Castle of Mey

Castle of Mey showing heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Castle of Mey showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Mey featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Mey
Castle of Mey showing château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture


Walk through the gardens and browse the inviting interior rooms of the late Queen Mother’s Scottish home.

The Castle of Mey is the northernmost castle on the U.K. mainland. A favourite home of the late Queen Mother, this beautifully restored castle has been preserved to look much as it did during her regular visits here. Tour the castle, stroll through its lovely surrounding gardens and bring the kids to the interactive animal centre.

Originally constructed in the 1500s, the castle fell into disuse over the centuries. The Queen Mother first saw the castle in 1952 when she was mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Immediately charmed by the abandoned castle, she purchased the property and restored the building and its gardens. As you approach the castle, notice its jutting towers and corbeled turrets, typical features of 16th-century castle architecture.

Begin in the visitor centre, where you can buy your entrance ticket. Consider stopping in the castle’s award-winning tearoom to enjoy a home-made snack or light meal.

Notice the remarkably homey, domestic atmosphere of the castle’s interior. In the front hall, look for the raincoat and simple Wellington boots the Queen Mother wore when walking in thegardens. This area also features portraits of the 12th, 13th and 14th Earls of Caithness, historic owners of the castle.

Explore the castle gardens, which feature wonderful displays of pansies, marigolds and dahlias, among other flowers and plants. Climb to the top of the turret recently constructed in the Walled Garden for fantastic overhead views of the gardens. Use the telescope to check out the Old Man of Hoy, a 450-foot-high (140-metre) sea stack on the distant Orkney Islands.

Don’t miss the fun Animal Centre on the castle grounds, where adults and kids can enjoy safe, supervised contact with farm animals. Pet the farm’s resident donkey, piglets and alpine goats.

The Castle of Mey is 7 miles (11 kilometres) west of John O’Groats. It typically closes for several weeks every summer to accommodate royal visits. To get here, take the bus from the railway station in nearby Thurso. Enjoy your visit to this charming royal retreat.

Plan a trip to see Castle of Mey

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Things to do near Castle of Mey

While visiting the Castle of Mey, immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and consider taking a ferry trip to explore the beautiful coastline. Don't miss the chance to enjoy Balmoral trips, which offer a glimpse into Scotland's royal heritage. With its rich history and picturesque landscapes, Castle of Mey promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Shopping

The Castle of Mey offers a charming shopping experience with local gift shops featuring unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Thurso's shopping centre, where you can find more extensive options, including high street stores and local crafts.

Recreation

At Thurso Golf Club, located 8.1km from Castle of Mey, indulge in a luxurious golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy a round of golf while immersing yourself in the serene surroundings, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after an active day exploring the Scottish coastline.

Adventure

Explore the Castle of Mey Gardens for a tranquil stroll amidst beautiful landscapes. For thrill-seekers, nearby John O'Groats offers exhilarating boat trips to spot seals and sea birds, while the scenic coastal paths provide opportunities for hiking and cycling with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.

Nightlife

While Castle of Mey is serene by night, you can enjoy a cosy pint at the nearby Castle Arms Hotel or savour a whisky at the Thurso East Bar. The intimate atmosphere invites relaxation, making it perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Find the best attractions near Castle of Mey

While visiting the Castle of Mey in Thurso, Scotland, you can explore a variety of attractions, including the historic lighthouse, beautiful beaches, and local museums. This region offers a rich cultural experience ideal for families and those keen on Scottish heritage. Don't miss the chance to tour the Castle of Mey itself, a splendid example of a Scottish castle, as you enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse: Standing majestically at the northernmost point of mainland Scotland, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the North Atlantic. Explore its cultural significance and the stunning cliffs that surround it, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  • Dunnet Bay Beach: Enjoy the serene beauty of this expansive sandy beach, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque dunes, Dunnet Bay Beach provides a tranquil getaway for relaxation and seaside activities.
  • John O' Groats Signpost: A must-visit historic site, the John O' Groats Signpost marks one of the famous ends of the Land's End to John O' Groats route. Capture the moment with a photograph and soak in the cultural heritage of this iconic landmark.

Best time to go to Castle of Mey

The best time to visit Castle of Mey is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle of Mey

To save money on your visit to Castle of Mey, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance often yields the best rates, and Tuesdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your search for budget options, including eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, look into package deals that combine flights with hotel and activities for further savings. Walking is also a great way to explore the area without incurring transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle of Mey are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Castle of Mey is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your results from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package, which allows you to combine your hotel stay at the Castle of Mey with your flights and activities.