Castles

You can't come to Scotland and not visit a castle..or two!  Southern Scotland is rich in castles having formed a major part of the Scottish defences for 100's of years.  The landscape is littered with ruins bearing the scars of of centuries of war.  Below are a pick of our nearest and dearest, but there are plenty we haven't listed if you don't mind the 'tumble down' look!

Craignethan Castle - Clydesdale - Craignethan Castle is the last great private stronghold constructed in Scotland.  It is without parallel, comprising an exceptional residential tower protected by the most unusual artillery fortification.  This castle is located close to Craigend and you can enjoy a particularly nice walk along the River Nethan to reach it.  Website Craignethan Castle

Drumlanrig Castle - Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway - Only 30 minutes from Craigend, Drumlanrig castle and Country Park is a fantastic day out.  Owned by the Duke of Buccleuch, it is a large country house built in 1684 and houses the Buccleuch Art Collection.  The house itself is stunning and the grounds and park around will give you a full days activities.  Website Drumlanrig

Culzean Castle - Maybole, Ayrshire - Culzean Castle (pronounced cull-ANE) is a castle near Maybole, Carrick, on the Ayrshire coast of Scotland. It is the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa but is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The clifftop castle lies within the Culzean Castle Country Park which includes a Deer Park, Fountain Court, Swan Pond, Walled Garden, Caves...the list is endless! Website Culzean

Stirling Castle - Stirling - One of the most iconic castles in Scotland and a must see for anyone visiting Central Scotland.  It is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally.  Its situation on top of a volcanic hill gives it unique defences and its role in many of the major events in Scottish history are known to all.  This is the home of the Wallace Monument, The Robert the Bruce Statue and is close to Bannockburn.  Website Stirling Castle

Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotlands capital now as it has for 100's of years and you simply can't avoid it when visiting the city.  There is not enough space to explain why this castle holds such a special place in the heart of Scots and the website Edinburgh Castle will probably do it better.  Needless to say you just can't visit Edinburgh and not take the time to visit this unique place

Chatelherault Country Park - Hamilton - Not so much a castle as a restored William Adam hunting lodge which is the size of a castle!  Built for the Duke of Hamilton in 1734 the lodge has had a chequered history, but now forms the centrepiece of a country park and visitor centre.  The ruins of Cadzow castle are in the grounds of Chatelherault.  No dedicated Website