Ten Foot Square Western Europe

Scotland’s castles are a great testimony to the country’s rich and exciting history—and a tour will take you back to some of the most romantic, most violent, most important and most fascinating moments in its past.

One of Scotland’s most famous castles is the Traquiar. While it’s not the oldest, it is the one that has been most continually inhabited. It has a romantic and interesting past; legend says that the gates will stay closed until a Stuart ascends to the throne once more. The last royal to stay here was Prince  Charles Edward Stuart, around 1745.

The Jedburgh castle, which houses one of the world’s most famous museums, was the home of Mary Queen of Scots. Her rooms, appropriately called Mary Queen of Scots house, and the Palace of Scottish Kings and Queens, are in relatively good condition and give you an idea of what life was once like in this famous chateau. Legend has it that she caught a fever there and nearly died, but was so happy with her stay there that when she was imprisoned by Elizabeth I of England, she said, “Would that I had died in Jedburgh…” The museum houses many beautiful artifacts and armour, and some of her possessions, and they are conveniently arranged into different sections that recount the life of the famous ruler.

You should also see one of the country’s most awe-inspiring castles, the Hermitage Castle. Its imposing faÁade still sends chills down visitors’ spines. One of the most famous moments in its history was when the future husband of Mary Queen of Scots lay wounded on its fields, and she—the devoted lover—traveled out from Jedburgh to attend to him.

The Culzean Castle stands on the sea cliffs of Southwest Scotland. This tower house has one of the most romantic views in the country, and was in fact used by US President Eisenhower, who occupied the top apartment during the end of the second world war.

Castle Urquhart is Scotland’s largest and one of the most important castles. It stands guard on the Great Glen, overlooking Loch Ness (yes, the area made famous all over the world for the mysterious prehistoric sea creature which supposedly dwelt in its waters). There is a burial cairn there which dates back to nearly 2000 BC, with evidence of a fort that may have even dated back to the Iron Age.  This castle has seen many battles, and some of the country’s bloodiest battles were fought on its fields. While most of the castle lies in ruins (after the last great battle, it was dismantled by the people who used its materials to build their homes) it is worth a trip because of its romantic history.

Another castle that has seen turbulent times is Threave Castle, which was built over 500 years ago. However, it is now very peaceful—surrounded by woodlands and marsh. It is inaccessible during the winter, so the best time to see it is during the summer.

There’s more to France than the Eiffel tower and very good wine. This country, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, offers everything from historical monuments of Paris and Versailles, to the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, to the famous beaches of the French Riviera, to thrilling outdoor activities. Depending on which part of France you visit, and your own personal definition of what is “fun”, you can pick from a long list of things to do: catch a tan, pick grapes, or wander through museums.

If this is your first visit to France, and you would like to experience “the country in a nutshell”, here are some things to include in your itinerary.

First of all, climb the Eiffel tower, which rises to an amazing 1,000 feet. By 1889, despite criticism from people who called it “a truly tragic street lamp”, over 2 million people had climbed to its peak. It’s almost iconic and you can’t visit the country without completing this “rite of passage”. If you visit at night, you can also lie on the grass of the Champs de Mars, and enjoy the view.  Another rite of passage is walking through the Arc de Triomphe, at the very heart of the world’s largest traffic roundabout, and symbol of victory for the Allies. You can also visit the museum inside.

The next thing you have to do is go to the world’s most famous museum, the Louvre. First established in the 12th century, it has eight collections which contain some of the most important masterpieces—including the mysterious Mona Lisa. It can take days to really explore the Louvre and its 35,000 pieces of art, but you can take a guided tour and see the history of art in a nutshell.

Another key tourist stop is the Versailles Palace, just 13 miles south west of Paris. It used to be the center of political power. This beautifully decorated palace shows off some of the best in French craftsmanship, include intricate carvings and marble work.

