Edinburgh Castle is often considered Scotland's most important castle, but is it the biggest? The answer depends on how you measure. By footprint and total area, some lesser-known castles actually surpass Edinburgh. Here's a look at Scotland's largest and most significant castles.
Scotland's Largest Castles
Stirling Castle
Largest by AreaStirling Castle sits on a volcanic rock and has one of the largest enclosed areas of any castle in Scotland. The Great Hall alone is the largest medieval hall in Scotland, measuring 42 metres long. The castle grounds span approximately 26 acres.
Edinburgh Castle
Most VisitedEdinburgh Castle covers approximately 35,737 square metres (8.8 acres) including the esplanade. While not the largest by area, it's Scotland's most visited paid attraction and contains more historic buildings than any other Scottish castle.
Dunnottar Castle
Dramatically sited on a rocky headland on the Aberdeenshire coast. The castle ruins spread across a 3-acre flat-topped promontory. One of Scotland's most photogenic and atmospherically-sited castles.
Floors Castle
Technically a stately home rather than a medieval castle, Floors Castle near Kelso claims to be the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. The current building dates from the 18th century with Victorian additions.
Culzean Castle
An 18th-century castle designed by Robert Adam, set within 600 acres of country park on the Ayrshire coast. The castle itself is one of Scotland's most elegant, with dramatic clifftop views.
Castle Comparison
| Castle | Type | Best For | From Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | Medieval fortress | History, Crown Jewels | City centre |
| Stirling Castle | Royal palace | Renaissance architecture | 1 hour |
| Dunnottar | Cliff-top ruin | Photography, drama | 2 hours |
| Floors Castle | Stately home | Gardens, interiors | 1 hour |
| Culzean | Georgian castle | Country park, coast | 1.5 hours |
Castle Day Trips from Edinburgh
Stirling Castle Day Trip
Just 50 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stirling station. The castle is a 15-minute walk uphill from the station. Combine with a visit to the Wallace Monument nearby.
Scottish Borders Castles
Floors Castle and nearby Kelso make an excellent day trip to the Scottish Borders. Also visit the ruined abbeys of Melrose, Jedburgh, and Dryburgh in the same area.
The Verdict
By enclosed area and grounds: Stirling Castle edges out Edinburgh for the title of largest castle by area.
By total building footprint: Floors Castle, as an inhabited stately home, has the most floor space.
By historic importance and visitor numbers: Edinburgh Castle is unmatched as Scotland's most significant and most visited castle.