Greetings to all,

I am planning a trip for September and love to visit castles & palaces. I'm not sure where to visit next so I would like some opinions for some interesting castles to visit in England and also from Edinburgh, Scotland for a day trip, as I will be there for 3 days. I enjoy looking at the antique furniture, artwork, strolling the gardens, and learning about the history of a place as compared to visiting ruins of castles.

Since this is not my first trip, I have already been to these castles; Hever, Alnwick, Bamburgh, Raby, Castle Howard, Edinburgh, Holyrood and Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court, Leeds Castle and Warwick Castle. Any help in what are your favorite places to see and visit is most appreciated. Thank you, Ginny

In Scotland, how about Stirling Castle, Glamis Castle or Scone Palace?

In England, how about Chatsworth, Arundel Castle or Dover Castle?

You haven't mentioned Windsor on your list and although not a castle you can see the furnishings of the Royal Yacht Britiannia (if it's still there) in Edinburgh.

Another vote for Stirling Castle; Dollar Castle, not too far from Edinburgh is a very atmospheric place. The walk up to the Castle is truly beautiful. Is Wales not on your list? They have some wonderful castles including Conwy.

If you are visiting the Cotswolds, both Berkeley (where Edward II met his end in a rather nasty way!) and Sudeley are each worth a visit. There's Eastnor and Goodrich Castles in Herefordshire, and if you go a little farther north to Shropshire, you'llfind some wonderful castles: Ludlow, Stokesay, Clun, all on the Welsh borders and set amid stunning scenery and countryside. South Shropshire is one of England's greatest secrets.

Don't miss Hopetoun House just outside Edinburgh.

www.hopetounhouse.com

Tantallon Castle and Direlton Castle - both very near Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle itself - right downtown - can't be missed and Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of the city

Although I like all three of the castles mentioned by Semiramis, the original poster specified castles with furniture, artwork, etc., rather than ruins, and those three are all definitely ruinous.

We found Borthwick Castle outside of Edinburgh interesting.

Though it is now a modest hotel, it has a lot of history. Mary, Queen of Scots, once stayed there when she was on the run and her portrait hangs in the Great Room where there is also an enormous fireplace. The outside walls were shelled during this time and you can still see the damage.

We were staying at Dalhousie Castle nearby, a beatiful hotel (with neat turrets and the dining room in the dungeon!), but without the history of Borthwick. When we went to visit there, the staff was very nice and let us walk all around the grounds and castle - it was a fascinating place.

Floors Castle in Kelso, Scotland is not far from Edinburgh. I have not actually been there myself - yet - but from what I see on their website it looks like it would fit the bill for antique furniture, artwork, and gardens. And if you're going to be in London in September you should not miss the opportunity to tour the state rooms of Buckingham Palace which is only open to the public when the royal family is in Scotland. Also Clarence House, Prince Charles's home, is also open then.

Well, I hate to state the obvious, but when you're in Edinburgh if you turn your head one way or the other, you'll see this blinking great lump of rock sticking up in the middle of the city. It has a, what's the word, CASTLE on the top of it. I'd suggest you start there

When you come out the door of the castle, walk stright down, about a mile and you'll find a palace at the other end of the road- also worth visiting.

In the Borders, see Floors, Mellerstain, Abbotsford, Traquhair, Thirlestane and Manderston.

Going North, in addition to those mentioned you have Falkland Palace, and Blair Castle.

have a top time.

How about Powis Castle in Welshpool, 20 miles west of Shrewsbury? Combine it with a trip to Ironbridge Gorge Museum. Stay in Lower Trelydan at the Jones BnB (lowertrelydan.com) which is a working farm with a black and white farmhouse. You can go into the village for dinner at the Kings Head Inn or just wander into the lounge for a pint with a very jovial group. At least they were very jovial on March 17, 2003 but maybe that was because of the special on Guinness. I wonder why they chose that day for a special.

Sheila, do not fear that the original poster is that ooblivious. She said she's already visited Edinburgh Castle.

And Holyrood Palace.

Duh!

It's the drink that does it.

(grovel, grovel, grovel)

Well, Sheila, at least you didn't type "ooblivious" like I did. And I don't drink, so I can only blame myself.

I'm going to second Scone Palace. I think you'll like it.

If you happen to be around Norfolk, Sandringham and Blickling Hall are both excellent.

Hi
As you are probably aware, the National Trust owns many of the most famous stately homes in England. Their website will give you plenty of ideas -
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
I live in Yorkshire and pass Harewood House each day on my way into work - www.harewood.org gives details.

My thanks to everyone who responded. I am overwhelmed. There are so many wonderful choices as I have been pouring over the websites this morning, (not getting much work done) checking out everyone's recommendations. The places suggested have beautiful furnishings and I can see lots of fine art from the photos on the websites. This is right up my alley, as I love antique furniture. I can't believe there are so many places in Scotland, near Edinburgh, I may have to take more time in that area.

Stirling, Glamis, Scone Palace, Arundel & Blair are topping my list right now. Traquhair can be gotten to by bus, which seems a very easy visit. Floors, Chatsworth and Hopetoun House also look interesting. I don't know how many I can squeeze in during this trip (8 days), although I do tend to see alot in a day as I am traveling solo. Wales will have to be for another trip.

Stevelyon, I couldn't find anything on Dollar Castle. Would love to spend time in the Cotswolds area for those places, but won't have a car, Julia. Kayb, I will have to check out the other places you mentioned at the end of the post as I haven't finalized my total plan outline yet. Cambe, forgot I was to Windsor last year.

Sheila, I should have put Castle after Edinburgh as you read my post probably too quickly. No groveling necessary, it was a good chuckle. Actually last year, I visited Holyrood and 3 years ago, I was at Edinburgh Castle. I was actually thinking of revisiting it as I don't remember everything I saw except the little chapel as there was a christening going on and afterwards the guide in the chapel gave me a small booklet all about the chapel. You always give great advice on Scotland as I have read by your post replies to people on various subjects.

Morgana, I'm planning 2 days in York, so I'll have to check out the Harewood House and the other website on the National Trust.

Many thanks again to everyone for your help. You have all given me some great ideas. Whatever I don't see this year, I'll definitely plan for another trip. And if I ever get brave enough to drive on the left (perhaps if I have a navigator at some point with me), I will have a chance to see some of the places that are not as easily accessible.