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The 11 best castles to visit in Scotland

Scotland is famous for its castles, attracting guests from all over the world to visit these iconic structures. The early castles in Scotland were built for defense, while later ones, from the Enlightenment onward, were designed for grandeur. This castle-building tradition continued into Queen Victoria’s reign, with her beloved Balmoral Castle. Afterwards, they were often castellated houses, but still retained traditional features like turrets and narrow windows.

Whatever the purpose for their construction, Scotland’s castles are among the most impressive in Europe. Many remain intact and in use as homes, museums, or even military garrisons, like Fort George or Edinburgh Castle. With a long history of war, Scottish castles were often built in commanding positions overlooking vast landscapes. 

In this guide we explore the best castles to visit in Scotland along with some recommendations of where to stay nearby. There will be many different architectural styles included, such as medieval fortresses and baronial estates. Some are still ancestral homes, while others are castle ruins steeped in history. There are so many beautiful castles in Scotland, it’s difficult to choose the best, but these are among the top ones to explore when visiting.

1. EDINBURGH CASTLE, EDINBURGH

Edinburgh castle is undoubtedly the most famous castle in Scotland. With amazing views overlooking the city, it remains an active garrison with soldiers stationed in its barracks. Perched on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug believed to be 350 million years old, this royal castle has stood here since the 12th Century. 

Edinburgh Castle played a pivotal role in many conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century and the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Remarkably, it has withstood 26 sieges in its 1,100-year history.

Inside, visitors will find St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, the Scottish Regalia (crown jewels), the National War Memorial, and the War Museum. Every August, the castle becomes the dramatic backdrop for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, part of the Edinburgh Festival. 

Since 1861, the One O’Clock Gun has been fired daily, marking time and special occasions, including the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle is deeply symbolic for Scots.

Anyone visiting the city should explore this iconic landmark and immerse themselves in Scottish history. For a luxury stay nearby, consider Gilmerton House or Archerfield House in East Lothian.

2. STIRLING CASTLE, STIRLING

Probably the second most famous castle in Scotland, and like Edinburgh Castle, one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. Situated above the River Forth, it marks the transition between the Lowlands and Highlands and boasts a dramatic setting surrounded by steep cliffs. Its strategic location made it a defensive stronghold, and its buildings date largely to the 14th and 15th Centurie, with some earlier and later additions.

Many notable events occurred here: Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1542, and the castle endured eight sieges, the final one led by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. Over the centuries, Stirling Castle served various roles — as a royal palace, prison, garrison, and infirmary. Visitors today can explore the Chapel Royal, Guard House, restored Great Hall with its hammer beam roof, and gardens built on a former jousting ground.

The castle also hosts open-air concerts and exhibitions, offering plenty to see and do. Said to be haunted by a ghostly Highlander, Stirling Castle makes for both a captivating and educational yet spooky visit.

3. CULZEAN CASTLE, AYRSHIRE

Culzean Castle is a personal favourite and certainly one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. Hugging the cliffs of the Ayrshire coast and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this romantic structure was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th Century for the Earl of Cassillis. It later became the residence of the Marquess of Ailsa, Chief of Clan Kennedy.

Its architectural highlights include a drum tower, circular saloon with sea views, an oval staircase, and ornate apartments. In 1945, the Kennedy family donated the estate to the National Trust for Scotland, on condition that the top apartment be reserved for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, recognising his WWII service. He visited in 1946 and stayed four times, including during his presidency.

The castle is steeped in intrigue, with seven ghosts (allegedly), a vast armoury housing 716 flintlocks, and fascinating artefacts such as a model ship made of bones and a bloodhound silver clock. These features earn it a spot on our list of castles in Scotland that are haunted.

Highlights of this Scottish Castle include Alexander Nasmyth’s paintings: the grand dining room, barrel organ, and camellia greenhouse. Visitors can enjoy both the interiors and gardens. For an extraordinary stay, look no further than Glenapp Castle.

4. GLAMIS CASTLE, ANGUS

Among the best castles to see in Scotland is Glamis Castle, located in the heart of fertile Angus farmland. Infamously linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it was also the childhood home of HM The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

As you approach along the stately drive, the castle makes a lasting impression. Inside, guests can explore grand and cosier rooms – the dining room, sitting rooms, and bedrooms – still in use by the Strathmore family since 1372. The private chapel accommodates 46 guests, and the estate includes Italian gardens, a walled garden, and nature trails – there’s no wonder it’s considered Scotland’s most beautiful castle!

Glamis has a genuine family atmosphere, thanks to decades of care from Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore & Kinghorne, a revered figure in Scottish life. Spiralling stone staircases, dungeons, and castle turrets delight visitors young and old. After exploring, enjoy the gift shop and cafe. A wonderful base nearby is Birkhill Castle, just a 45-minute drive away in Fife.

5. BLAIR CASTLE, PERTHSHIRE

Travelling north on the A9, make a stop at Blair Castle, just six miles from Pitlochry. Built in 1269, the estate passed through the hands of Robert the Bruce, the Earl of Atholl, and the Murray family. After being seized by Cromwell, it was restored to the Murrays by Charles II, and the first Duke of Atholl was granted the title in 1703.

Blair Castle played a key role during the Jacobite Uprisings. Later, in 1844, Queen Victoria authorised the formation of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only legal private army. The castle features opulent 18th-century interiors, including four-poster beds, decorative ceilings, an extensive armoury, and ancestral portraits.

With 30 rooms, it’s been home to soldiers, entrepreneurs, aristocrats, and politicians. The estate encompasses 145,000 acres of Highland countryside offering fishing, stag stalking, beaver tours, and Highland pony picnics. For the sheer volume of activities to be done alone, it easily makes it to the list of the best castles to visit in Scotland.

A nearby luxury stay is Auchterarder House, a Scottish baronial gem perfectly placed for exploring historic Perthshire.

6. CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE, ABERDEENSHIRE

This pink castle is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, so both kids and nostalgic adults will want this to be at their top of their list of castles in Scotland to see. 

Craigievar Castle has an impressive collection of armour, weapons, furniture, and paintings, including portraits by Henry Raeburn – an important Scottish artist. Built in 1576, this Scottish baronial tower house is fantastically well-preserved and one of the coolest castles in Scotland. Its exterior is the same as the one built by William Forbes in 1626, and it remained a family home until the Forbes family gave it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1963.

Located in the Grampian Mountains, Craigievar Castle boasts finely sculpted turrets, plenty of gargoyles, and high corbelling work that all add to its fairytale appearance. Designed in the L-shape, Craigievar Castle also has beautifully crafted plasterwork ceilings featuring figures of the nine worthies and other family emblems. 

Similar small castles that are also well worth a visit include Crathes Castle, Castle Fraser, Birse Castle, Corgarff Castle, Fyvie Castle, and Leslie Castle. Many of these castles are located in the area of Royal Deeside and were owned by grand families keen to be near to Queen Victoria, who resided close by at Balmoral Castle – the Highland home of the Royal Family.

7. DUNROBIN CASTLE, SUTHERLAND

Dunrobin Castle is one of the most northerly Scottish castles, with the longest connection to the same family, the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle, which has the look of a French chateau, came under the influence of both Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and the Scottish architect, Sir Robert Lorimer. It was used as a naval hospital in WWI and as a school for a while, but since 1972 it has once again been a family home.

Dunrobin Castle has a magnificent setting perched high above the North Sea, with walled gardens below. High above both the castle and Golspie is the Sutherland monument on top of Ben Bhraggie, where the 1st Duke of Sutherland looks down over his former home and the heather hills. Sutherland is an incredibly beautiful area in the far north of Scotland, with amazing mountains, moors, and beaches. 

Originally a fort built in 1235, Dunrobin Castle had later additions added to it from the 16th century onwards. Barry changed it from a fort to a house in the Baronial style in 1845. Dunrobin Castle also has an important collection of Pictish symbol stones and cross slabs and remains the spiritual and actual home of Clan Sutherland. The castle and grounds of Dunrobin are a wonderful place to visit an hour north of Inverness on your way up to the top of Scotland.

8. CAWDOR CASTLE, NAIRNSHIRE

The title ‘Thane of Cawdor’ dates back to the 11th century. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth was Thane of Cawdor before defeating King Duncan in 1040. The Cawdor family began construction of their castle in 1375, with the central keep being completed around 1396. 

Further fortifications were added in the following century, with additions in the 17th century built in the classic Scottish baronial style. Cawdor Castle also offers a glimpse into 3,000 years of history, as close by are the stones and cairns of Clava which date from 1500 BC.

Visitors to the castle can enjoy seeing the 12 principal rooms, filled with rare tapestries, paintings, and ceramics collected by 23 generations of the family. James Johnson, Samuel Boswell, and Robert Burns have all visited the castle and admired its elegance. The castle also has both walled and formal gardens, which are incredibly beautiful and have been stylishly updated by Isabella Cawdor – the current owner’s wife – who, along with Stella Tennant, did much to revive Burberry. 

The estate is one of the biggest in the north and has extensive farmland, moors, forestry, and fishing for guests to enjoy. A short drive from Inverness, Cawdor Castle is one of the best castles to visit in Scotland.

9. INVERARAY CASTLE, ARGYLL

Featured on television in the four-part show about the scandalous Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, and also seen a few years ago on Downton Abbey, Inveraray Castle is one of the best castles to see in Scotland. It’s also the home of the Dukes of Argyll and the Campbell family, who were often at war with other clans in this part of Scotland. 

Located by the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, the current castle was inspired by Vanbrugh, the famous architect who built Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. Construction started in 1746 by architects Roger Morris and William Adam, taking 43 years to build.

Inveraray Castle has magnificent interiors typical of a Ducal home and, like others, boasts a large collection of armour and family portraits. It’s surrounded by a 60,000-acre estate, with the grounds and 16 acres of gardens beautifully laid out. 

The castle is extremely busy in the summer months and very much open to the public, so it is best visited slightly out of season for a more atmospheric experience. The local town of Inveraray is attractive and sits right by the loch, being a popular stop-off point for visitors heading to or from the west coast.

10. DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

One of the great homes of the Dukes of Buccleuch – which also includes Bowhill, Dalkeith Palace, and Broughton – Drumlanrig Castle’s rich history is further enhanced as it’s also home to some of the jewels of the Buccleuch Collection. This collection is recognized as one of the most important ones in the country, as it was created over 500 years ago by the Montagu, Douglas, and Scott families, who were all forebears of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry. 

The collection has an amazing span, but most famous is Rembrandt’s ‘An Old Woman Reading’. There are also family portraits by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Alan Ramsay, and Sir Joshua Reynolds, landscapes by Paul Sandby, and the Dutch Masters and cartoons by Rowlandson.

