Brodick Castle
Stately home in a 13th-century fortified tower
The first structure on the site of Brodick Castle appears to have been a Viking keep, but it was the Dukes of Hamilton who converted it into a 13th-century fortified tower, then lived here until the 1950s – though it had been converted it into a more comfortable stately home from the Victorian era on.
Inside the solid red sandstone building lies an impressive collection of family silver, porcelain and paintings.
Exploring the well-managed gardens is also a pleasure – the rhododendrons are incredible – and there are a few woodland trails to choose from too.
Brodick Castle is on Arran, so you'll probably need to take the ferry from Ardrossan to get here.