Just like a fairytale

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from the remains of Romanesque-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications of the 14th century. The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plenik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions. Guided tours are offered in six languages: Czech, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.

A magical island topped by a gravity-defying medieval monastery, the Mont-Saint-Michel counts among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy mount is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is its breathtaking bay. The staggering location has long inspired awe and imagination. The dukes of Normandy, followed by French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on the Mont-Saint-Michel. Magnificent monastic buildings were added through medieval times, one vertiginous section being nicknamed The Marvel.

Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372, the inspiration for Macbeth, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth and birthplace of Princess Margaret. The 15th century structure even has a reputation for being the most haunted castle in Scotland. Apparently many important men including King Malcolm II and Macbeth’s Duncan were murdered here.

The Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France, is one of the most recognisable châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. The castle consists of a large rectangular area, surrounded on three sides by buildings in the form of wings attached to the body of the main building, which occupies half of one side. Designed in the shape of a cross, it has a central tower flanked by four towers and surrounded by a courtyard. The external structure of the castle of Chambord has a very clear defensive logic, being formed by a donjon, shaped like a quadrangle, flanked by four towers, which contain within itself another quadrilateral, in turn, flanked by four towers.

Built in 1068, Lincoln Castle is a site of great historical significance. The great stone curtain wall is one of the most dramatic features of Lincoln Castle today and a permanent reminder of its role as a mighty medieval stronghold. Visitors can now walk the full circumference of the wall for the first time. An impressive third of a mile long, the Medieval Wall Walk is a journey through the history of Lincoln and a vantage point for spectacular views across this beautiful city and surrounding countryside. There is no finer view of Lincoln Cathedral than that from the castle’s east wall battlements, which look onto the Cathedral’s majestic West Front and soaring spires.

Leeds Castle is in Kent, England, 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Maidstone. A castle has been on the site since 1086. In the 13th century it came into the hands of King Edward I, for whom it became a favourite residence; in the 16th century, Henry VIII used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The castle today dates mostly from the 19th century and is built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds. It has been open to the public since 1976. The 16th century Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle, offers five stunning bedrooms with breath-taking views and en-suite bathrooms, all beautifully decorated in period style with a contemporary twist.

Frankenstein Castle, located near the German city of Darmstadt, has inspired legends of supernatural horrors since the 17th century. Also known as Burg Frankenstein, the castle and its history served as inspiration for Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein. Today, the castle has become a top tourist draw in this region of Germany, and is also one of the world’s premier destinations for Halloween travel. Originally the residence of Lord Konrad Dippel von Frankenstein during the 1500s, this castle is surrounded by myths and legends that often overshadow its actual history.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”. No wonder it’s among the most-Instagrammed castles, too. Neuschwanstein overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley. Also, it is very close to the town of Fussen, which is also a popular tourist destination in Germany.

Brodick Castle, though currently closed, will reopen for Easter 2019 to allow the redisplay and interpretation of the collection following major internal fire prevention work. Teeming with history and surrounded by mountains, Brodick is every inch the quintessential island castle. The present building was fashioned in 1844, but the seat dates back centuries to when its strategic position overlooking the Firth of Clyde made Brodick a fortress to be reckoned with. The castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and contains a fabulous collection of valuable artefacts. The formal gardens, woodland, waterfalls, bathing pools and bold rhododendrons make it a visual delight.