Dunnottar Castle
Clifftop fortress where Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell's army.
Perched dramatically on a 160-foot rocky promontory along the Aberdeenshire coast near Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle stands as one of Scotland's most iconic and historically significant ruins. This clifftop fortress, surrounded by the North Sea on three sides, has witnessed over 1,500 years of turbulent Scottish history—from Pictish stronghold to Viking raids, Wars of Independence, and its most famous role as the secret refuge of the Honours of Scotland during Oliver Cromwell's siege in the 1650s. Today, visitors explore evocative roofless ruins dominated by the well-preserved 14th-century keep, wandering through the remnants of a once-impregnable seat of the powerful Earl Marischal family.
A brief summary to Dunnottar Castle
- Stonehaven, AB39 2TL, GB
- +441569766320
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip; the steep stone steps and uneven terrain can be slippery, especially in wet weather or high winds. The castle may close suddenly due to severe weather conditions, so check the Met Office forecast before visiting.
- Arrive early in summer months to secure parking and avoid peak crowds. Last entry is one hour before closing, so plan accordingly. Winter hours vary with sunset times, so verify opening times on the official website.
- Bring a camera or smartphone for photography; the coastal views and dramatic clifftop setting offer exceptional photo opportunities throughout the day, with particularly striking light during golden hour.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the ruins thoroughly and enjoy the surrounding coastal path. The walk down to Stonehaven village along the coastal trail is rewarding and offers opportunities to spot puffins nesting on the cliffs.
- Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid queues and ensure entry, particularly during peak summer season. Card payments only are accepted at the castle; online booking provides flexibility and guarantees admission.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car from Stonehaven
From Stonehaven town centre, follow the A92 south for approximately 2 miles. Dunnottar Castle is clearly signposted. The castle has an on-site car park with parking available, though spaces fill quickly during peak summer season (June–August). Driving time is approximately 5–10 minutes. The postcode AB39 2TL can be entered into GPS navigation systems.
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By Bus from Aberdeen or Stonehaven
From Aberdeen city centre, take bus services X7, 113, or M9 heading toward Stonehaven. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from Aberdeen. From Stonehaven, board the same bus services at Barclay Street near Market Square and request to alight at Dunnottar Junction. The bus stop is located on the A92, approximately 15 minutes' walk from the castle entrance. Buses run regularly throughout the day; service frequency varies seasonally. Single fares cost approximately £2–4 depending on starting point.
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By Train and Bus from Aberdeen
Take the ScotRail train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven station, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. From Stonehaven station, transfer to bus services X7, 113, or M9 (approximately 10–15 minutes' journey to Dunnottar Junction). Total journey time is approximately 1 hour. Train fares vary; advance booking typically costs £5–12 for a single ticket.
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On Foot from Stonehaven
From Stonehaven harbour area, follow the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail southward for approximately 1.6 miles. The walk takes 30–40 minutes on well-marked paths with moderate elevation gain. The final approach involves steep stone steps ascending to the castle entrance. This scenic route offers coastal views and opportunities to observe seabirds. The path is accessible year-round but can be muddy or slippery after rain.
