ESA- Castles

What's a trip to the United Kingdoms without castles?

*Note: My camera is growing old and the screen went blank so my pictures aren't the best, especially when it comes to really big buildings*

I am categorizing all of the castle we came across into 3 types:

1. Working castles in which royalty still reside in some areas

2. Renovated castles where they recreate how life would be back in the days

3. Castle ruins

This post showcases 1 and 2.

Bunratty: a medieval castle: Ireland

My favorite part of Bunratty was climbing to the towers. So many stairs!

Kylemore Abbey: Today a school for girls: Ireland

The story behind Kylemore is quite romantic. It was built as a gift from a wealthy man to his new bride. There was a lot of love surrounding their life story. Today it is a school for wealthy local girls ran by nuns. This is ten times better than the Disneyland castle. 

Stirling Castle: Kid friendly castle telling Scotland's history: Scotland

Archery show. One of the many activities to be enjoyed at Stirling.

I loved the different activities that Stirling had to offer. One of my favorite parts about it was their tapestry of a unicorn hunt which had rich Christianity symbolism.

Inverary Castle: Current Duke's residency: Scotland 

The Duke's home was absolutely gorgeous and we were all incredibly jealous of his family that spends the holidays there. The race is on to see who can marry his nine-year-old son. The piano room is where all the songs for My Fair Lady were composed. 

Edinburgh: Scotland's main castle: Scotland

I didn't not explore this castle as much because tourists were as numerous as the sands of the sea...almost. However, I did get to see Scotland's Crown jewels displayed there.

Skipton Castle: Medieval castle: England

Voted Best Tour Guide. Jack Beck, an elderly English gentleman with a cane, not only shared knowledge of the occupants past, but also entertained us throughout the entirety of our visit. Did you know that nobles use to hire fat ladies to come lie and warm their beds before they tucked in for the night. The ladies were titled "bedwarmers."

Windsor Castle: One of the Queen's residencies: England

Visitors of the castle were allowed to view the Royal State Apartments and they were unbelievably extravagant. My mouth did not stay closed.

One of my fantasies came true when I exited the State Apartments: I saw one of the Royal Corgis! Unfortunately, in my excitement of actually seeing one I forgot to get my camera out until the corgi decided it was time to retire indoors. If you look at the bottom row of windows, fourth window from the right, you can barely see it.

Hamptom Court Palace: Most famous for Henry VIII: England

This was similar to a lot of other castles I had seen, but I have always been fascinated with the Tudor family so it was fun to imagine Elizabeth, Mary, and Henry's six wives roaming the corridors. They also had actors playing scenes from Henry's life. My friend and I could not resist joining in the fun even if it required pushing little kids out of the way to up close and personal with King Henry. 

Buckingham Palace: Queen E's resident castle: England

Only one of the most touristy attractions in London and I've been there before. The flag signaled that the Queen was out on the day of our visit. 

Hogwarts: School of Wizardry and Witchcraft: Muggles will never know

Had to throw it in, but that's another post completely.