Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #286051 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Synopsis
An invaluable and completely up-to-date guide to the castles, fortified houses, stately homes and grand mansions of Scotland. All the sites listed in the book are open to the public, either as visitor attractions, or hotels or other places to stay. This is the second volume in the Thistle Guides, a compact and portable series, supplying essential information so that the reader can get the most from Scotland's built heritage. The first title, Churches and Abbeys of Scotland, was well received and has established itself as a 'useful guide [that] will really fit into the pocket and will not make a large hole in the purse', 'for those planning a trip to Scotland...this guide will be a worthwhile purchase' and 'a handy pocket-sized guide'. Completely revised and up to date, the book lists both castles and mansions which are open to the public as visitor attractions or family homes, plus those which are hotels or offer accommodation. These sites range from magnificent strongholds, through great clan castles, more modest tower houses, and stately mansions and historic homes. Many are impressive buildings or ruins, others smaller and more intimate but in some of the most beautiful locations in Britain. There are sites throughout Scotland, from Shetland to Galloway, Barra to Aberdeenshire. Each entry has accurate location and opening details, which have been checked with the owners or managers of the properties. Information also includes facilities, contact details and websites. The castle's history and description are followed by ownership and any supernatural, gory or ghostly stories concerning the family or site.

Customer Reviews

An amazing reference for castle lovers - 5 stars isn't enough!!!
We bought this book over 4 years ago and it is still used as first reference for all our castle trips. Definately the best castle reference book on the market. We challenge you to find a more comprehensive edition elsewhere. Any true castle enthusiasts bible and truly the only castle book you will ever need. Enjoy!!! Jill & Jason Wassell.

A MUST for castle lovers!
Mr. Coventry has really provided readers with indispensable information on the castles in Scotland. From the listing alphabetically to the regional maps marking the spots of the castles themselves, I've not seen a more comprehensive collection of castles in any book before! He allows the reader to make informed decisions on which castles to visit, even listing castles associated with certain family names. This is a treasure that no castle lover should be without!

The Definitive text
If you are interested in castles then this is the book for you. Admittedly a bit of a tome it's still essential to take with you if you are touring around looking for castles - whether piles of rubble or completely accessible properties. Includes detailed indexes and maps, dividing my clan, area, etc. Worth every penny - you won't need another castle book, ever. Well, until the next edition comes out!