This site is open for you to enjoy but there are currently some access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure.
The formidable Doune Castle was built for the Regent Albany. The striking keep-gatehouse combines domestic quarters including the splendid Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. This was used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
As well as being heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle was also used for the castle known as Winterfell in the pilot of the award winning TV series Game of Thrones as well as Castle Leoch in Outlander.
Find out how grand banquets were prepared in the kitchen servery, and enjoy stunning views of the River Teith and Ben Lomond from the battlements.
The castle courtyard and cellar, including display, is accessible via a steep, cobbled (but partially timbered) tunnel. Assisted access is possible for the determined, but is difficult. Visitors can touch a number of stone features, such as the well in the courtyard.
Doune Castle on the silver screen
Outlander film location
The stunning Doune Castle plays a leading role in the show substituting for the fictional Castle Leoch – home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century episodes. It also features in the 20th century episode where Claire and Frank visit the castle in ruins on a day trip.
*Outlander is the TV adaptation of the critically acclaimed time travel romance and fantasy adventure novels by American writer Diana Gabaldon. It centres around the story of Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe), a married English combat nurse from 1945 who, while on her second honeymoon in Inverness, is mysteriously swept back in time to the 18th-century Scottish Highlands. There she meets Jamie (played by Sam Heughan), a chivalrous young warrior, with whom she becomes romantically entwined.
To find out more about the series and its Scottish connections, go to www.visitscotland.com/outlander
Save with an Explorer Pass
An Explorer Pass, valid for 14 consecutive days, is a great way to explore our iconic sites.
Very occasionally the property has to close at short notice due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons out with our control. Please check the Historic Scotland closures page for any unexpected site closures https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/check-for-closures/ . You can also follow closure tweets from @welovehistory using #hsclosure. Alternatively please call the site before setting off to check they are open.
