GROWING up in Scotland, I’ve always been fascinated by castles –  they’re hard to miss as around 4000 of them are scattered throughout the country.

But I’ve never actually stayed in one, until now.

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There are plenty of castle hotels and hotels that are made to look like castles, but Kilmartin Castle in Argyll and Bute is the real deal.

Built in the 16th century, the castle was abandoned in the 1790s and left to ruin until couple Stef and Simo bought the property in 2015, transforming it into a boutique guest house.

Their renovation journey featured on the Channel 4 show, The Great Hotel Escape.

With its sloping ceilings, fairytale turrets and winding stone steps, it’s easy to imagine living within the castle walls 500 years ago.

But staying in one of the five unique rooms is a much cosier experience than it would’ve been in the 16th century.

Located on the West Coast of Scotland, the surrounding area of Argyll and Bute is known for its local wildlife and sweeping landscapes.

Kilmartin Castle is a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and a two-hour drive from Glasgow.

Kilmartin Museum, which recently reopened after a £7million renovation project, is just a short walk away from the castle and tells the story of Kilmartin Glen.

Also nearby is Kilmartin Hotel, a lovely hotel with a great atmosphere and good food.

When we arrived at Kilmartin Castle, we were welcomed by Simo who showed us around, giving us a brief history lesson in the process.

Everything has a personal touch, making it feel like we were visiting grand friends.

We stayed in Clarke, a luxury double room with untouched stonework, which has been painted in lime green, a commonly used colour in the 16th century.

And just like staying at a friend’s house, guests are encouraged to explore the castle and relax in its communal spaces like the grand hall, which is perfect to sit around the fire and enjoy a wee dram.

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Even in the colder months, the stone castle doesn’t feel chilly as the couple have painstakingly lifted each original stone tile to install underground heating – walking around barefoot is quite surreal.

Breakfast is another interesting experience.

All guests gather under the stone barrel-vaulted ceiling of the dining room where they can help themselves to homemade granola and foraged fruits.

There is a list of experiences available to make your stay as special as possible.

One thing we enjoyed was foraging for toppings for our homemade pizza, which we cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven with fresh herbs from the garden.

For the more adventurous, there is a wild swimming pond on site and guests can go on a Sea Safari on an antique wooden cruiser and try and spot eagles and dolphins.

I’m not the only one who thinks it’s wonderful – last year, the New York Times put it at no.4 in their list of ’52 Places to Go in 2023′

They said of the castle and the surrounding valley: “This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.

“For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle.”

Despite its hype, prices are quite reasonable for such an experience. The whole property is available to book out for private events, or group trips, from £1300 a night.

At the moment however, there is a winter deal for £800 a night to take over all five rooms of the castle – that’s only £160 each if you can organise four other couples to join you.

A castle for Christmas at a fraction of the cost!

Three other castles to visit in the UK

THE UK is home to some amazing castles – here are some of the best:

Bamburgh Castle

This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England’s history.

The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.

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Kenilworth Castle

Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.

The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.

Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sites people can explore.

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Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has been dubbed “defender of the nation” by locals.

Today, the castle is still an active military base, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remaining a highlight among visitors.

It’s also home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures

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Meanwhile, these are some of the most popular castle stays that can be booked in the UK.

And here are some bizarre holiday homes from around the world that people can rent.

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THERE’S a pub in the middle of an English forest that people are calling a hidden gem.

Aptly named the Pub in the Woods, its found in Wild Park Derbyshire, an outdoor activity centre.

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It opened in 2021, inspired by the outdoor drinking that was enforced during the pandemic.

Inside are a range of bookable tables, which is advised due to the small nature of the pub.

The cabana fire pit has space for up to 12 people, inside a purpose built wooden cabana so has a bit of shelter in case it rains.

There are also tipi tents, also with shelter and fire pits, or tables on the veranda.

Otherwise you can risk it with an open-air table.

Prices range from £10 to £50.

There is a fully stocked bar, where you can find everything from beer and fizz to mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates.

There’s food to soak up the alcohol too, ranging from burgers and hot dogs to pizzas and snacks.

