Dunnottar Castle
A dramatic medieval fortress perched on a rocky headland, offering breathtaking sea views and a deep dive into Scottish history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Dunnottar Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic medieval fortress perched on a rocky headland, offering breathtaking sea views and a deep dive into Scottish history.
"An amazing castle with stunning views, definitely worth the visit and one of Scotland's top castles!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths! Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's exposed up there! Layers and waterproofs are your friends against wind and rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dramatic Clifftop Setting
Coastal headland near Stonehaven
A ruined medieval fortress perched precariously on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea.
The Impregnable Fortress
Within the castle ruins
Explore the remnants of a powerful fortress, once home to the Earls Marischal, steeped in centuries of Scottish history.
Panoramic Sea Views
Castle ramparts and surrounding hills
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the rugged coastline and the vast North Sea from various vantage points around the castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Elements
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths! Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's exposed up there! Layers and waterproofs are your friends against wind and rain.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
The dramatic setting and ruins offer incredible photo ops. Golden hour is magical!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Peaceful gardens and stunning views make it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths! Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's exposed up there! Layers and waterproofs are your friends against wind and rain.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
The dramatic setting and ruins offer incredible photo ops. Golden hour is magical!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Peaceful gardens and stunning views make it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach
Descend to the stony beach below for a different perspective of the castle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dunnottar Castle for its absolutely stunning location and dramatic, evocative ruins. The historical significance and the breathtaking sea views are major highlights, making it a top recommendation for anyone visiting Scotland. Some note the numerous steps and exposed conditions, advising visitors to be prepared with sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
"What an amazing castle! Definitely worth the visit. The views are stunning and a great day out.
You can walk on opposite hills and get great views of the castle and surrounding monuments.
There are a lot of steps to get to the castle, but there are rails and enough passing places when busy. There are no dustbins in the castle, so you need to take your goodies back with you.
I would recommend taking some food with, as the gardens are so peaceful, its a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the peace.
One of my top 10 castles in Scotland!"
Jacques
"Very well kept castle and quite a lot to see and on a large site. A lot bigger than expected with lots to read and some great history and story’s to catch up on. Could be a bit exposed on a wet day. Toilets on site and well worth the £13 entrance fee. Well worth a visit."
Matt Hart
"This is a must see Castle if your in the area. Well maintained by the staff that is friendly and informative. Be mindful that if your mobility is limited that there are several areas of stairs and steps that are irregular and steep. There are also some cobble stone walk ways that might be difficult for some. Loved our visit here and the views are spectacular."
Ron Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Aberdeen to Stonehaven, which is the closest town to Dunnottar Castle. From Stonehaven, it's a walk or a short taxi ride to the castle. Some visitors have noted that Ubers might be scarce in smaller towns, so planning your transport in advance is wise.
Yes, there is a car park, but it can get full, especially during school holidays. Visitors have mentioned finding parking on the road when the car park is busy.
The nearest train station is in Stonehaven. From Stonehaven station, you'll need to arrange onward transport to the castle, such as a bus or taxi.
For sunrise visits, consider arranging a taxi or private transport from Aberdeen or Stonehaven, as public transport may not be running early enough.
Yes, buses run from Aberdeen to Stonehaven, and from Stonehaven, you can walk or take a short taxi to the castle. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around £13, which is considered well worth it by many visitors for the experience and history offered. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended.
It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or school holidays, to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dunnottar Castle website for the most current opening times before your visit.
Information on discounts is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking for any concessions or special offers before you book.
Access to the castle grounds requires a paid ticket. While you can see the castle from afar without entering, the full experience is inside.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors with limited mobility should be aware that there are many irregular and steep steps, as well as cobblestone walkways, within the castle. While staff are friendly and informative, the terrain can be challenging.
You can explore the extensive ruins, learn about its rich history, enjoy spectacular sea views, and even descend to the beach below. It's a larger site than many expect, with plenty to discover.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site for visitors.
Absolutely! Dunnottar Castle is a photographer's paradise with its dramatic setting and evocative ruins. 
There isn't a cafe on-site, so it's recommended to bring your own food and drinks, especially if you plan to have a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset (golden hour) offer the most dramatic light for capturing the castle's beauty. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic setting is always impressive.
The opposite hills offer fantastic vantage points for wide shots of the castle. Within the castle, explore different angles of the ruins and the sea.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the castle management or local authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details within the ruins. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light photography.
Don't miss the view from the beach below, the dramatic approach to the castle, and the intricate details of the surviving architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore more freely. The historical stories associated with the castle, like those of William Wallace, can also be engaging for older children.
Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes and is dressed appropriately for the weather, as the exposed location can be windy and wet. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The clifftop setting, the rugged ruins, and the vast North Sea create a breathtaking backdrop. Aim for the 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset for the most magical light, which enhances the textures of the stone and the mood of the landscape. Don't miss the iconic shots from the opposite hills, and explore the beach below for unique perspectives. Bring a versatile lens kit, including wide-angle for sweeping vistas and telephoto for details. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and be ready for the elements, as the coastal location is often exposed to wind and rain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Fortress Steeped in History
+1 The site was fortified in the Early Middle Ages and has witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history. It served as a stronghold for the Earls Marischal, one of Scotland's most powerful families, and its strategic location made it a target throughout various conflicts. The surviving buildings are largely from the 15th and 16th centuries, but the very foundations whisper tales of earlier eras. During the Wars of Independence, William Wallace is said to have attacked an English garrison here.
+1 Later, during the Jacobite risings, the castle played a role in protecting the Scottish Crown Jewels. Its dramatic setting and historical significance have made it a subject of fascination for centuries, attracting visitors eager to connect with Scotland's past. The castle's resilience is evident in its ruins, which stand as a testament to its enduring legacy. From its early beginnings as a place of worship founded by Saint Ninian to its role as an impregnable fortress, Dunnottar Castle offers a tangible link to Scotland's rich and often turbulent history.
+1Photography Tips for Dunnottar Castle
+2 The dramatic clifftop location, combined with the evocative ruins, provides endless opportunities for stunning shots. For the best light, aim for sunrise or sunset, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' which casts a warm glow on the ancient stones and the surrounding sea. Many photographers recommend capturing the castle from the opposite hills for a sweeping, iconic view. When exploring the castle itself, experiment with different angles. The intricate details of the stonework, the vastness of the sea beyond, and the sheer scale of the ruins all offer unique photographic perspectives.
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the dramatic landscape and a telephoto lens for closer shots of architectural details. Remember to also explore the path down to the stony beach below the castle. This offers a completely different viewpoint and allows you to capture the imposing structure from its base.
Navigating Dunnottar Castle with Mobility Considerations
Despite these challenges, the staff at Dunnottar Castle are noted for being friendly and informative, and they can provide guidance on the most accessible routes within the site.
For those who can manage the steps, the reward is immense: spectacular views and a deep dive into Scottish history. However, if mobility is a significant concern, consider enjoying the views from the surrounding hills or the nearby beach, which offer impressive perspectives without requiring extensive climbing.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit