Castle Overload

We are doing a British Isles cruise with 9 ports. Most have or are near a castle. Any recommendations which castles to visit. We are visiting Buckingham Palace and have been to Blarney. Thanks in advance for any help as I'm becoming very confused.:rolleyes:

Which ports are you visiting ?

Which ports are you visiting ?

We are visiting the following ports: Guernsey [st. Peter Port]; day already planned; Cork, Ireland; Dublin; Belfast; Glasgow, Orkney Islands [Kirkwall]; Ivergordon; Edinburgh; Normandy/LeHavre [day already planned]

Last year, we enjoyed the garden tour at Buckingham Palace a lot. We also went to Kensington Palace in London. They'll still have the exhibit called "Diana: Her Fashion Story" going on through this year. I'm planning on a boat trip up the Thames to Hampton Court for our trip in September. We might also go to Windsor Castle during our stay in London.

Dublin Castle isn't much. We used the HoHo in Glasgow and enjoyed several museums. We did an excursion to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness for a boat cruise, Clava Cairns, and Cawdor Castle from Invergordon. That was a great day. I think Edinburgh Castle is a must there.

Last year, we enjoyed the garden tour at Buckingham Palace a lot. We also went to Kensington Palace in London. They'll still have the exhibit called "Diana: Her Fashion Story" going on through this year. I'm planning on a boat trip up the Thames to Hampton Court for our trip in September. We might also go to Windsor Castle during our stay in London.

 

Dublin Castle isn't much. We used the HoHo in Glasgow and enjoyed several museums. We did an excursion to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness for a boat cruise, Clava Cairns, and Cawdor Castle from Invergordon. That was a great day. I think Edinburgh Castle is a must there.

Thank you for your response. I was unaware of the "Diana" Exhibit or that we could visit Kensington Palace. Did you do an organized tour? Edinburgh Castle.....on my list. As this is a tender port for us, I am undecided about getting our tickets before hand.:confused: I am also looking at the Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness cruise. May I ask if you did the ship's excursion or booked on your won?

It's definitely worth doing a tour from Invergordon as it's small town but the area around is great. The cruise volunteers have a very good website which you will hopefully find useful. It suggests how to DIY Loch Ness and Urquhart castle, as well as Dunrobin Castle

http://www.visitinvergordon.com/own.html

 

Dublin Castle isn't much. We used the HoHo in Glasgow and enjoyed several museums. We did an excursion to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness for a boat cruise, Clava Cairns, and Cawdor Castle from Invergordon. That was a great day. I think Edinburgh Castle is a must there.

We have Dublin Castle on our to do list. Do you feel its not worth making the time? We will be seeing Edinburgh Castle, Cawdor Castle and probably Blarney Castle.

We are visiting the following ports: Guernsey [st. Peter Port]; day already planned; Cork, Ireland; Dublin; Belfast; Glasgow, Orkney Islands [Kirkwall]; Ivergordon; Edinburgh; Normandy/LeHavre [day already planned]

For Guernsey, the nearest castle to the pier is Castle Cornet. About a 15 minute walk from the tender. If you can be there a midday, there is a ceremonial firing of the noon day gun. There are a number of museums inside.

There are other Castles on the island, but not within walking distance or housing museums, however others are free to enter.

Dublin is a great city to wander. I recommend doing that over seeing a castle.

Edinburgh castle is worth seeing, followed by a stroll down the Royal Mile

One thing to bear in mind is that ‘castle’ as a word can cover anything from an ancient British hill fort, through ‘proper’ Norman and Middle Ages castles (walls, ramparts, keeps etc) to large country or manor houses with faux crenellations stuck on in the 19th century.

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A shame you aren't visiting Wales, we have some great castles.

A shame you aren't visiting Wales, we have some great castles.

I promise you there's PLENTY in Scotland!!!!

Thank you for your response. I was unaware of the "Diana" Exhibit or that we could visit Kensington Palace. Did you do an organized tour? Edinburgh Castle.....on my list. As this is a tender port for us, I am undecided about getting our tickets before hand.:confused: I am also looking at the Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness cruise. May I ask if you did the ship's excursion or booked on your won?

Our tour to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness boat ride, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns excursion was with Invorgordon Tours. The Princess excursions offered did not do all. The ones that came the closest were a lot more expensive.

We have Dublin Castle on our to do list. Do you feel its not worth making the time? We will be seeing Edinburgh Castle, Cawdor Castle and probably Blarney Castle.

We are also on British isles cruise amd are diy via train to Stirling and going to Stirling castle.

We are also on British isles cruise amd are diy via train to Stirling and going to Stirling castle.

May I ask from which port elaine5

You might consider the Explorer Pass from the Historic Scotland site. It seems to me that the purchase would be worth it if you only visited 2 of their castles on the list. You don't have to stand in line for the tickets. They are emailed to you. I think England and Ireland also have such a thing. It might save you money, depending on how many castles you wish to see.

Train to Stirling from Greenock for 65 gbp for 4 persons. You have to change stations in Glasgow. Ticket online include bus for change. But it is a short walk With 30 minute connection. So we are just going to walk between stations. We plan to walk up Hill to castle but I would assume their are taxis. We are taking a 9:39-11:09 and back on a 2:50ish-4:48. Giving us just under 4 hrs in Stirling.

In Belfast, take a tour to the north coast (Atrim) & go to Giant's Causeway! Nature's own castle!

It's definitely worth doing a tour from Invergordon as it's small town but the area around is great. The cruise volunteers have a very good website which you will hopefully find useful. It suggests how to DIY Loch Ness and Urquhart castle, as well as Dunrobin Castle

 

http://www.visitinvergordon.com/own.html

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