Dunnottar Castle

Toggle location map

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.

Discover more castles in Aberdeenshire

A selection of hot/cold food and drinks are available and the menu has been chosen to reflect a Scottish flavour with Aberdeen Angus burgers, Stornoway black pudding rolls, Scotch Broth, fish and chips and even haggis for the adventurous tourist!

  • Official Star Rating
  • Opening Times

    Open All Year

    Summer Season (1st April - 30th September)
    9am - 6pm (last entry at 5.30pm) every day.

    Winter Season (1st October - 31st March)
    10am - Variable dependent on sunset time, Castle closes around an hour before sunset.

    PLEASE NOTE: Last entry is 30 mins before closing.

    Please check Dunnottar Castle's website for unexpected closures.
  • Facilities
    • Toilets
    • Child Friendly
    • Pets Allowed
    • Parking
    • Coach parking
    • Public Transport
  • Accessibility
    • Blue Badge Parking
  • Accreditations and Awards
  • Opening Times

    Open All Year

    Open daily in line with Castle opening times.
  • Facilities
    • Child Friendly
    • Parking
    • Coach Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Public Transport
  • Accessibility
    • Blue Badge Parking
  • Accreditations and Awards

As featured in these blogs