scotland
www.touristear.com
by Vero
A fairytale castle, rich in history and well-preserved structure. Once home to Counts Strathmore, setting of Macbeth, and Queen Mother's childhood. Admission: £9.
Offers panoramic city views from its hilltop perch. Explore independently, with a guide, or an audio guide. Ticket: €20, guided tour: €33
En route through Speyside's whisky route, we encountered Balvenie Castle, lending its name to the nearby distillery. Although in ruins, you can explore this twelfth-century structure with a £5 ticket.
Dunrobin Castle, reminiscent of a Disney fairytale, was originally a summer residence commissioned by the Earl of Sutherland. Explore its interior, gardens, and fascinating museum. Admission: £11.
Located north of the Highlands, Sinclair Castle Girnigoe is a must-see on the scenic North Coast 500 route. Explore the cliffside ruins on foot, leaving the car at the nearby lighthouse parking. FREE admission.
Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye, once home to MacLeod Clan (no photography allowed). Explore picturesque gardens, and if weather permits, take a boat ride to see nearby seal colony. Entrance fee: £13, boat ticket: £7.50.
Perched in the town of the same name, is equally awe-inspiring. We visited near closing time, relishing the tranquility.
The highly photographed Scottish gem stands in a remarkable location accessible by a bridge. Originally built in the 13th century as a Viking defense, it now offers wedding ceremonies for a fee. Worth a visit. Admission: £7.50.
The castle impresses with its well-preserved exterior. Unfortunately, we couldn't explore inside as it is open for visitation only during summer due to housing city government offices.
A ruin nestled on Loch Ness, offers a captivating visit amidst the dark waters. Combine a boat ride on the lake with an hour to explore the castle, followed by further Loch Ness exploration.