blair castle virtual tour

You can now virtually visit a Scottish castle

A Scottish castle has launched a 360 degree, virtual tour of the iconic castle and its magnificent grounds.

Situated in the heart of Atholl Estates in Highland Perthshire, Blair Castle is one of the first historic homes in Scotland to offer this immersive experience.

Developed as a planning aid for visitors, the new tour was created by Digital Visions and is available on Blair Castle’s website. It allows users to explore the sights of one of Scotland’s most well-known estates, giving a sneak peak of what is on offer at the famous estate.

During the interactive tour, guests can learn about the castle’s rich history then fly across the grounds to discover the beautiful Hercules Garden and the ruins of St Bride’s Kirk. Users can also visit the roof of the castle to enjoy a 360 degree view of the grounds, an area which is closed to the public.

In addition to viewing the vast estate, visitors can glide through the antler lined corridors of the castle and explore a number of rooms including the ballroom – designed in honour of Europe’s only remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders – and the Baronial entrance hall featuring shields and muskets used at the battle of Culloden.

Julia Sim, head of sales and marketing at Blair Castle and Gardens said: ‘The castle has been home to the Atholl family for over 19 generations and since we opened to the public in 1936, we have worked hard to create unique and memorable experiences for our visitors.

‘Each year, we welcome thousands of people to the castle. We are delighted to be able to give them a sneak peak of the castle and grounds before they arrive by bringing together cutting-edge, 21st century technology, 13th century design and seven centuries of Scottish history.

‘So whether you are a history buff, planning your trip to Blair Castle or simply want to have a look around the grounds, head to our website and have a look at what we have on offer.’

David Bowman, of Digital Visions, added: ‘Working on this project has been brilliant. Blair Castle gave us unprecedented access to the castle and grounds which has resulted in a quality end result.’

The 360 degree, virtual tour is available to view at https://blaircastle.digitalvisions.uk .

For more information on Blair Castle and Atholl Estate visit www.blair-castle.co.uk .

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Blair Castle Visitor Guide

Blair Castle is a traditional Scottish castle, located in the picturesque landscape of Blair Atholl in Perthshire . The castle is known for its fascinating history that spans over 700 years. It’s the ancestral home of Clan Murray and has been host to numerous significant historical events involving Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the walled Hercules Garden and Diana’s Grove which has an impressive collection of trees. There’s also a deer park and the ruins of St. Bride’s Kirk for visitors to explore.

Blair Castle, located close to the village of Blair Atholl, is one of the grandest stately homes open to the public in Scotland. Not only does this historic building have a rich history, but it’s situated in some of the nicest gardens you’re ever likely to come across in Scotland.

The castle has been home to nineteen generations of the Atholl family and there’s a huge amount of history crammed into every nook and cranny inside the main building. There are lots of information boards that explain every detail, and the helpful tour guides will be only too happy to fill you in on anything else you might be curious about.

Throughout the thirty rooms that are open to public viewing, visitors will discover a story that begins over seven hundred years ago with David Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, who started building the castle in the late 1200s.

You will learn how, for the last seven centuries, Blair Castle has served as home to the Atholl family through wars, feuds, and uprisings, and how it eventually became one of Scotland’s most-visited historic tourist attractions.

In addition, you can wander through the Scottish baronial-style building with its extravagantly decorated 18th-century furnishings and explore the walled garden, coniferous woodland, grove, and sculpture trail, as well as take the kids to a play park and a woodland adventure course, before finishing in the on-site café. There’s also a gift shop, and if you’d like to learn about the castle in more detail, then guided tours are available for groups at no extra cost.

The Highlights

1: Blair Castle is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Scotland. It has been home to Clan Murray for over 700 years and showcases Scottish history from the 1200s to the present day. Visitors can explore over 30 rooms that are filled with fascinating artefacts, antiques, and art.

2: The castle is set in magnificent landscaped grounds, including the nine-acre Hercules Garden, a walled enclosure filled with colourful fruit and flower displays. There’s also Diana’s Grove, home to some of Britain’s tallest trees, and a charming woodland grove perfect for a peaceful stroll.

3: Besides the castle tour, Blair Castle offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can go for pony trekking through the estate, enjoy fishing in the rivers and lochs, or try your hand at traditional field sports. For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s the chance to spot red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of bird species.

Visiting Tips

1: The ticket price is reasonable for a 5-star attraction, but if you intend to return, I recommend purchasing an annual pass that allows unlimited re-entry for 12 months.

2: The Atholl Gathering at the end of May is definitely worth experiencing, as is the Blair Castle International Horse Trials in August.

3: Blair Castle is located on the edge of Tay Forest Park, which offers stunning walks on a spider’s web of well-maintained paths. You’ll find more woodland walks in this article, The Best Forest Walks in Scotland .

Tourist Information

There’s so much to look at as you wander through the rooms of Blair Castle that you might end up missing sections just so you have enough time to enjoy the gardens, but before leaving, make sure you’ve spent some time in what I believe are the castle’s highlights.

First, head to the Victorian Ballroom, which you can’t miss because it’s decorated around the walls with 175 pairs of deer antlers. If you have children with you, make sure you check out the clothes chest, where you’ll find a huge selection of costumes to dress up in, as the ballroom is big enough that you can chase them up and down while playing whatever crazy games they come up with.

My second highlight is the entrance hall, which most visitors seemed to rush through while I was there, but if you stop to look up you’ll see a remarkable collection of weaponry, some of which were actually used at the Battle of Culloden .

Finally, make sure you have a good look at the state dining room and the incredible silverware that was used during the castle’s grand banquets.

Moving to the garden, you’ll find one of the largest Georgian-era walled gardens in Scotland, which is just over nine acres in size. Inside the garden there are sculptures, a Chinese bridge, a Gothic folly, over 100 fruit trees, and more vegetable plots than you’re likely to see outside of a city allotment.

Outside the walled garden there’s a sculpture trail that winds its way through the grounds and into the castle, near a two-acre grove containing some of the tallest conifers in the country. You might even see one of Scotland’s native but endangered red squirrels jumping between the branches of these enormous trees.

The story of the castle takes you from its initial construction to visits by Mary Queen of Scots, the Jacobite uprising, and Queen Victoria who had a very special relationship with the place. It’s fascinating stuff.

One of the things I was most surprised to learn was how, in 1839, the 6th Duke of Atholl formed his own private regiment to act as his personal bodyguards. These soldiers, the Atholl Highlanders, are still in operation today thanks to Queen Victoria who gave the regiment their own colours in recognition of their service during her stays at Blair Castle.

Today, the Atholl Highlanders are the only surviving private regiment in Europe and if you’re lucky you might see them parading outside on the castle grounds in full Highland dress.

Things to Do

Historical Tour : Blair Castle, a fortress in Perthshire dating back to 1269, offers an immersive historical experience. Explore rooms filled with centuries-old artwork, memorabilia of Clan Murray, and furniture used by the Dukes of Atholl. Don’t miss the grandeur of the Victorian Ballroom adorned with 175 pairs of antlers.

Castle Grounds Exploration : Spanning over 145,000 acres, the castle grounds are a paradise for nature lovers. Walk through the Hercules Garden, a walled enclosure filled with vibrant flowers, fruits, and statues, and enjoy the tranquillity of Diana’s Grove with its towering trees.

Land Rover Safaris : For adventure seekers, join the Land Rover Safaris which takes you through the estate’s 145,000 acres of hills, woodlands and open countryside. The safari guide will share fascinating insights about the estate’s wildlife to help you spot animals such as red deer, grouse, and golden eagles.

Annual Events : Check out the annual events hosted at Blair Castle. The Atholl Gathering in May, which features a grand parade of the Atholl Highlanders – the castle’s private army – is a spectacle to behold. In August, the Blair Castle International Horse Trials attract equestrians from around the world for a competitive event set against the backdrop of the castle.

Tullibardine Restaurant : This award-winning restaurant serves a selection of delicious home-cooked lunches from soups and sandwiches to a selection of baked treats. If you’d rather sit outside on a sunny day, ask for the grab-and-go service and take your meal outside to sit on one of the picnic benches on the castle lawn.

Things to Do Nearby

Atholl Country Life Museum . Old School, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SP. 15-minute walk. A traditional museum that aims to preserve the heritage of the Blair Atholl community. There are galleries of photos and a reconstructed post office as well as video displays and reconstructions of a stable, a blackhouse and a smiddy.

River Garry . 10-minute walk. A major tributary of the River Tummel. The river runs between the A9 and the B8079 near Blair Castle. There are partial walkways along the length of the river, some of which pass through forests. The main river footpath is signposted on the B847 heading towards Tummel Bridge.

Hercules Garden . Pitlochry PH18 5TX. 20-minute walk. Landscaped country gardens that surround a large pond on the grounds of Blair Castle. There is a circular path that takes visitors around the site.

Falls of Bruar . Bruar Water, Pitlochry PH18 5TW. 6-minute drive plus a 30-minute walk. A natural gorge with spectacular waterfalls. The surrounding woodland was created by the Duke of Atholl after Robert Burns was inspired to write ‘The Humble Petition of Bruar Water’ when he visited in 1787. The waterfall viewing area is at the end of a relatively steep climb.

House of Bruar . Pitagowan, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TW. 6-minute drive. A large upscale department store located in a scenic setting off the A9. There are a variety of shops that sell clothing, homewares and artisan foods. There is also a café and a gift shop on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blair castle worth visiting.

Blair Castle is definitely worth visiting. The castle has a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and ranks #2 of 10 things to do in Blair Atholl. Blair Castle is famous for its stunning grounds, ballroom, and collection of antiquities.

Who runs Blair Castle?

The Duke of Atholl owns and operates Blair Castle. The castle is the ancestral home of Clan Murray.

Can you stay at Blair Castle?

It is not possible to stay overnight in Blair Castle, but there is self-catering accommodation on the estate that can be booked.

What was filmed at Blair Castle?

The TV drama series ‘Victoria’ was filmed at Blair Castle. The series portrays the life of Queen Victoria who was known to have a fondness for Highland Perthshire.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

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Blair Castle & Gardens

Discover Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe's last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders.

Blair Castle is nestled in the landscape of Highland Perthshire and has been home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story told here will take you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie's own stay in the castle. You'll hear how the lucky inheritance of a smuggler-infested island helped turn the castle into a comfortable home and how a visit from Queen Victoria led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private regiment, the Atholl Highlanders.

