Britain’s best picnic spot. Visitors often linger at the shoreline to photograph the castle and enjoy the abundant wildlife – keep an eye out for osprey, red squirrels, or even a soaring golden eagle.
Practical Information: Loch an Eilein is open year-round as part of the Cairngorms National Park, with parking and basic facilities available on site. There is a small visitor centre and the Loch an Eilein Gallery (an arts and crafts gallery in a converted croft) near the car park. The gallery is open daily from Easter through October (11:00am – 4:00pm), showcasing local artwork and information about the area. There is no bridge to the castle, so if you wish to step foot on the island you’ll need a canoe or kayak – however, most visitors simply enjoy the view from the shore, as the castle remains an enchanting focal point of the trail. With its rich history and fairy-tale setting, Loch an Eilein Castle is a highlight among castles near Inverness, promising a memorable stop on your next Highland adventure.
Loch an Eilein Castle is thought to date back to the 14th century, when it served as a refuge from thieves, raiders, and cattle rustlers. In fact, one stretch of the loch’s shore is still known as Robber’s Way – a haunting echo of its lawless past. Today, the surrounding pinewood trails and peaceful picnic spots offer a far more tranquil experience. It’s the kind of place that feels hidden from time – and the perfect addition to a private Highland itinerary. Why not explore more of Scotland with Happy Tours and make it part of your adventure?
Castles Near Inverness – Fort George
Just 12 miles northeast of Inverness, Fort George isn’t a castle in the traditional sense, but its scale, setting, and military history earn it a worthy place on any list of castles near Inverness. Built in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, this vast 18th-century stronghold was designed to quell future rebellion – and today remains one of the best-preserved artillery fortresses in Europe.
With panoramic views over the Moray Firth and an active army presence even to this day, Fort George is a living monument to Scotland’s turbulent past – and a fascinating stop on any Highland itinerary.
History and Significance
Fort George was constructed by the British government after the Battle of Culloden to enforce control over the Highlands and prevent further Jacobite uprisings. Completed in 1769, it replaced the original Fort George in Inverness, which had been seized and destroyed by Jacobite forces.
Designed as an impenetrable coastal fortress, it was never actually attacked – and its mighty ramparts, moat, and star-shaped defences remain fully intact. Although still an operational military base, Fort George now welcomes visitors year-round through Historic Environment Scotland.
Visiting Fort George: When to Go, What to Expect & Local Tips
Visitors can walk along nearly a mile of ramparts, enjoying views across the Moray Firth (where you might even spot dolphins on a clear day). Inside, costumed re-enactors bring the 18th-century garrison to life through live demonstrations and displays in the historic barrack rooms.
Don’t miss the Highlanders’ Museum – home to Scotland’s largest regimental collection outside of Edinburgh, showcasing over 20,000 artefacts from centuries of Highland military service.
Practical Information: Fort George is open daily (times vary seasonally), with on-site parking, toilets, a café, and a gift shop. It’s easily accessible by car from Inverness in about 25 minutes via Ardersier. A limited number of Stagecoach buses also serve the route.
Whether you’re drawn to its history, architecture, or views, Fort George offers a unique and immersive experience for anyone interested in castles near Inverness – especially those with an interest in Jacobite-era Scotland.
Want to see more of Scotland’s rich history and hidden gems? Let Happy Tours take you beyond the guidebooks with a bespoke itinerary that brings the Highlands – and its castles – to life.
Castles Near Inverness – Castle Leod
Tucked just outside the spa town of Strathpeffer, around 20 miles northwest of Inverness, Castle Leod is one of the Highlands’ best-preserved ancestral homes. Steeped in history and still lived in by the Chief of Clan Mackenzie, it’s also famous among Outlander fans as the real-life inspiration for Castle Leoch in the hit TV series. For those exploring castles near Inverness with a taste for both heritage and Highland storytelling, Castle Leod offers a rare opportunity to step into the past.
Historic clan seat and family home
Castle Leod is a striking example of a 17th-century L-plan tower house, though its foundations date back even further, with some parts thought to be from the late 1500s. It has been the seat of Clan Mackenzie for centuries, playing a prominent role in Highland history through the Jacobite era and beyond.
The castle remains privately owned and is still the family home of the Mackenzie chief, making it a living, breathing part of Scotland’s clan heritage. As a result, its interiors retain a wonderfully authentic atmosphere – complete with family portraits, antique furnishings, and original stonework.
