Castles to visit Scotland

A ^14th century tower, surrounded by a ^16th century wall. This tower-house is one of the oldest in Scotland. Robert the Bruce had visited it. Mary Stuart was invited there before being imprisoned in 1567, her host becoming her jailer, then freed by the son of her keeper. She miscarried there, was forced to abdicate in favor of her son James VI. Note the staircase built backwards for the keeper at the time, who was left-handed! Boats leave for the castle every day during the summer.

It is without doubt the most famous and mediatised of the Scottish castles. Absolutely everything makes an image of Épinal des Highlands: its location on an island, its small bridge, the loch and the mountains that surround it, its robustness both simple and noble, its medieval facade evocative of a rich history ... Its first walls were erected in the 13th century and it was then on the border of the Norse kingdom of the islands, giving it an important defensive position. It then became one of the strongholds of the MacKenzie clan and did not really have to suffer the wars of independence. However, the same cannot be said of the Jacobite uprisings, which put him to a severe test. In 1719, it was even occupied by the Spanish, who were then on the side of the insurgents against England. 46 soldiers were stationed there with 343 barrels of powder, waiting for reinforcements. London decided to take the lead and send three frigates to bomb it heavily. The English finally succeeded in capturing the fortress and used the powder to destroy it. On the basis of its ruins and original plans, Eilean Donan was rebuilt identically two centuries later, in 1932.

Since then, he has become a tourist and even movie star, with numerous appearances on the big screen, notably in the movie Highlander, where he is presented as the MacLeod headquarters (which was never actually the case), as well as in the James Bond movie Le Monde ne suffit pas, as the Scottish HQ of MI6.

Few buildings are as central to Scottish history as this one. The earliest written records date back to the ^12th century, when King Alexander ^I had a chapel built here. It would appear that he made it the seat of his power, as it was here that he died before his successor, David ^I, consecrated the town as a royal burgh . By the time Alexander III died in 1286, it was a major administrative and strategic center. When Edward ^I of England invaded the country in 1296, he found the fortress abandoned and placed a garrison there, which was dislodged the following year by Andrew Moray and William Wallace. The following summer, the English victory at Falkirk forced the Independents to abandon the city, before taking it back in 1299. However, they lost it again in 1304, when the English deployed 17 siege engines. Their new monarch, Edward II, was unable to protect Stirling, which came under the authority of Robert, since crowned King of Scots, after the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The city was English from 1236 to 1242, before falling into the hands of the future Robert II, guaranteeing its Scottish future. The country being finally pacified, the Stuarts built a real palace there and multiplied the works during the Renaissance. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned queen there before her departure for the French court. She made a habit of visiting it regularly and had her newborn son, James, the future sovereign of Scotland and England, baptized there and spent his childhood there. Following the Union of the two crowns in 1603, Stirling's role declined sharply and the castle became primarily a defensive place during the religious troubles. Today, a visit to the castle takes you back to this rich and eventful past.

To see: We discover the historic chapel, the impressive Great Hall, but also the royal palace. The apartments of the queen and the king are of great beauty. Do not miss the kitchens, the tapestry exhibition and the Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. All brought to life by a costumed staff, as well as free guided tours every hour between 10am and 5pm.

Will you see the ghosts of the castle? It is said that ghosts would live here... One would be dressed as a Highlander, in a kilt, and that he could approach visitors to talk to them and would disappear immediately. In other versions, visitors would think of a guide, would approach him and he would vanish into thin air. One also speaks about a green lady..

This is where Queen Mother Elizabeth grew up, making it the second home attached to this illustrious figure. She gave birth here to Princess Margaret, sister of Her Majesty Elizabeth II. Its L-shaped plan, beautiful pink stones and elegant turrets house some of the country's most stunning interiors. Guided tours (free of charge) depart regularly. They will give you the opportunity to hear about ghosts... Stroll through the pleasant gardens where several paths invite you to walk and have lunch in the castle kitchens.

It's Scotland's postcard par excellence: Urquhart Castle enjoys an absolutely breathtaking location on the banks of Loch Ness, scanning the horizon and the apparitions of Nessie. Its ruins that can be seen today date from the 13th to the 16th century. Abandoned in the 17th century, it was partly destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jacobites. Now only the romantic shadow of past greatness remains, but the panorama from the top of Grant Tower is grandiose. The Visitor Centre completes the tour.

Dunrobin Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and its style is particularly rare and refined. Some even see it as the country's most accomplished nobleman's residence. It was the seat of the Earls of Sutherland and the Sutherland clan, and traces its origins to the Middle Ages, but suffered much deterioration, notably at the hands of the Jacobites in the 18th century, so that the building we see today was largely shaped between 1835 and 1850. Charles Barry was the architect and was not at his trial run, since the prodigy already had the Parliament of Westminster on his CV. He set about making it into a palace worthy of the name and it is now the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, with some 189 rooms. Its appearance is reminiscent of the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the gardens of the estate are based on the French model and were inspired by Versailles. The interiors were badly damaged in a fire in 1915 and it was Robert Lorimier who took it upon himself to bring them back to life, which he did with undeniable good taste. A museum part exhibits safari trophies brought back by the family on their travels, but also archaeological relics from the Pictish period.

