{"id":8960,"date":"2021-03-05T15:55:50","date_gmt":"2021-03-05T13:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/?p=8960"},"modified":"2021-03-05T16:06:39","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T14:06:39","slug":"top-castles-to-visit-on-a-driving-tour-of-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/top-castles-to-visit-on-a-driving-tour-of-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Castles to Visit on a Driving Tour of Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its rich history, Scotland has a lot to offer visitors. This piece will explore the vast array of breathtaking castles worth visiting when exploring Scotland on a driving holiday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make the most out of the driving tour, you might want to consider a campervan. This will keep the cost of your adventure at a minimum, taking out the prices of hotels or sleeping in your car.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As our adventure starts in Edinburgh, we looked into <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarkiescampers.com\/vw-campervan-hire-edinburgh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">campervan rental in Edinburgh<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Once you have found a suitable camper to travel in luxury, it&#8217;s time to get on to the castles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the most out of this route, it would be best to pencil in at least five days. More if you want to get off the beaten path and explore more of what Scotland has to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>First Stop: Edinburgh Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No trip to Scotland can be complete without a trip to Edinburgh castle. Perched on top of an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh, this castle towers the surrounding area. Don&#8217;t let this put you off, though, as it has not erupted in the last 340 million years!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is undoubtedly one of Scotland&#8217;s most popular tourist spots, with over 2.2million visitors in 2019. There are many great reasons for all these visitors. Thanks to a rich history, it offers a broad range of activities to fill a day. Particularly seeing how much action this castle has seen. It has the title of the most besieged place in the UK, having fought off hostile forces 23 times!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key activities to get into your day include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mons Meg gun<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National War Museum<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St Margaret&#8217;s Chapel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Stone of Destiny<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honour&#8217;s of Scotland<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Hall<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 15th-century Megs Mon gun sitting first on the list goes off once per day at 1pm. It has been doing this every day since 1861! Best plan this part into your day to avoid missing it. For more information, check out their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edinburghcastle.scot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid disappointment, it is best to get your tickets booked in advance.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can be bought through their website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prices for tickets are also very reasonable for everything on offer. Adult tickets cost \u00a317.50 and children \u00a310.50. There are even discounts for family tickets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening hours:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">April 1st &#8211; September 30th: 09:00 &#8211; 18:00<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">October 1st &#8211; March 31st: 10:00 &#8211; 16:00<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_8962\" style=\"width: 878px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8962\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8962\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-2.jpg?resize=868%2C434&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Edinburgh Castle\" width=\"868\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-2.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-2.jpg?w=512&amp;ssl=1 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8962\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Edinburgh Castle<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Second Stop: Stirling Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heading northwest from Edinburgh will take you to Stirling and our next castle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting on the north side of Stirling, this 12th-century castle still stands strong. It used to be the royal palace in the renaissance era and makes for a day packed with history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like Edinburgh Castle, it has a war-torn history, having changed hands eight times in 50 years. Going by the stunning views and impressive architecture, I am not surprised that Stirling Castle garnered such envy!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key highlights to include on your visit includes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Hall built for James IV around 1503.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Royal Palace<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Royal Chapel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Kitchens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queen Anne Gardens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Stirling Tapestries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Palace Vaults interactive exhibitions for younger visitors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regimental museum<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This wide array of family-friendly fun comes at a very affordable price. Adult tickets cost \u00a316 and children only \u00a39.60.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also plenty of parking available on site keeping you close to the action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening hours:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1st April &#8211; 30th September: 09:30 &#8211; 17:00<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_8965\" style=\"width: 906px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland3.jpg?ssl=1\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8965\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8965\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland3.jpg?resize=896%2C448&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"896\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland3.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland3.jpg?w=512&amp;ssl=1 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 896px) 100vw, 896px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8965\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stirling Castle<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Third Stop: Dunnottar Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After Stirling, we follow the scenic Scottish east coast until we reach Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nestled on the coast, this once impregnable fortress makes for a great day out. Definitely a must-see for any adventure around Scotland.