More than 30 rooms are on display, full of Scottish cultural history, architectural design, period furnishings, family portraits, landscape paintings and a colourful military past. Highlights include the Victorian Ballroom which is decorated with 175 pairs of antlers, the Entrance Hall which features weapons used at the Battle of Culloden, the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase and the granduer of the Drawing Room and State Dining Room.

The Gardens

The castle grounds feature a magnificent nine acre walled garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design, of fruit trees and vegetables, complete with Chinese bridge, gothic folly and a trail of contemporary and 18th Century sculptures. A peaceful wooded grove with some of Britain’s tallest and finest trees sits alongside the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. Around the grounds, visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy picturesque views across Highland Perthshire while younger visitors can explore the adventure playground and Red Deer Park.

Seasonal opening Times - 10.00 am - 5:00pm, the last admission at 4.00pm. April - October.

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Electric Car Charging
• Coach Parking
• No Pets Allowed
• Pets Welcome

Accessibility

• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Partial wheelchair access
• Level access to dining room, cafe or restaurant
• Large print, braille or audio
• Tactile route for visitors with visual impairments
• Level access from entrance to reception
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Level access to main entrance

Dietary Options

• Vegan Meals Available
• Gluten Free
• Vegetarian Meals available
• Children's Menu Available
• Outdoor Play Area
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Picnic Area
• Patio or Beer Garden
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Credit Card

Languages Spoken

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Blair Castle & Gardens

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Blair Castle & Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Scottish Highlands Private Day Tour with Local Scottish Driver (From $646.37)
• Best of Scotland in a day and Edradour Whisky Distillery Tour (From $1,077.28)
• Scottish Whisky, Castles, Lochs and Waterfalls (From $823.80)
• Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh (From $126.74)
• Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass (From $25.35)
• (0.08 mi) Atholl Estates - Shepherd Huts
• (0.16 mi) Atholl Arms Hotel
• (0.22 mi) Blair Castle Caravan Park
• (0.38 mi) Dalgreine Guest House
• (0.21 mi) Luxury Riverside Lodge with Hot Tub
• (0.12 mi) Food in the Park
• (0.18 mi) Blair Atholl Watermill
• (0.25 mi) The Loft Restaurant
• (0.14 mi) The Atholl Arms
• (0.21 mi) The Bothy Bar

5 castles in the UK you can tour virtually for a positively aristocratic 'vacation' from your couch

• Many of the UK's most famous castles can be toured virtually.
• Virtual "vacations" are on the rise amid travel restrictions due to the coronavirus.
• There are outright bans or strict rules in place for visiting some countries, including many in Europe.
• US citizens have to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in the UK , while borders to the EU remain shut to US tourists .
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

It's that time of year — or at least, it's that time of the pandemic — when photos of Europeans going on vacation to Italy or the south of France take over social media.

It hurts only a little, especially as the borders to the EU remain closed to US tourists and a 14-day quarantine is mandated for those traveling to the UK. Many countries are keeping American travelers out because the outbreak is not considered contained in the US, with total reported cases approaching 5.5 million at last count — far more than any other country's reported case total.

Luckily, a few English and Scottish castles were nice enough to "open" their doors so anyone (including US citizens) can virtually take the holiday we all very much need. And though we can't actually sit in the gardens at Scotland's Blair Castle or walk the rooms of the Queen's Palace of Holyroodhouse — with a good internet connection, we can pretend that we're right there.

Too bad no one has recreated this virtual experience for the beaches in Portofino (yet, anyway). 

Here's how to access the online tour offerings for five stunning English castles that make for an ideal virtual-weekend escape.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland

Noted for being Queen Elizabeth II's official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a free virtual tour of its Royal Dining Room, its Grand Stair, and its Morning Drawing Room. 

By touring the place and clicking the "I" icon that hovers over some objects in the rooms, people can learn more about this famous Edinburgh palace and its history.

For example, in the Morning Drawing Room, virtual visitors can learn about the cloisonné enamel copper incense burner, which was given to Queen Victoria in 1896 by Chinese Ambassador Li Hongzhang on behalf of the Emperor of China. The burner dates back to the second half of the 1700s .

Typically, the Palace of Holyroodhouse palace is open year-round to the public and even hosts garden parties. 

Access to Virtual Tours: HERE

Source:  Royal UK

Blair Castle & Gardens in Perthshire, Scotland

Located in Perthshire, Scotland, Blair Castle currently has free virtual tours of its gardens and a few of its rooms.

The castle is best known for being home to 19 generations of the Atholl Family , a prominent Scottish family whose members included politicians, entrepreneurs, agriculturists, scholars, and soldiers.

Each generation of the Atholl family has made its mark on the castle, and a tour of its grounds captures key moments in Scotland's history. 

Access to Virtual Tour: HERE

Source: Blair Castle

Sissinghurst Castle in the Weald of Kent, England

Located in Cranbrook, Kent, the Sissinghurst Castle offers numerous free tours of its gardens , courtyard , and libraries . It is part of the National Trust, a charity organization in the UK that seeks to preserve heritage monuments. 

In the 1930s, the castle underwent a massive transformation by writer Vita Sackville-West. Her husband, Sir Harold Nicolson, helped map out the garden rooms. The Sissinghurst Castle Gardens created by Sackville-West and her husband are among the country's most famous gardens today.