Drumlanrig Castle is also renowned for its furniture and silver. Two great cabinets by the 17th-century French Master, Andre Charles Boulle, bring the spirit of Louis XIV to the grand drawing room, along with tapestry, precious fabrics, and porcelain. They’re all laid out within this fabulous family home, which sits in a very romantic location in the southwest of Scotland, surrounded by moorland. 

Peacocks wake those staying in the castle, and the splendors of Drumlanrig are hard to overstate. The Buccleuch family are the largest landowners in Europe, and this castle is also surrounded by many acres. This part of Scotland is less visited than further north but is well worth the trip, especially if you are driving up from England.

11. FLOORS CASTLE, SCOTTISH BORDERS

Located in the Scottish Borders, which is in the southeast corner of the country, Floors Castle is home to the Dukes of Roxburghe and certainly one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. The castle overlooks the famous River Tweed and is just outside the pretty market town of Kelso. 

Surrounded by parkland and sitting well back from the river, the castle was designed by William Adam and inspired by Vanbrugh, of Blenheim Palace fame, and built in 1721. Much admired by Sir Walter Scott, who lived close by at Abbotsford, the castle had later additions by the Edinburgh architect William Playfair, who gave the building its rather ‘fussy’ look popular at the time with owners seeking the fairytale appearance.

In the early part of the 20th century, the 8th Duke’s marriage to May Goelet, a beautiful young American meatpacking heiress, brought to Floors Castle her outstanding collection of fine art, furniture, and porcelain. Several of the rooms were altered in the 1930s, including the Drawing Room and Ballroom, which were refitted to display the set of Brussels and Gobelins tapestries. 

Beyond the castle is an excellent garden centre, cafe, and gift shop, all filled with Floors Castle produce, including delicious marmalade and sticky toffee pudding. For visitors exploring the south of Scotland, this is a great place to stop off, and the charming market town of Kelso, with its cobbled streets, is well worth a visit too. Floors Castle is undoubtedly one of the most famous castles in Scotland and should be added to everyone’s itinerary.

If you want to live like a royal for little while, we can arrange for you to stay in some of these wonderful Scottish castles, as well as several others. Simply get in touch with us today, and we can start planning your Scottish getaway.

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The 8 Best CASTLES TO VISIT IN ENGLAND  

Home to hundreds of beautiful and medieval castles, a rich historical and cultural legacy is woven into England’s landscape. These famous English castles, each a unique chapter in history, stand as a testament to the nation’s enduring heritage. 

From defensive forts to regal residences, English castles bear witness to a bygone era, where kings and queens shaped the course of history within their formidable walls. This guide on the best castles to visit in England presents a curated selection of the most famous English castles and iconic landmarks that offer a captivating glimpse into the past. Read on to explore these remarkable palaces where every stone tells a storied tale, and discover the allure of the best castles in England.

While you can’t stay in many of England’s castles, LTR Castles has a stunning selection of English mansions and country houses for you to choose from. Certainly, they’re the next best thing if you want to fulfil a fantasy of living like a royal for the night.

Best Castles in England: Cinematic Splendours 

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle, perched within Berkshire’s countryside, sits among the best castles in England, bearing witness to a rich history marked by notable figures and events. Constructed in the mid-19th century, the castle’s roots intertwine with the Carnarvon family, known for their contributions to Egyptian archaeology. 

The castle’s significance extends beyond its historical legacy to the world of cinema, serving as the main filming location for the much-loved British television series, Downton Abbey. This acclaimed series catapulted Highclere Castle to international fame, enticing visitors with its tangible connection to the fictional Crawley family and their early 20th-century aristocratic life.

Alnwick Castle

Located in Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is certainly one of the best castles to visit in England, revealing a compelling history dating back to the medieval era. Constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest, it played a crucial role in border warfare. It has been owned by the Percys, the Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309, and remains in their possession to this day.

Alnwick’s historical narrative takes an enchanting turn as it steps onto the cinematic stage. The castle gained prominence for its appearance in the Harry Potter series, portraying the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

This dual identity as a medieval stronghold and a cinematic wizarding school enhances Alnwick’s allure, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and movie buffs alike who wish to explore the best castles in England.

Best Castles in England: Defensive Forts

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle stands prominently among the best castles in England, celebrated for its robust historical background and architectural grandeur. As one of the essential English castles to visit, it traces its origins to the Norman Conquest and has withstood the test of time as a medieval fortress. 

Renowned for its well-preserved architecture, visitors can explore the imposing structure that has witnessed centuries of history. The castle’s stunning gardens add to its allure, providing a picturesque backdrop to events and exhibitions that further illuminate its past. Warwick Castle, with its strategic location and captivating features, stands as a testament to England’s medieval history and is a must-visit for those exploring the nation’s defensive forts.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle, otherwise known as the ‘key to England’, is one of the most famous English castles, commanding attention due to its strategic significance near the English Channel. Its medieval origins date back to the 11th century, and over the years, the castle evolved to become a symbol of national defence.

Positioned atop the iconic White Cliffs, Dover Castle played a pivotal role in various wartime efforts, adapting to the changing needs of different historical periods. Exploring Dover Castle offers visitors a tangible connection to England’s defensive past, making it an essential stop for those intrigued by the historical and strategic importance of one of the best castles in England.

Best Castles in England: Royal Residences

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle requires little introduction, internationally renowned as one of the best and most famous castles in England. It holds pivotal historical importance as one of the official residences of the Queen. Its roots trace back to the 11th century, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. 

The architectural beauty of this castle reflects a blend of medieval and Georgian styles, evolving over the centuries to embody the nation’s changing political landscape. Functioning not only as a royal residence but also as a symbol of enduring monarchy, Windsor Castle is a must-visit for those exploring English castles. 

Its storied halls resonate with the echoes of royal ceremonies, state banquets, and the everyday life of the British monarchy, offering visitors a real connection to the nation’s regal heritage, and the most famous English castle.

Tower of London 

Within the realm of famous English castles, the Tower of London stands as an iconic royal residence with a dual identity. The historical significance of this UNESCO heritage site extends beyond being a fortress, serving as a royal palace for monarchs since the Norman Conquest. It later gained notoriety as a prison, housing famous prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Thomas More. 

The castle’s role as a repository for the Crown Jewels further solidifies its place among the most famous English castles. For those seeking to delve into the intertwined history of royalty and imprisonment, the Tower of London remains an essential destination among the best castles to visit in England.

When visiting either or both of these Royal residences, we have some beautiful country mansions near London to stay in with your family and friends.

Best Castles in England: Fairytale Fortresses

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, celebrated among the best castles to visit in England, is often hailed as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’. Although its name would suggest it belongs in Yorkshire, it’s actually nestled in the heart of Kent, and boasts a history dating back to the 9th century when it was originally a Saxon stronghold. Over the centuries, it evolved from a Norman stronghold to a royal palace, showcasing a stunning blend of medieval, Tudor, and early modern architecture. 

Built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, its fairytale setting extends to its peaceful moat, lush gardens, and picturesque surroundings, all of which contribute to its fairytale charm. The castle witnessed a diverse array of owners, including six medieval queens and Henry VIII. Today, those exploring the best castles in England are captivated by Leeds Castle’s rich history and its beautiful scenery.

Bodiam Castle

Firmly placed as one of the best castles to visit in England is Bodiam Castle. As if it had been plucked straight from a fairytale, this castle is a picturesque marvel with a moat, fed by the nearby River Rother, surrounding the palace walls.

Constructed in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, the castle was strategically built in a quadrangular design during the Hundred Years’ War, serving as a defensive stronghold against French invasion. Despite being partially ruined, Bodiam Castle remains a splendid example of medieval military architecture, attracting those seeking to explore the intricacies of fairytale fortresses in England.

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The 8 Most Famous Castles in Scotland

With over 1,500 castles, it is no surprise that Scotland is famous for it’s castles, all of which have an imense history and story to tell.  I have picked 8 of Scotland’s most famous castles here, some of which you can stay in and others you can visit to learn all about the past.  While you can’t stay in all of these castles, LTR does offer exceptional castle stays in Scotland.

1. EDINBURGH CASTLE

I have to start with Edinburgh Castle which is set in the dynamic capital of Scotland and is one of the most exciting historic sites in Scotland.  It has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age and has exceptional views over the city and beyond.  Edinburgh Castle is also famous because for centuries it was home to many Kings & Queens including Queen Margaret who died there in 1093. She was later canonised in recognition of her personal holiness, fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church, ecclesiastical reform and charity.  Today Edinburgh Castle is mainly a tourist attraction but parts of it are used by the Army and it is also the setting for the Royal Military Tattoo each year.

If you would like to stay in a castle near Edinburgh have a look at Birkhill Castle in Fife which is one hours drive away, Borthwick Castle in Midlothian at just 30 minutes drive away and Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders which is 50 minutes drive away.  Then we, at LTR, can organise everything for you during your stay in Scotland.

2. STIRLING CASTLE

Part of the city’s World Heritage Site, The Grand Pump Room is a confection of Georgian splendour and a wonderful place for a delicious afternoon tea.  Located above the Roman Baths, most of the features of the Pump Room remain the same; including the spa water that still spurts from its fountain overlooking the natural hot spring.  Mentioned in Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, you can imagine the grand parties that must have taken place there.  Built in 1795, The Grand Pump House is located next to the Roman Baths on Stall Street where it became a venue of great importance in Georgian society.  The building’s exterior has grand columns inspired by Greek temples and inside the Greek theme continues with columns along the walls, high ceilings and moulding around the edges of the walls.  An elegant chandelier hangs in the middle of the room and the huge windows flood the room with natural light, which gives a wonderfully spacious feel.  The next series of Bridgerton will no doubt be filmed there, with Lady Whistletown setting society alight with her gossip sheet.

Just 40 minutes drive from Stirling is Broich House which sleeps 14 people in 7 bedrooms with 7 bathrooms and has stunning views over the Trossachs.

3. BRAEMAR CASTLE

Further north, in Aberdeenshire, you will find Braemar Castle which was built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as a base for his hunting excursions nearby.  However, during the Jacobite Uprisings at the end of the 17th Century and beginning of the 18th Century, the 6th Earl lost everything and fled overseas.   The Farquharsons of Invercauld, already significant local landowners, were then able to buy Braemar Castle from the Crown and in 1830 started to turn it into a family home.    It is now owned by the Chief of the Clan Farquharson, although it is currently leased to a local charitable organization and is run by the local community.  Usually, Braemar Castle is open to the public but it is currently undergoing a significant restoration programme thanks to funding from the National Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland and some heroic fundraising from the local community.  It is due to re-open in June 2023 and you can find out more here.

With room for 29 guests, Kincardine Castle which is just 50 minutes drive from Braemar Castle, is a splendidly grand castle with wonderful gardens to stay in and enjoy all that Aberdeenshire has to offer.  Email us for more information.

