Dunnottar Castle - Go to Scotland.com

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Scottish adventure, look no further than Dunnottar Castle! This majestic castle has been a part of Scotland’s history for centuries, and visiting it will give you a unique glimpse into the past. From its incredible location to its fascinating history, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Dunnottar Castle.

History of Dunnottar Castle

A treasure from the Scottish Middle Ages!

Dunnottar castle – © susanne2688

Dunnottar Castle is an iconic monument, situated on a rocky promontory on the east coast of Scotland. The castle as it stands today dates back to the 13th century, and remains steeped in history and legend.

The magnificent building is surrounded by the North Sea on three sides, and remains a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque location and fascinating history.

The castle has been the scene of several battles and sieges over the centuries. As a result, the site has passed through the hands of many owners, including the Keith family, the Earls Marischal and the Ogilvys.

Among notable events, Dunottar Castle endured a siege by the English in 1685, during which the Honors of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) were hidden within the building. The siege lasted nearly eight months, and this event is celebrated every year since with a reenactment of the siege! A great moment not to be missed!

Note that the castle was also the site of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which declared Scotland’s independence from England. This event is commemorated each year by a festival at the castle. This is a national celebration!

Over time, the castle has been in a state of serious disrepair for many years. Recently, however, the building has undergone extensive restoration work and is now open to the public.

Interesting facts about Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is associated with many interesting facts. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Mary who died in the castle in the 16th century.
The place was used as a set for the movie “Hamlet” with Mel Gibson.
The castle was once owned by the Keith family, who were the hereditary Earl Marischal of Scotland.
The building was used as a prison during the 18th century and some of the prisoners were held in a secret jail called “Whig Vault”.

Visit the castle of Dunnottar

Getting to Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar castle – © Atmosphere

Dunnottar Castle is located on the north-east coast of Scotland, in the county of Aberdeenshire. It is about 15km south of the city of Aberdeen and about 70km north of Dundee. It is easily accessible by car and by public transport.

To get there, there are several possibilities: the rental car or the bus… Count 25 minutes one way from the city of Aberdeen.

Another alternative to get to Dunottar Castle: the ferry! Leaving from Aberdeen, it offers an alternative and authentic mode of transportation. It takes about an hour to get there by ferry.

What to see inside Dunnottar Castle

Once there, expect a magnificent castle! Impossible to miss, the building is perched on a rocky promontory. It offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the coastline, as well as the surrounding cliffs and the ruins of an ancient church.

As for the castle itself, there is a lot to see inside the castle walls! The castle consists of several buildings, including a chapel, a great hall, a guard house, a kitchen and several towers.

The chapel, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest parts of the castle. It is a beautiful structure with carved stone walls and a Gothic arch. The great hall is the largest building in the castle, with a large fireplace, old tapestries and a collection of antiques.

The front door is a formidable structure and is the main entrance to the castle. The kitchen is a large and well-equipped building, where the meals of the castle inhabitants were prepared. The towers are the most impressive part of the castle, and they offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

Where to stay near Dunnottar Castle?

Stay overnight in Aberdeen or Stonehaven

If you are planning to visit Dunnottar Castle and would like to stay nearby, there are several accommodation options in the area. The closest town is Stonehaven, which is about 4 miles from the castle. Stonehaven has a range of hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.

The city of Aberdeen is also a good option for accommodation. Here you will find a number of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, as well as a range of self-catering apartments.

Things to do around Dunnottar Castle

A region rich in possibilities!

There are many things to do around Dunnottar Castle, including exploring the castle itself, visiting nearby towns and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The nearby town of Stonehaven is a great place to explore. It is a charming seaside town with many stores and restaurants, as well as a sandy beach. The town is also home to the famous Stonehaven Harbor, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating excursions.

The city of Aberdeen is also worth a visit. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with many stores, restaurants and attractions. You can also take a boat trip from Aberdeen to Dunnottar Castle, which is a great way to see the castle from the sea.

The surrounding area is also home to stunning scenery, and is a great place for walking, cycling and bird watching. There are also many historical sites to explore, including the St. Cyrus Nature Reserve, home to an ancient forest.