Castles and Mansions
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Dunnottar
Castle is one of Scotland's finest ruined castles, a huge 9th century
fortress set on a three sided sheer cliff jutting out into the sea. Once the principal
fortress of the northeast, its ruins are splattered with bloodstained
drama. In 1297 the entire English Plantagenet garrison were burnt alive
by William Wallace, and in 1685, 122 men and
45 women Covenanters were imprisoned and tortured, an event 'whose dark shadow is for
evermore flung athwart the Castled Rock.'
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Ashdown House is a beautiful 17th-century building perched on the
Berkshire Downs, famously associated with the sister of King
Charles I, Elizabeth of Bohemia, known as 'The Winter Queen.' The staircase is lined with
paintings contemporary to the the house and there are spectacular
rooftop views over the Downs. The grounds
include an Iron Age hill fort where King Alfred is thought to have
battled the Danes, and walkers will enjoy exploring the pathways that
criss cross nearby Ashdown Woods.
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Probably London's most desirable property,
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. The State Rooms are open to visitors during August and September annually and are lavishly furnished
with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection -
paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Poussin;
sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres
porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the
world.
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Castle Coole is one of Ireland's finest neo-classical houses, and the sumptuous Regency interior provides a rare treat for visitors, allowing them to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Discover the story of the people who lived and worked below stairs as you explore the splendid suite of servants' rooms and service quarters of this magnificent property. Savour the exquisite stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century
mansion set in an historic wooded landscape park.
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Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles - the ultimate symbol of Anglo-Norman military might. Its
sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest,
and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of
its builder Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales,
Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also
as a seat of government and royal palace.
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The history of Edinburgh and Scotland combine at Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish crown
jewels. See the Great Hall, which was completed in 1511 and used as
Scotland's main place of state assembly, take a free guided tour, or
visit National War Museum Scotland - housed in the castle. Other museums include the Prisons of War exhibition which
recalls the conditions of 18th century captives, the rooms of the Royal
Palace and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
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Burghley House is an Elizabethan mansion standing in
parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. In the late 17th century, the fifth
Lord commissioned incredible murals - most notably in the Heaven Room and the Hell Staircase,
where the entrance to the inferno is through the gaping mouth of a
cat. Sweeping vistas of deer park provide the perfect
backdrop for a events including open air classical concerts. Facilities at Burghley include the Orangery Restaurant, cafe, gift and garden shop.
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Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world,
inhabited continuously over a period of nearly 1,000 years. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments and for part of the year can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid
interiors in the castle. They are furnished with treasures from the
Royal Collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and
Lawrence, fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour.
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This fascinating building has dominated Lancaster for
almost 1000 years and is one of the best preserved castles in the
country. See the place where the Pendle Witches were convicted and condemned
to die. Experience the dungeons and imagine what it was like to have
been imprisoned there. Visit the Crown Court where thousands of
convicts were transported to Australia and then marvel at the beautiful
Gillow furniture in the Grand Jury Room and the famous display of
heraldry in The Shire Hall.
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Belvoir Castle was completed in the early 19th century after
previous buildings were damaged during the Wars of the Roses, the Civil
War and a major fire in 1816. Tour some of the most stunning interiors of the period,
from the elegant Elizabeth Saloon and majestic State Dining Room to the military splendour of the Guard
Room. The Old Kitchen and Bakery recreate ‘below stairs’
life in 1825, while the School Room and Nursery allow children to
experience lessons and games from Regency times.
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