4. INVERARAY CASTLE

Inveraray Castle is one of Scotland’s most important historic houses.  Home to the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the 18th Century, Inveraray Castle sits in a stunning position on the shore of Loch Fyne.  This unmistakeably Scottish castle dates from 1720 and features four imposing French influenced conical spires surmounting the stone castellated turrets.  More recently the castle has risen to notoriety as it was chosen for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode where it became the imaginary ‘Duneagle Castle’ and the Granthams travelled north to stay with their cousins for Christmas.

5. GLAMIS CASTLE

Glamis Castle has been the family home and ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372.  Situated in the middle of Angus in Scotland, Glamis Castle has a colourful and interesting history and has welcomed many famous visitors over the years.  It is famous for being the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and also for being the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.  Glamis Castle is now open to the public and has exhibitions, jazz festivals and apple pressing workshops amongst other things to enjoy there.  Plan your visit here and enjoy a day that is as fun for children as it is for grown ups.

25 minutes drive from Glamis Castle and situated in 20 acres of sweeping lawns, is Turin Castle.  This majestic castle sleeps 20 and is exceptionally comfortable.  For more information email us.

6. FLOORS CASTLE

Floors Castle is the gem of the Scottish Borders.  Having been built in 1721 it has been home to the Innes-Ker family for over 300 years.  Overlooking the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills, it is an architectural masterpiece originally designed by William Adam, then embellished in the 19th Century with turrets and battlements by William Playfair for the 6th Duke of Roxburghe.  Although Floors Castle is still principally a family home, it is also open to the public with a cafe, food & gift shop and gardens to explore.

A special place to stay just 1/2 hours drive from Floors Castle in the Scottish Borders is Thirlestane Castle.  Sleeping a total of 18 people in 5 beautifully designed apartments in the castle, there is much to see and do nearby.

7. FYVIE CASTLE

Fyvie Castle is famous for the ghosts, legends and folklore that breath from the walls of this Scottish Baronial castle that dates back to the 13th Century.  Perhaps the most famous curse is the ‘Curse of the Weeping Stones’ which is supposed to explain the death of every eldest son in the history of the families who have owned the castle over the past 600 years.  There are three stones which need to be discovered and removed from the river and until this happens, the curse remains.  Only one stone has been found and is on display in the Charter Room.  As a result, the castle has changed hands many times and is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.  The castle is open to the public and well worth visiting.  It has a magnificent collection of art on display including works by Gainsborough, Romney, Lawrence, Greuze, Vigée Le Brun, Millais, Batoni and 13 Raeburn portraits.  It is also known that Robert the Bruce and Charles I were two of the royal visitors to the castle.

Kincardine Castle is also ideally situated for staying in when visiting Fyvie Castle as well as Braemar Castle.

8. CULZEAN CASTLE

A Robert Adam masterpiece, Culzean Castle is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs overlooking woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks.  The former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy, Culzean Castle is now owned by the National Trust of Scotland.  The castle was built between 1777 and 1792 incorporating a large drum tower with a circular saloon inside and a grand oval staircase.  It is a fun place to visit and to find out more click here.

Down the coast from Culzean Castle is Glenapp Castle, which is an exceptionally comfortable hotel and a great spot to base yourself if visiting Culzean Castle or other Ayrshire sites.

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Andrew’s day trip exploring the architecture of Bath

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A Day Trip Exploring the Architecture of Bath

It’s easy when living on a small island like Britain to always rush overseas and to not spend enough time enjoying what is on our doorstep.  Last weekend, Katharine took me for a wee break from my cancer treatment to the wonderful city of Bath.  A world famous city and a tourist hot spot but still utterly magnificent.  There are some great hotels in this ancient city and it’s an easy walk from any of them to wherever you need to be.  The key tip for staying in Bath, is breakfast early and get out to enjoy the streets before the main tourist throng are out and about.  It’s really worth it and you will be able to enjoy all the wonderful streets like the Royal Crescent or Lansdowne Terrace in relative privacy.  It enables you to capture the whole Georgian atmosphere of Bath in a much more romantic way and also it’s cooler.  As you walk up the hill of Bath, finding one gorgeous square after another, it gets quieter as most visitors don’t bother to walk too far.  The views as you ascend, across the Wiltshire scenery, are stunning. Bath’s history goes back to the Roman times and is fascinating.  I am going to approach it by focusing on some of the key visitor attractions.

1. THE ROMAN BATHS

The Roman Baths is the most popular visitor attraction in Bath and possibly Britain’s most fascinating Roman site. In the first century AD, a huge bathing house was built here, around the natural hot springs which had been discovered earlier by the Picts.  There was also a temple made to the Celtic-Romano Goddess of the Springs, Sulis Minerva and in Roman times, Bath was called Aquae Sulis; The Waters of Sulis.  2,000 years on, as you wander round the baths, you will see its original lead lining is still watertight.  However, being open to the elements and mainly because of the sunlight, the green water is algae affected.  In Roman times the baths were covered by a 20m-high roof and the water would have been clear.  The complex also has changing rooms and a whole series of amazing sculptures for guests to enjoy.  During the Georgian and Victorian eras a lot of restoration work took place along with more recent projects.  Today, the Roman baths remain in great condition and are well worth a visit during your stay.

2. THE GRAND PUMP ROOM

Part of the city’s World Heritage Site, The Grand Pump Room is a confection of Georgian splendour and a wonderful place for a delicious afternoon tea.  Located above the Roman Baths, most of the features of the Pump Room remain the same; including the spa water that still spurts from its fountain overlooking the natural hot spring.  Mentioned in Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, you can imagine the grand parties that must have taken place there.  Built in 1795, The Grand Pump House is located next to the Roman Baths on Stall Street where it became a venue of great importance in Georgian society.  The building’s exterior has grand columns inspired by Greek temples and inside the Greek theme continues with columns along the walls, high ceilings and moulding around the edges of the walls.  An elegant chandelier hangs in the middle of the room and the huge windows flood the room with natural light, which gives a wonderfully spacious feel.  The next series of Bridgerton will no doubt be filmed there, with Lady Whistletown setting society alight with her gossip sheet.

3. BATH ABBEY

In the heart of town, you will find Bath Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery.  Founded in the 7th Century, it was reorganised in the 10th Century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th Centuries.  Major restoration work was carried out by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s.  It is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the West Country and the medieval abbey church was the seat of a Bishop.  However, after a long argument the seat of the Diocese of Bath & Wells was later consolidated at Wells Cathedral.  The Benedictine community was dissolved in 1539 during King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The Abbey is a Grade I listed building, particularly admired for its fan vaulting.  It contains World War I and II memorials for the local population and monuments to several notable people in the usual form of wall & floor plaques and stained glass.  The church has two organs and a peal of ten bells.  The west front includes sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders, representing Jacob’s Ladder.

4. ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH

One of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found in Britain, is the Royal Crescent in Bath.  The thirty houses, laid out in a crescent shape were designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1775.  Originally, though the majority of the houses were privately purchased, some were leased “for the season” by the prominent families of the time.  Grandees who wished to purchase one of the homes had to accept the exterior design and floor levels designed by Wood but could do whatever they wanted with the interior, and in this sense, every house is different.  The Georgian era includes the reigns of George I, II, III & IV and covers the period from 1714 to 1830.  Georgian architecture is all about proportion and balance, which gives the impression of understated elegance.  These designs were greatly influenced by the works of Andreas Palladio (Palladianism) whose designs during the 16th century, tried to recreate the buildings of ancient Rome.  During this period many newly rich middle class families were leaving the country life and moving into the cities, creating the need to pack a lot of houses into a small space.  John Wood the Younger continued his father’s legacy by catering to both the nobility and the middle class. Other famous architects of the era were the father-son teams of Woods and Dance, the Adams brothers, John Gibbs and Sir John Vanburgh.

5. BATH ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Bath Assembly Rooms were designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769 and were built for dancing and music.  They became the centre of Bath Society, which was by that time the most important health & social resort in the country with a huge influence on British society.  Bath Assembly Rooms were built for the pleasure of civilized society where the aristocracy mixed with the gentry and where people passed their time against a backdrop of strolling, dancing, playing cards and taking tea.  They were designed in accordance with the then current fashion of “assemblies” whereby members of ‘polite society’ were able to enjoy a variety of evening entertainments simultaneously within the same building.  There is a Ballroom, Great Octagon, Card Room and Tea Room where guests could move from room to room throughout the day.  Back in the day, Bath Assembly Rooms would have been visited by virtually all the leading figures of the era, including playwright Richard Sheridan, authors Jane Austen and Samuel Johnson, composers Handel and Haydn and actress Sarah Siddons, along with all the English noble families, leading politicians and anyone else wishing to further their standing within society.  You only need to watch ‘Sense and Sensibility’ to get a flavour of this period in British history and to understand how polite society lived in this time.

6. AMERICAN MUSEUM, CLAVERTON MANOR, BATH

We really enjoyed the American Museum which is just outside Bath at Claverton Manor and is the only museum of Americana outside of the US.  It is a very elegant house in a beautiful spot with lovely views and stunning gardens.  We hadn’t heard of this museum before but it has a pretty profile and we were very glad we went to see it.  Built in 1820, it’s been an American museum for about 50 years and is all about the development of American decorative arts from 1680s to the 1860s.  There is a lot of folk and native American art and a superb collection of quilts, along with traditional Shaker furniture and old maps of the New World.  There is also a lot of historical information which is great fun if you enjoy learning about the founding fathers, the history of the Red Indians and the American Civil War; one of the bloodiest battles ever fought involving a lot of new weaponry and loss of civilian life.  For garden lovers, there are 40 acres of stunning gardens and a lot of North American trees and shrubs.  There is also a recreation of Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America.  We thought this museum was a bit of a hidden gem and had a delicious lunch in the house café and enjoyed the spring sunshine.

7. LANSDOWN CRESCENT, CAMDEN CRESCENT AND SOMERSET PLACE, BATH

Bath today is in amazing condition, and we wondered if during the war it had been spared German bombing.  It looks like it was, but, in fact Hitler in 1942, hoping to weaken our morale, ordered the bombing of a number of historic towns including Bath.  They were known as the Baedeker Raids as they consulted their guide books to see which towns to bomb.  A lot of the buildings in Bath were damaged, the famous Assembly Rooms were gutted and some of the beautiful homes in the Circus were also destroyed.  However, fortunately most of the lovely Georgian homes were spared and the Roman Baths were left untouched.  A lot of iron railings were taken away to be melted down for war use and many of these were not replaced for decades after the war but they are all back in place now.  Apart from the Royal Crescent, we enjoyed exploring other ones like Lansdown Crescent, Camden Crescent and Somerset Place, which were all equally beautiful.  Camden Crescent suffered damage in 1889 when there was a landslide and we did wonder as we walked around how they managed to build so many wonderful streets on such a steep incline!  We were interested to learn that the Circus is the same diameter as Stonehenge, with the Circus representing the sun and the Royal Crescent representing the Moon.