Previously, in the 1700s, the castle was a prison, before it went on to house the women's land army and later became a family home. The virtual tour of this castle also gives access to the top of its famous Tours, in which the entire 450-acre estate can be seen. 

Access Virtual Tour of Garden: HERE

Access Virtual Tour of Rose Garden: HERE

Access Virtual  Tour of Courtyard: HERE

Access Virtual Tour of Library: HERE

Source: National Trust

Buckingham Palace in London, England

Perhaps the most famous palace in the world, many parts of Buckingham Palace can be virtually toured for free from the comfort of one's home. 

The tours give access to the Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room. Located in the Westminster area of London, England, Buckingham is best known as the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

Access All Virtual Tours: HERE

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England

Blenheim Palace, located in the Woodstock region of Oxfordshire, England, has been home to the Marlborough family for centuries. 

Through the palace's website, visitors can book specialist virtual tours with Blenheim's palace historian, Antonia Keaney.

Rich with history, people will be able to choose what type of experience they want to have and can dive into the storied background of the palace, including learning about Winston Churchill and his relation to the palace, what life was like at the palace during World War II, and the story behind the first Duchess of Marlborough who lived here.  

Each tour lasts about 45 minutes, and tickets can be purchased in advance.

Book Virtual Tour: HERE

Source: Blenheim Palace

• Main content

Grumpy Camel

Slow travel & blogging, how to explore scotland from your couch, daniela frendo.

• scottish highlands
• Last updated 4 years ago

If you’ve always wanted to visit Scotland , or see more of this amazing country, but you are currently unable to do so, I’ve got some good news for you.

You can immerse yourself in the amazing history, cities and landscapes of Scotland from the comfort of your own home.

I’ve put together a list of virtual tours of Scotland, including fascinating documentaries and Scottish museums that offer online tours. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your virtual journey through Scotland.

Virtual tours of Scottish attractions

National museum of scotland.

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most interesting attractions in the country (I loved popping into this place when I lived Edinburgh !). You can take a virtual stroll through the museum’s galleries, thanks to the Google Arts & Culture’s Museum View experience.

Scottish Maritime Museum

The Scottish Maritime Museum is home to the MV Spartan, the only surviving Scottish-built ‘puffer’, and SY Carola, which is one of the oldest seagoing steam yachts in the world. The museum offers virtual tours of these two vessels as well as areas that are normally off-limits.

Surgeons’ Hall Museum

This museum in Edinburgh houses collections of surgical pathology and bone and tissue specimens, among other things, which you can explore on a virtual tour (not suitable for the faint of heart!).

Scottish Parliament

Love it or hate it, the Scottish Parliament building is one of the most unique of its kind in the world. You can explore the parliament building on virtual 360° tours of public areas, such as the Main Hall, the Members Lobby and the Debating Chamber.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and is one of the most stunning buildings in Edinburgh. The palace offers a virtual tour of three main sites ; the Grand Stair, the Morning Drawing Room and the Royal Dining Room.

Blair Castle

Want to explore a beautiful Scottish castle from your own living room? Blair Castle in Pertshire offers a high-quality virtual tour of its beautiful gardens and chambers.

Edinburgh Castle

Yep, that’s right – you can visit Edinburgh’s star attraction from home. Explore Edinburgh castle on a virtual tour . While you won’t be able to visit the museums and churches in the castle, you can enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh from the ramparts instead.

Scottish Isles

Sail Scotland has created a series of virtual reality videos that allow you to explore some of the most beautiful islands in Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, St. Kilda and the Outer Hebrides. Check out their YouTube channel .

The School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

The School of Divinity looks like (and sounds like) something out of a Harry Potter book. This school is housed within the New College building on the Mound, which you can explore on a virtual tour offered by the University of Edinburgh . Visit the library, stroll around the beautiful quad, and take in the views from the West Tower.

Rosslyn Chapel

If you’ve always wanted to see Rosslyn Chapel, I’ve got some good news for you. You can now take a virtual tour of this fascinating chapel, which achieved stardom after appearing in the Da Vinci Code.

Documentaries about Scotland

A history of scotland.

In this documentary series, Neil Oliver, a Scottish historian and archaeologist, walks us through the history of Scotland since ancient times.

I’m a big fan of this documentary series – every episode is super engaging and compelling. I also recommend Neil Oliver’s book, A History of Scotland .

Highlands – Scotland’s Wild Heart

Narrated by Ewan McGregor, this documentary series takes you on an immersive trip across the Scottish Highlands and introduces you to the amazing wildlife found in this region, including otters, red squirrels and golden eagles.

Grand Tours of Scotland

In the Grand Tours of Scotland series, Paul Morton explores some of the most fascinating places in Scotland, from beautiful lochs and mountains to remote islands and little-known towns.

Secret Scotland

Susan Calman visits some of the most iconic locations in Scotland, including world-famous castles, and brings these places to life with engaging stories and little-known tales.

Need travel insurance?

SafetyWing provides global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world. You can purchase the insurance even if you’re already abroad!

Get your flight, bus & train tickets from one place!

Omio  helps you find and compare flights, as well as bus, train, and ferry tickets.

You can manage your trips on the free app. You’ll also get live journey updates!

This post might contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission on any purchases made through the links in the post, at no extra cost to you.

