Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress that 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 lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Dunnottar Castle is one of North-east Scotland's most iconic locations so it's only natural that filmmakers can't resist its cinematic appeal. The castle inspired Zeffirelli's adaption of the Shakespeare classic Hamlet (1990) starring Oscar winner, Mel Gibson during which it doubled as 16th century Denmark. Then in 2012 when the Disney Pixar's animators behind the Oscar-winning Brave visited Dunnottar Castle they were so mesmerised by it that they altered their original plans for Merida's family castle, DunBroch, to be moved from a loch in the Highlands to an outpost by the sea. Dunnottar Castle also appeared in the 2015 adaptation of Victor Frankenstein starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy and showed off its creepier side.
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.
In October 2020, Dunnottar Castle was ranked second in the top five best castles in the UK by Cottages and Castles based on TripAdvisor reviews.
