Dunnottar Castle is Scotland’s Most Dramatic Seaside Gem (Here’s How to Visit!)
Scotland is home to more than 2,000 castles. But when it comes to well-preserved ruins in a dramatic seaside setting, Dunnottar is a must.
Perched high on a rocky headland and surrounded on three sides by the crashing waves of the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is the kind of place that stops you in your tracks.
The approach alone—down a steep path with the ruins of the castle unfolding against sheer cliffs—feels cinematic. It’s no wonder filmmakers (even Mel Gibson’s “Hamlet”) and countless photographers have fallen in love with this evocative cliff-top fortress.
It’s not just one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles, it’s also the one with the most breathtaking natural setting.
That’s why it was one of my favorite stops on our Scotland road trip.
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Read More: The Bucket List Scotland Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Amazing Days
It’s easy to visit from Aberdeen and close enough to Edinburgh for a fun day trip (you can combine with a stop at St. Andrews, too!).
So let’s talk about what makes Dunnottar Castle special and why it deserves a spot on your Scotland itinerary.
The Fascinating History of Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar’s story stretches back to the early Middle Ages, when St. Ninian is said to have founded a church here. The fortress grew in importance as Scottish kings, nobles, and warriors recognized the strategic value of this narrow strip of land defended by sheer cliffs on three sides.
In the 13th century, during the Wars of Independence, William Wallace led a siege here, burning an English garrison alive inside the chapel. Brutal, but it cemented Dunnottar’s place in Scottish legend.
By the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle was in the hands of the Keith family, the powerful Earls Marischal. Their additions included a tower house, great hall, and residential lodgings, turning Dunnottar into both a fortress and a grand residence.
Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1562, as did other major figures in Scottish history.
Its most famous chapter came in the mid-17th century, during the English Civil War. With Oliver Cromwell’s army advancing, the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland) were smuggled out of Dunnottar and hidden in a local parish church in Kinneff—saving them from destruction.
The castle later played a role in the Jacobite uprising, but by the 18th century, it was abandoned and left to fall into ruin.
Today, what remains is a range of buildings—from the great hall to the Whig’s Vault prison—that tell the story of centuries of sieges, battles, and betrayals.
Why Visit Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar is the ultimate photographer’s paradise. The ruins rise dramatically above the sea along steep cliffs, waves pounding the rocks below.
On a clear day, the light is spectacular. On a stormy day, it feels wild and untamed—just as a Scottish castle should.
Unlike many castles in Scotland, Dunnottar hasn’t been polished into a pristine historic house.
It remains a romantic ruin, where you can wander the grounds, climb through old stairwells, and imagine what life was like for the Earls Marischal and their small garrisons.
How to Visit Dunnottar Castle
Getting There
From Edinburgh: About 100 miles north—expect around 2 hours by car. So yes, Dunnottar Castle is a doable day trip if you’re road-tripping.
But it’s better to combine it with a night in Stonehaven or Aberdeen. Either way, if you’re a golf lover, don’t miss a stop at St. Andrews on the way.
From Aberdeen: If you’re driving, it’s just 20 minutes south along the A92 coastal road.
And one more thing, if you’re new to driving in the UK…
Tripiamo’s Expert Guide for Driving in the UK
If you’re planning to drive in the UK, this is a must! This series of helpful instructional videos and 360-degree UK video tours will have you fully prepared to survive the English & Scottish country roads!
Dunnottar Castle Day Trips
If you don’t want to drive, there are day trip options from both Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Here are the best organized day trips that visit Dunnottar Castle:
- Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen
- Dunnottar Castle and Coastal Heritage from Aberdeen
- Private Tour – Edinburgh to St Andrews, Dunnottar Castle & Dundee
Opening Times & Tickets
Hours vary seasonally; summer hours are 9:00am – 6:00pm. The castle sometimes closes on short notice in the event of bad weather (especially high winds or icy weather).
Always check before you go. Entry tickets can be purchased on-site (credit cards only); there’s no need to book in advance.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Dunnottar Castle official website.
Visitor Tips
- Parking – There’s a parking lot above the cliffs near the entrance. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk down a steep path and stairway to reach the castle gates.
- Accessibility – Because of the steep stairs and narrow paths of the castle’s strategic location, Dunnottar isn’t suitable for visitors with mobility issues. Wear good shoes and be prepared for uneven ground.
- Time to Visit – Give yourself at least 1–2 hours inside, plus extra time for photos from the clifftop trails. If you’re into photography, you’ll want even longer.
Stonehaven: The Perfect Stopover
After exploring the castle, head into Stonehaven, a charming harbor town less than two miles away. It’s the perfect place to stop for the night if you’re road-tripping around Scotland.
For an overnight stay, Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour is a great home base. It’s lined with cozy inns and hotels. You’ll also be close to the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, one of Scotland’s most scenic drives.
Here are the top hotels on the water in Stonehaven:
- The Ship Inn – Built in 1771, this traditional guest house has bright, cheerful rooms (some with lovely sea views) and a great pub.
- Shorehead Guest House – This 4-star guest house has modern, stylish rooms with sea views.
- The Marine Hotel – Another terrific bayfront option, this charming hotel has comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a cozy bar.
If you’re just visiting the area on a day trip, Stonehaven still makes a terrific lunch stop.
Grab some fish and chips at The Ship Inn or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the harbor restaurants, like the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant. Be sure to walk the promenade and grab ice cream at Aunty Betty’s.
So add Dunnottar Castle to your Scotland itinerary!
Dunnottar Castle is more than just an iconic tourist destination. The castle’s history is a glimpse into Scotland’s colourful past, combined with breathtaking natural beauty.
From the Honours of Scotland hidden from Cromwell’s army to the romantic ruins overlooking the North Sea, a visit to Dunnottar Castle is an unforgettable experience.
Pair it with a wander through Stonehaven and you’ll see why Dunnottar has become one of Scotland’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Looking for more great destinations in Scotland? Start here:
Isle of Skye: 10 Irresistible Things to Do on Scotland’s BEST Island
Epic Edinburgh: 16 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Scotland’s Capital City
A Single Road, a Seaside Pub, & Movie History—Meet Pennan, Scotland’s Tiny Coastal Gem
The Best Edinburgh Hotels in Old Town (for Easy Exploring!)
