Top castles you can visit from Glasgow

Dating back to around 1400, Crookston Castle is the only surviving medieval castle within the city limits. It was once one of the most uniquely designed castles in Scotland, with four corner towers and a high tower in the centre. Only one tower remains fully intact, which you can climb to the top of for views across south Glasgow.

Travel times currently vary between 35-45 minutes from Glasgow city centre. You can either take the bus straight there, or take a train to Crookston Station and walk for 20 minutes. More info at Historic Environment Scotland.

Sat atop a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of the most historically important in Scotland. It was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots and is over 900 years old. It has been sieged at least eight times and you can view numerous historic battlefields from the ramparts - an example of Stirling’s historic importance during the Wars of Independence.

Travel times to Stirling vary between 25-35 minutes from Glasgow by train. The castle is a 20 minute walk from the station. Stirling is an excellent day trip to discover historic attractions near Glasgow. It is also home to the Wallace Monument and the Battle of Bannockburn site. Learn more at Historic Environment Scotland.

Standing atop a cliff on Ayr Beach, Greenan Castle offers panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde and Arran. You can visit the 15th century tower house for free, however it’s important to bring sturdy footwear if you plan to climb to the top.

Travel times to Ayr currently vary between 55-60 minutes from Glasgow by train. Greenan Castle is a 20 minute bus ride from central Ayr, or you can enjoy a walk along the beach for about an hour. Ayr is another great option for a day trip from Glasgow - on a sunny day you can see Ailsa Craig (where the majority of the world’s curling stones originate) and enjoy an ice cream. Learn more at unforgettable day trips from Glasgow.

World-renowned Robert Adam was influential in introducing the neoclassical style to Europe and the United States of America. Culzean Castle is one of the best examples of his work, and one of the most beautiful castles near Glasgow. There are over 40 buildings to be discovered and impressive gardens. You can also admire the interiors to get to grips with the opulence of the Scottish aristocracy.

Travel times are currently around 2 hours from Glasgow. This includes a train to Ayr, and then a bus to Glenside. If you want to make it a day trip you can opt to travel by car. It can easily be included with other castles in Ayrshire - such as Greenan and Dundonald. Plan your trip in advance at National Trust for Scotland.

Located on the southern banks of Loch Lomond, Balloch Castle Country Park comes with some of Scotland’s most iconic views. It’s a typical example of a Gothic-style castle, dating back to the 1800s. There is also a walled garden and play parks within the area, perfect for a family day out.

Travel times to Balloch currently vary between 45-55 minutes from Glasgow by train. The country park is only a few steps from the railway station. Balloch is a popular destination for day trips from Glasgow, giving you access to Scotland’s largest loch. More info at West Dunbartonshire Council and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

Located in the heart of Mugdock Country Park, the castle dates back to the 14th century and is free to visitors year round. There are also occasional open days where visitors are given access to the tower - offering stunning views across the park.

Travel times currently vary between 1-1.5 hours from Glasgow. You can either take the train to Milngavie and then a bus, or take the bus straight to Craigallian Road (however this takes longer). There is then a 30 minute walk to the castle. Mugdock Country Park is also home to Craigend Castle - a small ruin walking distance from Mugdock Castle - and WWII ruins. You can learn more at Mugdock Trust and East Dunbartonshire Council.

Looming over the Firth of Clyde, Brodick Castle is an excellent day trip from Glasgow. Surrounded by well maintained gardens and woodland it offers an intriguing blend of history and nature. The visitor centre features interactive elements where you can learn about the castle’s past as well as entertain the kids if visiting as a family.

Travel times currently vary between 2.5-3 hours from Glasgow. The train to Ardrossan Harbour takes 51 minutes, followed by a 55 minute ferry to Brodick. There are regular buses between the ferry terminal and castle.

Learn more about Brodick Castle at National Trust for Scotland. If you’re planning a full day (or more) on the island you’ll uncover breathtaking landscapes and gastronomic delights. Make your plan by reading unforgettable day trips from Glasgow.

Dumbarton was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, with Dumbarton Castle serving as the home of the royal family. Sitting atop volcanic rock you can enjoy views of the River Clyde from the top of White Tower Crag. You’ll also find military fortifications and Viking artefacts - making it an excellent historic attraction near Glasgow.

Travel times to Dumbarton are around 30 minutes from Glasgow. There are two stations in the town - Dumbarton East is only a 15 minute walk from the castle. As part of a day trip you can also learn about the town’s history as a shipbuilding hub, or continue north to Balloch. Learn more at Historic Environment Scotland.

Bothwell Castle is an impressive fortification standing over the towns of Bothwell and Uddingston. It was never complete as it was central to the Wars of Independence with England in the 13th century. There is also a small chapel on-site.

Travel times to Uddingston are around 10 minutes from Glasgow. Bothwell Castle is a 25-35 minute walk from Uddingston railway station. Strathclyde Country Park, M&Ds theme park and parts of the Clyde walkway are nearby. More info at Historic Environment Scotland.

Built for Robert II, and also home to his son Robert III, Dundonald Castle contains impressive architectural features such as barrel-vaulted ceilings. Dating back to the 14th century it is a bit of a hidden gem in rural Ayrshire, but comes with an on-site cafe and souvenir shop.

Travel times to Troon are around 45 minutes from Glasgow. From there you can take the bus to Dundonald and the castle is a 5 minute walk outside of the town. It also makes an excellent road trip from Glasgow. There are some great golf courses nearby, as well as coastal towns that are perfect on sunny days. Learn more at Dundonald Castle.

Kelburn Castle is instantly recognisable by its mural-covered facade. It is a well preserved castle dating back to 1066, and these days is home to unique events and activities. You can take a tour of the castle, which is still home to the Earl of Glasgow, and explore the castle’s gardens and ice creamery.

Travel times currently sit around 2 hours from Glasgow. You can take the train to Saltcoats, before hopping on a bus to Fairlie which is a 15 minute walk from Kelburn Castle. Travelling by car is only an hour. If you're considering a road trip from Glasgow, nearby Largs is a popular coastal destination with locals, and you can also grab the ferry to Cumbrae. Learn more at Kelburn Estate.

If you’re looking for more of a hidden gem, Newark Castle is a well-restored castle in Port Glasgow. It comes with stunning views of the River Clyde and has great examples of 16th century interior design.

Travel times to Port Glasgow are around 25 minutes from Glasgow by train. The castle is a 10 minute walk from the railway station. It’s a great stopover on a larger day trip along the Inverclyde and North Ayrshire coast. Learn more at Historic Environment Scotland.