Fodor's Expert Review Doune Castle

This medieval castle may seem eerily familiar because it is a favorite with filmmakers: Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed here, and more recently it was used in the Game of Thrones and Outlander series (and the admission price has risen since Outlander aired). In 1361 the castle became the seat of Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland, who embarked on various building projects. The semi-ruined Doune is grim and high-walled, with a daunting central keep and echoing, drafty stairways up to the curtain-wall walk. Climb the wall; the views over the countryside will make it worthwhile. Monty Python's Terry Jones narrates a good audio guide. The best place to photograph this squat, walled fort is from the bridge, a little way upstream.