Perched atop steep cliffs that plunge 50 m (160 ft) down to the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is what's left of the strategically located home of one of Scotland's noble families. The ruins spread across a 3.5 acre (1.4 hectare) plot on the cliff’s edge. One of the largest buildings is the tower house, which stood 15 m (49 ft) when at its full height. It had a great hall and upstairs bedrooms for the castle's lord. Wear good walking shoes to the site because the parking lot is located at the base of an 800 m (2,600 ft) footpath that leads up to the castle. Hours change seasonally so please check website for all up-to-date information. Make Dunnottar Castle a centerpiece of your Stonehaven vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Stonehaven travel route planning app.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle reviews
-
We have visited before & ancient castles don't really change in 10 years but it was still well worth a return visit. There is a good sized car park now but the steps down are still hard work, thank...
We have visited before & ancient castles don't really change in 10 years but it was still well worth a return visit. There is a good sized car park now but the steps down are still hard work, thank... more »
-
If you are wondering, “Should I go?” The answer is absolutely, yes. It is popular for a reason - stunning location and great history. It is also remarkably in tact. We loved every minute - the...
If you are wondering, “Should I go?” The answer is absolutely, yes. It is popular for a reason - stunning location and great history. It is also remarkably in tact. We loved every minute - the... more »
-
A very nice place to visit, the castle and the coast provide spectacular views, do bring a windbreaker as gusts of wind can be rather intimidating. The castle itself has an entrance fee but the views are free from afar. The coastal track is very nice and one can walk to the closest war monument very easily for a more panoramic view of close by town of Stonehaven.
-
If it's castles you're after then this should tick all the boxes.
Plan your trip to Stonehaven
best routes and schedules
Popular things to do in Stonehaven
Hidden gems in Stonehaven
Side trips from Stonehaven
Historic Sites in Stonehaven
Nearby attractions in Stonehaven
Shopping in Stonehaven
Trips in Dunnottar Castle by other users
40 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Glasgow
Glencoe
Lochinver
6 days in Aberdeen
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Room Escape Games
David Welch Winter Gardens
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
25 days in United Kingdom & Reykjavik
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Glasgow
Inverness
Aberdeen
60 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Glasgow
Edinburgh
St. Andrews
3 days in Arbroath
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Arbroath Abbey
Signal Tower Museum
Dunnottar Castle
17 days in United Kingdom
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
London
Cambridge
Inverness