Visiting Castle Leod: When to Go, What to Expect & Local Tips
Castle Leod is not open daily, but visitors can attend on a select number of open days during the spring and summer, or arrange a private guided tour by prior request. Tours offer a glimpse inside one of Scotland’s few remaining inhabited clan castles, with access to several rooms, historical exhibits, and personal stories shared by the family or guides.
The grounds are equally special. The surrounding gardens feature exotic trees planted by generations of Mackenzies, including what’s believed to be Scotland’s oldest Spanish chestnut tree, dating back to 1553, and a giant sequoia that’s among the largest in Britain.
Practical Information: Castle Leod is best reached by car, taking about 30–35 minutes from Inverness. Parking is available on-site during open days. Visitors are encouraged to check the official Castle Leod website for up-to-date open dates and booking details.
Whether you’re a history buff, a clan enthusiast, or an Outlander fan, Castle Leod offers a meaningful, memorable stop for anyone seeking castles near Inverness – and a rare chance to experience living Highland heritage firsthand.
Castles Near Inverness – Urquhart Castle
Perhaps one of the most famous castles in Scotland, Urquhart Castle paints a stark and beautiful silhouette on the banks of Loch Ness. Just a 30-minute drive from Inverness, this iconic ruin has a history stretching back over 1,000 years – from Pictish origins to its destruction during the Jacobite risings. Today, it’s one of the most visited castles near Inverness, offering stunning views and a deep connection to Highland history.
The Highlands’ Most Evocative Landmark
Urquhart Castle began as a Pictish fort, with some accounts suggesting that St. Columba visited the site in the 6th century. The stone castle seen today took shape in the 13th century, becoming a strategic prize during the Wars of Independence and later a stronghold for Clan Grant. Repeatedly attacked and rebuilt over the centuries, the castle was finally blown up by government troops in 1692 to prevent it from falling into Jacobite hands.
Despite its ruinous state, Urquhart remains one of the Highlands’ most evocative landmarks, steeped in legend and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It’s also associated with early tales of the Loch Ness Monster and has become a favourite stop for travellers seeking a blend of history and folklore.
Visiting Urquhart Castle: When to Go, What to Expect & Local Tips
Visitors can explore the castle’s Grant Tower, stroll through its dramatic ruins, and learn about its turbulent past at the on-site visitor centre. Don’t miss the chance to see the full-sized trebuchet, view medieval artefacts, and enjoy a short film presentation that brings the castle’s story to life.
The castle offers expansive views over Loch Ness, making it a perfect photography spot. A modern cafe and gift shop are also on-site, and facilities include ample parking, toilets, and accessible pathways.
Practical Information: Open year-round, with hours varying seasonally. Tickets can be purchased through Historic Environment Scotland. It’s best reached by car (about 30 minutes from Inverness along the A82), and there is plenty of parking available.
Looking to explore more of Scotland’s legendary landmarks? Urquhart Castle is included in our Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Tour, making it easy to experience multiple historic sites in one unforgettable day.
Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply in search of a great view, Urquhart Castle is a must-see stop among the castles near Inverness. Book a private Highland tour with Happy Tours and make it part of your journey.
Castles Near Inverness – Beaufort Castle
Just outside the village of Beauly, around 13 miles west of Inverness, stands Beaufort Castle – a grand baronial mansion with deep Clan Fraser roots. Although it’s a private residence and not open to the public, its striking red sandstone turrets and rich Jacobite history still make it a captivating highlight among castles near Inverness.
Clan Stronghold Turned Private Estate
Beaufort Castle was built in 1880 on the site of the earlier Castle Dounie, which was destroyed in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden. It was once the seat of Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, famously known as the “Old Fox,” who was executed for his role in the Jacobite Rising. The current castle was designed in Scottish Baronial style and remains an iconic symbol of the Fraser clan’s legacy.
Today, Beaufort Castle is privately owned and not open for tours, but it’s possible to glimpse it from certain public paths and roadside vantage points near Beauly. The estate also offers several self-catering cottages for holiday rental – an ideal option for those wanting a peaceful Highland stay on Fraser land.
Visiting Beaufort Castle: What to Know & Local Tips
While you can’t enter the castle itself, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the River Beauly for partial views of the estate. For a deeper Fraser clan experience, visit nearby Beauly Priory or the Wardlaw Mausoleum, the burial place of the Lovat Frasers.
Practical Information: The castle is privately owned and not open to the public. Stay in one of the Beaufort Estate cottages for access to the estate grounds, or admire the castle’s silhouette from a distance. Please respect all signage and private property restrictions.
