Dunnottar Castle: A Visitor Guide to Scotland’s Most Dramatic Coastal Ruin

Q: Can you fly a drone at Dunnottar Castle?

No, recreational drone flights are strictly banned over Dunnottar Castle and its immediate grounds during standard public opening hours for safety and visitor privacy. Drone pilots may only shoot footage from the public cliffs when the castle itself is entirely closed.

Q: Can you walk around Dunnottar Castle for free?

Yes, you can walk along the coastal cliff paths, take photos from the main viewpoint, and walk down the steps to the beach below the castle entirely for free. You only need a paid ticket if you want to cross the main bridge and go inside the castle walls.

When I first stood on the clifftops watching the North Sea batter the stone walls of Dunnottar Castle, it felt entirely unreal. Perched on an isolated Aberdeenshire sea cliff, this medieval fortress is easily one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring sights. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you visit…

Perched on the craggy cliffs of Scotland‘s Aberdeenshire coast, the isolated fortress of Dunnottar Castle (Dùn Fhoithear) looks like something from a film set. So much so, in fact, that it inspired the design of Castle DunBroch in Disney/Pixar’s Brave.

Exploring the remains of this 14th century former medieval stronghold, where the North Sea thunders against the rocks below, is a true thrill, and a necessary addition to your North East Scotland road trip, but I’ll also tell you below how to get to it on public transport.

Related road trip itinerary:

Scotland North East Road Trip: Epic Itinerary, Aberdeenshire and Moray

Essential Visitor Information

Dunnottar Castle Ticket Prices & Opening Times

Dunnottar Castle is open daily year-round, except during severe winter weather or high winds.

Opening Hours: Summer (April - September) 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Winter (October - March) 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (or sunset). Last entry is 1 hour before closing.

Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ticket Price: Adult £11.50 | Child (Under 16) £5.50 | Family £29.50. Card only at the gate or via the official Dunnottar Castle website.

Dunnottar Castle Parking, Toilets & Facilities

Parking at Dunnottar Castle is completely free. The car park is quite small though, so I recommend getting there early. especially in summer. You’ll also find bike storage racks next to the big coach parking bays.

If you’re parking in Stonehaven to enjoy the scenic coastal walk over, you can use the paid Stonehaven Town Square Car Park or the Stonehaven Harbour Car Park.

There is a small catering van selling hot drinks and snacks in the main castle car park, but there are no public toilets until you pay and pass through the castle ticket kiosk. There are toilets inside the main castle area.

Steps, Accessibility & What to Wear to Dunnottar

To reach the castle, you must tackle 218 steep stone steps down the cliff face and another steep set leading back up into the fortress.

Because of these extreme natural elevation changes, Dunnottar Castle is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, and prams cannot be taken down the path.

Footwear Advice: Wear sturdy shoes with decent grip. The stone steps get a bit slippery when wet with sea spray.
Clothing Layering: Even on a warm summer day, the wind coming off the North Sea is cold. Pack a windproof and waterproof jacket.

Photography & Drone Regulations

Yes, you can fly drones near Dunnottar, but only when the castle is closed to visitors.

You also need to make sure you follow the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. For example, if your drone has a camera, you need to get both a flyer ID and operator ID, regardless of the weight. Overseas registrations or qualifications are not recognised.

Also, wildlife disturbance is a criminal offence in Scotland, so be careful not to fly close to seabird colonies.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Dunnottar Castle as long as they’re on a lead, but they are only permitted in the outdoor grounds.

Dogs are not allowed inside the indoor castle buildings, such as the drawing-room or the underground vaults.

Is it Worth Going Inside Dunnottar Castle?

Yes, the interior of Dunnottar Castle is absolutely worth visiting because it is one of Scotland’s most visually striking and historically significant landmarks. The winding clifftop approach creates an unforgettable first impression that easily rivals more famous castles like Eilean Donan or Edinburgh.

Every corner of the castle tells a story. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Dunnottar Castle only has one narrow landward entrance, making it an almost impenetrable stronghold in its time. Despite this, the castle has been burned down and rebuilt numerous times throughout history.

Your ticket gives you access to:

The Main Keep: A towering 14th-century storehouse that showcases how medieval Scottish nobles lived.
The Whigs’ Vault: An eerie, damp underground chamber where 167 Covenanters were brutally imprisoned in 1685.
The Palace: Now ruined, but used to feature a central drawing-room with a panelled ceiling and grand fireplaces.
The Coastal Views: Uninterrupted lookouts across the open North Sea.

The surrounding cliffs are home to seabird colonies, including puffins and guillemots in the right season.

Dunnottar Castle is a must-visit for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. It’s a thrill to explore a medieval stronghold in such a spectacular location.

Best Time of Day & Year to Visit for Fewer Crowds

The best time of day to visit is right at opening time (9am) or roughly two hours before closing.

Season	Months	Average Temp	Pros & Cons
Spring	April – May	8°C – 13°C	Longer daylight, beautiful coastal flowers, puffins arrive to nest, fewer crowds. (Can be windy/rainy)
Summer	June – August	15°C – 18°C	Warmest weather, longest castle opening hours. (Peak tourist crowds)
Autumn	September – November	9°C – 16°C	Stunning golden hour photography, quieter trails. (Shorter days, castle hours reduce)
Winter	December – March	4°C – 7°C	Dramatic, moody coastal views, no crowds. (Very short days, high risk of bad weather closures)

How to Get to Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle Coastal Walk Route

Stonehaven is the closest town to Dunnottar Castle, just 2 miles (3 km) away. One of the best ways to experience the scenery is by walking the coastal path, which takes about 45 minutes.

This dedicated clifftop footpath starts at the southern end of Stonehaven Harbour and is 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) return. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes each way. Look out for the Stonehaven War Memorial along the path.

