Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven, United Kingdom

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength.

Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar declined after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public.

The ruins of the castle are spread over 1.4 hectares, surrounded by steep cliffs that drop to the North Sea, 50 metres below. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace.

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Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Maggie Rock Wright (5 months ago)
Fantastic and vast castle ruin site. The small car park gets really busy. There’s a coffee shop and picnics benches. Entrance fee is only payable once you get to the castle. It’s over 200 steps (down then back up quite steeply in parts) and the same route back. By peoples faces coming back you can see it’s a tough trek! There is a decent path down towards the cliff where you can view from a distance if you are unable or unwilling to do the steps. There are also two benches.
Kristin K (5 months ago)
Oh what a magical place to visit! Dunnottar Castle is well worth the drive through the Scottish countryside. Impressively perched on a high promontory it is breathtaking. It’s worth going early to avoid the crowds and getting to it is a bit tricky if you are afraid of heights like I am. The walk back from the castle was significantly less frightening as you walk back a different way than you enter. Do make sure to bring rain/wind gear as the weather can turn in a moment’s notice. It can get quite windy as you’re perched above the ocean, but if you wait about five minutes the weather is bound to change. There is a cute little canteen near the car park with surprisingly good food for relatively reasonable prices. I had one of the best vegetarian burgers there that I have had in a while. There is a discount for students, so make sure to bring your id or know your student email address. Also be on the look-out for the small details such as the stone clock on the wall or the lovely hand-laid patterned stones on the walkway on your way out. Do give it a visit; you won’t be disappointed!
Andrew McKeown (5 months ago)
Beautiful ruins, very photogenic. Right outside Dundee. Absolutely worth the trip. You can walk the area for free, which is what I did. You can also pay an entry fee to enter into the castle and ruins, which I elected not to do. Be warned: there are a LOT of stairs leading from the parking area to the castle. Totally worth the hike, but if you're severely out of shape or have mobility issues, you need to know that right up front. Absolutely would recommend this. Beautiful.
Don Corleone (5 months ago)
Dunnottar Castle is absolutely mesmerizing! Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the North Sea, the views are spectacular. The ruins are rich with history and stories, making it a fascinating visit. Perfect for history buffs and photographers alike. Five stars! ? ???????
jason perry (6 months ago)
What a fantastic castle and great place to. Explore. Would highly recommend the walk from Stonehaven as you get lovely views as you approach. There are quite a lot 0f steps down and then up into the castle, but these are well graded and have a good handrail. There are also a couple of benches.
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