Dramatic ruined castle high above the North Sea.
Dunnottar, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, AB39 2TL
Facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Free parking
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress which was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lovers dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times for Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is open to visitors all year round, with seasonal variations in opening hours. Please note that the Castle may close at short notice due to bad weather conditions for safety reasons.
Seasonal Opening Hours
- Summer Season (1st April - 30th September): Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Last entry is at 17:00.
- Winter Season (1st October - 31st March): Open daily from 10:00. Closing times vary and are specified at the foot of the page. Last entry is one hour before closing time.
Closure Dates
- The Castle is closed on the following dates annually: 25th & 26th December and 1st & 2nd January.
- Additional planned closure dates may be announced and are listed at the foot of the page.
Visitors are advised to check weather conditions in the Stonehaven area before planning their visit, as closures may occur due to adverse weather.
Additional Information
- Parking is available for various vehicles, including cars, motorhomes, and coaches. Group bookings require advance parking reservations.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead at all times.
- Refreshments are available from the C&L Catering Van near the car park.
For accessibility information, please refer to the detailed access guide provided by the Castle.
Historic Houses members visit for free (on display of membership card).
Adult (ages 16+): £10.50
Child (age 5-15): £4.50
Child (age 0-4): free
Concession (age 65+ & students with valid photo ID): £9.50
Family (up to 2 adults and 2 children): £27.00
Family (1 adult and 2 children): £17.00
Adult Annual Pass – £25.00
Child Annual Pass – £12.50
Admission prices are subject to change.
We are able to offer free entry for local schools.
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £68 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
