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Four & Five Star Quality B&Bs in Scotland
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The rich history of Scotland is reflected by the hundreds of castles dotted throughout the landscape - some built for decoration more than protection!
Although numerous castles are now in the care of Historic Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland, there are many still under individual ownership and lots which are still lived in.
From ancient ruins to lavishly furnished residences, there is something to spark the imagination of young and old alike.See the different sections below to discover which Castles you can visit in the area of Scotland where you will be staying and follow the links to the B&Bs within no more than 2 hours drive from those castles.
SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND
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Dumfries and Galloway Threave Castle (Castle Douglas). The stronghold of the Black Douglases built in the late 14th century by Archibald the Grim, 3rd Earl of Douglas. on an island in the River Dee. Ring the bell for the custodian to ferry you across the river to the island. Historic Scotland. Admission charge. Open 1 April - 30 September daily 9.30am - 5.30pm (last boat across 4.30pm). Close to Threave Gardens and Threave House.
Cardoness Castle (Gatehouse of Fleet). Ancient home of the McCullochs, this 15th century six storey tower house stands on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet, guarding the access from the Solway Firth. Particularly fine fireplaces in the Great and Upper halls. Historic Scotland. Admission charge. Open 1 April - 30 September daily 9.30am - 5.30pm;
1 October - 31 March weekends 9.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays in October.
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Caerlaverock Castle (Glencaple, 8 miles from Dumfries). One of Scotland's finest castles. This unusual three sided, moated castle is everyone's idea of a medieval fortress. Children's Adventure Park, model siege engine and nature trail.
Historic Scotland. Admission charge. Open 1 April - 30 September daily 9.30am - 5.30pm; 1 October - 31 March daily 9.30am - 4.30pm.
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 Copyright - VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint |
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Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran Brodick Castle and Gardens, Isle of Arran. Red sandstone castle at the foot of Goatfell mountain. Once home of the Dukes of Hamilton. National Trust for Scotland. Castle open open daily from April to October 11am - 4.30pm (closes 3.30pm in October). Gardens open all year 9am - sunset. Tel 01770 302636. |
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Argyll, Loch Lomond, Kintyre and the Isle of Mull Torosay Castle and Gardens, Craignure, Isle of Mull
Duart Castle - Take the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull - Open April - October - home of the Chief of Clan Maclean with dungeons and state rooms and 13th Century keep. Web site: duartcastle.com
Inveraray Castle (Inveraray, Argyll)
Open 1 April to 31 October (Monday-Saturday, 10am - 5.45pm; and on Sundays afternoons 12 - 5.45pm). Admission charge. Woodlands walks (free).
Web site: www.inveraray-castle.com
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SOUTH-EAST SCOTLAND
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The Scottish Borders Floors Castle (Kelso, Roxburghshire). Scotland's largest inhabited castle. Open 1 May to 28 October daily 11am - 4.30pm, also open for the Easter weekend. Web site.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians
Edinburgh Castle
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Craigmillar Castle (Edinburgh)
Blackness Castle (4 miles from Linlithgow)
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Fife Aberdour Castle - in Aberdour, 5 miles east of the Forth Bridges on the A921.
The 13th century fortified residence of Aberdour has a delightful walled garden and terraces with beehive-shaped doocot.
Stirling Stirling Castle
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NORTHERN SCOTLAND
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Speyside and the Cairngorm National Park Ballindalloch Castle, 14 miles from Grantown-on-Spey on the A95.
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Inverness, Loch Ness and Nairn Cawdor Castle & Gardens, on B9090 between Inverness & Nairn. Mixture of formal gardens and parkland, including maze. Open daily 10am - 5.30pm from 1st May to 12th October 2008. Gift shop and tearoom. Golf course. Admission charges apply.
Urquhart Castle (Drumnadrochit). Picturesque ruins on the banks of Loch Ness.
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Lochaber, Wester Ross and the Isle of Skye Eilean Donan Castle (Dornie). This castle was around before Viking times, but was rebuilt from a ruin in the early years of this century to become arguably the most recognisable images of Scotland. Used for film sets such as 'Highlander' it sits on its own tiny island, with the stunning backdrop of Loch Alsh, and Skye in the distance. Open daily 10am to 5.30pm April to October. Admission charges apply. Gift shop and restaurant. Web site: www.eileandonancastle.com
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Sutherland Ardvreck Castle lies on the edge of Loch Assynt with views down the loch and up on to Quinag. The castle was built about 1590 by the MacLeods of Assynt who had owned the area since the 13th century. Rumour has it that The Marquis of Montrose was captured around here in 1650, after his defeat at Carbisdale, and was held at the castle until being sent to Edinburgh for his execution. The MacKenzies seized the castle when they came to Assynt in 1672 and built Calda House, just a stones throw away in 1726. Sadly both the house and the castle were destroyed by fire. The ruins of the castle are a wonderful place to spend a lazy summer’s afternoon with a picnic and then a stroll around the area. If you are lucky you might even catch a glimpse of one of the two resident ghosts.
