I could spy two castles – one white and the other brown. Each has its own history and appeal, but just gazing at the them was enough for me. This wasn’t Scotland but Tarrytown, NY, a suburb of the mighty city of New York. Yet, castles still intrigued me.

 

 

Boarding the Royal Scotsman
So, when the opportunity to ride the Royal Scotsman came, I was more than eager to go. On my trip, the train journeyed from Edinburgh to London. Passengers met at the Balmoral Hotel just 320 feet from Edinburgh’s Waverly Station for tea and scones before taking shiny black taxis to the station. As we boarded, sounds of bagpipes from a musician dressed in traditional Scottish garb, including a kilt, filled the air.

 

The Royal Scotsman routes and itineraries vary, and, these days, mostly travel within Scotland, originating in Edinburgh. So, if it’s castles you’re after, malt whiskey or soothing scenery tinged with lavender hues, elegance wrapped in mahogany, the Royal Scotsman is your ticket to Scotland.

 

This is luxury all the way. There is even a spa aboard the train along with two- and three-course sumptuous meals in two dining cars. So, if you want to be pampered, and take the slow route through the Scottish Highlands, this is the ideal trip, albeit, an expensive one. More on that later.

 

For now, if you are choosing, well, the Royal treatment, there are several routes on the train’s schedule, each one a different number of nights aboard the train, typically two-to-five-night itineraries.

 

If you love stately surroundings, romantic scenery, castles, distilleries, Scotch malt whiskey, and elaborate meals, the Royal Scotsman and its choice of itineraries will more than satisfy. Be sure to spend time in the observation car in an armchair or sofa. Savor the scenery, get to know other passengers, listen to musicians perform, or enjoy a cocktail.

 

Gems of the Royal Scotsman are the two mahogany-paneled restaurant carriages decorated with Scottish thistles, the national emblem of the country, and heritage marquetry. More than 50 malt whiskies as well as wines and liqueurs complement the cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

 

Cabins on board the train include Twin, Double, or Grand Suite, and the train stops for the night. The Double cabins feature a double bed, a mahogany writing desk, a large wardrobe, and an en-suite shower room.

 

 

Life Onboard: Scenic Splendor and Refined Indulgence
The Royal Scotsman offers a variety of itineraries that include touring a castle or two and estates and gardens. If you prefer a more active trip, choose an itinerary that features waterfalls, hiking, a picnic cooked on open flames, and swimming in a loch or river.

 

Riding the Royal Scotsman means 24-hour steward service. So, if you’d rather rough it, or explore Scotland on your own, skip this train.

 

Castles and Itineraries Worthy of a Crown

Among the Royal Scotsman itineraries that include visit to castles are:
Scotland’s Classic Splendors. This four-night itinerary includes four nights aboard the train embarking from Edinburgh. On day three passengers can choose a private tour of Ballindalloch Castle or a visit to a single estate distillery. The castle, situated on the banks of the River Avon, has been home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. After a large flood in 1829, the structure was transformed into a modern Victorian mansion between 1848 and 1853. On day four, they can visit the Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Cabins from GBP 9,100 per person double occupancy.

 

Heritage Homes & Gardens. This itinerary, also four nights aboard the train, includes a visit to the 18th century Foulis Castle, the seat of the Clan Munro. Travelers actually meet members of the family, and can either explore the castle’s grounds and courtyard garden or attend a whiskey tasting in the drawing room. On day three, passengers visit the Ballindalloch Castle. The highlight of day four is Kilbryde Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Campbell family since 1659. It is situated on the side of a gorge that allows the River Ardoch to encircle the castle on three sides. The castle was rebuilt in the 1870s, and the 15-acre gardens were designed in the 1970s. From GBP 14,300 per person double occupancy.

 

Clans, Castles and Isles. This trip includes five nights on the train.
Day five includes Stirling Castle, the childhood home of monarchs Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. It has served as a royal residence, a stronghold, military base and seat of government. Passengers are invited to a private champagne and canape reception and a tour of the castle.

 

Other highlights are visits to the Oban distillery and a local family-run cheese farm, and a sail to the Isle of Bute. Cabins from GBP 17,250 per person double occupancy.

 

If you’d prefer a different focus, consider the Scotch Malt Whiskey Tour, which includes four nights on the train with the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, a malt whiskey club and specialists in single-cask, single-malt whiskies. The itinerary includes a private tour of the Benromach distillery, as well as a single-cask whiskey tasting in the observation car. Passengers also visit the Glenmorangie Distillery. Other activities include swimming, archery or fly fishing on day four. Price starts at GBP 11,050 per person double occupancy.

 

 

Extend the Experience in Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh Castle before you board the train as this castle is not part of Royal Scotsman itineraries. Plan to arrive in Scotland at least a day before your train’s departure to allow time to visit the castle that dates to 1070 as a royal residence. Since then, it also has served as a military garrison, a prison, and fortress.

 

It is home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the oldest in Britain and made of gold, silver, and precious gems. They include the crown, scepter, and sword, located in the Crown Room, which will be closed for refurbishment until Easter, April 2026.

 

 

A Countryside Retreat at Gleneagles
While you’re in Scotland, schedule a separate visit to Gleneagles Hotel, a five-star property about an hour’s drive northwest of Edinburgh in Auchterarder. Situated in the countryside where lavender hues permeate the landscape, Gleneagles is a one-of-a-kind property where outdoors sports abound. If you’ve never tried falconry, and I hadn’t, this is your chance. Don a leather glove and learn to train falcons, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in a 4,000-year-old sport. The Gleneagles Falconry School’s team of handlers and those who care for birds of prey can show you how it’s done in group or individual lessons. Not for everyone, for sure. Otherwise, there’s the spa, fishing, padel and tennis, off-road driving, riding, cycling, and climbing.

 

 

The Price of Royalty
The Royal Scotsman is undeniably expensive. Yet for travelers who cherish stately surroundings, romantic scenery, castles steeped in history, fine whisky and elaborate dining, it delivers an unforgettable immersion into Scotland’s heritage. For anyone who once gazed at distant turrets and dreamed of another world, this journey turns imagination into reality—one elegant mile at a time.

 

For more information about the Royal Scotsman visit: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/scotland/belmond-royal-scotsman/