You might also like:

Visiting the Isle of Eigg: What You Need to Know

The Best Yoga Retreats in Scotland for Outdoor Lovers

2 Responses

Hi Daniela, amazing post, perfect to these times. I own a small tour operator located in Edinburgh, Wee Scotia Tours, and couldn’t resist to share your post with our followers. Many thanks! Very nice blog, congratulations!

Hi Susana, glad you liked the post! Thanks for sharing it 🙂

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Blair castle.

Blair Castle is one of the most impressive castles that you will find in Scotland. It’s got everything you could expect or want to find in a Scottish Castle except a moat! We highly recommend this attraction.

Blair Castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl and the current Duke still retains his own private army, the Atholl Highlanders. This is the only private army in Europe, although it is now just a ceremonial army that parades a few times a year. If you visit during the last weekend in May you will be able to see the army assembled for display at the Atholl Gathering and Highland Games.

Inside the castle, you can visit 30 rooms, which are fully preserved with their original furnishings and fittings. Fans of the Harry Potter movies will find something familiar about the “Picture Staircase” which is adorned with a mass of family portraits. Equally amazing, but quite grim, is the number of antlers and stuffed deer heads on walls around the castle.

Blair Castle also has extensive landscaped gardens which date from the Victorian period and are really quite ornate.

You find your own way through the rooms in the castle, but guides are on hand to answer questions and to make sure you don't steal anything.

On weekends in the peak summer months (June to August), a piper plays at the entrance to the castle on the hour from 11am to 3pm.

Tickets can be bought at the Gate, or pre-booked via the Blair Castle website

Blair Castle Features In

Highland Explorer West to East

Price: £14.99.

Famous Landmarks

Price: £16.99.

Classic Castles

Price: £19.99.

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Best Virtual Tours of Castles

Castles throughout history have been built in some of the most stunning and inaccessible locations, not only to make them powerful defensive fortifications, but also in order to impress and inspire the local population. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these spectacular structures – below is a list of virtual tours that allow you to explore a whole variety of historical castles from the comfort of your home.

15 Virtual Castle Tours to Watch from Home

The palace of versailles virtual tour.

Located about 12 miles southwest of the center of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was built on the site of an earlier hunting lodge and chateau. The French king Louis XIV expanded the chateau into a palace, before moving his court there in 1682 – Versailles remained as the royal residence until the revolution in 1789.

The palace is noted for its enormous size and hugely opulent design: it features a hall of mirrors, an opera house, a rustic hamlet (in the park surrounding the palace itself), and elaborate gardens with geometric flower beds, canals, and fountains. 1 hour-long virtual tours of the palace are available, led by a French history expert.

Alcázar of Seville Virtual Tour

Originally built in 913 by the first Caliph of Andalusia, Abd al-Rahman III, the Alcázar is a royal palace in the city of Seville. The Abbadid Muslim palace was destroyed during the Christian invasion of the city, and the current Alcázar was built in its place by King Peter of Castille.

Although it was constructed in the Mudéjar architectural style, Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements were later added, creating an eclectic structure. The word Alcázar comes from the Arabic al-qaṣr (‘the castle’, ‘the palace’). Virtual self-guided tours of the palace are available for only €7.99.

Alcázar of Segovia Virtual Tour

Famous for its picturesque appearance and distinctive ship-like shape, the Alcázar of Segovia is a medieval castle built on a rocky outcrop at the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains in the city of Segovia, Spain.

The structure that stands there today was founded by King Alfonso VIII of Castile and quickly became one of the favored residences of the monarchs of Castile. Since it was built, the castle has served as a palace, a prison, an artillery school, and a military academy. An excellent virtual tour is available here.

Windsor Castle Virtual Tour

Built by William the Conqueror following his invasion of England in 1066, Windsor forms part of a ring of defensive castles surrounding the English capital of London. The castle has been occupied by English monarchs since the reign of Henry I (1100-1135) and is, therefore, the longest-occupied palace in Europe.

Despite later additions and renovations, Windsor has retained its original double-ward design, which it has possessed since its earliest incarnation as a motte-and-bailey castle. Today the castle is still used by the British monarchy extensively – you can view some of the interiors for free with this virtual tour.

Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour

First known as Buckingham House, after the townhouse forming the core of today’s palace built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, Buckingham Palace was acquired by the British monarchy in 1761.

During the 19th century, the original structure was enlarged, and three wings were built around a central courtyard, creating the current layout.

The palace became the principal residence of British monarchs upon the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Many of Buckingham Palace’s grand interiors can be viewed via free virtual tours on their website.

Hever Castle Virtual Tour

The picturesque Hever Castle began life as a country house built in the 13 th century, before being expanded into a castle in the 1270s. Hever became the home of the Boleyn family, whose scion Anne Boleyn became the second wife of King Henry VIII of England in 1533.

After the death of Anne’s father in 1539 Henry inherited the castle, before gifting it to Anne of Cleves in 1540 as part of a divorce settlement. In 1903 the castle was purchased and restored by American millionaire William Astor – today the castle is open to the public, and a 3d tour can be found here.

