Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock’s wide moat, towered gatehouse and battlements make it look straight from a fairytale which has made it a popular location for filming movies, including The Decoy Bride (a romantic comedy starring David Tennant). The triangular shape of the castle’s defensive walls is unique in the British Isles. Visitors can download a free app for iOS or Android phones to help them plan their visit. The castle also features a permanent exhibition on siege warfare.
Open daily from 10am-4pm (last entry is at 3.30pm).
Entry varies from £1-£6 and can be booked online
Caerlaverock, Dumfries, DG1 4RU
Kellie Castle and Garden
Saved from ruin in the late 19th century by a family of artists and architects, Kellie Castle is bursting with artistic and architectural masterpieces. These include the majestic library ceiling, which is one of the oldest ornamental plaster ceilings in Scotland. The castle stables give you the chance to see Hew Lorimer’s sculpture studio and learn more about his life from the exhibition. Outside of the castle, you can venture into the Arts & Crafts garden bursting with plant life, including heritage roses. There's a variety of tours including guided and self-guided and they have a variety of events taking place throughout the year – this week it’s the Scottish Tree Festival. Whatever your interests, there’s enough to keep you busy.
Open Saturday-Thursday 11am-4pm (last entry at 3.15pm) for the castle – the gardens are open daily from 9am – dusk all year
Entry varies from £7.50-£18
Kellie Castle, Pittenweem, KY10 2RF
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Castle was greatly fought over during the Wars of Independence and frequently passed back and forth between English and Scottish hands and, because of this, the castle was never completed to the original plans. However, with such a rich history it is one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval strongholds still standing. With a huge choice of history to uncover, including medieval prisons, there’s so much to discover at Bothwell Castle.
Open daily (except Thursday and Friday) from 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Entry varies from £1-£6 and tickets can be booked online
Castle Avenue, Uddingston, Bothwell, Glasgow, G71 8BL
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is the most northern among Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands, featuring 189 rooms. The castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses. The castle closely resembles a French chateau and was the architectural influence for the designer of London’s Houses of Parliament. The castle has an incredibly interesting history, and later was used as a naval hospital during the First World War. The castle also offers stunning views as it overlooks the Dornoch Firth.
Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm (last entry is 4pm)
Entry varies from £7.50-£12
Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland, KW10 6SF
Crookston Castle
Crookston is the only surviving medieval castle in Glasgow. Its hilltop position gives sweeping views of the south-east of Glasgow. There are a variety of rooms to explore, including a kitchen, a prison and servants’ quarters.
Open daily (except Thursday and Friday) 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Entry is free
170 Brockburn Road, Glasgow, G53 5RY
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