Private Castle Tours Of Scotland

    Enquire Today:

    Your Name:*

    Your Email:*

    No. of Days:*

    Arrival Date:*

    No. of Guests:*

    No. of Rooms:*

    Hotel Standard:*

    Telephone:*

    Scotland Castle Tours

    If there is anything richer in its substance than a vintage malt whisky, it is Scotland’s enchanted history. The fight for freedom against English tyranny, the gruelling medieval wars, haunted dungeons, urban transformations, the Scottish Enlightenment, inventions that have shaken the world – Scotland’s history stands as tall as the imperious Scott Monument. History is what defines us but it is the elemental ruins of our beloved Scottish castles that symbolise the complexity of our past.

    The Scottish castles have stood the test the time, withstood bloody battles and are now under siege from the relentless onslaught of intrigued tourists. At Private Tours Scotland, we are here to give you a historic tour in opulent comfort of our beloved castles scattered throughout the country. From start to finish, your journey is about indulging in Scottish history with luxurious accommodation and fine dining. We will carry you through this journey in style and comfort, promising to make it a stress-free holiday.

    After you have sent your enquiry, our team will collect all of the relevant information and create a bespoke itinerary based on your preferences. From historic city landmarks to rural coastal castles, our team will create the perfect luxury castle tour that will live just as long in the memory as our castles.

    What’s Included In Your Scottish Castle Tour Package?

    Private Driver & Luxury Vehicle

    Enjoy the comfort of a private driver, ready to whisk you away on a magical journey through Scotland’s historic castles. Your driver is not just a chauffeur but a companion who knows the roads less traveled, ensuring a smooth, flexible, and personal travel experience throughout your Scottish adventure.

    Bespoke Itinerary

    Your castle tour of Scotland features a bespoke itinerary, crafted to suit your interests and desires. Every stop is selected to provide an immersive experience, from legendary fortresses to hidden gems. This tailored schedule ensures each day is filled with discovery, intrigue, and the timeless allure of Scotland.

    Luxury Hotels
    (with breakfast included)

    Each night, retreat to the finest luxury hotels Scotland has to offer, where historic charm meets modern comfort. Wake up to sumptuous breakfasts, fueling your day’s explorations. These carefully chosen accommodations are not just a place to stay but an integral part of your Scottish castle experience.

    Dedicated
    Tour Co-ordinator

    A dedicated tour coordinator will be at your service throughout the trip, ensuring a seamless experience. They act as your personal concierge, handling all logistics and responding to any request. Their local insights and attention to detail mean you can relax and immerse yourself in the wonders of Scotland.

    Sightseeing &
    Other Excursions

    Beyond castle walls, explore Scotland’s cultural tapestry with diverse sightseeing and excursions. From the mystical highlands to vibrant city streets, each activity is chosen to enrich your journey. Delight in local folklore, taste exquisite cuisine, and engage with the rich Scottish heritage beyond the history books.

    Why Choose Private Tours Scotland?

    Impeccable Reputation

    Our 5-star reviews are a testament to the impeccable service we provide, a service that impresses the most discerning of travelers. Our clients’ experiences speak volumes, reflecting our dedication to creating seamless and exceptional Scottish travel experiences. Every aspect of our service, from the luxurious accommodations to the unique excursions, is designed to delight and impress.

    Local Expertise

    As local experts based in Ireland and Scotland, our passion for our homeland shines through in the experiences we curate. We have personally visited each location, stayed at the hotels, and participated in the activities we recommend. This firsthand knowledge ensures that we provide genuine and authentic advice, allowing our clients to enjoy the true essence of Scotland.

    Dedicated
    Travel Coordination

    With a dedicated Travel Coordinator at your service, every detail of your journey is meticulously planned. This personalized approach covers everything from hotel reservations to dining and excursions. Your Travel Coordinator is committed to your satisfaction, available to assist with any issue throughout your trip, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable experience.

    Bespoke
    Itineraries

    Our expertise in creating bespoke itineraries allows us to tailor a journey that encapsulates all of your interests and requests. We don’t just plan trips; we design personalized experiences that reflect your desires, ensuring that your Scottish tour is as unique as you are.

    Strong Supplier
    Relationships

    Our unbreakable supplier relationships afford our clients access to the very best that Scotland has to offer. These partnerships are built on trust and mutual respect, enabling us to provide exclusive access to premier hotels and private experiences. With Private Tours Scotland, you’re not just visiting; you’re being introduced to the finest elements of Scottish hospitality and culture.