What would a trip to France be without a visit to the Cathedral Notre Dame? While you’ll see no hunchback, you will enjoy the gothic architectural detail of this medieval structure, which was built over 70 years and was finally completed in 1330. Key pieces include a 7800 pipe organ and a rose window that dates as far back as the 13th century. It also has some very well preserved statues and figures of saints, not to mention the famous gargoyles. You’ll be rewarded for the long climb with an amazing view of Paris. The great bell is in the south tower.

The young (and the young at heart) will enjoy a trip to Disneyland Paris, a magical wonderland. It house Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios, and sections like Frontierland, Fantasyland and Adventureland. There is also a gold course and excellent hotels.

The French Riviera is known for its great beaches, and great beach parties. Rub elbows with celebrities and models in one of the world’s most glamorous party places.  (Love the snow, not the sun? The skiing doesn’t get any better than in the French Alps, where you can choose from over 200 resorts, and see three national park and four regional parks.

If you’d rather picnic than party, head for Normandy, known for its picturesque hills, sea views (particular Mont St Michel Bay) and quaint villages. The region inspired Monet’s flower fields. After a day of touring the countryside, take a hearty lunch at Honfleur, a fishing port famous for its seafood.  Wine lovers will enjoy a wine tour in Bordeaux, where you can take wine appreciation clases or take a red wine bath at the Caudalie Spa.

Shakespeare once called the English countryside “the precious stone set in the silver sea”—and the Great Bard is not the last to sing high praises of its beauty, serenity, and historical charm.

The countryside is particularly beautiful during the summer, especially in August and September. The days are longer, and the rolling fields are filled with the chattering of birds. During Fall, the land is a gorgeous blaze of crimson and orange leaves.

As one travels the countryside, you’ll find more of its treasures: a rich flora and fauna, romantic castles, secret gardens, and quaint villages so unchanged in the last decades that they seem to have been caught under a fairy’s spell.

Must-sees include Derbyshire, called “the heart of England” and home to the National Park. The majestic peaks were the muse of the Bronte sisters (and if you love the book Jane Eyre, you can visit North Lees hall, where the real Eyre family once lived. Take a walk in the moors, visit centuries-old stone circles, and taste a nobleman’s life in country homes like Chatsworth, known for its breathtaking dÈcor and a garden that includes fountains, mazes, and even a sunken garden.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Lincoln city (its most famous son is Lord Alfred Tennyson). It is also known for its cathedral, the charming tea shops, a small castle. One would never guess it’s violent past—established by the Romans, it was once a center for arrow making.

After a morning of touring, take a cold pint of traditional English brew at Ledbury inn, and then proceed to see the nearby attractions: the Victorian-era Eastnor Castle, Warwick Castle, and the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Let’s not forget the romantic landscapes of Yorkshire, land of lush valleys, misty moors, and monastery ruins. It’s tempting to simply have a picnic there, and lose hours just enjoying the view—but there are so many more things to see. Some of the most popular destinations is the medieval castle of Howard (which you may have seen in the movie Brideshead Revisited) and York Minster, while tourists often rave about the tea shops in the region. You should also visit the Lake District, famous for its cloud formations, and loved by artists such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

You may also want to see the coast of Northumbria, dotted by cottages and fishing villages. It boasts of a great fortress, now turned into a museum with medieval artifacts. Harry Potty fans shouldn’t miss a visit to Alnwick, which is better recognized as the “Hogswarth” in the movies. You can also see one of England’s first Christian settlements.

Let’s not leave out the Wessex region, where one can see one of England’s greatest mysteries, Stone Henge. You can also go to the City of Bath, which has been famous for its medicines springs since the Roman times. Other popular attractions include Salisbury Cathedral, the landscaped gardens of Stourhead, and the cobbled streets of Shaftesbury. This is also home to Oxford, one of the world’s most distinguished universities.

Art lovers will also like a visit to East Anglia, whose landscapes inspired the painter Constable (he was born in Dedham village). This is also home of the University City of Cambridge, and the famous architectural attraction, King’s College Chapel. Be sure to visit the aircraft museum of Duxford.