Celtic Castles Top Castles to Visit in Scotland.
The turbulent history in Scotland has left an enduring mark on the landscape with many castles, fortresses and tower houses that pop up just about everywhere; it makes Scotland a great place to visit and explore.
All castles, especially Scottish ones, have the power to get our imagination flowing; this may be the reason why castles are the top of most peoples list of places to see. These are my top five castles to visit in Scotland:
Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll
Inveraray Castle dates from the 18th century and is home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, whose family have lived in Inveraray for over five centuries. Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, although the impressive castle we know today was inspired by a sketch by Vanburgh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard in the 1700s. Inveraray is easily one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Check out the Mull of Kintyre as well!
http://www.inveraray-castle.com
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/stonefield
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Perched high above the capital, this is Scotland’s most important and famous castle. There has been a castle here since the 11th century and each century has seen changes and additions resulting in today’s mix of military barracks, palace, fortress and war memorial. The castle is also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels – ‘The Honours of Scotland’. Listen out for The One O’clock Gun, which fires from the ramparts each weekday, scaring pigeons and the unaware tourists in Princes Street Gardens far below.
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/dalhousie
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Wester Ross
Eilean Donan is, for many people, the archetypal Scottish shortbread box castle; it is certainly one of the most photographed castles in Scotland and I have seen some great pictures of this castle. Ruined during one of the Jacobite risings in the early 18th century, it was restored to all its glory 200 years later and is now the headquarters of the Clan McRae. The castle’s most spectacular feature is its magnificent backdrop and the bridge that you cross to visit the fortress.
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/inverlochy
Caerlaverock Castle, Glencaple, Dumfries
Caerlaverock dates from the late 13th century and is one of the finest Medieval structures in Scotland. It was destroyed on several occasions, for the final time in the early 17th century by the Covenanters. With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the Medieval stronghold. Look out for some fine carved stone panels, windows and fireplaces showing the past grandeur of this extraordinary castle.
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/comlongon
Craigievar Castle, by Alford
This fairytale castle, a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and the great tower stands just as it did when completed in 1626. Craigievar is hidden in the wooded hills of Aberdeenshire. It is seven storeys high, its sheer walls are topped by a riot of turrets, towers, crow-stepped gables and conical roofs which give it its distinctive romantic character. The castle is home to a fine collection of family potraits.
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/dalmunzie-castle
Culzean Castle, near Maybole, Ayrshire
Culzean Castle is the jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland and is one of Scotland’s best loved castles. This grand cliff-top castle was remodelled in the late 18th century by the renowned architect Robert Adam in his trademark neo-classical Georgian style. The circular salon has a panoramic view over the Firth of Clyde and the oval staircase is Adam’s final masterpiece of interior design. You can also stay in The Eisenhower Apartment at the top of the property.
Stay at:
www.celticcastles.com/castles/culzean
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