Castle Passes in Scotland: Access, History, and What You Can Really Do

When people talk about castle passes, discounted or bundled entry tickets to multiple historic Scottish castles. Also known as castle tickets, they’re often sold as multi-site passes that let you visit several fortresses in one trip—ideal for travelers who want to see more without paying full price at each stop. But here’s the thing: not all castle passes are the same. Some cover just a handful of sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland, others include private castles with their own rules, and a few don’t even let you bring your dog inside—even if the grounds are open.

That’s why knowing the difference between a Scottish castle, a fortified structure built between the 12th and 17th centuries, often with royal, military, or noble ties. Also known as fortress, it typically includes towers, curtain walls, and sometimes a keep. and a pet-friendly castle, a castle that allows dogs on certain grounds or even inside parts of the building, with clear policies on leashes and waste. Also known as dog-friendly castle, it’s becoming more common as travelers demand inclusive experiences. matters. You can’t assume a pass that gets you into Eilean Donan also lets your pup walk the gardens at Hermitage Castle. Some places, like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, have separate access rules for people with mobility scooters or strollers—same goes for castles with steep, uneven terrain. And while a pass might cover the main keep, it won’t always include special exhibits, guided tours, or seasonal events.

There’s also the matter of timing. Many castles in the Highlands and Borders close early in winter, and passes bought in summer might not be valid in November. Some passes expire after 7 days, others last a full year. And while you might think a castle pass is just about saving money, it’s really about access—access to history, to quiet corners, to views you can’t get anywhere else. That’s why the best passes aren’t the cheapest ones—they’re the ones that match what you actually want to see. Want to walk with your dog? Look for castles with clear pet policies. Curious about film locations? Eilean Donan’s got that. Need a quiet garden to sit in? The grounds at some castles are designed for that exact purpose.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of every pass in Scotland. It’s a collection of real, practical guides from people who’ve been there—whether they brought their dog to a castle, found a hidden path behind the walls, or learned the hard way that a pass doesn’t mean everything’s open. You’ll read about where to go when the rain hits, which castles let you wander freely, and which ones still feel like they’re guarding secrets. No marketing fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know before you go.