Castles Inverness
Want to explore more historic gems around Inverness? Combine a drive-by view of Beaufort Castle with a stop at Cawdor Castle or Urquhart Castle as part of a custom tour with Happy Tours.
Inverness Castle
No list of castles near Inverness would be complete without Inverness Castle itself. Overlooking the River Ness from the city centre, this striking pink sandstone structure dates to the 1830s, though fortifications have stood on Castle Hill since at least 1057. Today, the castle is undergoing a major transformation to become a premier visitor attraction.
A Historic Heart Reimagined
The current Inverness Castle was built as a courthouse and prison, with its iconic twin towers becoming a city landmark. While it previously served as a working Sheriff Court, it closed in 2020 and is now being redeveloped into the Inverness Castle Experience, a new tourist attraction set to open in late summer 2025. When complete, it will feature panoramic views, immersive Highland storytelling, landscaped gardens, and a rooftop café
Visiting Inverness Castle: What to Know & Local Tips
Until the reopening, visitors can admire the castle exterior and enjoy views from Castle Hill. The nearby Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a perfect companion stop, showcasing Highland history and culture just a short walk away.
Practical Information: Inverness Castle is closed for renovation until late 2025. Entry prices are expected to be around £20 for adults, with family passes available. Located in the heart of Inverness, it’s easily walkable from the city centre.
Want to explore more Highland history? Combine a stroll to Inverness Castle with one of our bespoke tours to Cawdor Castle, Urquhart Castle or even out to the Isle of Skye with Happy Tours.
Can you go in Inverness Castle?
No, Inverness Castle is currently closed to the public as it undergoes major renovations to become the Inverness Castle Experience, a new visitor attraction. While the interior is closed, the castle grounds and the esplanade are accessible, and the Castle Viewpoint is open for those who wish to enjoy the views. The Inverness Castle Experience is scheduled to open in Spring 2025.
What can you do in Inverness Castle?
As of 2025, Inverness Castle is undergoing a major refurbishment and is not yet fully open to the public. However, it is set to reopen in late summer 2025 as the Inverness Castle Experience – a new, immersive visitor attraction celebrating the Highlands’ landscapes, culture, and stories.
Once it reopens, here’s what you’ll be able to do at Inverness Castle:
Explore interactive exhibits telling the story of the Highlands
Enjoy panoramic views from the restored towers and rooftop terrace
Stroll through landscaped gardens on Castle Hill
Relax at a new café and bistro
Visit the gift shop with Highland-inspired products
Experience storytelling spaces like the planned “Ceilidh Rooms” focused on music and folklore
Until then, visitors can still view the castle from the outside, enjoy the castle grounds, and visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery nearby, which features Highland history, archaeology, and art.
Castles Near Inverness – Brodie Castle
Just 25 miles east of Inverness along the A96, Brodie Castle is a turreted 16th-century mansion set in parkland. Once home to the Brodie clan, the castle is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland and offers a full day out for history lovers and families alike.
Highland Heritage and Family Fun
Inside, visitors can take guided tours of rooms filled with antiques, art, and a 6,000-book library. Outside, the Playful Garden delights kids with quirky sculptures, and in spring, the estate bursts into colour with over 100 daffodil varieties. Woodland walks, a pond, and a café round out the visit.
Visiting Brodie Castle: What to Know & Local Tips
Practical Information: Open seasonally with guided tours. Entry is £16 for adults, £9 for children, with family and concession tickets available. Book online via the National Trust for Scotland. Easily reached by car in about 40 minutes from Inverness.
Let Happy Tours take you on a personalised journey through castles near Inverness, or throughout the Highlands to Skye and beyond.
Castles Near Inverness – Cawdor Castle
No list of castles near Inverness is complete without the legendary Cawdor Castle. Just 15 miles east of the city, this striking medieval tower house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and steeped in literary fame as the fictional home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
History and Literary Fame
Though often linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor Castle was actually built in the 14th century – long after the real King Macbeth’s time. The story goes that the original tower was constructed around a thorn tree chosen by a dream-guided donkey, and that very tree is still preserved in the castle’s basement. The castle has remained in the Cawdor family for centuries and is still lived in today.
Visiting Cawdor Castle: What to Know & Local Tips
Inside, you’ll find rooms filled with antiques, tapestries, and artefacts from generations past. Outside, explore three distinctive gardens – including a holly maze and a woodland trail. There’s also a lovely café in the courtyard serving Highland fare.
Practical Information: Open daily from late March to early October. Entry is £15.50 for adults, with concessions and family tickets available. Book online via the official Cawdor Castle website. Just a 25-minute drive from Inverness.
