Doune Castle
A medieval fortress famed as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python, offering a rich historical experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Doune Castle
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval fortress famed as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python, offering a rich historical experience.
"The audio guide was great and gave you fascinating information about the history, back stories on outlander, as were as Monty Python and the holy Grail."
🚗 Parking Pointers
The castle's car park is small. Aim for early morning or use town parking and walk.
🎧 Don't Skip the Audio Tour
It's hilarious and informative, especially for Monty Python fans!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monty Python's Holy Grail
Various locations within the castle
Relive iconic scenes from the cult classic film, with many areas serving as filming locations.
Outlander's Castle Leoch
Castle grounds and interiors
Step into the world of Claire and Jamie as you explore Castle Leoch, the ancestral home of Clan MacKenzie.
Game of Thrones' Winterfell Pilot
Castle exterior and courtyard
See the castle that stood in for Winterfell in the pilot episode of the epic series.
The Terry Jones Audio Tour
Throughout the castle
An essential companion, this narrated tour brings the castle's history and film connections to life with humor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Cinematic History
Timing is Key for Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
The castle's car park is small. Aim for early morning or use town parking and walk.
🎧 Don't Skip the Audio Tour
It's hilarious and informative, especially for Monty Python fans!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Beyond the castle walls, enjoy the scenic riverside location.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
Gift shop has Monty Python and Outlander merchandise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
The castle's car park is small. Aim for early morning or use town parking and walk.
🎧 Don't Skip the Audio Tour
It's hilarious and informative, especially for Monty Python fans!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Beyond the castle walls, enjoy the scenic riverside location.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
Gift shop has Monty Python and Outlander merchandise.
🕰️ Feel the History
Walk the halls and stairwells to truly experience the past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Doune Castle is highly praised for its rich history, impressive preservation, and significant film and TV connections, particularly for Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python. Visitors rave about the engaging and humorous audio tour, the opportunity to explore furnished rooms, and the beautiful setting. Some minor drawbacks include limited parking and a desire for more artifacts, but overall, it's considered excellent value and a must-visit.
"Great site. The audio tour is excellent and the staff were very knowledgeable. I enjoyed seeing parts of the castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander. Took about 40 minutes to go round - wall walk was closed for repairs, but highly recommend regardless."
Charlotte Ajomale
"Beautiful castle with a lot of history and stunning views. You don’t need more than 30–40 minutes to explore it, and wearing comfortable shoes makes a big difference. Visiting during the low season is definitely the best — quiet, relaxed, and easy to enjoy every corner."
Gabi Solis
"We enjoyed walking around. We did not have tickets so we were directed to park in town. It was a lovely walk and likely best to park there in the first place and then follow the signs to the footpath. We thought it would take awhile, but it was really a rather short journey. It was not our favorite castle we visited but fun to see since we have watched Monty Python, Outlander, Outlaw King, and Game of Thrones. I actually wish we had gotten there before it opened and had been able to enjoy the grounds without the crowds. I would say if you are driving by - stop, but I wouldn't make a trip out to see just this castle."
Kym Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Edinburgh, you can take a train to Stirling and then a bus or taxi to Doune. Alternatively, many guided tours from Edinburgh include Doune Castle as a stop.
Yes, there is a small car park at the castle. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Visitors are advised to arrive early or use parking in Doune town and walk.
Yes, you can reach Doune by bus from Stirling. From the bus stop in Doune, it's a short walk to the castle.
While the grounds are relatively accessible, some areas within the castle, like the upper floors and spiral staircases, may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's best to check with the castle directly for specific accessibility details.
Many Outlander tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow specifically include Doune Castle as it's a key filming location for Castle Leoch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Doune Castle is reasonably priced and offers good value for money, especially considering the historical significance and film connections. Check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for current ticket prices.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, the fantastic audio guide, narrated by Terry Jones, is typically included with your admission ticket and is highly recommended.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or family passes. Historic Scotland members often receive free entry. Check their website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the castle's great hall, towers, courtyard, and battlements. The audio tour brings its history and film connections to life.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the castle and listening to the audio tour.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the castle and the humorous audio tour. It's a great way to introduce them to history and popular culture.
Photography is generally allowed inside Doune Castle for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
Doune Castle is a medieval fortress, originally built in the 13th century and significantly developed in the late 14th century.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Doune Castle typically has a small gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks. For a wider selection of dining options, you'll find cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Doune.
Picnicking is usually permitted in the grounds surrounding Doune Castle, offering a lovely way to enjoy the scenery.
Doune town offers several local pubs and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Scottish fare or lighter meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard, the imposing gatehouse, and the views from the battlements offer excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding landscape also provides scenic backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Doune Castle to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with Historic Environment Scotland before flying a drone.
While personal photography is generally allowed, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic and atmospheric shots of the castle.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide shots of the castle and details within. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the interiors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎬 Film & TV Buffs
+3 The Terry Jones audio tour is a highlight, packed with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and witty commentary that will delight any film enthusiast. 🏰 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Doune Castle: A Star of the Screen
For Outlander enthusiasts, the castle is Castle Leoch, the ancestral home of Clan MacKenzie, offering a tangible connection to the show's historical setting. Perhaps its most enduring on-screen legacy is its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where it featured prominently as various castles, including Camelot. The castle's rich on-screen history is brought to life by its excellent audio tour, narrated by Monty Python's Terry Jones, which expertly blends historical facts with hilarious anecdotes, making it an engaging experience for all visitors. Beyond its Hollywood connections, Doune Castle boasts a significant real-life history. Originally built in the 13th century, it was significantly developed in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany.
It served as a royal residence, a hunting lodge, and even a prison. Exploring its well-preserved medieval structure, including the impressive gatehouse, grand halls, and towers, allows visitors to step back in time and imagine life within its walls centuries ago. Exploring Doune Castle: What to Expect
The audio tour is an indispensable part of the Doune Castle experience. Narrated by Terry Jones, it provides fascinating historical context for the castle's architecture and past inhabitants, alongside humorous insights into its film appearances.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit