Castle Tickets in Scotland: Where to Buy, What to Expect, and Which Castles Welcome Pets

When you’re planning a trip to Scotland, castle tickets, entry passes to historic fortresses that range from medieval strongholds to 18th-century stately homes. Also known as Scottish castle admissions, these tickets are your key to walking through centuries of war, royalty, and rebellion—often with views that look like they’re straight out of a movie. But not all castles are the same. Some sell tickets online only. Others let you walk right in. And a few, like Eilean Donan Castle, the iconic three-towered fortress on a small island where the movie The World Is Not Enough was filmed, get packed fast in summer. If you show up without a ticket, you might wait an hour—or miss out entirely.

Then there’s the question of pets. Not every castle lets dogs on the grounds, but many do. Hermitage Castle, a remote, crumbling fortress in the Borders shaped by centuries of raids and blood feuds allows leashed dogs on the outer paths, and nearby trails are perfect for a post-visit walk. Same goes for places like Eilean Donan Castle, which lets dogs into the gardens and courtyard, but not the interior rooms. If you’re traveling with a pup, check ahead. Some castles require you to leave dogs in a car, others offer water bowls and waste bags. You’ll find the full list of pet-friendly options below, along with which ones have the best views, the least crowds, and the most interesting stories.

Don’t assume all castle tickets are priced the same. Eilean Donan charges more than smaller sites like Hermitage because it’s a major tourist draw. Some places offer family passes, senior discounts, or even free entry with a National Trust for Scotland membership. And if you’re visiting in winter, a few castles slash prices—or close entirely. Seasonal closures are common in the Highlands and on remote islands, so always check opening times before you drive hours to get there.

What you’re really buying with a castle ticket isn’t just entry—it’s access to history you can touch. Stone walls that held siege weapons. Towers where kings hid. Gardens planted by queens. And sometimes, the chance to stand where James Bond dodged bullets. The posts below cover everything from how to skip the lines at Eilean Donan to which castles let you bring your dog and where the quietest, most atmospheric ruins are hidden. You’ll find tips on timing your visit, what to pack, and which castles are worth the extra cost. No fluff. Just what you need to make your trip smoother, smarter, and way more fun.