Dunnottar Castle, United Kingdom

Dunnottar Castle

Clifftop castle ruins on a rock almost cut off from the mainland.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Dunnottar Castle

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the cliff path to the castle and down the steps to the rock.
  2. AfternoonVisit the harbour town of Stonehaven and swim in its art deco open-air pool in summer.
  3. EveningHave dinner on Stonehaven harbour.

Day 2

Visit Aberdeen or the Cairngorms.

What to eat

Fish and chips, said to be where the deep-fried Mars bar was invented.

Local tips

Make the most of Dunnottar Castle

Beat the crowds

Summer afternoons are busy. Mornings are calm.

Best photo spot

The castle on its rock from the clifftop path to the north.

Getting there

Walk the clifftop path from Stonehaven, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

Stonehaven harbour and the city of Aberdeen.

Good to know

There are many steps down and back up to the castle. It can close in high winds, so check before you go.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Dunnottar Castle

Our most hidden places around Dunnottar Castle: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Dunnottar Castle to take with you.

77 km away
97 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Dunnottar Castle

Getting there

  • Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)30 km away
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)130 km away
  • Edinburgh125 km away
  • Glasgow175 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryUnited Kingdom

Questions

Dunnottar Castle: good to know

Is Dunnottar Castle worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and the coast. Clifftop castle ruins on a rock almost cut off from the mainland.

How many days do you need in Dunnottar Castle?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Dunnottar Castle?

You can visit all year. Summer afternoons are busy. Mornings are calm.

How do you get to Dunnottar Castle?

The nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), about 30 km away. Walk the clifftop path from Stonehaven, about 30 to 40 minutes.

What is there to see near Dunnottar Castle?

Nearby hidden places include Cairngorms (Aviemore) (102 km), Edinburgh (126 km) and Loch Ness (Fort Augustus) (152 km).

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