Sutherland

Sitting high above the Moray Firth just north of Golspie in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. It's the largest house in the northern Highlands, boasting around 189 rooms. While parts of the structure date back to the thirteenth century, its fairytale look is largely thanks to Sir Charles Barry. In the mid-nineteenth century, he redesigned it to look like a French chateau, adding the dramatic spires and turrets that tower over the coastline.

Inside, lavish rooms are filled with fine furniture, artwork, family heirlooms, and a museum of curiosities collected over the years. The formal gardens below are a real highlight; inspired by Versailles, these French-style grounds feature fountains, clipped hedges, and stunning views of the water. One of the most popular attractions is the daily falconry show, where eagles, falcons, and owls fly against the backdrop of the castle and the sea.