8 Magnificent Castles to Visit Near Finnich Cottages

Imagine standing beneath ancient stone walls that have witnessed centuries of Scottish history, from royal coronations to dramatic escapes and fierce battles. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs region places you at the heart of Scotland's castle country, where fortress ruins and grand stately homes dot the landscape in every direction.

Finnich Cottages sits perfectly positioned for castle explorers, offering easy access to some of the most impressive strongholds in Scotland. Whether you prefer dramatic clifftop ruins, fairytale turrets, or fully furnished royal palaces, these eight castles provide unforgettable day trips.

Each tells a unique story of Scotland's turbulent and fascinating past.

Stirling Castle

The grandest of all Scottish castles, Stirling Castle dominates the landscape from its volcanic crag, commanding views across the meeting point of Highlands and Lowlands. This magnificent fortress served as the favoured residence of Stewart kings and queens, witnessing coronations, christenings, and some of Scotland's most pivotal moments.

Why Visit Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle ranks among Scotland's most important historical sites, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year drawn to its grandeur. The refurbished Royal Palace offers a glimpse into 16th-century court life, complete with costumed performers who bring history vividly to life.

Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood within these walls, and the echoes of royal celebrations still seem to linger in the magnificent Great Hall.

Things to See and Do

- Explore the Royal Palace with its lavish Renaissance interiors

- Stand in the Great Hall, Scotland's largest medieval banqueting hall

- Meet costumed characters portraying bodyguards, maids, and servants

- Visit the Great Kitchens to discover how royal feasts were prepared

- Marvel at the hand-woven tapestries in the Queen's Inner Hall

- Enjoy family activities including dress-up and medieval instruments

Practical Information

Opening Hours: April to September daily 9.30am to 6pm (last entry 5pm). October to March daily 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm).

Admission: Adult online £18.50, walk-up £20.50. Child online £11, walk-up £12.50. Family tickets available.

Duration: Allow 2-3 hours minimum.

Parking: Limited on-site parking fills quickly. Alternative parking available in Stirling town centre.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 30 minutes by car (22 miles).

Doune Castle

Film enthusiasts will instantly recognise Doune Castle as Castle Leoch from Outlander, Winterfell from Game of Thrones, and multiple locations from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This remarkably well-preserved 14th-century fortress offers one of Scotland's finest medieval great halls and atmospheric battlements overlooking the River Teith.

Why Visit Doune Castle

Built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany (known as Scotland's uncrowned king), Doune Castle combines authentic medieval atmosphere with modern pop culture fame.

The digital audio guide, narrated by Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) and Terry Jones from Monty Python, makes this a uniquely entertaining castle visit.

Things to See and Do

- Walk through the Great Hall, one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval rooms

- Climb to the battlements for views of Ben Lomond and the River Teith

- Follow the Outlander audio tour through filming locations

- Explore the kitchen servery and imagine medieval feasts being prepared

- Discover the woodland walk and site of a Roman fort in the grounds

- Browse the charming village of Doune afterwards

Practical Information

Opening Hours: April and May daily 10am to 5pm. June to September daily 9.30am to 5.30pm. October to March daily 10am to 4pm.

Admission: Adult online £10, walk-up £11. Child online £6, walk-up £6.50.

Duration: Allow 1.5-2 hours.

Parking: Limited at castle. Village car parks recommended.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 35 minutes by car (23 miles).

Dumbarton Castle

Rising dramatically from a 334-million-year-old volcanic plug on the River Clyde, Dumbarton Castle holds the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. This ancient fortress served as the heart of the Kingdom of Strathclyde and later sheltered Mary Queen of Scots before her journey to France.

Why Visit Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton offers a truly unique castle experience, combining ancient history with spectacular geology. Climbing the 500 steps to the summit rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views stretching to Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, and the Argyll hills.

The Georgian Governor's House contains fascinating artefacts, while the 18th-century military fortifications showcase impressive architecture.

Things to See and Do

- Conquer the 500-step climb to the White Tower Crag summit

- Admire sweeping views across the Clyde, Loch Lomond, and beyond

- Explore the fine Georgian Governor's House and its collections

- Discover 1,500 years of history from Vikings to World War II

- Study impressive examples of 18th-century military architecture

- Follow the interactive family trail through the fortifications

Practical Information

Opening Hours: April to September daily 9.30am to 5pm. October to March daily (except Thursday and Friday) 10am to 4pm.

Admission: Adult online £7.50, walk-up £8.50. Child online £4.50, walk-up £5.00.

Duration: Allow 1.5-2 hours.

Accessibility: Not suitable for visitors with limited mobility due to extensive steep stairs.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 25 minutes by car (12 miles).

Inveraray Castle

This romantic fairytale castle on the shores of Loch Fyne serves as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll and Chiefs of Clan Campbell. With its distinctive turrets and magnificent interiors, Inveraray Castle ranks among Scotland's finest stately homes and appeared as Duneagle Castle in Downton Abbey.

Why Visit Inveraray Castle

The enchanting Gothic Revival exterior gives way to equally impressive interiors, including the famous Armoury Hall with 1,300 historic weapons beneath Scotland's highest ceiling (21 metres).

