Ah, Scotland! The land of kilts, bagpipes, and more castles than you can shake a tartan at. I’ve long dreamed of wading into these historic stones, and let me tell you, my Scottish castle-hopping experience didn’t disappoint. Picture this: mist rolling over rolling hills as you approach a grand fortress, its walls whispering secrets of knights and ladies, while I’m somewhere in the background tripping over my own shoelaces.
But hey, let’s put my clumsiness aside and delve into the ethereal world of Scotland’s most majestic castles. Buckle up, because there’s so much to share!
I kicked off my castle tour in Edinburgh Castle, which looms over the city like a proud parent watching their child struggle to ride a bike. This place is where I first realised that I need to be more wary of my coffee choices – bad brew and over-excitement don’t mix when you’re 30 metres above ground!
Once inside, the beautifully arranged Crown Jewels are worth the admission alone, especially the stunning Crown of Scotland, which is glittering more than my Auntie Jean’s dance moves at a wedding. Yet, it was the St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, that truly got me. Small, intimate, and utterly magical, I could have sworn I felt a tiny ghost nudge me. Probably just my imagination… or was it?!
Next up: Stirling Castle. If castles were celebrities, Stirling would be the one with the best gossip. This stunner played host to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was born right there in 1542. The Great Hall is magnificent, and I found myself totally engrossed in a fascinating display of the costumes from the Showtime series “The Spanish Princess.” It’s like someone waved a magic wand over history and asked, “How can we make it even more dramatic?”
But the real kicker? The Stirling Heads. These beautifully carved medallions in the Palace are a who’s who of the Scottish nobility, and I mean, my pals and I spent a solid fifteen minutes debating who had the worst hairstyle. Spoiler: it was definitely not Mary.
Now let’s glide over to Eilean Donan Castle – the Instagram star of castles, popping up on more travel feeds than inspirational quotes about wandering. Perched on a small island at the point where three sea lochs meet, let’s just say the views are over-the-top gorgeous. Oh, and bring your wellies if you visit during the rainy season—trust me, the boggy bits have a way of finding you!
When I finally made it to the castle, I was struck by the wonderful juxtaposition of rustic charm and history. The interior is a mix of ancient artefacts and comfy sofas where you can imagine you’re a lord or lady nursing a wee dram. However, warning: my tastebuds met their match when I ordered haggis bites with whisky sauce. Pro tip: pair them with a good Scottish ale and not just any old half-hearted brew.
How could I forget Urquhart Castle, perched on the banks of Loch Ness? This place is a must-visit, especially if you’re eager for a little Nessie spotting. (I’m convinced I saw something swimming, but it turned out to be a very friendly golden retriever.)
Wandering through the crumbling stone walls while listening to the stories of past sieges truly set a medieval mood, even with the tourists clamouring for a selfie beside the iconic tower. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition nearby gives you the lowdown on the lake’s infamous legend, but honestly, my biggest takeaway was that I’d be far more interested in searching for the nearest café.
Speaking of cafés, if you happen to visit, avoid that little one near the entrance. I’ve had more flavourful cardboard in my post-lunch naps.
Ah, Glamis Castle—the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and perhaps the most admirable castle I visited. It’s as pretty as a postcard, nestled in the Angus countryside, and bursting with tales of supernatural occurrences (hello, ghosts!). If you fancy a spook, make sure to look for the Grey Lady, who is said to wander the halls. Don’t worry; I checked my shadow… just in case!
Inside, the state rooms are breathtaking. The craftsmanship is outstanding, and every inch of the castle speaks of grandeur and opulence. My favourite spot? The chapel—I felt an overwhelming calm, even when listening to my mate Molly attempt to hit an off-key note on the chapel organ.
Now, let’s take a quick detour! Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Castle Campbell comes into view. Tucked away in Dollar Glen, Castle Campbell is less popular but utterly charming. Its dramatic setting and the walk to get there are worth every grumble about the steep hills. Perfect for those who like their castles with a bit of elbow grease!
I got a right laugh from the signs warning about wildlife. I half-expected a unicorn to pop out! Don’t worry, only a few sheep were my companions at that moment. The open-air views from the upper levels left me spellbound. I thought I could fly—until reality kicked in over the sheer drop.
Scotland’s castles are genuinely captivating, each telling tales of epic battles, royal intrigues, and yes, perhaps too many cups of terrible tea. If I’ve learned anything from my rambles through these grand historic homes (besides to always pack snacks), it’s that each castle has a soul uniquely its own, ready to capture your imagination.
As I wrap this up with the cheeky thought of whether I could live in a castle (answer: yes, if only the mortgage downpayment wasn’t a nightmare!), I urge you to hop into a time machine—figuratively speaking—to explore these magnificent constructions for yourself.
Have you visited any castles in Scotland that made you feel like royalty or perhaps took your breath away? I’d love to hear about your escapades—share your stories in the comments below!
