4. Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle sits dramatically on a rocky headland overlooking Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, with a commanding view of the water and the surrounding glen, strategic terrain that has been used for fortification for over a millennium.
The surviving ruins date primarily from the 13th to 16th centuries. Like many of the Scottish castles in this list it played a significant role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and changed hands multiple times between Scottish and English forces.
Later, from the early 1500s, it was held by the Clan Grant, though it endured raids by other Highland clans and gradually fell into decline.
By 1692 the remaining government garrison destroyed parts of the castle to prevent its reuse in the Jacobite Risings, and the site became roofless and ruinous. Today, visitors to Urquhart Castle can walk among its ramparts, explore the remains of the great hall and Grant Tower, and take in the spectacular setting above Loch Ness.
A great place to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster…