Scotland is renowned for its many castles and palaces, rich in history from days gone by. Why not take a day to explore the area's many fascinating castles and take away a piece of history for yourself.

Starting off in the city centre, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see. Built into rugged rock overlooking Princes Street Gardens, this is undoubtedly Scotland's most famous castle and the city's most popular tourist attraction. From the castle's ramparts, get fantastic views of the city below. Home to the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, be prepared to queue during the summer months, as it can get busy!

At the foot of the Royal Mile, you will find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. With the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat, this palace has been in the thick of Scottish history since the 13th century. When the Queen is not in residence, visitors are given access to apartments and the grounds of the Palace. The Queen's Gallery houses some splendid royal collections. With Dynamic Earth, Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat nearby, this is a great day out.

For a fantastic day out, the surrounding Lothians area is home to many stunning castles with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. 23 miles east of Edinburgh lies Dirleton Castle, a pretty and romantic castle with architectural history stretching back for 700 years. Best known for its fantastic gardens, first cultivated in the 16th century, be sure to check out the world's longest herbaceous border, as testified in the Guinness Book of Records. Only a few miles away, you will find Tantallon Castle, a formidable stronghold set atop the cliffs on the Firth of Forth. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than 3 centuries and endured frequent sieges but still stands firm, dominating the headland.

Moving west into Midlothian, Crichton Castle is a large and surprisingly sophisticated castle, tucked away beyond the village of Pathhead. With a spectacular façade of faceted stonework in an Italian style, it's remarkable to see how much is still in tact. Be sure to pass by the castle's stables and nearby Crichton Collegiate Church.

Travelling further west into West Lothian, Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for any visitor. Once home to all the Stewart Kings and birthplace to one of the great tragic figures of history, Mary Queen of Scots, this is one of the most magnificent and atmospheric ruins in Scotland. A mere 5 miles away sits the dark and foreboding Blackness Castle. Its enduring roles were those of a garrison fortress and a state prison and its lack of fancy rooms or ornate stonework make this castle even more fun to explore! Not to mention fantastic views of the firth and Forth Bridges.

Other castles worth a visit include Hailes Castle in East Linton, an extensive ruin dating back to the 13th century and believed to contain some of the oldest standing stonework in Scotland. Also Craigmillar Castle, a well preserved medieval castle 3 miles south east of Edinburgh city centre, built around 1400.