How to Get to Dunnottar Castle (Bus, Train & Driving)

From Stonehaven

By car: You can reach the castle by car in under 10 minutes. Taxis are also available.
Public transport: The X7 bus between Dundee and Aberdeen stops on the A92 at Dunnottar Junction. It’s 15 minute walk from the bus stop to the castle.

From Aberdeen

By car: Dunnottar Castle is just under 20 miles (32 km) south of Aberdeen, making it an easy day trip. Take the A92 south towards Stonehaven, followed by a short scenic drive along the coast. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Public transport: Take a ScotRail train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven (about 15 minutes). Then either walk (a stunning 45-minute coastal walk) or take a short taxi ride to the castle.

From Edinburgh

By car: From Edinburgh, driving to Dunnottar Castle takes around 2.5 hours. Follow the M90 north towards Perth, then take the A90 past Dundee and continue towards Stonehaven.
Public transport: Take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stonehaven, which takes around 2 hours. Then get a taxi or walk (45 mins) to the castle.

From Glasgow

By car: Driving from Glasgow to Dunnottar Castle takes approximately 3 hours via the M80 and A90.
Public transport: Take a ScotRail train from Glasgow Queen Street to Stonehaven, with a change in either Dundee or Aberdeen. The total journey by train takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Then get a taxi or walk (45 mins) to the castle.

The Dramatic History of Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar comes from the Pictish word “Dun”, meaning place of strength. While the current stone ruins date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the strategic headland has been defended since the early dark ages.

Dunnottar Castle has played a key role in Scottish history:

The site was a place of worship before the castle was built, with Saint Ninian said to have converted the Picts of Dunnottar to Christianity here.
The site was later raided by Vikings, who killed King Donald II on these very rocks in the year 900.
Mary, Queen of Scots and later King Charles II both stayed within its walls.

The Scottish Crown Jewels & William Wallace

The castle is legendary for two major historical events:

William Wallace: In 1297, during the Scottish Wars of Independence, Wallace captured the castle from the English, famously burning down the church with the occupying English garrison trapped inside.
The Honours of Scotland: In 1651, Dunnottar was the final stronghold holding out against Oliver Cromwell’s invading army. The Scottish Crown Jewels (The Honours) were safely smuggled out of the besieged castle by local women who hid them under their skirts, keeping them safe from destruction.

What to Do Near Dunnottar Castle (Stonehaven Itinerary)

Best Things to Do in Stonehaven

Stonehaven War Memorial

Perched on Black Hill, overlooking Dunnottar Castle and the North Sea, the Stonehaven War Memorial is a monument built in 1923 to honour those who lost their lives in the First World War. Its ruined temple-like design adds to the dramatic coastal scenery. You can reach the memorial via a scenic walk over the hills from Dunnottar Castle or from Stonehaven itself.

Stonehaven Harbour & Old Town

A short drive (or a 45 minute coastal walk) from Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Harbour is a historic spot with colourful fishing boats and traditional Scottish pubs. The Old Town has cobbled streets and historic buildings.

The Tolbooth Museum

Located right by the harbour, The Tolbooth Museum is housed in Stonehaven’s oldest building, dating back to the 16th century. It offers fascinating insights into the area’s history, including its fishing heritage and the role of the old tolbooth as a courthouse and jail. Entry is free.

Stonehaven’s Hogmanay Fireballs Festival

If you’re visiting around New Year’s Eve, Stonehaven hosts one of Scotland’s most unique traditions: the Hogmanay Fireballs Festival. Locals swing flaming fireballs through the streets to welcome the new year in a dramatic fashion.

Where to Eat: Best Seafood & Pubs in Stonehaven

After spending all day in the brisk Aberdeenshire air on the Dunnottar cliffs, head back down to the harbour to refuel.

The Bay Fish & Chips (open every day 12pm – 8pm) right on the promenade is meant to be one of the best chippies in the UK.

If you prefer a traditional sit-down pub meal, get a table at The Marine Hotel or The Ship Inn on the harbour, both of which serve locally caught seafood and Scottish cask ales.

Nearby Gems: Cowie Beach & Dunnottar Woods

Dunnottar Woods

For nature lovers, Dunnottar Woods offers peaceful woodland trails and hidden waterfalls, as well as ruins, including Lady Kennedy’s Bath: a stone structure believed to have been used by nobility in the past.

Cowie Beach & Stonehaven Bay

If you’re visiting on a sunny day, take a stroll along Cowie Beach, a peaceful spot with views over Stonehaven Bay. The mix of sand and pebbles makes for a picturesque setting, and it’s a lovely place to unwind after exploring the castle.

Dunnottar Castle FAQs

There are approximately 218 total concrete and stone steps along the steep cliffside paths required to reach the entry door of the castle, making the route physically demanding and completely unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Only when the castle is closed. Recreational drone flights are strictly banned over Dunnottar Castle and its immediate grounds during standard public opening hours for safety and visitor privacy. Drone pilots may only shoot footage from the public cliffs when the castle itself is entirely closed.

You should budget between 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the sprawling clifftop ruins, the historic storehouses, the chapel and the spectacular coastal viewing platforms surrounding the cliffs.

Yes, you can walk along the coastal cliff paths and walk down the steps to the beach below the castle entirely for free. You only need a paid ticket if you want to cross the main bridge and go inside the castle walls.

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the external grounds and paths of Dunnottar Castle, provided they are kept on a short lead at all times. They are not permitted inside the indoor visitor center spaces or narrow interior room ruins.

Find out more via the official Dunnottar Castle website.

Planning Your North-East Scotland Road Trip

Continue your trip from Dunnottar Castle through North East Scotland with my Scotland North East Road Trip: Epic Itinerary, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

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