Dunnottar Castle location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Dunnottar Castle
A Fortress Shaped by Centuries of Conflict
Dunnottar Castle's origins stretch back into Scotland's misty past. While legend credits Saint Ninian with establishing a chapel here in the 5th century, the earliest confirmed historical references appear in 7th-century records, when the site served as a Pictish stronghold commanding the northeast coast. The castle's strategic location—perched 160 feet above the turbulent North Sea on three sides—made it an invaluable defensive position, though this advantage would be tested repeatedly throughout the medieval period. The site endured relentless assault from Viking raiders seeking to control Scotland's fertile east coast. In 900 AD, King Donald II of Scotland, the first ruler formally titled King of Alba, was killed at Dunnottar while defending against Scandinavian invaders who subsequently destroyed much of the fortification. Centuries later, English forces under King Æthelstan raided as far north as Dunnottar in 934, demonstrating the castle's continued strategic importance and vulnerability.The Keith Family and Stone Fortifications
The turning point in Dunnottar's physical resilience came in 1392 when Sir William Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland, constructed the first permanent stone keep—the fortress's oldest surviving major structure. This marked a decisive shift from repeated destruction and rebuilding to genuine architectural permanence. The Keith family's stewardship transformed Dunnottar from a frequently ruined outpost into a seat of considerable power and prestige. By the 16th century, George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, undertook an ambitious reconstruction project, converting the medieval fortress into a more comfortable residence with multiple buildings arranged around a courtyard, complete with a grand stone gatehouse known as Benholm's Lodging. These improvements created elegant living spaces while maintaining formidable defensive features, including gun ports strategically positioned to command the entrance.The Honours of Scotland and Cromwell's Siege
Dunnottar achieved its greatest historical prominence during the English Civil War and the subsequent Commonwealth period. When King Charles II visited Scotland in 1650 and was crowned in 1651, the Scottish Crown Jewels—the Honours of Scotland comprising the crown, sword, and scepter—could not safely return to Edinburgh as Oliver Cromwell's invading army advanced northward. The 7th Earl Marischal made the crucial decision to hide these priceless regalia at Dunnottar, smuggling them into the castle hidden within sacks of wool. Sir George Ogilvie took command of the fortress's defense, and for eight months the small garrison withstood Cromwell's relentless siege, enduring bombardment from heavy siege cannons. Against overwhelming odds, the defenders held firm, successfully preserving the Honours of Scotland from capture. This extraordinary feat of loyalty and courage cemented Dunnottar's place in Scottish national memory.Decline and Romantic Ruin
Following the Jacobite Rising of 1715, in which the 10th Earl Marischal joined the rebellion, the crown forfeited his titles and lands. Dunnottar passed from the Keith family's hands, and by the early 18th century, the castle lost its appeal as a residence. The nobility increasingly preferred more comfortable lowland estates to the windswept clifftop fortress. The castle was largely dismantled and abandoned to the elements, gradually transforming into the evocative ruin that captivates visitors today. What began as a strategic liability—its exposed, storm-battered location—became its greatest asset in the modern era, creating one of Scotland's most photographed and romantically compelling historical sites.A Living Monument to Scottish Resilience
Today, Dunnottar Castle stands as a powerful testament to Scottish determination and historical significance. The 14th-century keep remains substantially intact, its sturdy stone walls a reminder of medieval engineering prowess. The chapel, parts of which date to the 13th century, survives in fragmentary form. Most other structures exist as roofless ruins, their bare walls silhouetted against the dramatic coastal landscape. The site's theatrical setting—perched above churning seas with panoramic views of the Aberdeenshire coast—enhances its emotional impact, making it far more than a mere historical curiosity. Visitors ascending the steep pathway experience the same sense of isolation and vulnerability that medieval defenders and residents once knew, creating an immersive connection to centuries of Scottish struggle, courage, and cultural pride.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Burns Family Memorial Cairn
6.3 km
Honoring Robert Burns’s ancestral roots in Stonehaven with a timeless stone memorial set in scenic Scottish countryside.
Boswell's Monument
13.3 km
Historic hilltop monument offering panoramic Aberdeenshire views and local heritage significance.
Keith's Tower
16.5 km
Discover Keith's Tower near Banchory, a striking 19th-century castellated landmark steeped in Scottish heritage and scenic charm.
Blairs Museum
17.0 km
Explore Scotland’s Catholic heritage through centuries-old artifacts at Blairs Museum near Aberdeen, a unique cultural and spiritual treasure.
McGrigor Memorial Obelisk
21.1 km
A polished pink granite obelisk in Duthie Park honoring Sir James McGrigor, father of modern military medicine and a key figure in Aberdeen’s history.
Piper Alpha Memorial Garden
21.4 km
A solemn bronze memorial honoring 167 lives lost in the world's deadliest offshore oil disaster.
Queen Victoria Statue
22.3 km
Bronze tribute to a beloved monarch, marking Aberdeen's elegant West End and the city's royal heritage.
Balnagask Motte
22.5 km
Medieval earthen mound marking an early wooden castle, shrouded in mystery and local legend.
Edward VIII Post Box
22.6 km
Discover a rare Edward VIII post box in Aberdeen, a unique relic from the brief 1936 reign of a king who changed British history.