Its gardens, of all beauty, are to be discovered, all the more so as they offer the most beautiful view of the castle. From April to September, you can enjoy bird of prey shows in these same gardens. This is included in the entrance ticket. They take place at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

Home of the Dukes of Argyll, this romantic neo-gothic castle is the fruit of the genius of William Adam and Roger Morris. Built between 1745 and 1790, it stands on 6.5 hectares of gardens in the centre of a 24,000 hectare estate. Its great beauty earned it the right to serve as the setting for an episode of the Downtown Abbey series. In addition to its finely furnished and ornamented rooms, it contains more than 1,300 weapons. You will admire the rich State Dining Room and the Tapestry Drawing Room. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a snack in the elegant, traditional tearoom.

Its rectangular silhouette has dominated Loch Dunvegan since the 14th century and its beautiful walls were rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Seat of the MacLeod clan, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country. A visit is a must to appreciate its elegant interiors. The gardens surrounding the building are magnificent. Take advantage of your visit for a "seal trip" and embark on a seal watching cruise or a short observation cruise.

It is probably the most spectacular castle in the area. Depending on your desires and budget, you can take a simple tour of the gardens, as well as access the tea room for a snack in the old kitchens. The landscaped park and the view of the building are an enchantment in themselves. Of course, a visit to the castle - guided tour or self-guided tour with documentation - is recommended, as its interiors are superb and reveal fascinating stories.

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

Seven hundred years of history pass by in this superb castle. It is one of the oldest tower houses in the country, as evidenced by the oak trees planted in 1700. Drum Castle is full of secrets, as the tour will reveal. From room to room, the sumptuous decorations follow one another and stun by their beauty. On the top floor, the atmosphere changes: the white walls let the contemporary art express itself. You can also visit the gardens, the oak forest and the chapel.

750 years of Scottish history, celebrated precisely in 2019, await you here. Dating back to the 13th century, Blair Castlehas undergone many renovations and refurbishments over the years, finally displaying the elegance it enjoys today. Its past is linked to that of Mary Queen of Scots, the Three Kingdoms War, the Jacobite uprisings and even Europe's only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, which of course has only a ceremonial role and was authorised by Queen Victoria.

Castle. Inside, you will see sumptuous rooms, exceptional pieces of furniture - Chippendale furniture, for example - and a vast collection of weapons, as well as numerous paintings, especially in the impressive staircase. Raise your head to the ceiling and you'll also see some magnificent decorations. There are a total of 30 rooms in the castle to visit, with exhibitions in the last ones.

Park and gardens. The landscapes are varied around Blair Castle. You will visit the walled garden, called Hercules Garden, restored to its original Georgian design. Pond, Chinese bridge and orchard adorn it. Follow a carved walkway, explore Diana's Grove, a wooded area with some of Scotland's tallest trees, discover the ruins of St Bride's Church, in a site that was already a place of worship in Celtic times. Finally, you will see deer in a large park.

Built in 1856 for Queen Victoria, this superb castle is a very refined example of "Scottish baronial" architecture. Queen Elizabeth used to visit it regularly, but it is not strictly speaking a royal residence. The building does not belong to the crown, but to the family that owns it, as a private property. The visit is interesting, but do not expect to see everything. Only the ballroom and the exhibition space are accessible. Most of the discovery is done outside in the beautiful gardens.

Here is a site where you can easily spend a whole day with your family without getting bored. Lovers of castles, lovers of gardens, this site will delight you by all its aspects. This sublime 400 year old castle is located between Forres and Dyke, in the Moray region.

The Castle : This magnificent 1567 castle was built in the shape of a "Z" for the Brodie clan, of which it is the historic seat. Renovated in the 1830s and 1840s, it has been transformed from its medieval garb into the gleaming noble residence it is today. Every room, every corridor, contains treasures of antiques and Victorian elegance, with paintings by masters, French furniture and china.

The Gardens: 71 acres of gardens surround it to continue the outdoor fun and soak up a little more of this alluring place. When it was created, it had a collection of 400 varieties of daffodils. Now it has 1,160 - impressive, right?

The Playful garden: open in 2019, this playful garden featuring the castle's iconic rabbit (you'll know why when you visit) is reminiscent of an Alice in Wonderland-like world. Children will enjoy the many facilities, as well as the indoor games if the weather is not good. Another playground is located behind the castle, in the woods.

The cafes: one is located in the Playful garden, the other at the back of the castle, in the old kitchens. Here is a place with an incredible charm, and moreover, we eat well there!

