Driving around Scotland makes you feel like a house-hunting royal – there are castles everywhere. Some, like Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, are in a state of disrepair. Others, like the Eilean Donan Castle, have been meticulously looked after and maintained to their former glory. I think I saw more castles in my first visit to Scotland than I did in all the Disney movies I’ve ever watched.
And I watched a lot of Disney movies.
The castles and scenery of Scotland make it an obvious choice for movie backdrops. Eilean Donan, in the western highlands, has been seen in Highlander, The World is Not Enough, and Made of Honor. (What? You didn’t see Made of Honor?) It’s also a popular spot for weddings, though I imagine you’d need to book well in advance.
Near the town of Stirling (which has a pretty impressive castle of its own) is Doune Castle. Despite playing host to a number of historical figures, this fortress is now perhaps best known for its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. More recently, it appeared in the TV show Game of Thrones.
IF YOU GO: The weather in Scotland isn’t too reliable, except for the possibility of cold and rain year-round. Don’t despair, as it only enhances the castle-viewing experience. You’ll want somewhere warm to return to at the end of the night, so look into one of the lovely luxury hotels in Scotland. If sleeping in castles isn’t your thing, there are plenty of cozy hostels to choose from, too.
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