Blair Castle

This striking whitewashed castle dominates the expanse of the Atholl Estates in Highland Perthshire. It is the ancestral seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, whose intoxicating story is told within an interior laden with vintage weapons, oil paintings and looming family portraits. The Duke is famous today for being the only person in the UK allowed to retain his own private army, the 100-strong Atholl Highlanders, who perform ceremonial duties in the grounds. It is well worth taking a guided tour of the 30 rooms, which provides a real insight into the cornucopia of furniture, arms and armour, porcelain, embroidery and lace, Masonic regalia and even Jacobite relics.The manicured gardens and wilder grounds are worth are worth a visit in their own right with a childrens' playground, Chinese garden and a flurry of waymarked trails to explore.