Doune Castle

Doune Castle showing a castle and heritage elements
Doune Castle featuring a small town or village
Doune Castle which includes heritage elements and a castle
Doune Castle featuring heritage elements and farmland
Doune Castle showing heritage elements, interior views and château or palace


Learn the intriguing history of this preserved 14th-century castle and tall tower famous for a Monty Python movie and the Jacobite Risings.

Doune Castle is a partially ruined medieval structure in the Stirling countryside. It stands atop a hill with a commanding view of a pleasant area of forests and rivers. Admire the well-preserved halls, courtyard and tower rising above the surrounding region.

Gaze up at the 100-foot (30-metre) gatehouse. Walk through these ruins and imagine life in the building many centuries ago. Listen to the audio guide for a greater context behind each part of the castle. Most of the stonework is from the initial construction in the 14th century, although some modifications were made in the late 1500s.

Explore the majestic Lord’s Hall to see its ornate features, including a double fireplace. Note the oak screen and the musicians’ gallery. Walk through the courtyard and go into the castle cellar through the dark and narrow cobblestone tunnel.

Learn the history of the intriguing castle, which was initially constructed in the 1260s. The fascinating tales of the castle include the transformation of the castle into a hunting lodge and the arrival of the Earls of Moray in the 16th century. Listen to stories of its role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Jacobite Risings in the 1700s.

In the 1970s, the castle was used for the iconic comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The production used separate angles of the site to portray several different fictional castles in the movie. Find out about the literary works that have alluded to the structure.

There is a fee to look around the castle. Kids get a discount for entry to the site, which is open year-round from morning until late afternoon.

Find Doune Castle in the southern part of the town, less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) from its centre. The castle lies on the eastern flank of the River Teith and west of the Ardoch Burn.

Plan a trip to see Doune Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
MONO Suites Old Town
The Scotsman Hotel
Grassmarket hotel

Tours & day trips

See all 104 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 65 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

4 out of 5
Perth Road, Dunblane, Scotland
DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns

Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
Drip Road, Stirling, Scotland
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
The Stirling Highland Hotel

The Stirling Highland Hotel

4 out of 5
29 Spittal Street, Stirling, Scotland
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Broomhall Castle Hotel

Broomhall Castle Hotel

3 out of 5
Long Row, Menstrie, Scotland
Broomhall Castle Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Stirling by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Stirling by IHG

3 out of 5
Springkerse Business Park, Stirling, Scotland
Holiday Inn Express Stirling by IHG
Castlecary House Hotel

Castlecary House Hotel

3 out of 5
Castlecary Road, Castlecary, Glasgow, Scotland
Castlecary House Hotel
Wyndham Duchally Country Estate

Wyndham Duchally Country Estate

4 out of 5
Gleneagles, Perthshire, Auchterarder, Scotland
Wyndham Duchally Country Estate
DOLLARBEG CASTLE - The Tower - Luxury Apartment

DOLLARBEG CASTLE - The Tower - Luxury Apartment

Dollar, Clackmannanshire
DOLLARBEG CASTLE - The Tower - Luxury Apartment
Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort

Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort

4 out of 5
1 St Andrews Drive, Cumbernauld, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Doune Castle

While visiting Doune Castle, tourists can enjoy a range of activities including relaxing spa experiences and scenic woodland walks. The area is perfect for a day trip, offering more trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the stunning Scottish landscape. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the history of the castle while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Doune Castle, visit the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre, only 1.9km away, for unique treasures. The Scottish Real Ale Shop, 5.6km from the castle, offers excellent local brews. If you're up for a drive, Harrisons Fine Wines is 9.3km away, perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Recreation

Experience the lively atmosphere at Tolbooth, just 3.7km away, where you can enjoy captivating music concerts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Gleneagles Golf Course, located 8.1km away, offers invigorating golfing amidst beautiful landscapes. Alternatively, unwind at Comrie Croft, 8.7km from Doune Castle, for serene wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

The Callander - Balquhidder Trail, located 4.3km from Doune Castle, offers stunning outdoor vibes perfect for exploring. The Great Trossachs Path - East, 5.0km away, features beautiful scenery and adventurous hiking trails. For a longer trek, the Fife Coastal Path, 9.3km distant, combines breathtaking views with outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

In Doune, Macrobert Theatre offers a delightful mix of entertainment and culture, perfect for a romantic evening just 3.1km away. For family fun, head to Monster Mania AdventureZone, 9.9km distant, or catch a show at Cumbernauld Theatre, also 9.9km away, for a memorable night out.

Find the best attractions near Doune Castle

Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Doune Castle offers a variety of attractions to explore, including the impressive castle itself, its picturesque grounds, and nearby lakes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and adventure experiences, while enjoying reviews of the medieval castle and its entrance. Doune Castle is the perfect starting point for discovering the local charm and natural beauty of this historic area.

  • Stirling Castle: A majestic fortress steeped in history, Stirling Castle offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland's royal past. With its stunning architecture and enchanting gardens, you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere while exploring exhibitions that showcase the castle’s rich cultural heritage.
  • University of Stirling: Known for its picturesque campus and modern facilities, the University of Stirling provides a vibrant city vibe. Stroll through its beautiful grounds, featuring lochs and wildlife, and take in the lively student life that adds to the charm of this educational institution.
  • National Wallace Monument: This iconic tower commemorates Scottish hero William Wallace. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and discover the cultural significance of this impressive monument, which celebrates Scotland's fight for freedom.

Best time to go to Doune Castle

The best time to visit Doune Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Doune Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Doune Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doune Castle

To save money on your visit to Doune Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January and October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance, particularly on a Monday, can also yield better rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-certified hotels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can lead to significant savings. For the best deals, organise your search results to display the lowest prices first.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Doune Castle are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Doune Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doune Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Doune Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could enjoy some savings by combining your Doune Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.