Stay in a Scottish castle

Movie buffs might recognise Castle Fraser as a backdrop in The Queen (2006), starring Helen Mirren, but this baronial five-storey tower house in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is one of the grandest, most romantic-looking castles in the country.

Venture through the castle and up to the round tower and admire panoramic views of the gardens and estate beyond. Legend has it that a princess was murdered in the Green Room, that she still walks the castle at night, and unexplained ghostly piano music has been heard. Do you still dare to visit?

On the northern coast near Dornoch, architecture lovers can marvel at the stunning French design of Dunrobin Castle.

The most northerly of Scotland's great houses, Dunrobin is the largest castle in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms. It dates back to the early 1300s, and is home to the Earls, later known as the Dukes, of Sutherland. Its interiors were designed by Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer while its magnificent architecture and fairy-tale spires were added by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed London's Houses of Parliament.

Kelburn Castle near Largs in Ayrshire is loved by all those who see it, as the castle's exterior walls feature a mural depicting interwoven cartoons. Quite unusual, isn't it?

It's been named as one of the best examples of urban art in the world. The inside of Kelburn Castle is in stark contrast to its exterior - lush and sophisticated - and in its grounds you'll find a secret forest with a Chinese garden, waterfalls and a gingerbread house - perfect for an amazing day out.

There are few more scenic castles in Scotland than Kilchurn near Dalmally in Argyll. Built on a small, rocky isthmus joined to the shore at the tip of Loch Awe, it's one of numerous castles erected by the powerful Campbell clan, who exercised control of much of western Scotland in the late medieval period.

When the castle reopens, make sure not to miss the view from the top - stand on the tower-house's battlements and gaze out over Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan in the backdrop. It's easily one of the most photographed castles in Scotland!

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