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Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is set in a striking cliff-top location, on a rocky promontory 160 feet (49 meters) 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 symbolize 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.
Top Hotel Deals
The Harbour Tower
82A High Street, StonehavenSituated by the sea, this apartment is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stonehaven Tolbooth and Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
The Ship Inn
5 Shore Head, StonehavenSituated on the waterfront, this inn is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stonehaven Tolbooth and Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Shorehead Guest House
14 Shorehead, StonehavenSituated in Stonehaven, this guesthouse is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stonehaven Tolbooth and Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
15 Shorehead B and B
15 Shorehead, StonehavenSituated in Stonehaven, this bed & breakfast is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stonehaven Tolbooth and Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Woodside of Glasslaw Guesthouse
Woodside of Glasslaw, StonehavenSituated in Stonehaven, this guesthouse is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Dunnottar Castle and within 12 mi (20 km) of Grassic Gibbon Centre and Storybook Glen. Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Robert Gordon University are also within 16 mi (25 km).
The Riverside
4 Arduthie Court, StonehavenSituated in Stonehaven, this apartment is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Stonehaven Tolbooth and 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
The Mill Inn Apartments
12 Bridgefield Terrace, StonehavenLocated in the heart of Stonehaven, this apartment is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Stonehaven Tolbooth and 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Belvedere Hotel
41 Evan Street, StonehavenSituated in Stonehaven, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Stonehaven Tolbooth and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Dunnottar Castle. Storybook Glen and Grassic Gibbon Centre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
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