Caerlaverock Castle
What better way to end lockdown than discovering some good old Scottish history. Caerlaverock’s wide moat, towered gatehouse and battlements make it look straight from a fairytale making it a popular location for filming a variety of movies, including The Decoy Bride, a romantic comedy starring David Tennant. Visitors can also download their free app for iOS or Android before they visit to plan what they want to do in and around the castle walls.
Open daily from 10am-4pm (last entry is 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, including 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 old roses. The castle offers a variety of tours including guided and self-guided and they will have a variety of events taking place after the lockdown.
Open Saturday-Thursday 11am-4pm (last entry at 3.15pm) for the castle – the gardens are normally open daily from 9am-dusk all year
Entry varies from £7.50-£18
Kellie Castle, Pittenweem, KY10 2RF
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell was greatly fought over during the Wars of Independence. As a result it frequently changed hands back and forth between the English and Scottish and so 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. With so much history to uncover, including medieval prisons, there’s so much to enjoy 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 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 the British Isles’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, closely resembling a French chateau. What's more, the castle was the architectural influence for the designer of London’s Houses of Parliament. The castle features an incredibly interesting history, and it was used as a naval hospital during the First World War. The castle has 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 castle is the only surviving medieval castle within the city of Glasgow. It offers visitors the chance to experience a sweeping view of the city and from its hilltop position you can get a great view of the south-east of Glasgow. There are a variety of rooms to explore in the castle too, 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
All subject to current restrictions
CHARLOTTE COHEN
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