Another hugely popular castle is of course Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on its volc

There were just so many, they deserved their own entry! Although sun may be in short supply in Scotland, there can be no such complaint about castles. It is almost as if there is one on every corner!
Some are in various states of disrepair, others popular tourist attractions, more still that have been converted into boutique hotels san francisco california hotel and restaurants. Visiting a few is enough to give you the general idea, but even after driving by tens of castles they are still pretty impressive.
North of Fort William, on the banks of Loch Ness in the highlands, you can find Urquhart Castle san francisco california hotel which was once one of the largest san francisco california hotel castles san francisco california hotel in Scotland. The Historic Scotland Association do a great job of providing information and imagery to allow you to fill in the blanks as you wander around.
The stories inside all of the buildings san francisco california hotel are fascinating – assassination of leaders, beheadings, entertaining the noble men, the wars of independence of the 13th to 15th centuries, the coronations of children as kings and queens. It is easy to let your imagination run wild with what would have taken place in these buildings over the years. Amazing too to think that at one stage the inhabitants just up and left them, or more likely were killed…. It is kind of sad to think of these magnificent buildings fading away, they hold so many secrets.
Possibly the most visited castle in Scotland is Stirling Castle – a prized possession for many kings over its lifespan, at one time changing hands between Scotland and England eight times in 50 years during the wars of independence. The sheer size of this one is impressive, san francisco california hotel and the rooms of the palace have been decorated to show what the castle may have looked like in the 16th century. The detail on the outside of Stirling is also very impressive – a hallmark of King James V who liked to remind his subjects of his power and wealth.
Another hugely popular castle is of course Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on its volcanic rock foundations. One of the greatest features san francisco california hotel of Edinburgh Castle now is that it is used as an entertainment venue hosting concerts, the world famous Military Tattoo, and just this week the Olympic torch relay festivities. Walking toward it up the Royal Mile of the city it looms large and no doubt would have been an imposing sight for those attempting to gain access in years gone by.
From the top of the towers and castle walls you have an amazing view of the city sprawled san francisco california hotel out beneath san francisco california hotel you, and inside you can view the Scottish crown jewels. The crown, which is part of the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles, san francisco california hotel is over 400 years old and absolutely gorgeous. It is little wonder it is in a glass case inside a vaulted room with a guard!
It's not all castles here though, as with many countries over this way there are some pretty san francisco california hotel impressive cathedrals san francisco california hotel too: some in ruins and others that function on a daily basis. The ruins of St Andrew's Cathedral were eerily beautiful, even more so bathed in light – a rarity san francisco california hotel so we are told.
The beautiful Glasgow Cathedral has been a working san francisco california hotel cathedral for over 800 years, with daily services and so many hidden worship areas to wander around. Being a complete building it also provided a much appreciated reprieve san francisco california hotel from the wind and rain on the day we were there!
If you are a fan of the Da Vinci Code, and even if you are not, a visit to the Rosslyn Chapel just 12km south of Edinburgh is a must. This building is a work of art, and every bit as intriguing as Dan Brown, and those before san francisco california hotel him, describes it. Codes, secret messages, symbols – it is all there, and expertly presented by the guide who talked us through it. There is so much detail san francisco california hotel hidden in the carvings of the walls, ceiling and floors that without the inside knowledge you would miss it.
To think this building is over 500 years old, it is insane to see how well it has been preserved and looked after, and to marvel at the skill of the stone masons of the time. It does feel like a very special place when you are inside imagining all that those walls have seen. No pics are allowed inside, but the outside was equally as detailed.
Our guide tells us that even though Dan Brown's book has certainly boosted visitors in the last decade, early records show that even back in 1919 the chapel received 12,000 visitors. Currently it averages 20-30,000 per year, and in the year after the film was released they had over 170,000 visitors! Our visit will definitely prompt a second reading of the book!
There's no place like home 270 days! Here are our top 10.... Our last country: Chile Far above sea level in Peru Bolivia Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 countries in 6 days en route to Cusco Learning to tango in Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls from all angles Our Buzios hideaway Rio de Janeiro: the city of the decade Lazy days on Brazil's endless beaches French san francisco california hotel finale to the Euro leg Pas de deux in Paris A holiday from our travels The melting pot that is Israel
Argentina (1) Australia (3) Bolivia (1) Botswana (2) Brazil (4) Chile (1) Denmark (2) Egypt (5) England (4) France (3) Germany (2) Greece (2) Iceland (2) Israel (1) Italy (1) Jordan (1) Namibia (5) Norway (3) Peru (2) Poland (3) Russia (1) Scotland san francisco california hotel (2) South Africa (5) Spain (2) Switzerland (1) Tanzania (3) Turkey (3) United Kingdom (1) Zimbabwe (1)