St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen
22.8 km
Aberdeen’s Roman Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival gem with daily worship, Polish and Spanish Masses, and a peaceful Lady Chapel.
Duke Of Gordon Monument
22.9 km
A monumental granite statue in Aberdeen honoring the 5th Duke of Gordon’s military and civic legacy in a historic city square.
Edward VII Statue
22.9 km
Aberdeen’s grand Edward VII Statue stands in full ceremonial robes, a striking granite and bronze tribute to the British monarch at the heart of the city.
Aedie's House site
23.0 km
Step into Aberdeen’s past at the site of Aedie’s House, a 16th‑century townhouse whose memory lives on in stone, street names, and local history.
The Kirk of St. Nicholas Colonnade
23.1 km
An elegant neoclassical gateway marking the historic Kirk of St. Nicholas kirkyard in the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre.
Rosemount Market
23.1 km
Discover Aberdeen’s Rosemount Market, a vibrant hub for sustainable shopping, local produce, and artisan crafts in a welcoming community setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dunnottar Cliffs
0.4 km
Dramatic cliff-top ruins steeped in history, guarding Scotland’s crown jewels and offering breathtaking coastal views.
Stonehaven Harbour
1.6 km
Experience the beauty and history of Stonehaven Harbour, a must-visit coastal gem in Scotland offering stunning views and delicious seafood.
Tolbooth Museum
1.7 km
Explore Stonehaven’s oldest building, a 16th-century tolbooth turned museum revealing Scotland’s rich judicial and maritime heritage.
Stonehaven Beach
2.1 km
A scenic 1.1 km pebble and sandy beach in charming Stonehaven, blending natural beauty, history, and vibrant coastal life on Scotland’s northeast shore.
RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh
3.9 km
Experience Scotland’s largest mainland seabird colony on breathtaking 30-metre cliffs with stunning coastal wildlife and panoramic views.
Crawton Waterfall
4.0 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Crawton Waterfall, a coastal gem near Stonehaven where history meets stunning sea views and serene nature.
Crawton Bay
4.3 km
Experience breathtaking cliffs, vibrant seabird colonies, and coastal history at scenic Crawton Bay near Stonehaven.
Kinneff Old Church
9.3 km
Historic 13th-century church famed for hiding Scotland’s Crown Jewels during Cromwell’s siege, preserved as a symbol of national heritage.
Castleton Farm Shop - (PYO Not available)
13.1 km
Experience authentic Scottish farm life with fresh produce, homemade meals, and family-friendly charm at Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe.
Portlethen Shore/Harbour/Creek
13.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and rich maritime heritage of Portlethen Shore, a scenic coastal haven near Aberdeen.
The Den & The Glen
15.7 km
A nostalgic children’s playground in Maryculter where storybook characters come to life amidst scenic, family-friendly grounds.
Barney Sculpture
15.8 km
Discover the quirky Barney Sculpture, a playful icon within The Den and The Glen’s imaginative fairy-tale park near Aberdeen.
Peterculter Golf Club
16.4 km
Experience the scenic beauty and challenging play of Peterculter Golf Club nestled along the River Dee with panoramic mountain views.
The Mains of Drum
18.0 km
A family-run garden centre and award-winning restaurant offering stunning landscaped grounds, local produce, and expert gardening advice in Royal Deeside.
Farm to Table
18.4 km
Discover fresh local produce, cozy café vibes, and family farm fun at Farm to Table, a sustainable farm shop near Laurencekirk.
Essential places to dine
SeafoodBothy
1.6 km
Authentic Stonehaven seafood served fresh in an intimate, cozy setting with a focus on quality and local flavors.
The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant
1.7 km
A refined seafood dining experience set in a historic harbourfront building with stunning North Sea views in Stonehaven.
The Bay Fish & Chips
2.5 km
Freshly battered fish and hearty chips served with seaside charm in Stonehaven’s beloved coastal eatery.
The Stack Restaurant and Bar
8.7 km
Innovative Scottish dining in a relaxed coastal village setting, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors.
Mains Of Balquharn Brewers Fayre
13.6 km
Family-friendly pub in Portlethen serving classic British dishes and hearty breakfasts in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar
14.3 km
Fresh seafood and classic fish & chips served with stunning harbour views in the heart of Gourdon’s fishing village.
