Threave & Hermitage - Castles In Scotland

Threave Castle

Sitting in the middle of the River Dee, this has to be one of the most unusual and interesting medieval castles we have ever visited. It even has its own medieval harbour! Views out across the river Dee are beautiful with unspoiled countryside everywhere you look.

Threave Castle has some fascinating architectural features for those interested in medieval castle design. Watch out for future posts with more of the stunning photos from our Threave Castle visit.

Hermitage Castle
We have already published several posts about Hermitage featuring photographs of it that we took on a visit during 2009.

Check our Medieval Castle Blog Archive for details.

Dacre & Dunstanburgh - Contrasting Medieval Castles

Dacre Castle (left)

One of the smallest medieval castles we have ever seen! Built in 1313 near Greystoke in Cumbria. The Dacre family was one of the most powerful Norman families in Cumbria and built a number of castles including this one.

Still intact and inhabitable - still lived in today in fact. This castle came up for rental during 2009.


Dunstanburgh Castle

Only ruins left of this once magnificent medieval castle. Built on an ancient site, believed to have been occupied since prehistoric times! Construction took place in the early 1300's (around the time of Dacre Castle's construction). Located on the very top of a basalt crag on the Northumberland coast. The famous English painter W. M. Turner visited the castle and painted it on several occasions. Having been there and seen the breathtaking views, it's easy to imagine the impression this castle would make on a creative artist such as Turner.

Carlisle Castle & Naworth Castle

Carlisle Castle
900 years of history in one building - that's a piece of architecture with a past!

Regarded by many as one of the most important fortresses in Britain, second only to the Tower Of London. Like the Tower of London it is reputed to be haunted.

The portcullis as you enter the castle takes your breath away!

Naworth Castle

Crenalated in 1335, this is a small privately owned medieval castle of great character. Tucked away in the Border region close to Hadrian's Wall and not from from both the Scottish and Northumberland borders, this is a 'chocolate box' country castle. Close to the historic Lanercost Priory which received visits from King Edward I, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - no less!.

Not to be missed if you are travellling through Cumbria (though not open to the public other than for special events).