Visit Dunnottar Castle: tickets, prices, schedules

On a trip to Celtic Lands? So don't miss visiting Dunnottar Castle, a must-see Scottish monument!

Famous site in ruins of Scotland , Dunnottar Castle is on the edge of a cliff surrounded by the North Sea. Its exceptional and spectacular location makes it one of the most beautiful castles in ruins of Scotland. Impossible not to fall under the charm of this breathtaking landscape! Indeed, between the breathtaking view of the sea and the beauty of the stones, you will no longer know where to give head. Visit Dunnottar Castle is fascinating because history blends with the romantic charm of ruins while highlighting the past greatness of Scottish heritage.

Would you like to visit Dunnottar Castle? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Tips, history and practical information through rates and times, you will know the essentials to plan your visit and appreciate it at best!

The Dunnottar Castle in a few words

Located three kilometres from Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle is on a huge cliff of more than 440 million years. Built in the 14th century, the castle belonged to a powerful Scottish family: the Marischal . They completely restored it by adding additional parts like the Tower House (donjon). A new face that the civil war unfortunately did not spare... Indeed, following the Count's refusal to sign a treaty, the Marquis de Montrose ravaged the castle.

Over the centuries, Dunnottar has passed hands, in government, private owners and wealthy families. During these multiple changes, the castle is small to small empty of its valuables. Now it belongs to the Pearson family who, after a restoration, opened the castle to the public.

Our tips to visit Dunnottar Castle

The best time to visit Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar is more enjoyable in the summer period, between June and September because the temperature is about 15 degrees and precipitation is low. The Scottish meteorological cliché is not a myth, we advise you during the winter period because of heavy rainfall and temperatures that are falling.

Some practical information

• Pets are welcome to the castle as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
• The large number of stairs limit accessibility to visitors with reduced mobility. Moreover, the defensive positioning of the castle also means that wheelchair access is impossible.
• The Castle of Dunnottar is turned towards Tourism Greenwith special attention to the protection and preservation of the environment. Visitors on their side are therefore obliged to respect the places.

What to do during your visit to Dunnottar Castle?

Visit the Dunnottar Castle has many surprises! Since its restoration, the popularity of the castle continues to grow. Indeed, with more than 87,000 visitors a year, the Dunnottar Castle has not finished reading. Here are some must-sees not to be missed.

Observe the ruins

The Dunnottar Castle is a ruin, but not any! Perched on a cliff, it stands proudly as to show its past grandeur.

Composed of eleven buildings of varying style (from the 13th to the 17th century), the one that draws our attention is the dungeon of the 14th century with its spectacular guard body. Do not miss the chapel and rectangular buildings dating from the 17th century. In particular, you will see many ruins of barracks, accommodations, stables and scattered warehouses everywhere. In short, the old stones are just as magical as the decor around the castle!

Admire the view

If you have already seen the photos of the Dunnottar Castle, you can perfectly understand the enthusiasm that it has created for its view. To breathe, she alone encourages her to travel with the cliffs, the sea and the bay. Go to the place and enjoy unforgettable moments (think about the little souvenir photo!).

The special anecdote cinephiles: the film Hamlet played by Mel Gibson and Glenn Close was created in this beautiful setting.

Studying wildlife and flora

Ornithology lovers, Dunnottar Castle is a haven of peace for birds! Here you can admire multiple winged species and hear resonating the scream of the seagulls. Do not forget to bring you your camera in order to immortalize the beauty of these species.

The most: When the tide is low, seals stay on the beaches below the cliffs.

Assisting in environmental protection

An important part of the work at Dunnottar Castle is managing the unique environment. This movement is called Green Tourism: a tourism that aims both to protect nature and to make investments in terms of infrastructure.

To visit Dunnottar Castle while helping staff, several actions are offered:

• Respect it Campagn Codee (protect, respect and appreciate its environment).
• Pick up the rubble you find and throw them in the trash.
• Living local: eating, buying and sleeping in the area helps local tourism and local traders.

Sport

The Dunnottar Castle overlooking the sea, many nautical activities are offered below. For water sports enthusiasts, you can practice kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding. Anyway, there's something for every taste.

However, if you are not passionate about strong sensations or if you fear cold water, you should know that it is possible to rent a boat. From there you can admire the castle from another angle.

How much does a ticket cost to Dunnottar Castle?

Rates to visit Dunnottar Castle vary according to your age, status, and choice of visit. Please note that the family ticket can be used for up to four people, including two children under the age of 16.

