Continuing with last week’s castle theme, we’ll examine the jewel of coastal Scotland, Glenapp Castle, and the magic city that lies between all of these storybook fortresses – Edinburgh.
Read Here: CASTLES IN THE CLOUDS PART I: Ashford and Inverlochy
Glenapp Castle
High on the lush hilltops of Ballantrae, Ayrshire, gazing over Scotland’s pristine southwestern shores, Glenapp Castle (glenappcastle.com, +44-1465-831-212) embodies the mystique and the magic of the illustrious British castle experience. Glenapp’s 36-acre estate is a multihued wonderland of lavish walled and tiered gardens, reflection ponds, extensive moss-clad forest trails, and breathtaking panoramas of the Irish Sea. Arriving at Glenapp’s girthy wooden double doors, a set of Clue-type personalities (e.g. Colonel Mustard and Mrs. White) stand eager to greet. An uncontrollable sense of “Holy Cow! I’m staying in a real castle” excitement immediately ensues, a feeling that never quite ends as you live out the days of your fairytale fantasy. Enveloped by windows, natural light illuminates the imperial living room, adorned with plush maroon and cream furnishings accented by light gold trim. Similar to the stately dining room and the majority of the castle’s 17 rooms and suites, the living room delivers tremendous panoramic views of the manicured gardens, native foliage, crashing waves, and nearby islands – a sensational juxtaposition of jade forests and sapphire seas. The cuisine here completely defies the bland British food stereotype, (thank G-d) highlighted by a nightly five-course gastronomic extravaganza. With a more casual and approachable vibe than other Scottish castles, Glenapp achieves an exceptional equilibrium of formality and informality. You’ll feel right at home posing for your Facebook castle album in casual threads, using the 19th century quixotic decadence and decorum as your muse. You can sip lots of whiskey and then get lost on the numerous walking trails, which lead through the verdant surroundings to the Irish Sea. There’s no pressure here – just plenty of vacation-style unadulterated rest and relaxation.
Edinburgh Stopover
While most of Scotland and Ireland’s castles feel like they exist in lands far, far, and away, modernization and globalization remain within driving distance. You’ll need to travel to Shannon in Ireland or Glasgow or Edinburgh in Scotland to pick up your horse and carriage, I mean rental car, to head to greener pastures. Edinburgh, in particular, piques the interest of the GLBT traveler, with a wide range of gay-friendly accommodations, bars, nightclubs, and an intoxicating all-welcoming vibe that makes it one of the globe’s coolest cities. Though it sometimes tags on an extra hour drive to the scenic drives to and from castles (compared to nearby Glasgow), it’s well worth the stopover to this charming, medieval city. At the east end of Princes Street, near the heart of the GLBT action, and walking distance to Edinburgh’s renowned Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel (apexhotels.co.uk) is the ideal starting or end point to any Scotland sojourn. An urban chic boutique hotel, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers everything the young and sophisticated GLBT traveler could want housed in a historic architectural gem. The hotel is sophisticated but unpretentious and begins at an exceptionally awesome price point – 90GBP. Take it from someone who lived in the UK for years, a UK bargain is almost an oxymoron but this one is for real! It’s easy to navigate the entire city by foot from the hotel. Any “top” sight you’ve heard or read about is a short walk away. Come nightfall, Greenside Place comes to life with its collection of gay bars, including C.C. Bloom’s and Café Habana. Who knows? You might even meet your Prince Charming, go back to his castle, and write your own gay fairytale!
Paul Rubio is a Miami-based travel editor who has visited over 82 countries in his quest to showcase the world. A graduate of Harvard University, Paul is the author of “Out Traveler: South Florida” and caters to both avid voyagers and armchair travelers.
