Five unique castles you can explore across Scotland with Disney inspirations and Spanish-style buildings
HIT reality TV series The Traitors returns on January 1, with contestants gathering once more at remote Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
While the psychological BBC show keeps us guessing who is the ultimate traitor, the stunning setting helps draw in viewers.
The 19th century Baronial-style castle sits in 100 acres of parkland and gardens on the banks of the River Alness.
While the fortress is not open to the public, you can get close to it with a stay at the five-star Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness.
And it’s not the only historic pile attracting visitors in Scotland. There are more than 4,000 castles dotted around.
Jenna Maxxwell explores five more unique Scottish fortresses to visit in 2025.
CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE
What do Britney Spears and Walt Disney have in common? They are fans of this very pink house.
The 17th-century structure is said to be the inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle in Florida’s Walt Disney World and even Britney loves it – she posted snaps of it to her millions of Instagram fans earlier this year.
Being Disney – and Britney – buffs, my daughter and I had to check this one out, dressing up in puffy skirts for the occasion.
When the tower was refurbished, pigments were added to the harling wall finish to match the granite and the result is the famous “Craigievar pink”.
Visiting the grounds to get your iconic Instagram snap is free but you can pay for a guided tour.
- Entry to the castle from £16.50 per adult, £37.50 per family. See nts.org.uk/visit/places/craigievar.
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
Fans of Disney blockbuster Brave will spot Merida’s home of DunBroch is influenced by Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, visited by a team of Disney-Pixar animators.
Sitting atop the rocky outcrop that juts into the North Sea on the rugged Aberdeenshire coast, it’s one of the most breathtaking structures in the world – in more ways than one, as you’ll have to huff and puff down and then up 200 steps to reach the entrance.
While filming Hamlet there in 1990, Mel Gibson heard how William Wallace had trapped English troops in the chapel before setting it on fire, killing the lot. That’s not in the Disney movie.
- Entry from £11.50 for adults and £5 for children age 5-15. See dunnottarcastle.co.uk.
KELBURN CASTLE & ESTATE
While Craigievar is pretty in pink, Kelburn boasts every colour you can imagine. Covered in psychedelic murals from Brazilian artists, it looks like it belongs among the Gaudi structures of Barcelona rather than Ayrshire.
The castle, near Largs, dates to the 13th century and was given a striking makeover in 2007, when the owner’s children persuaded him to brighten it up a bit.
It’s such a cool spot to visit and perfect for a family day out.
The grounds are full of play areas including the Secret Forest, a fairytale trail though the woodland, as well as an adventure course and mini zoo.
You can even book a trek with alpacas or goats at West Coast Alpacas.
- Admission to the grounds, gardens and visitor centre is free. Parking costs £5 per car. Castle tours are from £5 in summer. See kelburnestate.com.
NEW SLAINS CASTLE
If you are looking for a more atmospheric experience, New Slains Castle is one to check out.
Believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel Dracula, there is no gift shop, cafe or play park.
The 16th century ruins sit on a cliff edge overlooking the North Sea near Cruden Bay, so take extra care when exploring.
The sheer drops are one of the reasons cars are no longer allowed to drive directly to the site but those feeling brave enough can peer in to some of the still-intact staircases and rooms.
Some were so dark they couldn’t be penetrated by my torch light but it was easy to see why this super-spooky structure gave birth to the ultimate gothic horror novel.
- No admission fee. See visitabdn.com/listing/slains-castle.
CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE
Another unique structure that has to be seen to be believed in Dumfries and Galloway.
The reason for its cool triangular shape is a mystery to this day but it makes it a great one to explore.
As Maxwells, we were greeted by the staff like old friends because the castle was a stronghold of the clan for more than 400 years.
With a gift shop, picnic area as well as a play park, it is fair to say it has probably changed a bit since the 13th century.
However it is still a dramatic sight and the castle even played a starring role in adverts for the national tourist board, VisitScotland.
- Entry from £6 for adults and £3.50 for children. See historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/caerlaverock-castle.