We love visiting castles, but we haven’t visited as many as I would have liked to recently. Hoping to get to a lot more next year, but our last castle visit this year was Doune Castle.
Some of you may know Doune Castle from the Monty Python’s Holy Grail, we of course had the various tunes in our heads the entire way round. You can also test out a pair of coconuts in the gift shop if you want to have your own horse?!
Unfortunately the day we chose to visit was very, very wet and very, very cold. We were dressed in our winter gear ready for a chilly walk around. We didn’t stay too long and didn’t even manage to go for a walk along the river beside the castle as we normally do.
However, the kids loved exploring the rooms, climbing up the steps and generally exploring.
There were a couple of hail stone showers whilst we were in the castle and we spent a fair amount of time watching the hail stones firing around the corner of a plastic guard at a window!
When the hail stopped we braved the roof top for a look at the views, although it was a little slippy due to the weather.
It really is a lovely castle to visit, although best when the weather is drier. in the winter there are hibernating bats in some of the lower rooms, I have visited many times with my local bat group to count them, so look out for them tucked into the crevices sleeping if you visit in the early months of the year.
Do you like visiting castles?
J x
lizzie ( firstooth ) says
How cool that it’s a Month Python castle. It looks great, a little spooky too which would add to the fun. It’s a shame about the weather but at least you were dressed for it. We’ve got tons of castles near us and always enjoy going too x thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather
mark wyld says
So whats the history with this castle?
#whatevertheweather
Wander Mum says
It looks a really spooky castle ! I bet even more so with the rain and BATS too!! I haven’t been to nearly enough castles with my daughter…really need to get exploring! #whatevertheweather
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
I love visiting castles although haven’t been to this one – the Month Python link and coconuts are all the extra temptation I need! Gorgeous views although it does look freezing… #whatevertheweather
Kelly Robinson says
Oh wow I must visit this castle! I love monty Python!! We moved to Wales last year so are currently trying to visit as many castles as we can. My partner even proposed last year in the most romantic castle in the UK. They are brilliant educational places to visit. #whatevertheweather
Lucy says
Love a good castle. Our family motto on holiday is if in doubt, visit a castle (or fort, or tower). Monty Python links are definitely an extra bonus. #whatevertheweather
Let kids be kids says
Lovely castle. I think castles always look fun to explore and it sounds like you managed to have a good time despite the weather. We must look for some to visit.
Maria (one tiny leap) says
WOW, I can’t believe that snow and hail!! Well done for sticking it out and still visiting, I would’ve run to the closest café for a brew 😉 Looks like an amazing place though, I hope you get to visit again (in the sunshine).
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
I love visiting castles and historic houses. They are so interesting. We’ve only taken our girls to a few so far but we’ll be doing many more in the years to come #whatevertheweather
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says
What a gorgeous place to explore with kids:) the snow makes it so magical too #whatevertheweather
Sherry says
We love castles and heritage although I’m not so sure about those hail stones! Thanks for hosting x
Me, You and Magoo says
One of the things we keep meaning to do is visit a castle with Magoo. They are such a fun place to visit. I think our nearest one is Chepstow. My Mum has told me that Warwick Castle is amazing, so might take a trip there one day. #whatevertheweather
Chloe says
I love visiting castles and I love Monty Python. I do always wonder how people ever lived in castles though. They’re always so cold!!!!! You were so brave to go out in the snow and hails. It must have been freezing. Today it’s 14 degrees where I am and I’m chilly. I don’t think I could cope with the wintery cold you get in Scotland. It sounds like a fun day out exploring! I hope you get down to the river again next time. xx
Su {Ethan & Evelyn} says
Oh my gosh! How exciting for the kids to be experiencing the castle as well as snow and hail all at the same time! They looked like they have enjoyed climbing the mighty stairs! I love castle. I’ve been to a lot of castles when I was younger but I think I should start going to them again. #whatevertheweather 😉 xx
Mudpie Fridays says
We are the same really should visit more castles!! Love your photos espically the one peering through the bars!! Thanks for hosting #Whatevertheweather xx
Jenny Eaves says
Castles definitely make for a great day out, we will hopefully get to some new ones next year! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Like most castles, they were owned by a rich landowner who controlled the area and the less wealthy ran about doing his bidding. Sorry, I like finding out about the people who worked there or in the local area, rather than the people born into wealth. I believe royalty used it for a retreat for a short while until King James IV left Scotland to become King James I of England. 🙂
Jenny Eaves says
You should definitely visit more castles, we love exploring them! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
You should definitely have a peak at this one, it’s a lovely little castle to visit! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Aww, that’s so sweet! Castles are gorgeous places to explore and If you love Monty Python yo must visit Doune castle! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, up ours is similar! Castles are a must! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you, we did have a lovely time! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha! Yes, maybe we should have done, if it wasn’t for the fact I’m so stubborn! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Yes, we are planning to get a Historic Scotland family pass next year to get around even more too! Castles are great for exploring! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It was wonderfully magical, if a little cold and windy! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, those hailstones were pretty fierce, glad we were inside! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Castles are great fun to explore, although I don’t get learn so much at the moment as we are always chasing the littlest around and don’t get to read he boards or listening to the audio tours so well. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Lol, I would find it so strange to have 14 degrees in winter, been strangely warm here recently too with highs of 9 degrees! They must have burnt a lot of wood and peat to keep the castles warm and I suppose they would have tapestries over most walls to act as insulation. I would love to go back in time and see what a working castle was like. Hope you had a great Christmas? 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
They love it so much, castles are just such amazing places for children to explore! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! Castles are great fun to explore and we’ll definitely be visiting more next year! 🙂 x
Amber says
The castle looks beautiful, I’m a huge fan of castle architecture myself. It’s too bad the weather didn’t cooperate with you on that day, but you still got some great shots 🙂
Packing my Suitcase says
I also love visiting castles, and would love to visit more, there are so many I still haven’t seen.
Great that you guys still had a great time despite the weather! 😀
Doune Castle looks amazing even in a bad weather day!
Thank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes