Perched atop steep cliffs that plunge 50 m (160 ft) down to the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is what's left of the strategically located home of one of Scotland's noble families. The ruins spread across a 3.5 acre (1.4 hectare) plot on the cliff’s edge. One of the largest buildings is the tower house, which stood 15 m (49 ft) when at its full height. It had a great hall and upstairs bedrooms for the castle's lord. Wear good walking shoes to the site because the parking lot is located at the base of an 800 m (2,600 ft) footpath that leads up to the castle. Hours change seasonally so please check website for all up-to-date information. Make Dunnottar Castle a centerpiece of your Stonehaven vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Stonehaven travel route planning app.
Create an itinerary including Dunnottar Castle
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Dunnottar Castle reviews
-
The walk to the castle is very easy and the views are stunning walking towards the outline of this amazing structure!! Fortunately it was sunny when we arrived so the colours of the cliffs and stone..... more »
-
Incredible experience with great views out over the sea, this is on an outcrop with lots and lots of steps. There was so much to see which isn't obvious from outside and loads of history. Well worth..... more »
-
Great walk from centre of Stonehaven to this historical gem. Walk along the coastal path, well signposted, and take a breath before descending the steps down then up to the castle. Be careful, not for the unfit. Reasonable entry fee then explore and take in the history of the place. Return same way. Don't be tempted to do a circular route by walking due west away from the castle. This walks alongside a roadway.
-
You have to get there for sunrise. No questions about it it was the morning I've ever seen. The sunrise is spectacular and changes literally second by second. Now getting down to the Castle is not for the faint-hearted or out of shape. It is a massive track many stairs then up just as many stairs steeply. And that just gets you there then you need to climb all over the castle and more steps. And then remember that crazy trip you had to take to get here, well now you get to do it and reverse to go back and when you think you're finally done it's about a quarter of a mile walk back to the car park. That's the warning. That being said it is so worth. Amazing ruins, great scenery on the water, a 900 year old in the middle. We went to 11 castles in Scotland. This was probably our favorite.
-
Build a trip
Tell us where and when you
want to go, we will build
the best sightseeing itinerary -
Refine it
You have complete flexibility on your destinations and itinerary -
Book as a package
Use our travel agents to get
package savings and hassle free booking -
Enjoy your trip!
Enjoy our 24x7
on-trip assistance
Popular things to do in Stonehaven
Side trips from Stonehaven
Hidden gems in Stonehaven
Nearby attractions in Stonehaven
Shopping in Stonehaven
Golf in Stonehaven
Trips to Dunnottar Castle by other users
9 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Pitlochry
Aviemore
Nairn
15 days in Stirling
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Haven on The Loch
Buchanan Castle
Loch Lomond
15 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Inverness
6 days in Aberdeen
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Footdee (Fittie)
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
David Welch Winter Gardens
13 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Glasgow
Falkirk
Fort William
15 days in United Kingdom
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
York
Conwy
Oxford