Scottish Castles

Wherever you are in Scotland, you are never far away from one of our magnificent Scottish castles or ruins. The Scots began building castles around 1200 AD, and they constructed some of the greats over the next 200 years. So, here is our pick of the best castles and palaces near Loch Lomond. Great for all the family to visit during a stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront.

Dumbarton Castle

Visit Dumbarton Castle and conquer more than 500 steps to get to the top of Dumbarton Rock. Located only 18 miles …

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Stirling Castle

Visiting Stirling Castle takes you back in history to enter the world of Scotland’s kings, queens and royal splendour. Only …

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Linlithgow Palace

During your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront, why not visit the historic Linlithgow Palace? This ancient palace can be reached …

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Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle and the Country Park, are a must-see when staying with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Only a 25-minute car ride or bus trip …

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Buchanan Castle

Buchanan Castle now lies in ruin on the grounds of a beautiful golf course near Drymen, but it was once the family home of the Duke…

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Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle makes a great day trip from your holiday accommodation here at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Located …

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Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Palace is a wonderful place to visit on an Edinburgh day trip, during your stay at …

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Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle makes for a perfect family attraction on your visit to Edinburgh. Only about 70 miles away from your accommodation at Loch Lomond Waterfront, Edinburgh is home to …

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Inveraray Castle

Covering over 16 acres, Inveraray Castle and its gardens have something different to offer visitors at every time of year …

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Scottish Castles near Loch Lomond

If you are looking for castles to visit within an hour’s drive of Loch Lomond Waterfront, there are many to choose from.

Castles and palaces which are open to the public include Dumbarton Castle, Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace. There is much to see at each of these sites, which are well-preserved and have rich and fascinating histories.

Some castle ruins are now closed to the public, but still provide a great day out in their grounds and gardens. Such as Balloch Castle, which has beautiful gardens, including a walled garden and a Chinese garden. And also Buchanan Castle, with its own 18-hole course by the River Endrick.

Day Trips from Loch Lomond

Looking for a day trip from Loch Lomond to visit a great Scottish castle?

Edinburgh is around 70 miles from Loch Lomond Waterfront, which takes about an hour and a half to drive. In the city centre, sitting at either end of the famous Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are must-see attractions. On the outskirts of the city, the ruins of Craigmillar Castle are also worth a visit.

On the west coast of Scotland and just over 50 miles away, Inveraray Castle makes a great family day trip. Sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne, this impressive castle and 16 acres of gardens are great to explore.

Exploring Scotland’s history

With all of these castles and palaces to visit near Loch Lomond, you’re spoilt for choice! Plus, you can check out these other historic sites during your stay.

Testimonials

  • Outstanding location

    'The location is outstanding - right on the edge of Loch Lomond with private water frontage and beaches. As a location for exploring, again this rates very highly. We easily accessed central Glasgow by train from nearby Balloch and also explored Stirling (particularly the castle and Wallace memorial), the Falkirk Wheel and even Perth and Pitlochry by car. It is a very peaceful place, which can only be disturbed on occasion by your neighbours but with the Slumber Charter in place, we had absolutely no problems overnight.'