The castle sprawls on top of a rocky outcrop, sandwiched between the sea and several acres of beautifully maintained gardens. It has been the seat of the Clan MacLeod since the 13th century, but the present fortress dates from the 1840s.
There are regular seal-spotting boat trips out along Loch Dunvegan from the jetty outside the castle as well as longer and less frequent sea cruises to the small islands of Mingay, Isay and Clett.