About

Hello, fellow castle enthusiasts, and welcome!

I’m Mary-Elle, the voice and real live castle lover behind Castle Visits, your go-to place for all things castles, palaces, chateaux, and any other “big” houses I can find. You’ll often find me visiting a castle – regardless of whether it’s warm or cold, raining, snowing or absolutely freezing like it was below on those castle ramparts.

But who am I, you ask?

My Professional Journey – A Tale Of Adventure and Business

Since 1984, I’ve been navigating the ever-exciting and ever-changing world of travel. As a dream trip designer in the travel industry, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel to many places across the globe, immersing myself in diverse cultures and exploring the nooks and crannies of our fascinating world. OK, maybe it wasn’t quite all as “jet-set” as that sounds LOL, but I have spent a boatload of decades traveling and booking travel for my clients and my passport is truly a kaleidoscope of stamps and memories!

My Personal Saga: A Lifelong Love Affair with Castles

My love story with castles began when I was just 13. Picture this: a wide-eyed young girl stepping onto European soil for the first time, gazing in awe at the grandeur of ancient castles. It was love at first sight, and there was no looking back. Since then, I’ve been chasing castles, palaces, chateaux, manor houses, and anything that remotely resembles them with the zeal of a medieval knight in pursuit of glory.

I even love books that feature…..you got it – castles, palaces, chateaux, manor houses, and anything that resembles one. And sometimes those are featured in articles that I write on the book blog that I run.

As a part-time expat living in various corners of the world, my quest to visit every castle (big or small, famous or hidden) has turned into a delightful obsession. From sneaking peeks into royal chambers to getting lost in labyrinthine gardens, I’ve done it all.

And, let’s be honest. I (and sometimes my traveling companions) have also had my fair share of “Oops, I think this tower is not for tourists” moments.

Why ‘Castle Visits’?

Why not? Castles are not just stone structures; they are storytellers of history, art, and culture. Through Castle Visits, I bring these stories to you, infused with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of my personal anecdotes. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good tale of a clumsy tourist (a.k.a. me) accidentally interrupting a royal tea party?

So, grab your imaginary sword (or a cup of tea, if that’s more your style) and join me on this enchanting journey. Let’s explore the world one castle at a time, laughing and learning together.