Other interesting tit bits about Bath include the fact that the very first stamp to be mailed was sent from Bath in 1840.  The stamp became the Penny Black!  One of my favourite biscuits the Bath Oliver was invented in the city by DR William Oliver.  He left the recipe, a sack of flower and £100 to his coachman who went on to make a fortune from this famous biscuit.  Bath hosted the first ever farmers market and this has become a regular feature on Green Park Station on Saturday mornings with produce coming from a 40 mile radius.  Jane Austen is the city’s most famous former resident and her parents were married at St Within’s church in 1764.  Her aunt, who also lived in the city was once arrested for shoplifting!  Charles Dickens loved Bath and used to stay at Saracen’s Head, which is the oldest pub in the city.  He conceived his character of Little Nell in the Old Curiosity Shop and he satirised the social life of Bath in the Pickwick Papers, which is a brilliant read.  Mary Shelley also wrote much of Frankenstein whilst staying in Bath and this book remains one of the most influential ever written.  Eagle House on the east side of Bath was offered for a few years to the Suffragettes and used by Emmeline & Christine Pankhurst and Annie Kenney.  Bath and it’s stunning streets has been used by many Hollywood film companies and can be seen in The Duchess, Les Miserables, Persuasion and Fantastic Mr Fox, along with many other productions.

When planning a day trip to Bath in England, make sure you plan some time to appreciate the history and architecture of the city.  Even better, make it a weekend and stay overnight in Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel is a huge treat and close by the Bath Priory is also excellent. LTR is also lucky to have some wonderful houses within easy reach of Bath including Ebrington Manor, Cornwell Manor, Notgrove Manor and Coombe End Manor.  Great restaurant suggestions include The Circus, Clayton’s Kitchen, Beckford Bottle Shop, Landrace – good for lunch, Henry’s Bistro, Corkage and The Walcot.  Book early to avoid disappointment as Bath gets extremely busy at the weekends.

We can arrange for you to stay in any of these incredible houses to rent in the UK near Bath, as well as several other luxury rentals.  If you would like us to organize a fabulous vacation in England or Scotland in a stunning country house, please get in touch with us on + 44 (0) 1835 824642 or info@ltrcastles.com.

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Andrew’s day trip exploring the architecture of Bath

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]]> https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/day-trip-architecture-bath/feed/ 0 Incredible Houses with Private pools you can Rent https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/houses-with-private-pools-to-rent/ https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/houses-with-private-pools-to-rent/#respond Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:20:29 +0000 https://ltrcastles.com/?p=9279 The post Incredible Houses with Private pools you can Rent appeared first on Loyd & Townsend Rose.

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Incredible Houses with Private Pools you can Rent in the UK

Guests often ask us for a swimming pool with their house rental and I quickly remind them that in Northern Europe pools largely sit unused as our climate is not ideal for swimming.  That is unless you are extremely hearty or the pool is very well heated.  However, there are some incredible houses in the UK to rent with a pool and I have listed my favorites below.  Those owners who do have a pool often enjoy a quick grumble about the heating costs and rue the reckless installation in the first place.  In southern Europe you wouldn’t rent a vacation home without a pool as of course they have the heat and endless blue skies.  However, a few owners of country houses and stately homes in the UK have built pools and, if the weather is kind, then a lot of fun can be had by guests of all ages taking a wee plunge.  Most are not huge as you don’t want to get hypothermia by the time you reach the other end!  The best part about the pools belonging to these country mansions is their location.  They are always situated in wonderful spots within the private grounds and offer guests a wonderfully secluded and scenic spot in which to take a dip.  Swimming pools in the UK are of course a relatively recent addition to grand houses.  A few, like the one Andrew Carnegie built at Skibo Castle, were built a century ago now but most date back no later than the early 1970’s.  It then became all the rage to install a heated pool until the oil crisis of 1974 made everyone suddenly wish they hadn’t!  Today, there are many more homes with private pools in the UK than there were.

1. CORNWELL MANOR, OXFORDSHIRE

I must start with Cornwell Manor, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, on of the most incredible houses to rent in the UK with a pool.  It has the most attractive pool at the top of the garden and next to the huge walled garden.  The pool looks towards the village and has lovely Cotswold stone flagstones around it and a charming guest changing room with rather kitsch 1970’s ‘Lily Pulitzer’ style décor.  It’s a really delightful pool and quite a decent size.  Cornwell Manor is straight out of a Jane Austen novel and sits in a wonderfully private spot, surrounded by 2000 acres of farmland.  Just a short drive from Daylesford, Lady Bamford’s food shopping, restaurant, clothing retail and spa treatment emporium where much money can be spent and pleasure derived.  There are wonderful products to buy and to rub on yourself before having a delicious lunch there or at one of the pubs she owns like the Wild Rabbit.  Cornwell Manor is close to other local highlights like Blenheim Palace and of course Oxford itself which is an easy train ride from Kingham train station.  Stow on the Wold is wonderful for shopping and Burford, Tetbury, Chipping Camden and other smaller villages are all incredibly picturesque and fun to visit.  The house has wonderful gardens, lakes and rolling lawns where guests can relax and rest after a busy day exploring this special part of England.

2. BALLYFIN, COUNTY LAOIS, IRELAND

Ballyfin in Ireland has the most wonderful private indoor pool, which I have much enjoyed using whilst staying there with guests.  Quite a large pool in the basement of the hotel and next to the small spa area.  This amazing mansion with an indoor heated pool, just 90 minutes from Dublin on their excellent roads, is without question one of the jewels in our crown and we love this Irish country house.  Its restoration is nothing short of amazing and took 8 years to complete.  Every room has such attention to detail and the main bedrooms really are sumptuous.  It’s an incredible treat to stay there and the grounds are so elegant as well.  The staff have been hand picked and the food is delicious.  This is real country house luxury and Ireland is very lucky to have such a magnificent property to offer its guests.  It’s surely one of the great hotels of Europe, and being privately owned gives the property a very personal feel, on top of the great hospitality that one always gets from the Irish who are natural hosts.  There are masses of activities to do within the grounds, or demesne as the Irish call it, and their huge indoor swimming pool is just one of the facilities on offer.  There is also a huge walled garden to enjoy, a lake and tower to climb up.  Everyone should go to Ballyfin at least once in their lives and experience this wonderful rental with a private indoor pool.  It’s a great stop off on your way to the west of Ireland and all the wonderful sightseeing in Galway.

3. SIBTON PARK, SUFFOLK

Sibton Park, which is part of the Wilderness Reserve collection of rental properties in Suffolk, is a glorious 12 bedroom manor house.  Close by to the side of the house, the owner has built a very stylish pool, which guests can enjoy during the summer months.  Surrounded by high banks for privacy and beautiful parkland for scenic views, this pool offers guests the chance to relax in this beautiful part of East Anglia.  Just a few miles from the attractive coastal town of Southwold, with its famous brewery and lovely long beaches which are not too busy.  The house is also close to the other coastal town of Aldeburgh, made famous by Benjamin Britten.  Over the last 30 years, the estate has had a complete makeover and now boasts a huge range of different rental properties from Hex, a one bedroom thatched cottage with no electricity, to Sibton Park, a grand manor house.  In between, guests can rent a myriad of cottages, farm houses or buildings in the converted walled garden.  This is a fabulous rental with a private pool and place for a party as so many guests can be accommodated in comfort and the main house has an orangery which can seat 80 guests.  This part of Suffolk is still very unspoilt as it is quite a long drive from London, although it’s becoming increasingly popular as people accept longer drives.  There are excellent delis, farm shops and pubs in the area.

4. BIRKHILL CASTLE, FIFE, SCOTLAND

Birkhill Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Dundee, is another home with a wonderful pool located in the walled garden, a couple of minutes walk from the house.  It’s a delightful pool in the top corner of the garden and surrounded by a plethora of fruit cages, wild flowers, green houses filled with yet more fruit confections and some rare trees.  I love this space.  It’s so peaceful and a very happy place to sit and mull over life.  The late and much missed, Siobahn Dundee, spent a lot of time in this area of the gardens, whereas Alexander Dundee preferred to work his chainsaw on the many woodland walks that surround the southern bit of the gardens.  There is also a pretty walk down to a private beach which looks across the Forth towards Dundee.  Birkhill Castle is close to this old Jute city and also to St Andrews, the home of golf.  This northern part of Fife is pretty and more undulating than the flat and more industrial area of southern Fife, whose only saving grace is the pretty fishing villages of East Neuk and the endless links golf courses.  Birkhill Castle has been an LTR favorite for over 20 years, and under Harry’s stewardship, a lot of further upgrades are bringing fresh life to this historic old family home.  The estate is also close to Newburgh which now has the wonderful Lindores Abbey Distillery, built on the site where whisky was invented by the monks, and now a wonderful visitor attraction.  We highly recommend this castle to those who appreciate a home of old school charm, located in the Kingdom of Fife.

5. FRISTON PLACE, SUSSEX

Friston Place has a gorgeous little swimming pool surrounded by William Shawcross and Olga Polizzi’s stunning garden in Sussex.  The house backs onto the South Downs and benefits from being in the slightly less chichi area of East Sussex, which is that much further from London and not far from the ‘low key’ Eastbourne.  Friston Place is one of the loveliest incredible houses to rent in the UK with a pool and is a wonderful hideaway with the pool offering a sanctuary from city life in the most civilized of surroundings.  The garden is beautiful and the interiors a wonderful mix of wood paneling and very ancient features, combined with modern day comfort and the soft elegance that Olga infuses all her hotels with.  Her new baby, the Star in Polegate, is proving to be a smash hit and a great sister to Tresanton in Cornwall and Endsleigh in Devon.  The house is such a friendly place and is wonderfully secluded, sitting in a bit of a valley and hidden from the busy road above.  Woods protect the house from behind and it’s from here, either on foot or astride a horse, that you can access the South Downs.  The Tiger Inn in East Dean always looks very enticing and Brighton is not too far off for lovers of Regency architecture and the pavilion, built by the Prince Regent as his seaside folly.  It is always a pleasure to be at Friston, which has the feeling of a very happy home and is one.  There is also the smartest hen house in Britain!  Even the hens are happy and pampered, as indeed any guests will be who are lucky enough to stay at this 14th Century manor house.