Raby Castle Virtual Tour

Raby is a medieval castle dating from the 14 th century, situated in the north of England near Staindrop, County Durham. Surrounded by 200 acres of deer park, the fortification was built by the Neville family and entered royal possession in 1569 after Charles Neville, 6 th Earl of Westmorland, led the failed Rising of the North in support of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Later renovations to Raby increased its size, and the castle is famed for its collection of art. Although the castle is a private home, it is open to the public at certain times of the year. However, you can access this virtual tour anytime you like.

Blair Castle Virtual Tour

The ancestral home of Clan Murray, Blair Castle stands near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire, Scotland. The castle was built in Glen Garry commanding a strategic route northward into the Scottish Highlands.

The original castle was likely constructed in the late 13 th century and saw action in the 17 th century during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms when it was occupied by Oliver Cromwell’s army (the Murrays supported the Royalists).

During the 1745 Jacobite uprising the castle was twice occupied by the Jacobites before government forces retook the fortification. A spectacular virtual tour is available on the Blair Castle website.

Dunluce Castle Virtual Tour

Once the home of Clan McDonnell, Dunluce is a ruined 13th-century clifftop castle in County Antrim , Northern Ireland . Built on a basalt promontory, the castle is accessible only via a small bridge connecting it to the mainland.

Although the site was likely occupied by early Christians and Vikings, the first evidence we have for its fortification dates from the 13th century, when the 2nd Earl of Ulster built the castle. A stunning virtual tour with 360-degree photos can be found here.

Château de Pierrefonds Virtual Tour

Positioned in Picardy in northern France, the Château de Pierrefonds is a 12th-century castle that was expanded and rebuilt by Duke Louis of Orleans from 1393-1407. Although it was destroyed in 1617 during the political upheaval in the early reign of King Louis XIII of France, Pierrefonds was later rebuilt by Napoleon III.

From 1857-1885 a large-scale reconstruction was undertaken, although parts of the picturesque ruins were to be left untouched. A full virtual tour of the castle can be found on their website.

Prague Castle Virtual Tour

Originally dating from the 9 th century, Prague Castle is a castle complex in the middle of the Czech capital, occupying a huge area 570 meters long and 130 meters wide.

The castle was the seat of power for Bohemian monarchs and Holy Roman Emperors, and today is used by the Presidents of the Czech Republic. The castle complex contains two basilicas dedicated to Saint George and Saint Vitus – the Basilica of Saint George is the oldest surviving building at Prague Castle, dating from 920.

In 1618 the defenestration of Prague took place in the castle, beginning the Bohemian revolt and the Thirty Years War. The virtual tour can be found here.

Wartburg Castle Virtual Tour

Situated on a precipice rising 410 meters above the town of Eisenach in the German state of Thuringia, Wartburg is an 11th-century castle with a fascinating history.

The castle is not only a spectacular clifftop structure, but it was also home to Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, the supposed setting for the legendary contest of minstrels held in 1207 (the Sängerkrieg ), and the place in which Protestant Reformer Martin Luther translated the Old Testament into German.

Notably, Wartburg also inspired Ludwig II in his construction of Neuschwanstein Castle . A fantastic tour of this beautiful castle can be found on Wartburg’s website.

Snežnik Castle Virtual Tour

Snežnik is a 13th-century castle located in the Lož Valley of southern Slovenia. Originally constructed and owned by the Schneberg family, the castle underwent subsequent remodeling in the 15th century to give it its current renaissance appearance.

It was also heavily remodeled in the mid 19 th century – the interiors of the castle date from these works, and the grounds of the castle were also renovated at this time to incorporate riding and walking paths, and two artificial lakes. A virtual tour can be found here.

Malbork Castle Virtual Tour

Built in the 13 th century by the Teutonic Order near the town of Malbork in Poland, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world when measured by land area.

Although it was built by the Teutonic crusaders, the castle came to be a polish royal residence after it was purchased by King Casimir IV from Bohemian mercenaries in 1457.

From the First Partition of Poland in 1772 until 1945 the castle was under German control. You can enjoy a virtual tour of t his impressive medieval brick fortress here.

Trakošćan Castle Virtual Tour

Located in northern Croatia, Trakošćan castle is a 13th-century fortification originally constructed to serve as an observation post to watch the roads in the region. By the middle of the 19th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair and inspired by contemporary Romanticism, the castle was restored as a residential manor house.

After the second world war the castle was nationalized and today it is owned by the Republic of Croatia – the structure houses a museum with a permanent collection established in 1953. An extensive virtual tour of the castle in English and Croatian can be found on the website.

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30 Wonderful Virtual Tours of Castles in Europe

When we can’t travel, we need to be creative. As a Europe and castle lover, I figured I should make a list of the best virtual tours of castles in Europe.

I must have researched hundreds of castles, and I think my eyes popped out of my head just like in a cartoon because I was blown away by the number of dreamy places in Europe I still need to visit.

I did want to include at least one castle from each country, but like the song says – you can’t always get what you want. So here they are – thirty virtual castle tours for times when you’re stuck at home.

Tip:  Try these tours on your personal computer and not on your mobile.

Table of Contents

Virtual Castle Tours of Central Europe

Wartburg castle, germany.

Overlooking the town of Eisenach, the 11th-century Wartburg Castle is the first German castle to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This castle was also the setting of many important events in Germany ‘s history (like the translation of the New Testament to German).

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this piece of history and  take this virtual tour.