Sitting in the shadow of Goat Fell, Brodick Castle is a must-see when visiting Arran. The fortification of the site dates back to the^5th century, when the Gaels extended their kingdom there from the Irish region of Antrim. In the ^10th century, it was the turn of the Norwegians to take over the place, before the island became part of the Kingdom of Mann & the Isles in the middle of the ^13th century. At the beginning of the ^14th century, it had been attached to the Scottish crown and had already experienced the wars of independence. The Earls of Arran began to build the building we see today in 1510. The War of the Three Kingdoms did not spare it and it passed from family to family according to conflicts and allegiances.

Castle. The interiors are the epitome of Victorian splendor and contain rooms and decorative elements of great value. The grand entrance hall with its hunting trophies is a reminder of the activities of the aristocracy of the time, while the bedrooms and the dining room are extremely elegant. An interactive visit of the castle, with actors in costume, sound and lighting effects is now in place, for a more playful discovery.

Park. The gardens are also worth a visit and are particularly pleasant in good weather. French gardens, they offer a peaceful escape between waterfalls, ponds and wooded paths.

Activities for children. They will love the Isle Be Wild playground and the Fairies & Legends Trail.

The Culzean Castle is an architectural marvel that stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde. A stronghold of the Kennedy family since the 14th century, it was completely remodelled between 1770 and 1792 by the dazzling Robert Adam. The transformation had to reflect the wealth of its owner, who did not skimp on the means involved. Unfortunately, neither he nor the architect survived to see the work completed. Yet the building's place in Scottish heritage is such that it is even found on some £5 notes. One easily spends the day walking around its rooms and its 260-hectare park, which includes an orangery, an enclosed garden, greenhouses, a lake, a park with deer, cliffs, beaches and even a cave. General and American President Eisenhower himself stayed here several times and was offered apartments for life, for his decisive role in the Second World War. During your visit, don't miss the splendid oval staircase, the armoury with its collection of military pistols and swords and the Round Drawing Room.

With children: There should be two playgrounds for them: Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland. Cabins, slides, maze, climbing, adventure in the trees: they'll want more!

Park only: It is also possible, depending on the time you have available, to visit only the estate's park. You will then benefit from a reduced rate (£3/adult)

The impressive fortress of Caerlaverock seems impregnable, with its triangular structure in the middle of the water. Yet it was captured twice and one of the sieges lasted thirteen weeks. Built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family until they abandoned the place in the 17th century. The site, partly in ruins, retains considerable historical interest for its innovative architecture and its role in the wars against England. What appeals beyond history? Its enchanting and romantic aspect!

The Drumlanrig Castle is a unique example of 17th century architecture. Built between 1679 and 1689, it was commissioned by William Douglas, the Duke of Queensberry. Its beautiful pink sandstone facades support 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers. Some precious works of art can be seen here, such as Rembrandt's Old Woman Reading and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna with Spindles. Visits take place exclusively in the summer, and for a guided tour you must be on site at 11am (and plan to book in advance).

Estate and Gardens: Visitors can also enjoy 16 hectares of gardens and 48,000 hectares of parkland throughout the Queensberry Estate. There are a number of footpaths and site rangers also lead guided walks through the gardens. Bicycles can be hired on site. There are many walking and hiking routes from or through the estate.

Playground: Entrance to the adventure playground is included in the park entrance, leaving the children with hours of fun, while the parents enjoy the sumptuous setting.

Village and craft shops: Drumlanrig castle is home to a community of creative craftsmen, who have their shop in this privileged location. It is in this same space, with its village spirit, that you can rent a mountain bike to go hiking in the mountains.

Tearoom: In the former kitchens of the castle, local products are served, some even coming from the vegetable garden. Sweet or savoury palate, you will find something to eat

Floors Castle is a flagship of Scottish heritage and is also currently the largest castle still inhabited. Built in 1721 by William Adam for the Duke of Roxburghe, it was embellished by William Playfair in the 18th century. To say the least, the two renowned architects have done an admirable job. Everything here is an ode to greatness and good taste. For more than 40 years, visitors have been admiring the rich 17th and 18th century French furniture, 17th century Belgian tapestries, but also Gobelins tapestries, refined porcelain and fine art pieces of all kinds... Lovers of master paintings will love to come across two paintings by Henri Matisse, one by Augustus John and one by Pierre Bonnard. On the literary side, an original by the poet Robert Burns is also kept here. In all, there are 154 rooms, the most beautiful of which can be visited, and no less than 365 windows: one for each day of the year. The walled garden is also very attractive. Indeed, it contains one of the most beautiful Victorian vegetable gardens, and the floral spaces are regularly recomposed, thus offering landscape paintings by masters, varying according to the seasons and topiary inspirations. You will no doubt also be charmed by the summer pavilion, named Queen's House, following the visit of Queen Victoria in 1867. Finally, you will have to treat yourself to a lunch or an afternoon tea in this superb setting! Exactly, two nice cafés are there for that...