    Scottish Castle Tours

    There is a long list of iconic Scottish castles to choose from, due to their historical importance and later use as film and TV locations. From the Scottish Highlands to the Lowlands, the country is peppered with impressive castles. Many parts of the hit TV series Outlander were filmed at Scottish castle locations including Doune Castle and Drummond Castle. Due to the wide-spread appeal and influence of Outlander, we have made special itineraries for guests to visit all of the castles used in the TV series. It feels unjust to exclude a number of big names from our shortlist of iconic castles to visit but here are our top seven that never fails to take our breath away.

    Edinburgh Castle

    Sitting atop the craggy extinct volcano in the capital’s city centre, Edinburgh Castle steals most of the limelight. It is unquestionably Scotland’s most famous and important castle due to the number of invasions and gruesome wars it has been a part of throughout the centuries. The castle is the city’s iconic symbol and treasure that endears locals and from high up on its cragged throne, no matter the weather.

    Stirling Castle

    Once the residence of the Stewart kings and queens, Stirling Castle revels in its grandeur as it sits atop Castle Hill and against the surrounding Ochil hills. The castle may not be as iconic as Edinburgh’s, but it certainly is as scenic and profound with regards to its history. Being likened to ‘a huge brooch clasping Highlands and Lowlands together,’ Stirling Castle is perhaps revered more for its impressive architecture than its counterparts. Its role as a Royal Palace is hugely significant in Scottish history since many royal dramas have unfolded here with almost every Scottish monarch until the Union of the Crowns in 1604 having either lived, been crowned or died in the castle. 

    Balmoral Castle

    Adorned by Queen Victoria as her ‘Dear paradise in the Highlands,’ Balmoral Castle remains part of the royal family’s property. It has been in their possession since 1852, the story being that Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, were so struck with the Highlands that they sought to reside in a property where they could live in a palace of luxury. Remaining true to its roots, every part of Balmoral Castle accentuates its Victorian Highland personality. When the royal family aren’t in residence, visitors can enjoy exhibitions in the Ballroom, the castle’s largest room, and wander through the charming gardens and grounds.

    Dunrobin Castle

    Perched on the edge of the North Sea, Dunrobin Castle is a fairy-tale chateau that combines French Renaissance architecture with the stoicism of a medieval fortress. With spires that reach towards the sky and gardens that cascade to the shore, Dunrobin is a historical jewel that has evolved through the centuries, home to the Dukes of Sutherland and offering a glimpse into the opulence of Scotland’s aristocratic past. 

    Eilean Donan Castle

    Eilean Donan stands as an iconic sentinel at the confluence of three lochs, embodying Scotland’s romantic spirit. This restored castle, dating back to the 13th century, has witnessed a turbulent history and now serves as a symbol of resilience and beauty. Its storied walls and strategic location offer a profound connection to the ancestral clans that once presided over these lands.

    Glamis Castle

    Glamis Castle’s turrets and towers rise from the verdant Angus countryside, a family home since 1372. Steeped in legends and lore, including Shakespearean tales and royal connections, Glamis invites visitors to unravel the mysteries within its walls, promising an intimate encounter with Scotland’s noble and supernatural history.

    Dunnottar Castle

    Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress, gripping the rugged coastline with a dramatic flair. Its cliffside position has served both as a formidable defense and a royal refuge throughout its storied past. The ruins whisper tales of the Scottish crown jewels’ concealment and offer awe-inspiring views that connect visitors to the saga of Scotland’s heritage. This fairytale castle is a must visit.

    Iconic Scottish Castles

    There is a long list of iconic Scottish castles to choose from, due to their historical importance and later use as film and TV locations. Many parts of the hit TV series Outlander were filmed at Scottish castle locations including Doune Castle and Drummond Castle. Due to the wide-spread appeal and influence of Outlander, we have made special itineraries for guests to visit all of the castles used in the TV series. It feels unjust to exclude a number of big names from our shortlist of iconic castles to visit but here are our top three that never fails to take our breath away.

    Medieval Castles

    From well preserved medieval fortresses to inspiring cliff-top ruins, medieval castles are perhaps the most romantic due to the magical aura that surrounds them. Most of Scotland’s most iconic castles were built during a period involving treachery, bloody mutilations and beheadings. If you are fascinated by them as much as we are, then you are in for a treat because we can promise you that there is no better way to uncovering Scotland’s historical landscape.

    Scenic Ruined Castles

    If you are more interested in venturing far back into the oldest corners of this ancient country, then seeing ruined castles will spark your imagination and provoke your interest. Dating as far back as the 14th century, Scotland’s ruined castles hold as much substance in their character as their age. See first hand the ruins that show the imprint of centuries of history in their scarred stones.

