Loch Leven Castle

Mary Stuart was only six days old when in 1542 her father James V died, and she became Queen of Scotland. At first, regents ruled the country while she lived mostly in France. Her husbands were short-lived: first Francis II of France, then Lord Darnley; Mary promptly married Bothwell who was suspected of Darnley's murder. In 1567 the pair of them were overthrown, and Mary was imprisoned in Loch Leven Castle and forced to abdicate. She made several attempts to escape and succeeded in 1568: the scene of her being rowed away has graced innumerable historical romances. She made her way to England thinking her cousin Queen Elizabeth would protect her — big mistake. The castle was built around 1300 and took up almost all of what was then a much smaller island, and an early visitor under duress was King Alexander III. In the 17th century it ceased to be a residence and fell derelict. It's now in the keeping of Historic Environment Scotland. You can stroll the peaceful woodlands while awaiting the return ferry. This only has capacity for 12, so on summer weekends best book your visit.