Along with boozing, there are are live music nights, running once a week with two acts per night.

An on December 5 and 6, the pub has it’s own mini Christmas Market with more live music as well as gift stalls and food and drink.

The website says: ” Think live music; beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate (boozy & virgin); food; fire pits; festoon lights and friends – socialising outdoors in the fresh country air.

“Get booked in, bring your coats, hats and long johns (blankets, hot water bottles, quilts – whatever you fancy!) and visit The Pub in The Woods.”

Previous punters have been left impressed by the pub, raving about the staff and the atmosphere.

One person said: “The photos don’t do it justice. Environment is outstanding, so so cozy, beautiful fairy lights dotted around, staff were approachable and really attentive.

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“The people that repeatedly served us kept checking into see if we needed anything, lots of spare wood to add to the fire pits.

“Nothing was ever too much even filling up my hot water bottle for the journey home.”

Another said: “Truly unique experience and could not recommend highly enough.”

A third called it “Derby’s best-kept secret”.

If you want to explore the adventure park while there, you can book both laser tag and paintball sessions as well as quad biking and archery.

Stay in the nearby ‘trending’ town of Ashbourne

Near the pub is the town of Ashbourne – which was named a trending destination this year.

Research from Independent Cottages revealed that it was the place that saw the largest increase in attention from Brits.

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It is known as “the gateway to Dovedale” a valley in the Peak District, named one of the seven wonders of the UK by the Royal Geographical society in 2021.

Ashbourne gingerbread is even famous with legend saying the recipe was given to a local by a chef of a captured French general during the Napoleonic War.

Another ‘hidden’ bar is Cafe Pacifico, the UK’s first ever Mexican cantina and tucked down a side street in London.

And here’s what its like to drink at the UK’s most isolated pubs.

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DEEP in Wyoming lies one of the most stunning sites in the United States.

Rising above Jenny Lake, jagged peaks dominate the skyline.  The Tetons.

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Towering over crystal clear lakes and the surrounding prairie lands they give their name to Grand Teton National Park – a gem in US nature.

Lesser known, and smaller, than the sprawling Yellowstone, it is a land of rugged beauty.

But where its neighbour was named for the yellow sandstone found along its river, Grand Teton’s title is the result of a bunch of sex starved fur-trappers who, on sight, claimed the mountain range resembled ‘trois Teton’ or three breasts!

Despite knowing little of the region before my visit, the idea of driving from Montana into the parks in Wyoming in an RV was too good to resist so I roped in my pal Michael and off we went.

When I told him we would be flying to Bozeman to begin our adventure, he responded ‘Where?’ But on arrival we found it to be one of the hippest towns we’ve ever visited.

It’s a collection of effortlessly cool mom and pop stores, bars, breweries and cafes offering you everything you need to start your national park adventure.

And after a night’s much needed rest we were collected from our hotel by Nellie from Blacksford RV Rentals, who took us to collect our home on wheels for the next week.

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Bruce, who founded the firm, met us and showed us around our brilliant Winnebago View. It sleeps up to six but with just the two of us, it felt palatial.

After stocking up on supplies, we were on the road and headed for West Yellowstone,  where we sank a few beers under the stars and enjoyed a fabulous sleep.

Next day we set off towards Big Sky, a ski town with a Hollywood following and incredible scenery.

Big Sky is all dramatic backdrops and fantastic hiking and, after checking out magnificent Ousel Falls, I was ready for a swift half before hitting the road again.

We headed to Gardiner, the historic gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where the skies were dark enough to see the Milky Way.

After an impromptu cook out, a few beers and another fab night’s sleep in the Winnebago, we met our guide Jarrod from Good Trip adventures for a tour.

Over the course of the day we saw elk, longhorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and bison as we made our way through thermal springs, mountain passes and the highlight – carved into the famed yellow stone through thousands of years – the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

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Unlike its famed Arizona namesake, Wyoming’s Canyon is unspoiled by helicopter tours and offers an amazing views.  

