FAMOUS FIVE DESTINATIONS SHOW BEST OF SCOTLAND
North East
Ayrshire & Arran
The National Trust for Scotland protects many of the country’s most-loved places
IF you’re planning a summer of staycations make sure it’s packed with brilliant places that everyone will love, wherever you are in Scotland.
You can explore hidden gems, from iconic mountains to fairytale castles, watch soaring eagles or sample delicious ice cream, all with The National Trust for Scotland.
The conservation charity preserves and maintains many of the country’s most-loved places and has more than 100 locations that you can visit this summer. Here are just some of the highlights, whether you are venturing north, south, east or west.
Known as Scotland’s Castle Country, Aberdeenshire has more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. Start at Crathes Castle, known for its painted ceilings inside and glorious walled gardens outside.
Just six miles away, Drum Castle has one of the finest libraries, now home to about 4000 volumes, some of which date back to the 1500s.
At Castle Fraser, kids will love the quirky features such as hidden trapdoors, secret staircases and a spy hole. Fairytales do come true, if you visit Craigievar Castle, said to have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Cinderella.
Haddo House is an elegant and luxurious stately home designed by William Adam and is home to an extensive art collection – perfect for a rainy day.
Pitmedden Garden, meanwhile, is known for its brilliant design and meticulous maintenance, and lovely to explore on a dry day. For the ultimate outdoor experience, head for the Mar Lodge Estate, which is made up of more than 29,000 hectares of astonishing landscape and one of the most important areas for nature conservation in the British Isles.
You’ll know a place you’ll love to go, where you and nature connect. Support the NationalTrust for Scotland and help protect the places we all love. Become a member at nts.org.uk uncompromising terrain and loved by walkers and climbers. At Kintail and Morvich, you can embark on ranger-led outdoor activities, which include sea kayaking, hill walking, or trek 12 miles to see the extraordinary Fall of Glomach – it’s worth it.
Climbers or walkers can tackle Goat Fell or the less strenuous Glen Rosa.