6. FARLEIGH WALLOP, HAMPSHIRE

Another LTR country house for rent which has a glorious swimming pool is Farleigh Wallop.  A lovely 4000 acre estate which sits above Basingstoke in Hampshire.  There is so much to enjoy at this house, which has been very elegantly restored and offers guests 11 very comfortable bedrooms.  The house has lovely antiques and treasures, collected over the centuries by its aristocratic owners, and yet its not stuffy at all.  A clever mix of old and new.  The pool sits to the side of the house and is a real sun trap.  There are 3 acres, with a combination of lovely formal gardens and vegetable gardens, with glass houses and a pretty lake close by.  This is a wonderful house for a family celebration, within easy reach of London and close to lots of fun places along the south coast like Portsmouth, where you can visit the Marie Rose and Nelson’s HMS Victory.  There are great pubs in the area and it’s a fun walk from the house to the nearest village inn.  The Duke of Wellington’s country home, Stratfield Saye, is also close by and well worth a visit during your stay.  The house also has a croquet lawn, tennis court and a cricket pitch with pavilion.  Inside there is a cinema, wine cellar and billiards room, which is typical of this level of LTR home.

7. ASHBY MANOR HOUSE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

My last recommendation is another favorite of incredible houses to rent in the UK with a pool, Ashby Manor House, the historic home involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.  Guy Fawkes and his conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I; the plotting took place in the gatehouse at Ashby Manor.  More recently, the house has been hugely restored and included in this is a lovely pool, with a very smart new pool house being built as I write.  Images of this will be shared in a few months time.  The house has a variety of reception rooms, 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.  It’s a big hit with fans of Silverstone which is only 25 minutes away.  Stratford upon Avon is also only a 45 minute drive for guests who want to attend a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.  The house has a lot of charm and is very good looking, combined with stylish interiors and rolling Northamptonshire countryside.

We can arrange for you to stay in any of these incredible houses to rent in the UK with a pool, as well as several other rentals with a private pool.  If you would like us to organize a fabulous vacation in England or Scotland in a stunning country house with a pool, please get in touch with us on + 44 (0) 1835 824642 or info@ltrcastles.com.

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Here are the 11 Most Haunted Castles in England

1. CHILLINGHAM CASTLE, NORTUMBERLAND

Chillingham Castle is said to be the most haunted castle in England, and as the name suggests, can send a ‘chill’ down visitors’ spines.  There has been a large collection of ghosts and apparitions seen by visitors over the years.  Remarkably, it is possible to stay at Chillingham Castle, so no doubt this is not for the faint hearted, along with the ‘torture chamber’ and evening Ghost Tours.  Situated in the north of England, not far from the Scottish border, Chillingham Castle has been in the same family since the 1200s.  Originally a monastery, it has a history full of battles and royal visits as well as being the site of thousands of executions and the mass slaughter at the end of the English and Scottish war.  Today it is the family home of Sir Humphry Wakefield and The Hon. Lady Wakefield and it attracts ghost hunters from far and wide.

If you’re looking for a less spooky house to stay in from where you can visit Chillingham Castle, one of Britain’s most haunted castles, why not try Thirlestane Castle which is 1 hours drive away or Bughtrig House which is just 40 minutes drive away.

2. WINDSOR CASTLE, BERKSHIRE

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in Europe.  Having been home to royalty for centuries, it is currently the residence of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II.  Several previous occupants of Windsor Castle have never left and so it is also home to various Royal ghosts including Queen Elizabeth I, King George III, King Charles I and even King Henry VIII.  Charles I having been imprisoned at Windsor Castle before Christmas in 1648 was then trialed and beheaded in London in January 1649.  His body was returned to Windsor Castle to be buried with Henry VIII and Jane Seymour and while his coffin was being carried towards the end of the chapel, a black cloud descended and a blizzard swirled overhead turning the black pall over the coffin to white.  Many believed this was a divine sign of his innocence.

Farleigh House is a wonderfully comfortable country house in Hampshire from which to base yourselves if you would like to visit Windsor Castle.

3. MUNCASTER CASTLE, CUMBRIA

Muncaster Castle and lands have been in the Pennington family since 1208 although some records suggest that the family have been there since 1026.  The castle and historic gardens are impressive and an important part of the Lake District and Cumbria’s history.  The Pennington family gave shelter in 1464 to King Henry VI after the Battle of Hexham.  He was so grateful that he left his drinking bowl, made of Venetian glass, as a gesture of thanks stating that as long as the bowl remained intact, the family would live and thrive in the castle.  It is known as the “Luck of Muncaster” and today remains whole.

The castle is also the only castle in the UK which still appoints an official “Fool”.  This tradition of having a Fool or Jester dates back for many, many centuries with Muncaster Castle’s best known Fool being Thomas Skelton from the mid-16th Century.  Some say that Thomas Skelton is the original Tom Fool from Shakespeare’s King Lear, although records are scarce and the date evidence means it is unlikely.  However, he was clearly a much loved servant of the Pennington family as a portrait was commissioned of him which hangs there today.  Legend also suggests that he could have had another side to him rather than just being the ‘jolly old fool’ as he may have been told to murder a local carpenter who was showering his affections on Sir Alan Pennington’s daughter.  Today, Tom Skelton’s spirit is said to haunt the castle with his heavy footsteps and the dragging of a body (said to be the unfortunate carpenter) up the stairs.  If you would like to see for yourself, there are paranormal ghost tours organized at the castle for intrigued visitors!

A great place to stay that is only 1 hours drive away from Muncaster Castle is Silverholme Manor, and if you’re happy to travel a little further in the hope of experiencing some paranormal activity, is Brownber Hall in Cumbria.

4. BERRY POMEROY CASTLE, DEVON

Built in the late 15th Century by the Pomeroy family who had inhabited the lands since the 11th Century, Berry Pomeroy Castle is now a romantic ruin situated in the middle of a deep wooded valley which can be particularly spooky at night.  The Seymour family bought the castle in 1547 and ambitiously enlarged the castle into a huge Elizabethan mansion in the 1600s, with the intention of rivalling Longleat and Audley End.  These grand plans were never completed and the project was abandoned by 1700.  Jane Seymour, sister of Edward Seymour who originally bought Berry Pomeroy Castle, became Henry VIII’s third wife and produced his son and heir, King Edward VI and is buried next to him in the St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Today the castle is the source of horrible ghost stories and mysterious happenings in amongst the ruined ramparts and it is a very popular English Heritage visitor attraction.  Legend has it that two Pomeroy brothers rode their horses to the top of the castle ramparts and threw themselves to their deaths to escape capture by their enemies.  Various visitors to the site today have taken photographs which show mysterious, ghostly apparitions that they can’t explain.

5. TUTBURY CASTLE, STAFFORDSHIRE

Having been in ruins since 1648, Tutbury Castle is a medieval castle probably best known for being one of Mary Queen of Scots’ prisons.  Tutbury Castle’s unfortunate guest was imprisoned here four times before her execution at Fotheringay Castle in 1587.  Many visitors today claim to have seen Mary Queen of Scots, who was beheaded by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I for treason, among the ruins of the castle.  She had a succession of ‘keepers’ sent to make sure she had little contact with the outside world and wasn’t able to escape, and again there have been sightings of a ‘keeper’ shouting instructions!

6. DOVER CASTLE, KENT

A castle of huge significance due to it’s prominent position and important role in the defense of England, from many centuries ago right up until World War II.  The castle as we know it today was built by Henry II in the 12th Century, and is a medieval palace said to be as big as Windsor Castle.  There has been plenty of action over the years in the castle and visitors claim to have seen the lower half of a man walking through the King’s Bedchamber, the ghost of a crying woman in the west stairway of the keep and a blue figure in the mural gallery.  Also, people have heard the sounds of drumming which are said to be those of a drummer boy who was murdered by two soldiers who wanted the money he was carrying on an errand.  There are tunnels under the castle which have many spooky stories to tell and there have been plenty of sightings of ghosts in them.  This has to be one of the most haunted castles in the UK having seen so much action over the centuries.

7. PENGERSICK CASTLE, CORNWALL

Pengersick Castle dates back to the 16th Century having been built by a man named Milliton.  He had committed murder and was fleeing from justice and built the castle facing the sea at Pengersick on land that had been inhabited by the Pengersick family from the 12th Century.  It is now used as an events venue and is surrounded by wild and generous landscaped gardens sitting in its wonderful Cornish cove between Penzance and Helston.  There are many supernatural legends that surround the castle, one being that the ghost of John Milliton haunts the castle, having tried to poison his wife who switched cups with him.  There are stories of devil-worship, monks being murdered as well as plague pits providing plenty of potential for ghosts and hauntings.  This historic castle would be the perfect place to visit this Halloween.

8. DUDLEY CASTLE, WEST MIDLANDS

Dudley Castle dates all the way back to just after the Norman Conquest when it was originally built as a wooden motte and bailey castle.  The castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th Century only to be demolished by Henry II.  The ruins that we can see today were constructed in the late 13th Century and then destroyed by fire in 1750.  Today the ruins sit on the land belonging to Dudley Zoo and the castle attracts ghost hunters from far and wide, claiming it to be one of the most haunted places in the world.  This is another castle reputed to have the ghost of a ‘drummer boy’ who was killed during the English Civil War and for those who see or hear him, it is considered to be bad luck.  Supposedly, there is also a ‘Grey Lady’ haunting the ruined walls, and she is thought to be Dorothy Beaumont who died shortly after giving birth and whose last requests were never granted.

9. HEVER CASTLE, KENT

Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, Hever Castle was originally built in 1270.  The Boleyns were one of the most powerful families in the country at one time, and lived at Hever Castle in the 15th and 16th Centuries; it was they who added the Tudor dwelling within the walls.  On the death of Anne Boleyn’s father, the castle was bequeathed to Henry VIII who gave it to Anne of Cleeves as part of his settlement to her on the annulment of their marriage.  It then passed through various families before being bought by William Waldorf Astor in 1903 who used it as a family residence and gave it a much needed restoration both inside and out.  Steeped in history, it is now a visitor attraction and holds annual events drawing on the wonders of its mazes, gardens and lakes.  It is said that Anne Boleyn haunts the castle today and that her favorite spot is the old wooden bridge over the River Eden.

A great place to stay from which to visit this historical castle is Cowdray Park, just 1 hour and 20 minutes drive away.

10. CARLISLE CASTLE, CUMBRIA

Another castle that acted as prison for Mary Queen of Scots is Carlisle Castle in Cumbria.  Built over 900 years ago, it has been the scene of many historical activities over the years.  There was a real need for a castle to be built given the proximity to the Scottish/English border and originally, a Norman style motte and bailey castle was built on the top of an old Roman fort in 1093.  Between 1122-1135, a stone fortress replaced the original castle and the city walls were constructed too as there was a constant risk of the Scots invading and the castle changed hands several times over many years.  During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, there were the most important battles for the city of Carlisle and the castle was seized by the Jacobites on their way south only to be recaptured by George IIs English troops pushing the Jacobites back up north before jailing and executing them.  After 1746, the castle was largely neglected, however, from 1851 various military regiments have had their headquarters at Carlisle Castle including latterly The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment.

Visitors have reported seeing various ghostly sightings over the years but the most frequent reports state that there is a sentry sitting on guard just inside the archway of the inner keep.

11. FARLEIGH CASTLE, SOMERSET

Although only ruins, Farleigh Castle in Somerset is situated just 9 miles from Bath in the valley of the River Frome.  The castle was built in the 1400s and lived in by the Hungerford family for 300 years with many tales of gruesome goings on.  There are plenty of hidden treasures to discover including rare medieval wall paintings, family tombs and the best collection of human shaped lead coffins in Britain.  Within the coffins are the embalmed remains of four men, two women and two children, all thought to be members of the Hungerford family.  A visit to the crypt is a spooky trip into the past.

These are only a few of the most haunted castles to visit in England, there are many more!   If you would like us to plan a ghost hunting or haunting trip to England, we would love to put this together for you and can help you make the most of your time in England.  We have some fabulous (not spooky or haunted!) country houses and manors for you to stay in so that you can explore the supernatural from the safety of where you are staying.

Please contact us on + 44 (0) 1835 824642 or info@ltrcastles.com.

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]]> https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/most-haunted-castles-in-england/feed/ 0 These are the Most Exclusive Golf Clubs in the UK https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/most-exclusive-golf-clubs/ https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/most-exclusive-golf-clubs/#respond Fri, 03 Jan 2020 11:14:33 +0000 https://ltrcastles.com/?p=6911 Here are some of the most exclusive and upmarket golf courses the UK has to offer – and they’re not easy to get into but here are some worth checking out.

The post These are the Most Exclusive Golf Clubs in the UK appeared first on Loyd & Townsend Rose.

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These are the Most Exclusive Golf Clubs in the UK

As one of the top luxury travel companies offering British golf vacations with exclusive castle stays, we take a special interest in notable golf courses and beautiful places. Whether you’re here for the first time or a UK golfing regular, there are so many destinations worth checking out. Not all golf clubs are open to visitors though, making them virtually untouchable unless you’re invited by a member.

Here are some of the most exclusive and upmarket golf courses the UK has to offer – and they’re not easy to get into.

Queenwood

As one of the finest courses in the world, this super-private club in Surrey is the stomping ground for the rich and famous. It was developed by American businessman Walter Forbes in 2001, and the pristine course was designed by David McLay Kidd.
The likes of Michael Douglas, Hugh Grant, Andrij Shevchenko and a number of golfing pros make up some of the key members – and rumor has it that the joining fee is in excess of £200,000.

Wentworth

Wentworth is another private venue in Surrey, located just down the road from Queenwood. Bought over by the Reignwood Group in 2014 for £135 million, this is now a members-only course. However, it remains home to the European Tour as well as the BMW PGA Championship. In addition to the golf, there’s also a great tennis club on site, a swimming pool and also a spa.

It’s currently one of the most famous clubs in Britain and is home to a number of high-profile members, including Ernie Els and Sir Michael Parkinson.

The Wisley

Also located in Surrey, in the town of Woking, is The Wisley Golf Club. Nestled in 224 acres of lush countryside with state-of-the-art facilities, it’s a haven for golfers. This sporting landmark, which opened in 1991, is owned by its members and is known to be one of the most exclusive clubs in the UK.

There are three loops of nine holes, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and it’s a place of practice for Open champion and Ryder Cup hero Francesco Molinari.

Loch Lomond

Designed by renowned course designer Tom Weiskopf, Loch Lomond was said to be his “lasting memorial to golf” when he launched it in 1993. The clubhouse is a building that dates all the way back to the 18th Century, so the grounds are steeped in rich history. The club is now owned by its members who all hail from various parts of the world, and on site is a world-class spa, 43 suites and a walled garden.

The only way of getting in is by invite and prices for membership are kept secret. However, the rumor mill valuates it at well over £100,000.

The Carnegie Club

This incredible Scottish golf club is located at Skibo Castle in Scotland, and membership starts from £8,500 for an annual subscription or £25,000 as a one-off joining fee. For many years, membership was closed but has now been reopened. If you want to become a member though, be ready to get scrutinized on application as every potential member needs to be polite, personable and generally suitable for the club.

The Carnegie Links does offer limited access to non-residents, with The Carnegie Links Experience available to one 4-ball at 9 am, Monday to Friday between early-June and late-September.

Find out more about our golfing vacations and sports and adventure trips to the UK.

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]]> https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/most-exclusive-golf-clubs/feed/ 0 21 Ideas for a 40th Birthday Celebration https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/40th-birthday-party-ideas/ https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/40th-birthday-party-ideas/#respond Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:30:26 +0000 http://ltrcastles.com/?p=2056 The post 21 Ideas for a 40th Birthday Celebration appeared first on Loyd & Townsend Rose.

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21 IDEAS FOR A 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The Big Birthday!  There are many milestone birthdays and many, many ways to celebrate them.  Who would you like to celebrate with?  Family only, a small group of friends or perhaps with everyone you know?  We have picked our 21 favorite 40th birthday ideas for celebrating in style.

A DAY AT THE RACES

Why not take 8 or 10 friends to Royal Ascot for the day?  A glamorous day out like nowhere else.  Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting with racehorses competing for £5.5 million of prize money.  A true experience not to be missed where you can enjoy first class racing along with wonderful displays of fashion and some fine dining. Each day has six, top class races and is full of excitement and vibrant color.  300 years of rich heritage and history grace Ascot Racecourse.  It was Queen Anne in 1711 who first realized the potential of a racecourse at Ascot and the first race meeting took place later on that year on 11th August.  A fine day out and a wonderful way to celebrate a special birthday with friends.  For more information on racing at Royal Ascot visit https://www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot.

A PYROMUSICAL

Let your celebrations finish with a bang.  After an evening of glorious indulgence with lots of friends you could enjoy a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to some of your favorite music.  Pyromusical Producer, Serena Foyle of Foyle Fireworks, combines her lifelong love of music with dramatic fireworks displays.  They are fantastic to watch and stimulate all the senses whilst being a wonderful way to finish an evening of celebrations.  They are no ordinary firework display, they are a profound experience.

A WEEKEND COOKERY EXPERIENCE

For those requiring lower levels of adrenaline, a weekend learning extensive cookery skills whilst staying in complete luxury with beautiful surroundings might be much more what is required.  There is a wonderful Irish castle in County Fermanagh, on the shores of Lough Erne, that offers weekend cookery courses to perfect your cooking skills in all types of international cuisine.  Staying in the castle, you can have up to 26 of you, enjoying the peaceful and tranquil surroundings.  A great way to escape the pressures of modern life and spend quality time with good friends whilst learning or developing a skill.  For more information on weekend cookery experiences contact us.

A LONG WEEKEND AT CORROUR LODGE IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

De-stress and enjoy a long weekend at Corrour Lodge in the Scottish Highlands. Travel First Class and board the Caledonian Sleeper at Euston Station in London on Thursday evening and arrive at the private train station at Corrour in time for breakfast at the Station House.  Enjoy 2 nights and 3 days at the privately owned and fully staffed Corrour Lodge, near Fort William, which sleeps 14 guests in 7 exquisitely designed double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. There is a super cool bunk room, designed as a pirate ship, that sleeps up to 14 children.  In-house chef, David Taylor, produces World-class food made from local produce.  The dining hall seats 28 comfortably and there are beautiful sitting rooms, quiet libraries and studies, a games room, sauna and rooftop cedar hot tub (with breath taking views). There is also a fabulous range of hearty outdoor activities to choose from including archery, bushcraft, off-road segways, mountain guiding, canoeing, highland games, abseiling from lodge tower, walking on water (WoW), Daffy’s Gin School, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, 4 x 4 Land Rover Safaris and off-road driving and Airsoft Battle Sessions.  For more information on a long weekend rural wilderness break at Corrour Lodge, click here.

A THEMED FANCY DRESS BALL

If you feel like entertaining all your many, many friends, this could be the answer. Pick a theme for your party that you are particularly keen on. Perhaps centered around celebrities or a historical theme perhaps, or a theme surrounding a specific country. Alternatively, you could give each guest a character to come dressed as and when they arrive at the ball, they need to look for their other half. For example, ‘Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ or ‘Tom and Jerry’. You will need to choose a venue for the ball, should it be in a city or will you rent a stately home or rent a castle for the night? How many people will you ask? Will it be dinner and dancing or will you provide other entertainment such as having a special band, a magician going round the tables or a casino? There are many elements to consider when planning a fancy dress ball but it can be a wonderful way to entertain a large number of friends while celebrating a big birthday at the same time. For more information on organizing a themed fancy dress ball please contact us.

A CHAMPAGNE TASTING WEEKEND IN REIMS

Maybe you would like to celebrate your 40th birthday with just one person, the person who is most special to you. A weekend away in France sampling some of the world’s best champagne could be the ideal way to do this. If you head to Reims which is 2-3 hours drive from Calais you will find yourself in the heart of champagne country. Stay in a luxury French chateau from which to base yourselves during your stay. Enjoy excellent French cuisine combined with local champagne such as Moet et Chandon, Veuve Cliquot and Dom Perignon along with delicious wine. A gentle and indulgent way to enjoy precious time with someone special and celebrate in style. For more information on a champagne tasting weekend in Reims please contact us.

PLAY 3 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES IN A WEEKEND

A great reason to get together a group of golfing friends to go to Scotland for the weekend and play at 3 of the Open Championship golf courses.  Fly into Edinburgh airport on a Friday morning and drive straight to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield in East Lothian for your first round of golf. At the end of the day head up to St Andrews for the night before taking on your friends for your second round of golf at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews the next day. On Sunday morning take the 1 hour drive north to Carnoustie in Angus where you can enjoy your final game before heading back home on Sunday evening.  For more information about organizing a golfing weekend to play 3 championship courses please contact us.

HAVE YOUR OWN PRIVATE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Invitation only music festivals are definitely rising in popularity. Gather together all your favorite bands and musicians for a night to remember. Extend your guest list to your largest address book, and fill an outside arena at a grand stately home with all your friends.  Enjoy high end vodka, tequila and whiskey and feast on sumptuous pigs roasted on spits and barbequed lamb.  No better way for all your friends to let their hair down and discover your great taste in music with such a lavish birthday party.  For more information on organizing a private music festival please contact us

CHARTER A YACHT ON THE SOLENT

Enjoy a fully staffed and crewed motor yacht or sailing yacht on the Solent for a few days to see in your birthday in style.  An experience for those of us who like to feel intrepid but also to have the security of modern comforts along the way.  Expert chefs and experienced crew members to look after your every need while you enjoy the peace and beauty of the water and of course, the company of your nearest and dearest.  Cruise up the idyllic Beaulieu River and stop at some of the quaint New Forest towns and villages along the way. Celebrate your birthday on board or in a top local restaurant.  To find out more about chartering a yacht please click here.