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting your campervan parked is a breeze with a large spacious car park on-site. There is even a food truck and coffee available to ensure you are fueled and ready to go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It claims a rich history packed with battles, uprisings and been home to many famous Scot&#8217;s over the years, including Earls Marischal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with its historical value, this castle also benefits from some of the most incredible views in the northeast of Scotland. Sitting proudly atop a 160-foot high cliff, you will see for miles. Picking a day with nice weather will definitely help you get the most out of this one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details for tours are on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk\/tour-groups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dunnottar Castles website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The cost is \u00a37 for adults and \u00a33 for children. Not bad at all for a great day out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening hours:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">April 1st &#8211; September 30th: 09:00 &#8211; 18:00<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">October 1st &#8211; March 31st: 10:00 &#8211; 17:00\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_8966\" style=\"width: 888px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?ssl=1\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8966\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8966\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?resize=878%2C439&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"878\" height=\"439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?resize=1024%2C512&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?resize=1100%2C550&amp;ssl=1 1100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland4.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8966\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dunnottar Castle<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Fourth Stop: Balmoral Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After Dunnottar head straight towards the Cairngorms, this will take you to Balmoral Castle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the official residence of the royal family in Scotland, Balmoral castle deserves all its attention. Boasting widespread open gardens and breathtaking views, this site is not one to miss. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the most out of your visit, we recommend booking a guided tour. It will last for around an hour, and you are free to explore on your own after.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many reasons to visit Balmoral Castle. A few of the highlights worth noting include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Game Larder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Karim Cottage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The original Iron Ballroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ice House<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ballroom is the only room inside the castle which tourists are allowed to see. Items are rotated from other areas of the castle to keep the experience fresh for new visitors. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tickets are reasonably priced it&#8217;s \u00a312 for adults and \u00a36 for children. You will need to purchase through the website in advance. See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.balmoralcastle.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening hours:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">April 1st &#8211; August 3rd: 10am &#8211; 5pm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_8963\" style=\"width: 902px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-5.jpg?ssl=1\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8963\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8963\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-5.jpg?resize=892%2C446&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"892\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-5.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-5.jpg?w=512&amp;ssl=1 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 892px) 100vw, 892px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Balmoral Castle<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Last Stop: Cawdor Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final castle on this list is burrowed in Scotland&#8217;s north, reserved for only the keenest adventurers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hidden away up in Nairnshire, Scotland, Cawdor Castle is one of Scotland&#8217;s best-kept secrets. Legend has it that this magnificent structure was built around a single thorn tree. It has since been identified as a holly tree that dates back to 1372. You can even still see it in the dungeon of the castle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This castle is the fictional home of the &#8220;Thane of Cawdor&#8221; from Shakespeare&#8217;s Macbeth. You&#8217;ll understand why this castle was chosen as you approach it. The fairytale-like structure boasts a strong presence. You will not forget your time spend here in a hurry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The allure of Cawdor Castle doesn&#8217;t stop with the building itself. It has been encapsulated with three gorgeous gardens and even a 9-hole golf course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key highlights to include in your trip include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9-hole golf course\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three beautiful gardens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Tapestry Bedroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impressive drawing room<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old kitchen with 19th-century equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dungeon<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tickets cost \u00a312.50 for an adult and \u00a37.50 for children. A very affordable day out for the family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening hours:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">April 13th to October 6th: 10:00 &#8211; 17:50<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_8964\" style=\"width: 886px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?ssl=1\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8964\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8964\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?resize=876%2C438&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"876\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?resize=1024%2C512&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?resize=1100%2C550&amp;ssl=1 1100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scotland-6.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8964\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cawdor Castle<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With its rich history, Scotland has a lot to offer visitors. This piece will explore the vast array of breathtaking castles worth visiting when exploring Scotland on a driving holiday.\u00a0 To make the most out of the driving tour, you might want to consider a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":8961,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[273,808],"tags":[74,497,3],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Road-Scotland-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8960"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8960"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8974,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8960\/revisions\/8974"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}