The drive through Yellowstone saw our Winnebago put through its paces but it really is effortless behind the wheel, and passengers are treated to magnificent views of canyons, valleys and, of course, the thermal springs.

Perhaps the most famous of the geysers is Old Faithful, a landmark so reliable that you can almost set your watch by it with eruptions as often as every hour.

The thermal sites are a result of the volcano that sits beneath the park which, should it erupt, could have dire consequences for mankind.

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But looking on the bright side – sites like the fabulously rainbow tinged Grand Prismatic Spring wouldn’t exist without it. A reminder that danger and beauty often go hand in hand.

As we headed south through Yellowstone the landscape shifted as the RV climbed mountain passes effortlessly and we crossed the great continental divide.

Travelling on, the rolling hills and dense evergreen forests of Yellowstone slowly vanished, replaced by pockets of alder given bronzed shades with the jagged outline of the Tetons looming in the distance.

A short distance into the park is the magnificent Jackson Lake, a 15-mile stretch of water in the shadow of Mount Moran, with soft sandy shores, perfect for swimming.

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But if you’re not braced for the cold, it’s also the perfect pull up spot for a sandwich or snack and to make full use of the cracking kitchen facilities in the RV. It had everything and more that we could possibly have needed.

Grand Teton is known to be rich with wildlife and next morning, after parking up at the relatively sparse Gros Ventre campsite, we came face to face with moose as we cooked breakfast.

Towering at around 6ft to the withers, they are an intimidating sight and should you come into close contact with one, then I wish you all the best and hope you’ve prepared your will.

Later the bull and his mate returned and were within 20ft of our RV while we enjoyed an afternoon beer.

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Next up on our amazing adventure was Jackson, or Jackson Hole depending on who you ask. It’s one of the wealthiest areas of the US, favoured by Hollywood stars and screams money.

It’s a great spot for a supply run or to enjoy a beer or two from one of the local breweries.

Definitely a highlight of our trip was Jenny Lake. Situated immediately below the Tetons it’s the perfect spot for a day’s adventuring.

For those with a head for heights there is world-class mountain climbing or for the more modest there are trails of varying difficulty.

We hopped on a boat across the crystal clear waters before hiking to the Hidden Falls (which thankfully were easy to find) before scaling the heights of Inspiration Point. Or, at least Michael did.

As a man with a crippling fear of heights the final 25m proved too much and I had a walk of shame while my mate took in the views – which he claimed ‘really weren’t that much better than what you’ve seen’. What a gent.

We made our way back to the van via the lakeside path and thankfully managed to avoid bumping into a black, brown or grizzly bear.

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In fact those bears remained elusive. Even with the expert eye of Colin, our Grand Teton Good Trip Adventures Guide, we failed to spot one of the beasts.

Setting out at 6.30am we heard the bugle of an elk looking to get lucky, we spotted rare mountain bluebirds and plenty of bison. But bears? Nope, not one.

What you need to know

GETTING THERE: For the best routes and fares to Bozeman, Montana, see skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: Blacksford RV Rentals offer new, premium RVs sleeping 2-6 guests on all-inclusive pricing (unlimited mileage and generator usage, bedding, kitchen supplies and camp chairs) plus 24/7 on-trip roadside assistance by their knowledgeable local staff, and a free annual National Park entrance pass. Daily rates from approx £154-£472 plus insurance. Book at Blacksford.com or call +1 408-384-6778.
MORE INFO: Blacksford RV Rentals has three locations in the American West, all near convenient, major U.S airports and National Parks: Bozeman-Yellowstone, Montana; Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. They also offer free airport and local hotel pick up and drop-off. Visit goodtripadventures.com for tour rates and packages.

However, the sights were not as shy, from the magnificent Jackson Lake Lodge hotel, built by the Rockefeller family, to the Tetons. And as the mist cleared across Jenny Lake in the morning sun it was hard to imagine anywhere I’d rather be.

The Tetons may be the lesser of the two parks in global stature but their jagged beauty and crystal clear waters make them a must visit and what better way than in the freedom offered by a super-cool RV, with one of your best mates.