A ROMANTIC CITY BREAK

Perhaps you would like to spend your birthday with a loved one. How better than to jet off to one of the many beautiful European cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, Vienna or Siena. Enjoy a weekend break and some quality time in a top hotel. Take a guide round the city to ensure that you see all the sites that you’re interested in and to take you to the best restaurants and hideouts that you would otherwise be unable to find. Local food and drink along with the culture will take you far away from the stresses and monotony of everyday life.  Lots of shopping and exploring to keep you entertained. To find out more about a romantic city break visit http://thebespoketravelclub.com/.

RENT A CASTLE

The UK & Ireland have several historic castles that have been lovingly restored and renovated by their owners to an extremely high standard. They are still private homes but are available to rent for a weekend, week or longer and guests can come and really feel like Lords of the Manor for the length of their stay and make themselves at home. Fully staffed and catered, guests will be looked after by warm and welcoming staff who will provide top-level service.  There can be all manner of activities laid on for your guests, anything from golf, game shooting, salmon and trout fishing, falconry, archery, cycling trips, guided walking, boat trips and cultural excursions.  Something for every age of guest to enjoy.  Your stay can be as active or as peaceful as you like culminating in an evening of birthday celebrations. For more information on renting & hiring a castle please click here.

WALKING HOLIDAY IN ITALY

If you are not necessarily into big celebrations and occasions, a simple way of marking your 40th birthday without too much fuss could be to go on a walking vacation in Italy.  Pick some like-minded friends, find an experienced and knowledgeable tour operator, pack your bag full of all the essentials and off you go.  Take a guide with you or follow the well marked trails and walks, move from hotel to hotel and have your luggage transported each day.  Enjoy the delicious local fare and Italian wine and walk off the excesses each day.  A wonderful way to properly explore the country and experience the culture.  For more information on fabulous walking tours in Italy please visit http://www.atg-oxford.co.uk/.

A BESPOKE WINE TOUR IN BORDEAUX

For wine lovers, a trip to Bordeaux can be a very special experience.  Visit world famous vineyards and chateaux and enjoy delicious wines and local food.  Stay in a wonderful historic chateau and from here you can enjoy private tours, tastings and superb hospitality.  Specialist guides ensure that you benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience and can really learn about the local Bordeaux wines.  Visit the medieval town of Saint Emilion and the Medoc and Pessac Leognan regions in Bordeaux.  For more information on wine tours in Bordeaux, click here.

FISHING ON A SALMON RIVER IN SCOTLAND

The River Tweed, the Spey and the River Tay are just three of the many famous salmon fishing rivers in Scotland.  Gather together your fishing mad friends and disappear up into the wilds of Scotland to experience some rare peace and quiet whilst enjoying some of the best fishing available.  The local ghillies offer fabulous support and advice to ensure that their charges have the best chance of catching a salmon.  Rent a private country house in Scotland or stay in a boutique hotel while you’re away and mark your birthday with a celebratory dinner with your fellow fishing companions.  A great way to escape the smoke of the city and to have a focus for your week or weekend away.  Hopefully to return having caught a large salmon.  For more information about salmon fishing on one of the best rivers in Scotland please contact us.

VISIT THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

The Orkney Isles have a unique history and are vibrant and distinctive.  Orkney is made of up of about 70 islands with only 20 of them inhabited.  Of the 21,000 inhabitants, most of them live on the main island.  The beaches have white sand and are completely beautiful.  The agricultural industry is thriving as the land is lush and fertile and there is an abundance of fish and seafood available from the local fishing industry.  Tourism is also a hugely important industry due to the spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, wonderful wildlife and the many archaeological sites.  There is a spectacular castle hotel on Shapinsay which is reached by private boat and can be hired for exclusive use or you can stay in it as a hotel.  For more information on a trip to the Orkney Isles please contact us.

PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Plan a day out with a friend and indulge yourselves with a personal shopper.  A great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and have lots of fun at the same time.  A personal shopper will know all the best shops to go to and will be up to the mark with the latest fashion and trends.  After an in-depth consultation to discuss your needs, requirements, likes and dislikes you will be ready to embark on a day of total indulgence.  Your personal shopper will be able to advise you on what looks good, what you will never wear and what you should buy.  For more information on a Personal Shopping Experience please visit http://www.foylestyle.com/.

A LUXURY GOLFING TRIP TO SCOTLAND

Sleeping up to 20 people in 10 individually decorated ensuite bedrooms, this Scottish baronial mansion in the Scottish Highlands exudes luxury and grandeur.  Auchterarder House is ideally situated just 5 minutes drive from Gleneagles and its 3 championship golf courses and a one hour drive from The Old Course at St Andrews (or 25 minutes in a helicopter) with many other golf courses within easy reach.  Fully staffed and catered, this house is an exceptionally comfortable place from which to base yourselves while exploring all the nearby golf courses before celebrating your 40th birthday in style with all your guests by shooting clay pigeons being fired off one of the turrets!

HIRE MADAME TUSSAUDS IN LONDON FOR A PARTY

If you really would like to have a star-studded party, this is one way of doing it.  Hire Madame Tussauds for the evening and invite up to 1,000 of your closest friends.  Arrive and walk in on the red carpet, rub shoulders with the stars and enjoy meeting the characters immortalized in wax.  A great way to impress your friends and who knows, you may find yourself sitting next to George Clooney or Mo Farah.  Whether you choose to have a cocktail party, a dinner or a dance it is guaranteed to be special in such imaginative surroundings.  If you would like to find out more about having a party at Madame Tussauds please visit http://www.merlineventslondon.com/events-and-venue-hire-at-madame-tussauds/.

Once you’ve enjoyed your party and if you feel like a place to retreat to and recover you could stay in one of our country mansions near London.

BOAT TRIP ALONG THE THAMES

Travel in a luxury boat from Westminster to Greenwich.  The sightseeing opportunities are too many to list but include The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Old Scotland Yard, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House, HMS President, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Execution Dock, Canary Wharf, Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory and The Planetarium.  On a sunny day, it is a real treat to be able to pass through London, uninhibited by traffic and people, cruising along the River Thames seeing all these iconic sites along the way.  Celebrate with a delicious lunch and plenty of champagne and fine wine.  To find out more about boat trips along the River Thames please contact us.

A PRIVATE HIGHLAND GAMES

Take your family and friends up to Scotland for a week in the summer and hold your own private Highland games.  Tossing the caber, hammer throwing, piping, Highland dancing, hill running and tug-o-war are some of the events you can include.  There will be plenty of locals keen to help organize this to offer a truly memorable experience.  This is a celebration of music and dancing as much as sport but also, not to forget, your 40th birthday.  To find out more about arranging your own private Highland Games please contact us.

A VIRGIN GALACTIC TRIP INTO SPACE

This has to be the ultimate way to celebrate your 40th birthday.  Only 552 humans have traveled into space so far.  Now is your chance to sign up for a flight with Virgin Galactic, and travel on SpaceShipTwo or WhiteKnightTwo, into Space for your 40th birthday.  Experience the weightlessness of space, pass through the earth’s atmosphere and on above it and into space.  Once you have completed the 3 days of training, ensuring that you are mentally and physically prepared for your trip, you will then have the most intense and exhilarating experience of your life as you embark on your journey to space.  To find out more about a once in a lifetime trip into Space please contact http://www.virgingalactic.com/.

If you would like to make your 40th birthday one to remember, please contact us or email info@ltrcastles.com or + 44 (0) 1835 824642.

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]]> https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/40th-birthday-party-ideas/feed/ 0 Hiking in the Scottish Highlands https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/hiking-in-the-scottish-highlands/ https://ltr.growthrecruits.com/hiking-in-the-scottish-highlands/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:34:43 +0000 https://ltrcastles.com/?p=6868 The post Hiking in the Scottish Highlands appeared first on Loyd & Townsend Rose.

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Hiking in the Scottish Highlands

With dramatic views and fresh country air, we implore anyone who’s here on vacation to plan a few hikes in the stunning Scottish Highlands. Whether in summer or winter, this vast region is utterly spellbinding. And with over 30,000 square kilometers of wild, rugged land to explore in the Highlands, you’re never far from a top walking destination.

There’s a great deal of choice for hikers too in the Highlands, with trails that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. You could be a hobbyist or a pro – Scotland’s walking routes offer something for everyone. Hike the highest peaks, soak up wonderful waterside views with the many circular loch walks, or take on a long-distance hiking challenge and test your own strength. Hike for leisure or push your limits. Scotland is your oyster.

Not sure where to go? Here are some of the best areas for short and long distance hiking at any time of year.

1. Fort William and Lochaber

Fort William is the largest settlement on the western coastline of the Highlands, and our luxury lodge is located about an hour away. A popular area with tourists, Fort William makes a great base known to many as the ‘Outdoor Capital’ of the Highlands. Take on the mighty Ben Nevis (the tallest peak in Britain) or explore one of the many easy forest, woodland and canalside walks. For a full-day challenge, try Stob Ban (Mamores) and Mullach nan Coirean, or for a short stroll try the easy River Lundie walk at Leanachan Forest.

Where to Stay:

Stay near the popular town of Fort William in our spectacular Corrour Lodge, a luxury vacation rental that has been described as a “modern Scottish castle”. As well as our fantastic guided walks, there are also many other fun outdoor activities and sports to be enjoyed on the huge estate and private loch area.

In Fort William, you can visit Old Inverlochy Castle or the Commando Monument, or you can hop on board the Jacobite steam train which travels over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct that appeared in four Harry Potter films. This is also one of the best towns to explore the local food and drink of the Highlands. The town is home to plenty of restaurants and pubs, and local and seasonal produce is very much celebrated here.

Highlights:

Ben Nevis is the most famous mountain in Scotland. Whether you’re climbing it or just taking photos from the ground, it’s a highlight not to be missed. You’ll also want to spend some time in the village of Glencoe, a valley that was carved out by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions many centuries ago. Head to the Glencoe Visitor Centre for information and maps of nearby walks.

In Lochaber, you’ll also find a mecca for cyclists. So if you’re interested in seeing the sights on two wheels instead of on foot for a change, make sure you leave some time for bike hire.

Summer Hiking:

From Fort William, you can access Glen Nevis, one of the prettiest glens that is simply divine when the sun is out. The Steall Falls is one of the best walks and will be surrounded by gloriously green countryside from spring onwards.

Winter Hiking:

If you’re hiking in winter, give Ben Nevis a miss. The terrain can be treacherous as you near the top. Some of the navigation cairns are completely buried in snow, so it’s best to tackle this peak in the summer months. The best winter walks in around Fort William are Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean, Beinn a’Chaorainn & Beinn Teallach, Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr nan Coireachan, Beinn a’Bheithir, and Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean.

If you are unsure of where to go or you are worried about weather complications in the winter time, make sure you book a guided walk. We can organize group hikes for a maximum of 12 people per guide.

