Abandoned Castles and Fortresses That Look Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

22. Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland – The Moated Triangle

Nestled in the borderlands of Dumfries and Galloway, Caerlaverock Castle is one of Scotland’s most visually striking ruins—a rare triangular fortress encircled by a wide, water-filled moat. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it played a crucial role in the Anglo-Scottish wars, withstanding multiple sieges thanks to its formidable curtain walls and strategic location. Despite its martial past, the castle exudes an unexpected elegance: its red sandstone glows warmly in the shifting Scottish light, and its twin-towered gatehouse rises like something from a medieval romance. After being besieged and abandoned in the 17th century, Caerlaverock was left to weather the elements, its halls falling silent and its battlements succumbing to ivy and moss. Today, visitors cross a narrow footbridge to wander through echoing chambers and ruined towers, where fireplaces are carved into broken walls and spiral staircases lead to nowhere. Surrounding the castle, the lush wetlands have transformed the battlefield into a haven for wildlife, with herons, otters, and dragonflies now reigning where soldiers once stood. Equal parts architectural curiosity and storybook ruin, Caerlaverock is a place where the past seeps into every stone and the present feels suspended in time.