Spring is one of the best times to visit Scotland’s castles, with gardens in bloom, quieter grounds, and crisp, clear days perfect for exploring. From grand stately homes to dramatic Highland fortresses, these spring castle visits offer history, scenery, and some of the season’s best displays.
Planning a spring short break? Explore our 6 holiday parks near Perthshire, Royal Deeside, Loch Lomond, and Stirling.
Perthshire
Home to some of Scotland’s most impressive historic estates, Perthshire is rich in grand architecture, scenic grounds, and centuries of history. From elegant palaces to Highland strongholds, these Perthshire castles make excellent day trips from Blairgowrie, Corriefodly and Faskally Woods.
Scone Palace, Perth
The original home of the Stone of Destiny has over 1000 years of history. Scone Palace is a great day out with lovely grounds, gardens and a maze to explore.
Glamis Castle, Angus
The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. The gardens surrounding Glamis Castle are beautiful all year round.
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. More than 30 rooms are on display. In the grounds, there is a walled garden and a peaceful wooded grove with some of Britain’s tallest and finest trees.
Royal Deeside & Aberdeenshire
From turreted towers to elegant country estates, Aberdeenshire is home to some of Scotland’s most distinctive castles. Rich in royal connections, dramatic landscapes, and beautifully preserved grounds, this region is ideal for scenic day trips from Deeside Holiday Park.
Crathes Castle, Banchory
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house. Both the castle and the beautiful gardens are well worth a visit.
Drum Castle, Banchory
The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drum’s battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling extensions. The beautiful garden of historic roses is divided into quadrants that show how roses have been cultivated from the 17th to the 20th century.
Loch Lomond & Stirlingshire
From lochside landmarks to some of Scotland’s most important historic strongholds, Loch Lomond and Stirlingshire offer some of the country’s most memorable castle visits. Combining dramatic scenery, rich history, and easy day trips from Lomond Woods and Callander Woods, this region is ideal for exploring grand castles, medieval ruins, and iconic Scottish landscapes.
The Hill House, Helensburgh
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Anyone with a passion for design and architecture will love the Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece on a grand scale.
Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire
One of Scotland’s most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens. You can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th-century life.
Doune Castle, Stirlingshire
Explore this 14th-century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best-preserved great halls in Scotland. This was used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