Visitors can explore state rooms featuring French tapestries woven specifically for the castle, priceless furniture, and fascinating clan history.

Things to See and Do

- Marvel at the Armoury Hall's impressive weapons collection

- Admire the State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room

- Explore 16 acres of gardens famous for rhododendrons and azaleas

- Discover the Campbell clan history in the Clan Room

- Enjoy refreshments in the castle tearoom

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The castle is currently closed for winter and reopens 26th March 2026. During season, open Thursday to Monday.

Admission: In 2026, adult castle and gardens tickets are £18.50. Groups of 20 or more receive discounts.

Duration: Allow 2-3 hours including gardens.

Note: The castle has three floors accessible only by stairs. Video tours available for those unable to climb.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car (45 miles). A scenic drive through beautiful Highland scenery.

Balloch Castle Country Park

While the original medieval fortress lies in ruins, the 19th-century Balloch Castle stands proudly within 200 acres of stunning parkland on Loch Lomond's southeastern shore. This is Loch Lomond's only country park and offers a relaxed castle experience perfect for families.

Why Visit Balloch Castle Country Park

This free attraction combines historic architecture with beautiful natural surroundings. The Tudor Gothic castle, designed by London architect Robert Lugar, provides a picturesque backdrop for walks through ornamental gardens, woodland trails, and lochside paths with spectacular views.

Things to See and Do

- Admire the castle's decorative turrets and Gothic architecture

- Explore the Chinese Garden with its beautiful rhododendrons

- Wander through the Fairy Glen woodland walk

- Discover the Secret Garden and Kitchen Garden

- Relax on the loch shore beaches

- Let children enjoy the enclosed adventure playground

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Park accessible 24 hours. Public toilets at castle open 9am to 2.30pm (longer in summer). Walled garden typically 10am to 3pm.

Admission: Free entry to park and castle exterior.

Parking: Free parking at Moss O' Balloch and smaller castle car park.

Duration: Allow 1-3 hours depending on walking.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 15 minutes by car (7 miles).

Buchanan Castle

Just a mile from Drymen village, the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Buchanan Castle offer a glimpse into Scotland's more recent past. This Victorian baronial mansion, once home to the Duke of Montrose, harbours a remarkable World War II secret: Nazi Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess was treated here after his mysterious flight to Scotland in 1941.

Why Visit Buchanan Castle

The overgrown ruins create an atmospheric and somewhat eerie experience. While entry to the castle interior is prohibited for safety reasons, walking around the impressive exterior reveals the scale and grandeur of this once-magnificent home.

The striking Scottish baronial architecture with its turrets and stepped gables makes for dramatic photography.

Things to See and Do

- View the impressive ruined exterior from safe vantage points

- Learn about the fascinating Hess connection

- Combine with a circular walk through Buchanan Estate

- Enjoy views of Loch Lomond from nearby viewpoints

- Explore the neighbouring golf course grounds

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Exterior viewable at any time. Interior access prohibited due to structural dangers.

Admission: Free to view from outside.

Parking: Park in Drymen village and walk (approximately 1 mile).

Important: Do not attempt to enter the ruins as floors are unstable and falling masonry poses serious risks.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 5 minutes by car or 20-minute walk (1 mile).

Kilchurn Castle

One of Scotland's most photographed castles, Kilchurn Castle stands on a peninsula at the head of Loch Awe, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery including Ben Cruachan. Built by the powerful Campbells of Glenorchy in the 1400s, this atmospheric ruin contains the oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland.

Why Visit Kilchurn Castle

The setting alone makes Kilchurn worth the journey. The combination of ancient stone ruins reflected in the loch waters, backed by soaring Highland peaks, creates unforgettable images.

The walk to the castle offers changing perspectives and chances to appreciate the strategic position the Campbells chose for their powerbase.

Things to See and Do

- Photograph one of Scotland's most iconic castle views

- Walk the scenic path from the A85 (approximately 1 kilometre)

- Explore the exterior and grounds of the ruined fortress

- Learn about 150 years of Campbell clan dominance

- Discover the 17th-century barracks block

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Interior closed for conservation works; no reopening date announced. Exterior can still be viewed from outside the security fence.

Admission: Free when interior is accessible. Currently exterior only.

Parking: Off A85 near head of Loch Awe. Path can be muddy.

Access Note: The peninsula may flood during very wet weather, temporarily cutting off access.

From Finnich Cottages: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car (42 miles). Consider combining with a trip to Inveraray.

Plan Your Castle Adventure

Scotland's castles offer windows into centuries of dramatic history, from medieval battles to royal intrigue and wartime secrets. Each of these eight castles near Finnich Cottages provides unique experiences, whether you seek Outlander filming locations, Mary Queen of Scots connections, or simply spectacular settings for memorable photographs.

With so many castles within easy reach, multi-day stays allow thorough exploration without rushing. Check opening hours and book tickets in advance for popular sites like Stirling and Loch Leven, especially during peak season.

Finnich Cottages provides an ideal base for castle enthusiasts seeking comfortable, characterful accommodation in the heart of Scotland's most castle-rich region.