You may have to camp or self-cater, but all of these Scottish castles offer a chance to stay in splendid surrounds at (relatively) affordable prices
Blair Castle in bucolic Perthshire, the seat of the Dukes of Atholl since medieval times, wouldnt look out of place in a Disney film. This white-turreted confection owes its good looks to a spot of Victorian remodelling. You cant stay in the castle itself but theres a campsite (open from mid-February to early November), a handful of luxury lodges scattered across the estate and, in a secluded spot, close to the pretty granite village of Blair Atholl, a meadow of contemporary woodland lodges. Named after the rivers on the estate, Errochty, Fender and Tilt sleep four, Tummel and Garry six. The lodges are well-kitted-out with an outdoor terrace, views of woodland and craggy hills, 40 miles of waymarked trails and a host of ranger-led activities.
01796 481487, blair-castle.co.uk, from £275 for a four-night break in a two-bedroom lodge (sleeps 4) or £320 in a three-bedroom lodge