Home in Time for Tea

After attacking Bran Castle  with the mobs of other tourists, Richard, my Mum and I drove just 15 miles into the Piatra Craiului National Park towards the remote villages of Pestera and Magura, and found peace ! It wasn't that we didn't enjoy the impressive, historic castle, synonymous with Dracula , but the crowds were heaving in the heat, and that little monster of mine didn't do the best job of holding my hand. She really enjoyed exploring the castle; hiding in the eerie nooks and crannies , but sweaty, thirsty and not even 2 years old, I couldn't help feeling she might appreciate an open space and some fresh air. Also the castle was quite literally groaning under the weight of everyone queuing on the stairs, so after admiring the history and the views, we were relieved to get some space.  Up in those mountains it was some of the freshest air I had breathed in a long time. Cattle grazed amongst meadows blooming with wildflowers , chickens ...

An experience pretty much unique to historic Europe is a visit to an atmospheric, historic castle or fortress. With an uncountable number of fascinating architecture and places to visit, varying from ancient ruins and medieval fortresses, to renaissance and royal abodes, even to enormous haunted icons, it is impossible to pick 'the best'. However some fascinating castles and buildings from my favourite and most recent trips to Europe are listed below. Enjoy! Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France The fairytale grand Renaissance and medieval Chateaux of the Loire Valley in central France are in themselves, uncountable. The area lays claim to a great many aristocratic and royal histories, giving birth to a region rich in chateaux full of splendour and glory. Three of the Richard's and my personal favourites of the Loire are below, heavily influenced by Richard's 'need' to see turrets: 'If it doesn't have at least one turret I'm simply not intere...