Castle | Mark Simms Photography

Conwy Castle 2

An alternative view of Conwy Castle looking along the foot suspension bridge which was added much later:

© Mark Simms Photography (2018)

Conwy Castle 1

A view from the harbour of Edward I’s mighty fortress at Conwy in North Wales built between 1283 and 1287:

© Mark Simms Photography (2018)

Neuschwanstein Castle (begun in 1868, but never finished) is King Ludwig II’s grand folly, a monument to the Middle Ages and to the chivalric ideals of kingship that he so venerated. If Ludwig could have turned the clock back about 500 years he would have done, instead he tried to recreate the past through lavish building projects like this one.

It’s one of the most magnificent buildings I’ve ever seen………and possibly the most pointless.

© Mark Simms Photography (2017)

Schloss Hohenschwangau

Built by Maximilian II (King of Bavaria from 1848 to 1864) in a neo-Gothic style on top of existing 12th century foundations, Schloss Hohenschwangau is a fantastic homely castle in a stunning location.

Maximilian’s infamous son, Ludwig II (who became known as the Fairy-tale King because of his obsession with chivalric medieval myths and legends, at the expense of his governmental duties) grew-up here and later spent many summers until his death in 1886.

© Mark Simms Photography (2017)

Eilean Donan Castle

It would have been a crime had we not stopped-off at one of our favourite castles on our way up to the Outer Hebrides for a two-week break. Whatever the weather it really is a beautiful location.

© Mark Simms Photography (2017)

Balmoral Castle

More images of Balmoral:

Balmoral, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

© Mark Simms Photography (2016)

Drum Castle

Drum Castle has been the ancestral home of the Irvine clan for over 650 years. In fact the estate lands were awarded to William de Irwin in 1323 by none other than King Robert the Bruce himself.

This particular castle was one of the main reasons why we wanted to visit Aberdeenshire in the first place……my wife is an Irvine and she wanted to see the family seat. I say “family” because although Liz was born and bred in England (along with her parents and grandparents) her great-grandparents were Scottish and came from the area around Forfar……only about an hour or so south of Drum Castle. Therefore, although we don’t know for sure, it certainly isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that Liz is related somewhere along the line to the Irvines of Drum.

Based on such solid ancestral connections, we did ask the National Trust for Scotland (who now own the castle and estate) whether we could have it back! After much laughter and a polite decline, they did allow Liz to sign the Irvine family visitor book instead……..so all was well.

The final shot in the set below is of the Irvine family chapel. Liz has been planning this as a wedding venue for her nieces and nephews ever since we got back…..whether they like it or not ;0).

© Mark Simms Photography (2016)

Crathes Castle and Gardens

Home to the Burnett family for 350 years, the 16th Century Crathes Castle with its magnificent gardens is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in the whole of Scotland. It was certainly a highlight of our trip to Aberdeenshire: