Channel Your Inner Traitor In These Beautiful Scottish Castles
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10 months ago
Make like royalty in Scottish spires
Obsessed with The Traitors? You’re not alone. While visits to Ardross Castle – as seen in The Traitors – are reserved for the likes of weddings and away days, Scotland is thankfully home to a plethora of castles ripe for the visiting. Indeed, castle enthusiast David Weinczok estimates that around 2000 castles are scattered across the ancient land, with the lofty fortresses an integral part of the wild and undulating landscape, along with pristine lochs and towering mountains. From ruins to visitor-friendly heritage sites to refurbishments into hotels, there’s plenty of ways to visit these beautiful castles, too. Here’s the C&TH pick of the beautiful Scottish castles to visit – or, if you’re lucky, book yourself into for a regal holiday.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Beautiful Scottish Castles To Visit & Book
Ardross Castle © BBC/Studio Lambert Associates/Mark Mainz
Scottish Castles To Visit
Castle Ruins In Scotland
Dunnotar Castle, Aberdeenshire
Set against a watery backdrop and perched on an ocean outcrop, this cliff-top stronghold – dating back to the middle-ages – is breathtaking at sunset. Visit by walking along the Aberdeenshire coastline from the pretty, nearby Stonehaven harbour town. dunnottarcastle.co.uk
Huntly Castle, Aberdeenshire
Also known as Strathbogie Castle, the magnificent Huntly Castle ruin dates from the 12th century, serving as a baronial residence for five centuries. historicenvironment.scot
Dunskey Castle, Dumfries & Galloway
Another dramatic coastal castle, the raggedy Dunskey Castle was once a massive tower house, but has sat derelict since 1700. Arrive by walking along the coastal path – and continue south past the castle to the pretty town of Portpatrick with its picturesque harbour and pastel houses. visitscotland.com
Scottish Castles You Can Stay In
Ardverikie Castle, Inverness
The fictional Balmoral in Netflix’s The Crown, this 19th century Gothic home near Inverness has the same brooding turrets and gloomy air as the real Balmoral, just with a slightly lower profile. It makes for a lovely and tranquil staycation destination – across a variety of on-ground cottages, ranging from a pretty lodge to an eco pod. ardverikie.com
Dairsie Castle, Fife
Stepping inside Dairsie Castle is like stepping back in time. Once the site of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges and even the hiding place of James VI from his Ruthven captors in 1583, the property has a colourful history. Today, the six-bedroom castle with six-acres of grounds – including a walled garden, orchard and parkland – is the perfect place for a weekend break. dairsiecastle.com
Skibo Castle, Highlands & Islands
Refurbished by Andrew Carnegie in 1898, Skibo was sold to hotelier Peter de Savary in 1982. Madonna and Guy Richie married here in 2002. It’s now owned by a mega-rich American keeping a low profile. It’s technically possible to stay in the magnificent Skibo Castle, but, as a private members club, it’ll set you back a hefty £30,000 in joining fees, £9,000 in annual membership fees, and £1,500 to actually stay the night. Worth it? Read the C&TH review to find out. carnegieclub.co.uk
Featured Image: Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland (via Getty)
