Visit a Castle on Your Language Holiday in Scotland
Our language school in Crieff, Perthshire, is positioned equidistant to three amazing castles: Doune Castle, Huntingtower Castle, and Stirling Castle.
Each of these three is a superb visit, offering different styles of touristic experiences and we’ll take our English-learning guests to at least one of these castles during every immersion English holiday.
This blog explores why castles are GREAT for English immersion learning. It also gives you an overview of the three, so you can choose which you’d most like to see on your English holiday in Perthshire.
Overview of the Three Castles
Doune Castle: Known for its use in films and TV shows, this castle provides a fun and engaging tour with plenty of historical anecdotes.
Huntingtower Castle: Features unique architecture and a famous painted ceiling, offering a blend of art and history perfect for language learning.
Stirling Castle: One of Scotland’s grandest castles, it offers extensive tours and exhibitions, making it a comprehensive educational experience.
About Scottish Castles
I’m sure you know that Scotland is littered with the things.
Some are private properties owned by international millionaires, but hundreds are owned and managed by Historic Scotland (or in a few cases, the National Trust).
It’s not really true, but a general rule is, if it has curtains, it’s a National Trust property, whereas rugged walls equal Historic Scotland.
The work of these organisations means that over the last decades, this important part of the culture of our lands has been preserved and made accessible to visitors.
Scottish castles are one of many types of buildings that attract heritage tourists and support tourism all across Scotland – and for good reason.
But so are many other cultural monuments, the question is, in terms of language pedagogy, why put castles on an English language school activity list?
Why Visit Castles #01
They are Immersive
An immersive English experience is when you are dipped into a situation where the language spoken around you is English: you have no alternative but to communicate in English (find out more)
Immersive English experiences are not role play. They are real-life contexts you must use your language skills to navigate.
Our theory is that changing your sensory world enhances the profoundness of this language experience.
Castles look, sound, smell and feel different to any other architectural experience.
This difference sharpens your attention to every detail and makes language learned across your whole time in Scotland very memorable.
Why Visit Castles #02
Unlock Your Imagination
Learning a language is about taking on a new identity. You are not the same person speaking a new language, you develop a new personality, cultural awareness and identity WITH the new skills you are learning.
That is freedom!
Freedom to be a new person with new powers – a superhero version of yourself!
Where better to explore this than walking the footsteps of kings, queens, knights and murderers through walls shaped by plots and intrigue.
Open your heart to a Scottish castle and grow a little bit of new you.
Why Visit Castles #03
Be Curious
Whether you are the kind of person to imagine yourself in history – or (like me) you simply enjoy racing around seeing which corridors lead, castles are liberating.
Our local castle, Huntingtower Castle is particularly good as it’s rarely busy.
Often we get the whole place to ourselves.
I’m not a great fan of trailing around in a group, in an ordered sequence of rooms – and at a set pace.
Instead, I like climbing staircases to see where they lead.
While I like to hang out in a particular room – and perhaps race through others to get there ( I do this in art galleries too).
I think the metaphor is obvious: explore English with us and follow the language points which interest you. Pick your pace and explore!
Many language schools show you a certain path and certain content. We will support you through the path you chose for yourself.
See where it takes you!
“In my book, Huntingtower Castle gets points for not having actors in medieval costumes offering you facts. You are just left to get on with exploring the rooms and winding staircases yourself. “
Ruth, 2019
Step 1 | Choose What You Want from Your Experience
Some castles offer special events, for example, we love the Ghost Tour run by Horror History Tours at Menzies Castle near Aberfeldy.
Scottish castles all offer different visitor experiences.
For example, Stirling Castle is by far the most educational in terms of the displays and actors enhancing the visit. It tends to be quite busy, however, so if you like to let your imagination lead your castle visit, choose Huntingtower.
Doune Castle’s audio guide is by Monty Python‘s Eric Idle (much of the Holy Grail was filmed at Doune Castle), which is funny and educational.
“On Any Visit to Scotland, feeling alone in a Castle is a Must!”
Ruth, 2019
Step 2 | Choose Your Timing!
Stirling Castle and Doune castle merit a visit any day, but they get busy. Doune is much smaller and has restricted parking.
The fact that it is featured in Outlander makes it an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.
Our Top Tips
- If you go when there’s a nip in the air, you’ll be sharing it with fewer visitors – and feeling alone within the shadowy chambers, watchtowers and imposing walls is an essential part of the experience, as your imagination can more easily transport you back to the castle’s medieval past.
- Wrap up warmly and you’ll want to spend dusk on the ramparts.
- Watch the sunset by gazing across the remarkable landscape.
- Bring a flask or get a takeaway hot chocolate from the cafe and enjoy the spectacle of the changing landscape.
See for Yourself, When You Learn English in Perthshire!
Have You Chosen Your Castle?
Let us know when you book!
Visiting any of these castles provides an enriching experience for L2 English users, blending history, culture, and language practice.
Join us on an English immersion holiday and explore Scotland’s castles!