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Castles near Inverness

Scotland is famous for it's Castles and Inverness is the ideal base if you want to visit some of the most stunning Castles in the Highlands.  The National Trust for Scotland Website provides lots of maps and details about many Castles.  So listed below are a few of the most well know and well visited within travelling distance of the Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa.

 

 

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1. Cawdor Castle (pictured) - a fairy tale Castle that has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since construction in 1370.  A must see when visiting the Highlands, open from May -14th October, Cawdor Castle is an excellent visitor attraction with 600 years of Highland history, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth.  The medieval tower and drawbridge are still intact with an eclectic collection of collectables in the Castle. Gardens - Cawdor boasts three beautiful gardens with the newly restored walled garden dating from c.1600.  Plus 5 Nature Trails all marked with colour coded signs to get young and mature legs walking!  Extras: include the Gift shop & Restaurant & Picnic in the Park available to all!!  Also a great Events selection for next summer.

2. Brodie Castle - set in a peaceful location Brodie Castle is packed with antiques and history keep you going all day.  Grounds are open and there is a coffee shop.  Run by National Trust for Scotland. Near Forres.

3. Armadale Castle & Gardens, Isle of Skye.  Offers grounds of 20,000 acres which have been repaired by the Trust.  Some of the Castle has been repaired but offers lovely gardens and grounds.

4. Castle of Mey - Since 1952 the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, it is situated on the north coast of Caithness. Seasonal Opening Times for Castle & Gardens.

5. Dunvegan Castle - Isle of Skye - a legend in its own right it has a wealth of history offered by the romantic setting of Dunvegan Castle. Home to the MacLeods for 800 years it is open all year round except during Christmas & New Year.

6. Eilean Donan Castle & Visitors Centre -located 8 miles before the Isle of Skye it is one of the most photographed Castles ever. On its own little Island it has a visitors centre and coffee shop and you can explore almost every part of the Castle. It is a real treasure.

7. Urquhart Castle - on the banks of Loch Ness it has a commanding view of the stunning scenery around it.  Dating back to the 13th Century, preservation work has been conducted in recent years now offers a visitors centre, tearoom, lots of history and stunning views.

8. Dunrobin Castle - Golspie, Sutherland about 90 minutes north of Inverness.  Home to the Countess of Sutherland the Castle & Gardens are open on a Seasonal basis.

9. Ballindoch Castle - family home of the McPherson-Grants since 1546. Banffshire, Scotland. Seasonal Opening.