Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle which includes farmland and a gorge or canyon
Dunnottar Castle showing general coastal views, farmland and a castle
Dunnottar Castle showing general coastal views and farmland
Dunnottar Castle showing farmland and wild flowers
Dunnottar Castle featuring general coastal views and château or palace


Enjoy the stunning scenery surrounding this fine medieval fortress and learn about the dramatic historical events that took place here over the centuries.

Dunnottar Castle is set in a striking cliff-top location, on a rocky promontory 160 feet (49 metres) above the turbulent sea. Legendary figures ranging from royalty to modern celebrities have visited the castle, a once impenetrable fortress the oldest part of which dates back to the 13th century. Wander around the evocative ruins of this historically significant site and admire the magnificent views of the sea on three sides.

The site of the castle is believed to have been inhabited from as early 5,000 B.C. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II are all known to have visited the castle. Perhaps the most famous historic event associated with the site, however, took place in the 17th century when a small garrison held out against Oliver Cromwell’s army for 8 months to save the Scottish Crown Jewels. Look for information boards detailing the castle’s history as you explore the site.

Follow the steep steps leading up to the castle, stopping to admire the lovely sea viewpoints found along the way. Almost all of the castle buildings are roofless ruins today. More recently, the castle was visited by Mel Gibson during the filming of Hamlet, as well as James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe for the filming of Victor Frankenstein.

The castle’s most well-preserved remnant is its 14th-century keep. The oldest surviving section is the chapel, which dates back to 1276. Save time to explore the drawing room, which was wonderfully restored in 1926.

After visiting the castle, continue along the well-marked coastal path leading down to the fishing village of Stonehaven. Look for puffins along the way, which are known to nest on the cliffs. Don’t miss the Black Hill War Memorial, which commemorates the soldiers who died in World War I. The memorial looks like a ruin, but it was purposefully designed this way to symbolise incomplete lives.

Dunnottar Castle is a 15-minute walk away from the closest bus stop. To get to Stonehaven, take a bus or train from Aberdeen. Parking is available at the castle, which has an admission fee. The castle is open daily with regular holiday closures. Discover the rich history of this scenic castle.

Plan a trip to see Dunnottar Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Belvilla Aberdeen Bridge of Don Exhibition Centre
Belvilla Aberdeen Bridge of Don Sea VIew - Ex Holiday Inn Express
Aberdeen by Charles Hope

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Number 44 Hotel & Bar

Number 44 Hotel & Bar

3 out of 5
44 Allardice St, Stonehaven, Scotland
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn

3 out of 5
5 Shore Head, Stonehaven, Scotland
The Ship Inn
Rooms at 31

Rooms at 31

3.5 out of 5
Stonehaven, Stonehaven, Scotland
Rooms at 31
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel

4 out of 5
Souterhead Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
St. Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa

Ardoe House Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen, Scotland
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

4 out of 5
Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen

Station Hotel Aberdeen

3 out of 5
78 Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Station Hotel Aberdeen
Maryculter House

Maryculter House

4 out of 5
South Deeside Road, Maryculter, Aberdeen, Scotland
Maryculter House
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 Dunnottar Castle

Near Dunnottar Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including relaxing spa treatments and refreshing swimming. Ideal for a day trip, the area offers scenic woodland walks and designated picnic spots, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Explore the stunning coastal views and immerse yourself in the rich history of the castle while making the most of your visit to this picturesque location in Scotland.

Shopping

Aunty Bettys, located 1.2km from Dunnottar Castle, offers charming gifts and souvenirs perfect for your trip. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the Union Square Shopping Centre or the Trinity Centre, both 8.7km away, where you can enjoy a vibrant shopping experience.

Recreation

Take a refreshing dip in the Stonehaven Outdoor Pool, just 1.2km from Dunnottar Castle, surrounded by a vibrant family atmosphere. For relaxation, visit RGU: SPORT, 11.2km away, where wellness and tranquillity await, or indulge in a pampering session at Go Health and Beauty, located 8.1km away.

Adventure

Kartstart Indoor Raceways, located 10.6km from Dunnottar Castle, offers thrilling karting experiences for adrenaline enthusiasts. For a scenic adventure, explore the 18-mile Formartine and Buchan Way hiking trail, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Dunnottar Castle by visiting His Majesty's Theatre for captivating performances or enjoy a film at Belmont Picturehouse. For a thrilling adventure, head to Bedlam Paintball- Edzell, where family fun awaits in an exhilarating arcade setting.

Find the best attractions near Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle, a stunning medieval fortress, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Scotland's rich history. Surrounding the castle, you'll find urban parks and modern university campuses, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the spectacular castle buildings and immerse yourself in the local culture while visiting this iconic Scottish landmark. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration in this beautiful region.

  • Stonehaven Tolbooth: This historic building, located 621m from Dunnottar Castle, offers a glimpse into the town's rich past. With its charming architecture and cultural significance, visitors can explore its fascinating history and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Stonehaven.
  • Museum: Also situated 621m away, this history museum showcases local heritage through engaging exhibits. It provides an enriching experience for those interested in the cultural narratives of the area, making it a delightful stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Robert Gordon University: Located 7.5km from Dunnottar Castle, this modern university is known for its innovative approach to education. With a lively campus and city vibes, it reflects the dynamic spirit of contemporary Scotland.

Best time to go to Dunnottar Castle

The best time to visit Dunnottar Castle 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 slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.4°F (6.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunnottar Castle

To save on your trip to Dunnottar Castle, consider visiting in the cheaper months of March or December to January, avoiding the more expensive peak times of May, June, and September. Fridays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation, and filter for eco-certified options to support sustainability. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings, and ensure you select options with free cancellation for flexibility in your plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dunnottar Castle are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dunnottar Castle is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Dunnottar Castle is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Dunnottar Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.