2. Loch Ness and Glen Affric

The area surrounding Loch Ness is famed for its legendary monster, but it’s also a magical spot for short and easy hikes. For 30 minute walks, try Loch Ruthven near Farr or Urquhart Bay Woods. Hiking trails that are suitable for the whole family include the walks at Dundreggan Estate and the Aldourie Castle circuit. If you’re looking for a serious long-distance challenge that passes through this area, the Scottish National Trail will take around six weeks to cover 864km – but many people like to take on smaller sections of this route.

Where to Stay:

The city of Inverness is a great base for those wishing to explore any part of the Highlands and is known as the region’s capital. The city itself has plenty to do, with attractions such as Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, the Botanic Garden, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the Victorian Market.

For hikes around Glen Affric and the Strathglass area, the best place to stay is Fort Augustus. Located at the south end of Loch Ness, this tourist village is utterly charming. It’s a haven for hikers of all levels too, featuring more waymarked trails and easy routes than many other parts of the Highlands. This makes it a great destination for families traveling with children.

Highlights:

Hiking around the world-famous Loch Ness is not to be missed, especially if you want to try and spot the mythical beast, “Nessie”. But other top highlights are Garve and Dingwall. The town of Dingwall is small today, but it was once known as the capital of Scotland to the Vikings. If you’re looking for the most rugged landscape, head up here to escape the main tourist crowd.

Summer Hiking:

In the summer, head east to the beautiful and fertile Black Isle. It’s perfect for hikers, but is also dotted with quaint little villages with cute pubs, cafes and shops. There are also some fine beaches around this way, so if the weather is good, don’t miss this coastal section.

Winter Hiking:

Glen Affric is known for having over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods. These woods are spectacular year-round, but as especially beautiful in winter time. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset in snow, make sure you capture a photo.

3. Cairngorms and Aviemore

You will be spoiled for choice at Cairngorms National Park and the Aviemore area. There are some wonderful villages here that are worth exploring too. Beautiful Braemar is one of Scotland’s highest villages and it makes an excellent center for hillwalkers – there’s the Linn of Dee circuit, Loch Callater, Creag Choinnich, and the Cairnwell Munros just to name a few places. The upper reaches of the River Spey at the northern end of the Cairngorm range is also worth exploring. Short walks here include Gynack Mill Trail, Riverside Walk at Kincraig and the Gorstean Crag woodland. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, try Bynack More from Glenmore.

Where to Stay:

Fort William is located just 1 hour 30 minutes away from Cairngorms National Park. But if you want to be in the heart of the wilderness, we recommend staying in Aviemore. This stunning town is in inside the national park area and has very close proximity to secluded lochs, ancient forests and dramatic mountain trails, making it a hiker’s paradise.

Another place to stay is Grantown-on-Spey, gateway to the Anagach Woods and areas with easy sightings of friendly Roe Deer. The town itself is also a fantastic destination for independent shops, cafes, tearooms and restaurants.

Highlights:

Whisky fans will love exploring this part of the Scottish Highlands as there’s a fantastic concentration of distilleries here, including some of the most famous ones. Combine hiking with a few whisky tours and tastings for the ultimate walking and drinking vacation. If you’re here on vacation with children, you’ll also love the many easy hikes that are suitable for little legs. Some of these include Loch an Eilein, Green Lochan, Loch Mallachie and RSPB Loch Garten, Viewpoint Walk in Grantown-on-Spey, the River Walk by Nethybridge, and Ellan Woods at Carrbridge.

Summer Hiking:

Cairngorms is spectacular in the summer. With 280km of footpaths spread across the entire area, there are so many great places to explore. This is also the best season for wildlife spotting. Hike by the lochs and rivers and you’ll be able to view wild salmon in the prime.

Winter Hiking:

If you’re lucky enough to be here when it snows, head up to Lily Loch on Rothiemurchus. In winter, it’s the picture of Narnia. Other pretty hiking locations in the frosty or snowy conditions are the Uath Lochans with its breathtaking viewpoints and An Lochan Uaine. As well as winter hiking, you’ll be able to enjoy skiing during a winter vacation in the Cairngorms.

4. Kintail and Lochalsh

This is one of the most famous hiking destinations in the Highlands. Kintail itself is known amongst hikers for its classic mountain ridge walks, with The Five Sisters and the South Glen Shiel Ridge attracting people from all around. The Saddle is also one of the most incredible mountains in Scotland, with breath-taking views aside you ascend. The village of Plockton and the town of Kyle of Lochalsh are popular starting points too, with nice, moderate walks such as Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara, the Balmacara and Reraig circuit, and the walks around Duncraig Castle.

Where to Stay:

Located just 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Kintail is Fort William, or you can also get there from Fort Augustus in just over an hour. Staying in Kintail itself is also recommended, although accommodation is scarce. There’s a small handful of B&Bs and hotels, but don’t expect a great deal of choice when it comes to luxury facilities, restaurants or places to shop. There are also a few seafront cottages and B&Bs in the village of Plockton.

The Loch Duich and Kintail community is largely rural, and this is one of the best areas to go to if you’re looking to escape city life.

Highlights:

Eilean Donan Castle in Dornie is one of the most photographed castles in the world, and is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. For postcard views, make sure you plan a few walks in this direction. There’s a fine walk that takes you along the opposite side of Loch Duich, providing you with views of the peaks of the Five Sisters as well as the fortification. The route also follows a path to Dun Totaig, which is a Bronze Age broch (drystone tower).

Summer Hiking:

If the skies are clear, don’t miss the Glenelg Peninsula. Hidden away by the Mam Ratagan Pass is one of the most peaceful areas of the Highlands. Not only is this location amazing for hikers with steep mountains such as Beinn Sgritheall and easy lowland walks around the coast, it’s also a fantastic place for spotting wildlife, particularly in the spring and summer months. Glenelg itself is also worth checking out. For further hiking in the remote islands, you can catch a ferry from Glenelg that crosses over to Skye through the Kylerhea narrows.

Winter Hiking:

If you are planning on taking on the great ridge walk of The Five Sisters, it is recommended that you choose a month with good weather. Hillwalking around these parts when there is snow on the ground requires special equipment such as an ice-axe and crampons. Additionally, you’ll also need to have winter hiking experience in order to stay safe. If you’re unfamiliar with ice and snow conditions, The Five Sisters is best left for summer.

For safe winter walks in the Kintail and Lochalsh area, try the easy trails near Gleann Lichd, Strome Wood, Plock of Kyle, Loch Scalpaidh, and Loch Achaidh.

If you’re looking for a good base in the Highlands with easy access to many of Scotland’s best hikes, take a look at our spectacular Corrour Lodge located just an hour from the popular town of Fort William. Fort William acts as a gateway to some of the Highland’s top outdoor destinations and you’ll find amazing walks at any time of year.

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Where to go Salmon Fishing around the World

Salmon fishing is an ever popular sport that requires time, dedication, patience and a love of the outdoors.  There are many famous salmon fishing rivers around the world, each of them with their own character and quirks.  If you are a keen salmon fisherman, it maybe that you are looking to fish on as many different rivers as possible, or perhaps you enjoy the rivers you know and part of the fun is getting to know each river better and better so as to have the best chance at catching a fish.

Whatever your motivation, we are looking at the best places to fish for salmon around the world.

Alaska

Alaska is frequently thought of as the best place in the world to fish for salmon.  All 5 species of Pacific salmon can be found in Alaska and also in Katmai National Park which is one of the most popular places in the country to fish.  In order to maintain the balance of native fish, the National Parks try to encourage a catch and release policy for all native fish.  However, there are some non-native fish that have been introduced by humans in years gone by and anglers are allowed to keep their catch when they land one of these non-native fish.

One very real hazard when fishing in Katmai National Park is being surprised by a bear!  Bears can creep up very quietly and for fisherman who are heavily concentrating on their fishing, it can often be an unwelcome surprise.  When a fish is caught and they thrash about in the water, a bear will be attracted to this and make their way towards the commotion.   Be prepared to keep watch!

Russia

Salmon fishing in Russia holds a fascination for many and provokes strong opinions, particularly from those who have never been.  When deciding to go fishing in Russia, it is probably useful to decide whether you are after ‘a lot’ of fish regardless of size or whether you would like to catch a ‘monster’!  The Varzuga River on the Kola Peninsula is one of the most prolific salmon fishing rivers in the country but you are unlikely to catch a prize winning sized fish.   It is a great river to fish as it is good for the beginner as well as having challenges for the expert fisher.  The season starts in early May as the ice breaks and the salmon begin their first arrival.  There is miles and miles of river teaming with fresh, active fish from straight from the sea.  You can expect to catch about 5 or 6 fish a day which can renew the enthusiasm of even the most previously unsuccessful of fisherman.

Iceland

Iceland is well known for the beautifully clear water in the rivers and the brilliant runs of salmon that occur.  You are fishing for Atlantic salmon here and the season is relatively short beginning at the end of June through to the end of September, with the best time being between mid July and mid August.  The rivers in Iceland offer great variety and beauty from miles of flat plains to areas where the river has dug into deep gauges, interspersed with dramatic waterfalls.

There are many very comfortable lodges in Iceland as well as several wonderful rivers to choose from, so it is a very exciting and rewarding country to fish for salmon in.

Norway

Historically, Norway was famous for its very large wild Atlantic salmon and today it is no different.  If you are trying to catch a large fish, Norway is an ideal place to go with the many rivers to choose from.  Having been blighted by disease in the 1970s, there has been a great deal of work that has gone on to eliminate this, and now fishing in Norway is well and truly back with opportunities to fish in some of the World’s most stunning scenery.  Norway has taken time to get on top of the dwindling Atlantic salmon numbers but now seem to be making big changes which are benefiting the rivers and numbers of salmon.  Their catch and release policy is helping their conservation efforts enormously.

Most of the rivers in Norway are controlled by water supplies from Hydroelectric power stations.  This ensures that there is a stable supply of water in the rivers and also protects them against flooding.

Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful place to fish for salmon with many fine and famous rivers to choose from.  The salmon fishing season varies from river to river but as a general rule starts in early February until late October.  The Atlantic salmon run most Scottish rivers having come from the feeding grounds of the North Atlantic and travel hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles through all sorts of obstacles to make their way up a Scottish river to spawn.

The top four rivers to fish on in Scotland are the River Spey, River Tweed, River Tay, and The Dee but there are other smaller rivers that with a bit of rain and luck can produce an exciting result.  It is also important to remember that in Scotland salmon fishing is prohibited on a Sunday so it is a 6 day week for fishing in Scotland.  Each river very much has its own character and charm and they all have stunning scenery.

If you are interested in finding out more about salmon fishing in Scotland, please get in touch with our team today.   We can put together a fabulous itinerary for you based around salmon fishing but also enjoying some luxury travel throughout Scotland, staying in some of our magnificent luxury private houses and castles.

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