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North-East Highlands Dunrobin Castle, Golspie. Formal parterre gardens laid out in 1850 below the castle.
Open 25 March to 15 October 2008 from 10.30am (except Sundays in March, April, May, September & October when it opens at 12 noon.
Castle of Mey (located between Thurso and John O'Groats)
For 2008, the Castle and Gardens will be open daily to visitors from
1st May to 30th July inclusive and from 13th August to 30th September inclusive. (Closed from 31st July to 12th August inclusive)
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NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND
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Perthshire Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
 Blair Castle Drummond Castle Gardens, Muthill, Crieff. One of the finest formal gardens in Europe, first laid out in the early 17th century. Gardens open at Easter, then from May to October 1pm - 6pm. Admission charge. Web site. Note: the castle itself is not open to the public.
Castle Menzies, Weem
Scone Palace (near Perth)
Huntingtower Castle (near Perth)
Elcho Castle (near Perth). 16th century fortified mansion with three towers.
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Angus & Dundee Glamis Castle
Broughty Ferry Castle, Dundee. 15th century estuary fort with museum and fantastic views of the River Tay.
Open daily April - September (afternoons only on Sundays). October - March: closed on Mondays. Admission free. Historic Scotland.
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 Copyright - VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint |
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Aberdeenshire and Grampian Balmoral Castle at Crathie, 6 miles northeast of Braemar. Summer holiday home for the Royal family in Scotland.
Gardens and grounds open to the public daily from 10am - 5pm from 1 April - 31 July 2007. Public access inside the castle is limited to the Ballroom. Exhibition, tea room and shop. Horse riding, walks, and golf course. Tel: 013397 42534.
Web site: www.balmoralcastle.com
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Crathes Castle near Banchory. Castle with spectacular gardens featuring herbaceous borders in garden "rooms" and unusual topiary. Garden and grounds open daily all year.
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 Copyright - VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint |
Dunnottar Castle (2 miles south of Stonehaven). Dating from 1276, this stronghold of the former Earls Marischal of Scotland enjoys a spectacular narrow cliff top setting. It withstood an eight month siege by Cromwellian forces in 1652 and during this time, the Scottish crown jewels were supposedly lowered into a small boat at the foot of the cliff to keep them out of English hands. More recently, Dunottar provided a stunning location for Franco Zeffirelli's film of Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
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Kildrummy Castle near Alford, Aberdeenshire. Biggest and best example of 13th century castle in Scotland. Gardens. Open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm from April to 30 September. Admission charge. Historic Scotland.
Corgarff Castle (Cock Bridge, Upper Donside) 16th century tower house converted to barracks for Redcoats. Furnished and complete. Spectacular position. Admission charge. Open all year (weekends only in winter). Tel: 01975 651460.
Historic Scotland.
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Craigievar Castle (near Alford) 15 miles from Banchory and 26 miles from Aberdeen. This fairytale castle is an example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture. It was built by William Forbes in 1626.
Glenbuchat Castle, near Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire. Ruined 16th century castle. Historic Scotland. Open: all year. Admission free.
Fyvie Castle, 8 miles south-east of Turriff, Aberdeenshire.
Historic castle dating back to the 13th century when it was a royal stronghold. Impressive collection of paintings, portraits, fine furniture, tapestries, arms and armour.
Castle open 12 - 5pm Saturday - Wednesday Easter - 30 June and 1 to 30 September (closed Thursdays and Fridays); 1 July to 31 August daily 11am - 5pm. Grounds open all year. Admission charge.
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Drum Castle (near Banchory). The original 13th century keep has an adjoining Jacobean mansion house and additions made by Victorian lairds. There are woodland trails and a garden of historic roses in the grounds. National Trust of Scotland. Castle open Easter - 30 June and 1 - 30 September 12.30 - 5pm (closed Tuesdays and Fridays).
Castle open 1 July - 31 August daily 11am - 5pm.
Grounds open daily all year. National Trust for Scotland
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Castle Fraser (4 miles from Dunecht, 16 miles west of Aberdeen). Built between 1575 and 1636, this magnificent building contains an array of historic furnishings, paintings and embroidery. Extensive parkland.
Castle, shop and tearoom open Easter - 30 June, daily (but closed Fri and Mon) 12 noon - 5pm;
1 July - 31 August daily 11am - 5pm; 1 - 30 September daily (but closed Fri and Mon) 12 noon - 5pm.
Admission charge. National Trust for Scotland
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The above information is provided in good faith, but please remember that opening times and prices are subject to change.
In order to avoid any disappointment, we suggest you contact the individual visitor attractions before visiting.
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Web site Copyright Scotland's Best B&Bs 1998-2008
www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/castles.htm
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