Entry price :

• Adults: £7 (8€)
• Child: £3 (3,50€)
• Family rate: £17 (19,50€)
• Guide: £5 (6€)

Entrance price for a group (20 visitors and more) :

• Adults: £6 (7€)
• Child: £3 (3,50€)

How do I book a ticket for Dunnottar Castle online?

On the Dunnottar Castle site, it is impossible to book its ticket. The purchase is made only at the entrance of the castle.

However, if you would like to plan your visit and book your ticket, you should know that it is possible to book it online, especially through the use of tour operators . During these excursions, the price ( about 50€ ) includes transportation and private guide.

Are there guided tours of Dunnottar Castle?

Visiting Dunnottar Castle with a guide is indeed possible. For this, you will have to pay a supplement £5 (6€) . The guide will offer you a guided circuit inside the fortified enclosure.

The other solution to benefit from comments during your visit to the Dunnottar Castle is to pass again by a tour operator which, depending on your choice, will offer you a guide or audioguide. Prices nearby 50€ for this type of benefit.

Are there visits combined with other monuments?

Many visits combined with other monuments exist. Here are some:

• St Andrews, Dunnottar Castle and Falkland: this trip is quite complete because, for 60€, you visit many Scottish places of interest. The highlights of the visit are the Forth Bridge, the city of St Andrews, the village of Falkland and the Castle of Dunnottar. During a whole day, you will enjoy the splendid Scottish landscapes.
• Châteaux de Glamis and Dunnottar: through this excursionone day (50€), you will visit one of Scotland’s most haunted castles, Glamis Castle, and Dunnottar Castle.
• Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside: Throughout this walk you will admire the Dunnottar Castle, but also the Feugh Falls, the Cairngorms National Park and the Muir Landscape! The tour bonus is undoubtedly his vehicle: a luxury Mercedes. Attention, the price goes with: 150€ per day.

Schedules to Dunnottar Castle

Hours to visit Dunnottar Castle vary depending on the periods. In addition, in case of bad weather, for security reasons, the castle can be closed.

• 1 April to 30 September: 9:00 to 17:30
• 1 October to 26 October: from 10:00 to 16:30
• 27 October to 9 November: from 10:00 to 15:00
• 10 November to 18 January (closed on 18, 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January): from 10:00 to 14:30
• 19 January to 1 February: from 10:00 to 15:00
• 2 February to 15 February: from 10:00 to 15:30
• 16 February to 29 February: from 10:00 to 16:00
• March 1 to March 31: from 10:00 to 16:30

For groups:

• 1 April to 30 September: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• 1 October to 31 March: from 10:00 to 17:00

How to go to Dunnottar Castle?

To visit the Dunnottar Castle, several means of locomotion are available to you. You will only have the embarrassment of choice. However, with a view to Green Tourism (which promotes the castle), we advise you to take the least polluting way or to maximize your vehicle (carpooling).

• On foot: from Stonehaven, we recommend walking to the castle. Indeed, besides being good for health, the landscapes are breathtaking! Plan solid shoes and waterproof clothing because who knows how Scottish weather will be?
• Bicycle: being the same route as that of walking, you will discover picturesque and beautiful landscapes! The simplest (and safest) route is to follow the road Bervie Braes.
• Bus: It is often the most practical and economical means of transport. Once again, the information is checked because the routes from Aberdeen to the castle only costs £6.90, or 8€. The trips last 20 minutes and are offered by the bus X7 and 107, which deposit you a few steps from the parking lot of the castle.
• Car: if you make a Scottish road trip and you rented a carJust follow the main road A92, Stonehaven / Montrose. Dunnottar Castle is less than three kilometres south of Stonehaven.

Where to park near Dunnottar Castle?

If you are going to visit Dunnottar Castle with a vehicle, you should know that the site parking is small compared to the number of visitors.

Just three kilometers from Stonehaven, you can park in this city and do the rest on foot or by bike. The parking lot of the castle has a bicycle parking, however limited too.

Where to stay near Dunnottar Castle?

The Dunnottar Castle is very close to Stonehaven, so the simplest one is to stay there. This charming town is worth visiting if you are in the vicinity! With its port, beaches, historic sites and walks in the woods, the visit of this city promises you lots of beautiful surprises. We recommend you to stay in a charming little hotel like Queens Hotel or even Ardhutie House . If the hotel offer is abundant, you also have the opportunity to rent a hotel Airbnb Typical Scottish.

The other possibility is to sleep in the nearest big city, that is, Aberdeen . Indeed, Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland, after Glasgow and Edinburgh . You will fall under the charm of this city both calm and warm. Intoxicated by this atmosphere unique to the charming Scottish cities, you can stay in as well a charming hotel one Airbnb Typical and cozy in the living room.