Discover one of Scotland's hidden treasures...
Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress 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.
Opening hours:
Summer (April 1st - September 30th)
09:00 - 18:00
Winter (October 1st - March 31st)
10:00 - Various dependent on sunset times, please see our website for details.
Last entry is 60 minutes prior to closing time.
Prices:
Adult £9.50
Child £4.50
Family £23.50
Directions to get here
Explore this attraction with the ScotlandVR app.
Dunnottar Castle is located just off the main A92, Stonehaven/Montrose road, less than two miles south of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. To help and support our committment to Green Tourism we would highy recommend use of public transport or a walk from the nearby town of Stonehaven. The car park at Dunnottar is quite small for the number of people visiting us each year so please share cars and transport wherever possible.
Directions from the South
Leave the A90 at the first Stonehaven slip road. Continue straight past the Stonehaven turning for about 1.5 miles, taking the next left, which is signposted Dunnottar Castle. The car park is located approximately 100 yards on the right.
Directions from the North
Travelling along the A90, continue past Stonehaven and take the junction signposted Montrose and Arbroath (A92). Having left the slip road continue straight on past the Stonehaven turning for about 1.5 miles and then take the next left, which is sign posted Dunnottar Castle. The car park is located approximately 100 yards on the right.
SATNAV:
Post Code AB39 2TL
Public Transport:
Excellent Public Transport links using bus services X7, 113 and M9 are offered to and from the Castle. The bus stop for this service is located on the A92, only a few minutes walk from the Castle and it will take around 15 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the cliff-tops overlooking the Castle. If you wish to take the bus from Stonehaven to Dunnottar, please make your way to Barclay Street, just off Market Square and get the bus there. Unfortunately Dunnottar is not marked on any of the timetables but tell the driver you wish to depart at Dunnottar Junction, which is only a few miles from the small village of Kineff, which is marked on the timetable.
http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/uploads/Bus_Times.docx
Walking:
We highly recommend walking to the Castle from the nearby town of Stonehaven as the route is picturesque, interesting and good for your health! Leaving from Market Square in the centre of town follow Allardice Street to the south to the bend onto Dunnottar Avenue (there’s a police station at the end) and either follow the little brown signs directing you to Dunnottar along various little side paths or continue on to Dunnottar Avenue to the foot of the Bervie Braes. It’s a brisk uphill walk to the top where you will be able to see one of our local highlights, the Stonehaven War Memorial. From the memorial you will be able to see incredible views of Stonehaven harbour, Stonehaven town and the dramatic North-East coastline. Whilst you can walk up to view the monument and view, you will not be able to go any further along the Coastal Path at present as it is closed due to landslides in March 2013. The alternative route is to head back down to the Bervie Braes road and continue to follow the road round to the right so the War memorial is on your left. Follow this road all the way to the Castle. The total distance from Market Square to the Castle is around 2 miles and we do recommend you wear sturdy walking boots and bring waterproof clothing. No indication has been given by our Council as to when the coastal path will re-open but an alternative map with the updated details can be found below:
http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/uploads/dunnottar_walking_map.pdf