Drachenburg Castle, Germany

Sitting on a hill overlooking the Rhine Valley, this 19th-century castle-like villa is a place I wouldn’t mind living in for a little while.

If you’re familiar with the German legend of Siegfried the dragon slayer, know that said slaying supposedly happened just a little farther up the mountain.

Wander around Drachenburg with this virtual tour.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Perhaps the most famous real-life fairytale place in the world (thanks to Walt Disney that was inspired by it), the 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle is also one of the most stunning castles in Germany .

Every time I see its photo on Instagram, all I can think of is, ‘why am I not there right now?’. So in the meantime, I’m trying to cheer myself up with  this tour of the castle from above.

Sneznik Castle, Slovenia

Though it’s not as fairytale-like or as famous as other castles in Europe, I think the 13th-century Snežnik Castle is a nice addition to this list.

I love putting a spotlight on hidden gems, so I’m glad I found  a virtual tour of this overlooked place in Slovenia.

Prague Castle, Czechia

Like I just said, I’m a hidden gem kind of girl, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like to visit and admire the major landmarks of a country.

Prague Castle is one of those landmarks you must visit, even if you only have one day in Prague , so I’m glad to have this virtual access to it , where I can explore it without the crowds.

I obviously prefer seeing it in real life, but I wouldn’t say no to a glance at a 9th-century UNESCO site and the world’s largest ancient castle complex (according to the Guinness Book of Records).

Malbork Castle, Poland

Built in the 13th century by the Order of the Teutonic Knights, the Malbork Castle is the largest in the world!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is still on my Poland bucket list , but at least I can admire some parts of it with  this virtual tour . It doesn’t have an English version, but that doesn’t take away from the experience.

Kornik Castle, Poland

Small yet charming, the Kornik Castle was built in the 14th century by the noble Gorka family and remodeled later on by the noble Dzialynski family.

Today, it houses a museum and a library, and you can easily visit it on a day trip from the beautiful city of Poznan . But if you’re not visiting Poznan any time soon, you might want to  check out this virtual castle tour .

Wawel Castle, Poland

Can you believe that this castle was one of the first UNESCO sites in the world?

I was very surprised by this fact, even though I know Poland has a lot to offer and deserves more recognition as a visit-worthy destination.

The Wawel Castle dates back to the 14th century, and after hundreds of years of being the residence of the kings of Poland, today it houses an important art museum.

To explore this impressive Polish landmark of the city of Krakow,  take this virtual tour  (choose ‘panoramas’ to start the 360-degrees tour).

Virtual Tours of Castles in Western Europe

Gravensteen castle, belgium.

Looking at this gorgeous medieval castle, you wouldn’t think that besides serving as a royal residence, it was also used as a court, a prison, and even as a cotton factory.

Today it’s one of Ghent’s top points of interest (which can also be visited on a day trip from Brussels ), and you can explore it from the comfort of your home with this online tour.

CH Â TEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

I’ve yet to visit the iconic Loire Valley (which stretches across two of the most beautiful regions in France ), but I know I’m not going to miss its dreamy chateaux, all built between the 10th and 18th centuries.

There are actually more than 300 of them (challenge accepted), so in the meantime, I’ll have to satisfy my wanderlust with  these virtual tours on Google Arts & Culture  and these 360-degree views of the chateaux from above (check out  part 1 ,  part 2 , and  part 3 ).

Castello Sforzesco, Italy

Dating back to the 15th century, the Castello Sforzesco is a must-see landmark in Milan, Lombardy ( northern Italy ). The castle’s huge complex houses several museums and art collections, including pieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Luckily, you can explore some of them and a few parts of the castle with these virtual tours on Google Arts & Culture.

Château de Pierrefonds, France

Originally built in the late 14th century and demolished in the 17th century, this beautiful castle near Paris was rebuilt 200 years later, taking inspiration from Middle Ages military architecture.

To explore this remarkable chateau, which is one of the most beautiful castles in France , take this virtual tour.

Fun fact: Another gorgeous castle you can visit near Paris is the Chateau de Vaux Le Vicomte !

Miramare Castle, Italy

Living in a castle sounds awesome, but living in a castle overlooking the sea and surrounded by a huge park sounds even better.

I really don’t get why the owners of the Miramare Castle, the Austrian Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, wanted to leave this place.

They became the Emperors of Mexico (say what?), and the castle has become a popular place to visit in Italy.

See what the Miramare Castle looks like on the inside with  this tour.

Alcazar of Segovia, Spain

Dating back to the 12th century, the Alcazar of Segovia is one of the most famous UNESCO sites in Spain . Throughout the years, it served as a fortress, a royal palace, a state prison, and a military academy, and it is now a museum.

I’m grateful that I was lucky enough to visit this fairytale castle in real life (on a day trip from Madrid ), but I’m also happy to have found this great virtual tour of the Alcazar, so you can enjoy it as well.

Belvis de Monroy Castle, Spain

Located in the undiscovered region of Extremadura, this 13th-century castle is  not  on the list of the most visited places in Spain (which is exactly what I love about it).

It was damaged and abandoned years ago (and is now being restored), and this  virtual tour does a great job of allowing you to soak in the history of this unique place.

Want to see more of Spain? Here are 21 virtual tours of my favorite country!