    Our Favourite Castle Hotels

    Nestled in Scotland’s storied landscape, these castle hotels offer an enchanting stay, blending historic grandeur with modern luxury. They provide a unique opportunity to live like royalty amidst centuries-old walls.

    Inverlochy Castle

    Inverlochy Castle Hotel, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ben Nevis, is a quintessential Scottish escape. Each room is an anthology of Victorian elegance, with opulent furnishings and timeless charm. Guests are treated to a regal experience, with contemporary comforts seamlessly integrated into the castle’s storied heritage.

    Fonab Castle

    Perched on the tranquil banks of Loch Faskally, Fonab Castle Hotel is a sanctuary of serenity and luxury. With interiors that echo the natural beauty of its surroundings, Fonab provides a retreat where history and modernity converge in a harmonious tapestry, offering a tranquil yet lavish Highland experience.

    Glenapp Castle

    Glenapp Castle Hotel is a hidden treasure on the rugged Ayrshire coast, enveloped by enchanted woodlands and gardens. Its turrets and towers house sumptuous suites, while the castle’s gourmet dining and tailored activities make for an aristocratic sojourn, steeped in both luxury and adventure.

    Crossbasket Castle

    Crossbasket Castle, a resplendent 17th-century mansion, rises majestically in the Scottish countryside near Glasgow. It has been meticulously restored to offer an opulent hotel experience, with individually designed rooms that narrate a tale of historical splendor, all set within acres of wooded parkland and the meandering River Calder.

    Dalhousie Castle Hotel

    Dalhousie Castle Hotel, a fortress turned sanctuary, is a living chronicle of Scottish history. Only a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, it provides a royal encounter with its majestic suites, a renowned spa set within the castle’s dungeons, and dining experiences that are both grandiose and intimate.

    Each castle hotel is a portal to the past, promising an unforgettable stay where luxury meets legacy, and every guest is royalty.

    Scottish Castles FAQ’s

    Our private castle tours in Scotland are adorned with unique experiences that capture the essence of Scottish heritage. Enjoy the quintessential afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle, or be welcomed by the traditional sounds of bagpipes at Glamis Castle. These bespoke experiences are designed to immerse you in the cultural richness of Scotland.

    Yes, our tours are designed with your convenience in mind. You can choose the arrival dates that best suit your schedule, providing a tailored travel experience. Please keep in mind that we do not operate tours in December, January, and February due to Scotland’s harsh winter weather.

    Absolutely, our private castle and history tours are customisable to your preferences. We can include a variety of activities such as hiking, whisky tours, and golf, creating a diverse and comprehensive Scottish adventure tailored just for you.

    The best castles to visit in Scotland on a private tour include the majestic Stirling Castle, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the cinematic Doune Castle, the historic Urquhart Castle, the picturesque Drummond Castle Gardens, the formidable Blackness Castle, the stately Dunrobin Castle, the cliffside Dunnottar Castle, the royal Linlithgow Palace, the neoclassical Inveraray Castle, and the idyllic Eilean Donan Castle.

     

    Scotland is home to a remarkable array of castles, with over 2,000 castles, fortresses, and ruins that adorn its landscape, each with its unique story and historical significance.

    The oldest standing castle in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle, parts of which date back to the 12th century, proudly perched upon Castle Rock and dominating the skyline of the capital city.

    Yes, you can visit the royal castles in Scotland. This includes the stately Holyrood Palace, located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and the serene Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the royal family, open to the public when they are not in residence.

    Edinburgh Castle is considered the biggest castle in Scotland. It stands atop an extinct volcanic crag and is a landmark of Scottish identity and heritage.

    Scottish castles have provided the perfect backdrop for many movies and TV series. Notably, they have featured in the popular series “Outlander” and other famous productions, showcasing their versatility and timeless allure on screen.

    The best time of year to embark on a private castle tour of Scotland is from June to September, when the weather is most pleasant. However, Scotland is worth visiting any time from April to October, and even into November and March if you’re prepared for the brisk Scottish climate.

    When visiting Scotland, it’s wise to bring a wide variety of clothing. Be prepared for all weather conditions with layers, waterproofs, and comfortable, durable footwear to fully enjoy your Scottish castle experience.

    There are so many but here are a few suggestions, Falkland Palace , Loch Ness, Stirling Bridge, St Andrews, Isle Of Skye, Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond.

    VAT & TAXES, Personalised itinerary, Executive vehicle (Mercedes V-Class) & professional driver for route according to the   itinerary, Services of private local guides for activities according to the itinerary, Admissions to all sites according to the itinerary, Breakfast at all hotels included, Accommodation according to the itinerary, Co-ordination and support.

    This excludes:
    International Air Fare, Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Lunch and Dinner, Beverages, All items of a personal nature, Laundry.