Visit Dunnottar Castle, Scotland - The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to visit Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
This medieval cliff top fortress is like something out of Game of Thrones - and sure isn't something to be missed!
Keep scrolling for more info on how to get here, how to find it and how long you should spend at Dunnottar Castle.
About Dunnottar Castle
On the North-East Coast of Scotland, just south of Aberdeen, is Dunnottar Castle.
Once home to one the most powerful families in Scotland - the Earls Marischal - this medieval cliff-top fortress sits on a headland in the North Sea. And has to be one of my favourite castles in Scotland!
If you're looking for a cheap place to visit in Scotland then it’s ideal! The onsite car park is free to use and the coastal path walk is also accessible to the public - so you can enjoy all of the incredible views of the castle for free! However, there is a paid admission to enter into the castle ruins.
If you are planning on visiting the Castle, then note that it’s not accessible; there are a large number of stairs from the clifftop down to the Castle!
How many steps does Dunnottar Castle have?
There are over 200 steps from the car park to the entrance of Dunnottar Castle - In fact 219 steps to be exact!
Note: There is no ramp or lift access to the castle.
How to visit Dunnottar Castle
How to get to Dunnottar Castle
By Car - Parking
For Sat Nav directions, use postcodeAB39 2TL
There is a small FREE car park at Dunnottar Castle which is located just off the main A92 (Stonehaven/Montrose road).
Note: The car park is fairly small - especially for the number of visitors that go to Dunnottar Castle. Head here early to avoid disappointment of not getting a parking space.
By Public Transport
Dunnottar Castle is just a couple of miles south from the nearby town of Stonehaven. Therefore the following public transport options are available...
- Train: The nearest station is Stonehaven - More info on times and prices
- Bus: The X7 and 107, from Aberdeen via Stonehaven, are both just a 3 minute bus journey and stop just a short walk from the Castle car park. More info
By Foot - Dunnottar Castle Walk
You can also easily walk to Dunnottar Castle from Stonehaven, via the coastal path. It is approx. 2.7 mile / 4.3 km return journey and takes 40 minutes to 1 hour each way.
The walk is easy in terms of terrain and offers stunning views along the cliffs and across the North Sea. As well as a potential opportunity to spot dolphins and seals off the coast.
From the parking area at Stonehaven harbour:
- Follow Shorehead to Wallace Wynd, on the right hand side just past the harbour front pubs
- Turn left onto Castle Street
- Follow the path uphill and turn left at the top
- Continue on the road and path past the War Memorial
- From the Memorial you will see a glimpse of the Castle as you walk along the cliff tops
- Continue walking for approx. 15 minutes until you arrive at the Castle
View Walk Highland walk route map for Stovehaven to Dunnottar Castle.
Sunrise at Dunnottar Castle
Walking along the coastal path
Drone shot of Dunnottar Castle
Visiting Dunnottar Castle
As mentioned, access to the coastal walk near Dunnottar Castle is free and open to the public all year round. Access to inside the castle ruins is only available via paid admission and ticket.
Note: toilet facilities are located inside the castle. There is no onsite café, although a catering van is located in the car park which sells hot and cold drinks, light meals and snacks.
Tip: In the event of bad weather conditions, Dunnottar Castle may be closed for safety reasons. Therefore check out Dunnottar Castle website before visiting.
Dunnottar Castle Opening Hours
The castle is open year-round, apart from 25th and 26th December (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and 1st and 2nd January...
- During the summer season (1 April to 30 September), opening times are 9:00 am to 5.30 pm every day.
- During the winter season (1 October to 31 March), open hours are reduced - More info on exact times.
Note: Last entry is 1 hour before closing time.
Visit Dunnottar Castle website for current opening times.
Dunnottar Castle Admission and Tickets
- Entry tickets cannot currently be bought on-site (2021) and must be purchased online - More info
- Admission/Ticket prices to Dunnottar Castle (booking fees apply):
- Adult - £8
- Child (age 5-15) - £4
- Concession (age 60+) - £7
- See all entry prices online here
Aerial view of Dunnottar Castle
Cliffside view of the Castle
Nearby cliffs and coastline
How long should you spend at Dunnottar Castle?
If you're planning on visiting the castle, then I would allow a good 2 - 3 hours to properly explore the ruins and take in all the history!
If you just want to enjoy the castle from the coastal path and get some photos, then you only really need to around 1 hour here.
We visited Dunnottar Castle at sunrise. If you're looking to capture some stunning photos then I would definitely recommend it - if you can cope with the super early morning start! And as the castle ruins are not open that early, we didn't get the chance to visit the castle itself.
Comment below if you have any questions, and we'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here
Helen + Tristan
Dunnottar Castle at Sunrise
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