Dunrobin Castle, Medieval castle in Golspie, Scotland
Dunrobin Castle is a 189-room castle perched on a cliff above the Moray Firth in Golspie, Scotland. The towers, turrets, and terraced gardens follow a design by architect Charles Barry, who also shaped the Westminster Palace.
A fortified tower rose here around 1275 and served as the seat of the Earls of Sutherland for centuries. Barry redesigned the estate after a fire in 1845, adding the current Loire-inspired facades.
The name combines the Gaelic word "dùn" for fort with Robin, an early earl who once fortified this site. The extensive French-style gardens invite walks and show the influence of continental design on Scottish estates.
The estate opens from April through October and offers access to the state rooms, the Victorian museum, and the terraced gardens. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as some paths run over gravel and grass.
Falconry demonstrations take place in the courtyard and show birds of prey in free flight over the cliffs and bay. The museum collection also holds Victorian hunting trophies documenting Highland hunting practices of that era.
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