Stunning NC500 Castle named as Scotland’s ultimate ‘hidden gem’

A STUNNING castle in the Highlands has been branded Scotland’s ultimate “hidden gem”.

Thousands of people travel across Scotland’s stunning north every year.

The 516-mile drive, dubbed Scotland‘s Route 66, is packed with stunning views and spectacular scenery.

But one tourist spot seems to have been missed from many visitor’s to-do lists.

Dunrobin Castle, near Inverness, is the most northerly stately home in the country.

The 189-room structure was built in the early 1300s and used to be the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

It is now the home of Lord Strathnaver and is open to visitors throughout the summer season.

Guests are able to enjoy the breathtaking gardens in the grounds of Dunrobin from the end of March to October each year.

The castle also has great views over the North Sea and Ben Bhraggie.

It has a longstanding place in Scotland’s history which guests can learn about in the museum.

Dunrobin was used as a naval hospital during WW1 before it served as a boarding school for boys between 1965 and 1972.

Guests are able to take in the stunning architecture, which resembles a French Chateau.

There are even daily Falconry displays during the tourist season.

But despite all Dunrobin has to offer, it is still one of Scotland’s lesser-known destinations.

The castle was at the top of VisitScotland’s hidden gems list.

It came head of the Isle of Jura and St Kilda on the tourism list.

One visitor reviewed Dunrobin in a post on TripAdvisor titled: “Hidden gem on the NC500!”

They said: “We visited whilst completing the North Coast 500, on our way from Inverness to John o’Groats.

“The gardens are absolutely stunning and well worth taking the time to explore them in detail.

“The castle itself has more of a stately home feel, and is relatively limited in terms of where you can go and explore (there is a one-way system through the rooms).

“However the upper floors offer outstanding views out towards the sea over the gardens (which are the main attraction).”

They added: “Overall a wonderful place to visit and most definitely worth stopping off if you are completing the NC500.”