The Brae Cafe
16.2 km
A charming traditional Scottish café in Auchenblae offering homemade bakes, hearty meals, and warm hospitality in Aberdeenshire’s scenic countryside.
The Himalayas Restaurant
17.2 km
Authentic Nepalese and Indian flavors served with warm hospitality in the heart of Peterculter, Aberdeen.
The Ploughman
17.2 km
A traditional Scottish pub and restaurant in Peterculter serving hearty local dishes with warm hospitality and a rich drinks selection.
Borsalino
17.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist in the warm, inviting atmosphere of Borsalino, Peterculter’s culinary gem.
Blairs Restaurant
17.8 km
Refined Scottish dining in a historic country estate near Aberdeen, blending fresh local flavors with elegant ambiance.
The Bieldside Inn
18.5 km
A welcoming English pub in Aberdeen blending traditional charm with contemporary dining and inviting outdoor spaces.
The Conservatory Restaurant and Drawing Room Bar | The Marcliffe
19.9 km
Elegant fine dining in a Victorian country house conservatory, with Scottish ingredients and a refined bar for pre‑dinner cocktails.
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
19.9 km
Luxurious Victorian country house hotel with elegant rooms, fine dining, and a tranquil spa set in peaceful gardens near Aberdeen.
Harvester Ghillies Lair Aberdeen
20.3 km
Family-friendly British bar and grill with unlimited salad, riverside views, and a welcoming atmosphere near Aberdeen’s Bridge of Dee.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Beautiful Caravan
2.1 km
Discover unique gifts and charming treasures in Stonehaven’s beloved boutique, My Beautiful Caravan.
Premier
9.7 km
Explore the charm of Drumlithie with a visit to Premier Convenience Store, your friendly local shop for all essentials and Scottish treats.
The Steeple Shop
9.8 km
Discover local essentials and delightful treats at The Steeple Shop, your friendly convenience store in Drumlithie near Stonehaven.
The Paper Shop
12.2 km
A cozy Inverbervie newsagent offering local papers, snacks, and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Montrose.
Touchwood Inverbervie
12.3 km
Discover handcrafted pine furniture, antique restoration, and unique gifts in the charming coastal town of Inverbervie.
Castleton Farm
13.2 km
Experience authentic Scottish farm life with homemade food, local produce, and family-friendly charm at Castleton Farm near Laurencekirk.
Hidden Scotland Shop
18.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and handmade treasures in a charming, character-filled shop nestled in Milton of Crathes near Banchory.
LUXE
18.7 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan treasures at LUXE, a charming gift shop in Cove Bay, Aberdeen, that captures the essence of Scotland.
Starfish Studio
18.9 km
Discover unique Scottish crafts and local artistry in the cozy charm of Johnshaven’s Starfish Studio gift shop.
Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique
19.2 km
Discover stylish gifts, rustic furniture, and fashion accessories in a warm, community-focused boutique nestled in Cults’ charming Courtyard.
Miss Mollys Fabric & Yarn Closet
20.4 km
A welcoming fabric and yarn boutique in Laurencekirk, perfect for creative crafters seeking quality materials and expert advice.
Second Treehouse on the Left
20.4 km
A charming children's book and toy shop in Laurencekirk, inspiring young minds through stories and play in a warm community setting.
Holly Mae's & Crafts official stockist of Frenchic Paint
20.8 km
Discover Laurencekirk’s creative gem offering Frenchic Paint, handmade décor, and inspiring workshops in a welcoming craft boutique.
Gifted
21.0 km
Discover unique and locally inspired gifts at Gifted, Aberdeen’s boutique treasure trove on Countesswells Road.
Mace
21.1 km
Explore Mace in Laurencekirk for unique local goods and a warm shopping experience in the heart of Scotland.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Six°North
1.6 km
Lively waterfront pub at The Marine Hotel offering traditional Scottish fare and stunning Stonehaven Harbour views.
Marine Hotel
1.6 km
Experience coastal elegance and warm Scottish hospitality with stunning harbour views at Stonehaven’s Marine Hotel.