Pena Palace, Portugal

An insta-famous landmark in Portugal and one of my top favorite stops on my road trip from Lisbon to Porto (a classic driving route in Portugal ), this 19th-century castle-like palace had to be on this list.

Its mix of architectural styles and vibrant colors is a feast for the eyes, especially when it’s popping out of the green scenery surrounding it.

It’s no wonder why it’s one of Europe’s most visited attractions, so if you still haven’t seen this stunning palace in real life, take advantage of this short virtual tour  and discover its beauty.

Castle of Guimarães, Portugal

Located in northern Portugal and originally built in the late 10th century as a refuge for the citizens of Guimarães (who had suffered attacks by Vikings and Moors), this castle is associated with the birth of the Portuguese nation.

It was here where the first king of Portugal (Alfonso) was born and where he fought for Portugal’s independence. You can (and should)  explore this amazing piece of history on Google Arts and Culture.

Virtual Tours of Castles in Northern Europe

Windsor castle, england.

This tour will only give a sneak peek of Windsor Castle, but who can say no to a glance at one of Queen Elizabeth’s royal residences (and the largest inhabited castle in the world)?

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

A virtual visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without Edinburgh Castle.

Sitting on a volcanic rock above the city, this fortress & former Scottish royal residence is one of the top landmarks to consider when planning a trip to Scotland .

This tour on Google Arts & Culture  only lets you explore the complex on the outside, but when we can’t travel, we should take what we can get.

Raby Castle, England

Raby Castle is definitely one of the best places to visit in the north of England .

It’s not every day that you get to see an intact 14th-century castle (that was also the birthplace of the mother of two kings of England), so while you can’t travel, why not see it in a 360-degree view via an online tour?

Check it out here and use the ‘explore’ menu to move between the different parts of the castle.

Warwick Castle, England

Not too far from the Cotswolds, you’ll find Warwick Castle, a medieval fortress turned into a country house.

On an actual visit, it offers plenty of themed attractions and shows, but in the meantime, you can  enjoy this lovely virtual tour.

Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland

There’s something sad yet fascinating about castles that were severely damaged and remained in ruins, and the 13th-century Caerlaverock Castle, one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses, is one of them.

Take a tour around its remains with Google Street View.

Hever Castle, England

Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.

It’s one of the best castles near London (a list that also includes Downtown Abbey’s Highclere Castle ) , and what attracts travelers to this place is not only the castle itself but also the lake and gardens surrounding it. You can see it all on  this virtual castle tour.

Blair Castle, Scotland

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the beautiful Blair Castle is the historical seat of the Duke of Atholl (a title granted to the chief of the Scottish Murray clan) and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army.

It’s a total privilege to be able to wander around this place without actually traveling, so you have to check out  this online castle tour.

Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland

Perched on the cliffs of the Antrim coast, not much has remained of the medieval Dunluce Castle, the historical seat of the McDonnell clan and one of the top places to see on the Causeway Coastal Route .

Yet, it is still one of the most iconic castles in Northern Ireland, so you can’t miss the opportunity to see it, even if it’s just on a virtual tour.

Kalmar Castle, Sweden

Built as a fortress in the 12th century and turned into a royal residence in the 16th century, the Kalmar Castle is one of the best-preserved Nordic Renaissance castles. Explore it with this virtual tour.

Looking for more ways to travel from home? Transport yourself to Europe with these:

• Books set in Spain
• Books set in Greece
• Books set in France
• Books set in Tuscany
• Romantic books set in Italy

Online Castle Tours of Eastern Europe

Rakvere castle, estonia.

Once a Danish stronghold, the Rakvere Castle is now a themed museum aiming to transport you back to medieval times.

To get a better understanding of what you can expect from this place or just tour around the castle ruins,  take this online tour.

Bran Castle, Romania

Often known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ the infamous Bran Castle is a must-see site in Romania . I got to visit it a few years ago, and it was fascinating and a bit creepy both at the same time.

The actual connection between Dracula’s author — Bram Stoker, his alleged inspiration — Vlad the Impaler, and the castle remains unclear, but the myths about them are what attract so many visitors to this intriguing place.

Visit the Bran Castle at home with Google Maps.

Trakoscan Castle, Croatia

Now a museum, the Trakoscan Castle was once a fortress and the home of a Croatian aristocratic family.

To make it extra scenic, it’s surrounded by big romantic gardens and an artificial lake, which are also included on  the castle’s virtual tour.

Mir Castle, Belarus

Dating back to the 16th century, the Mir Castle is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belarus.

I admit that this country was not on my bucket list (at least not in the top twenty), but  this virtual tour  has made me realize that I need to give it more credit.

Read more about Europe:

• Winter city breaks in Europe
• Myths and legends from Europe
• Places to visit in Spring in Europe
• Mediterranean islands to visit in summer
• Beautiful squares in Europe
• Girls’ trip ideas in Europe

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

6 thoughts on “30 Wonderful Virtual Tours of Castles in Europe”

These castles look like they came straight out of a fairy tale! NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, GERMANY is by far my favorite! 🙂

It’s one of my top favorites too! They’re all so magical, right?

Such a clever post! These castles are seriously EPIC. I need to tour Chateaux of the Loire Valley!

Thank you! I wish I’d find even more castles to add to this list haha

Wow so many, I had no idea! Thanks for sharing, will definitely be checking these out! 🙂

Glad you liked it! 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.