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
2.1 km
Cozy coastal hotel and vibrant bar in Stonehaven offering sea views, delicious food, and warm Scottish hospitality.
Cowie Bar @ Recreation Grounds
2.6 km
A welcoming Scottish pub with a scenic beer garden and vibrant community spirit at Stonehaven Recreation Grounds.
Station Hotel
2.8 km
A charming Stonehaven hotel blending traditional Scottish hospitality with modern comforts, great food, and a welcoming bar.
Drumlithie Inn
9.8 km
A cozy, lively pub in Drumlithie offering hearty homemade food, warm hospitality, and vibrant entertainment in a beautifully updated setting.
Quoiters Cafe Bar
10.0 km
A friendly and lively bar in Newtonhill offering local ales, weekly bingo nights, and a cozy atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Queens Arms
12.3 km
Experience authentic Scottish hospitality with local ales, hearty fare, and live music at Inverbervie’s charming Queens Arms Pub.
The Paddock Bar
12.7 km
A family-friendly pub and lounge in Portlethen offering great homemade food, extensive drinks, live sports, and weekend entertainment.
The Old Bank Bar Ltd
17.3 km
A charming former bank turned cozy bar and cafe, blending historic character with friendly service and hearty meals in Peterculter.
Black's Bar
17.3 km
Experience authentic Scottish hospitality and lively village pub charm at Black's Bar in Peterculter, Aberdeen.
Brig O Dee Bar
20.4 km
Traditional Aberdeen pub with cozy charm, local craft beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere on Holburn Street.
Abergeldie Bar
21.0 km
Abergeldie Bar blends cozy charm and vibrant nightlife in Aberdeen’s city centre with quality drinks and welcoming vibes.
Holburn Bar
21.9 km
A lively and welcoming pub in Aberdeen offering great food, drinks, and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
Foundry aberdeen
22.4 km
Lively Aberdeen pub blending live sports, great food, and vibrant entertainment in a warm, modern setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Babylon
22.4 km
Discover the pulse of Aberdeen's nightlife at Babylon, a premier nightclub and bar offering unforgettable nights filled with music and fun.
491 Union Street
22.5 km
Dive into Aberdeen's electric nightlife at this top-of-Union-Street hotspot, where killer beats, craft drinks, and epic events light up weekends until dawn.
The Mask Club
22.8 km
Aberdeen’s vibrant adult entertainment hotspot with professional dancers, lively music, and a dynamic late-night atmosphere.
AURA Nightclub Aberdeen
22.8 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife and nostalgic disco vibes at Aura Nightclub, the city’s premier venue for dynamic music and festive parties.
Club Tropicana & Venga
22.8 km
Compact retro nightclub on Chapel Street with neon kitsch, themed nights and a late‑night dancefloor for nostalgic hits and loud, energetic DJ sets.
Number 7 Club
22.8 km
Aberdeen's intimate adult club on Crown Street: full-nude dances, drinks, and late-night energy from 9pm to 3am weekends.
Venga
22.8 km
Dive into Aberdeen's electric nightlife at Venga, where retro beats, themed nights, and cocktails fuel unforgettable dances until dawn on vibrant Chapel Street.
Private Eyes
22.8 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife at Private Eyes, a stylish nightclub offering lively music, adult entertainment, and a welcoming city-center atmosphere.
The Underground Klub
22.9 km
A compact, bass-forward late-night club in central Aberdeen with booth seating, layered sound and an intimate underground vibe.
CHEERZ
23.0 km
Aberdeen's iconic LGBT bar and nightclub: dance, drink, and connect in a welcoming Exchange Street haven open late into the night.
Exodus
23.1 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife and boozy brunches in a unique historic church setting at Exodus, The Triplekirks.
Utopia Nightclub Montrose
31.1 km
Experience Montrose’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Utopia Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community spirit come alive after dark.
De Vitos Nightclub
49.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife of Arbroath at De Vitos Nightclub, where unforgettable dance parties and vibrant music await you!
Royal Night Club
53.8 km
Vibrant nightlife and lively DJ nights in the heart of Forfar’s historic Royal Hotel, complete with rooftop terrace and buzzing bar scene.
The Attic Club
57.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kirriemuir at The Attic Club, where cozy ambiance meets a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
