Photo: Anne Burgess CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Cropped to fit
Dunnottar Castle is a castle in Aberdeenshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle sits on a rocky headland two miles south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, with cliffs dropping 160 feet to the North Sea on three sides.
The ruined medieval fortress was the stronghold of the Earls Marischal, once among the most powerful families in Scotland.
It is best known for sheltering the Honours of Scotland, the country's crown jewels, from Oliver Cromwell's army in the 1650s.
The castle is privately owned and run by Dunecht Estates, and is open to visitors.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Dunnottar Castle
The Keith family held Dunnottar from the 14th century as seat of the Earl Marischal, building the tower house that still stands and adding a palace range in the 16th century. Following the Jacobite rising of 1715, the castle's fortunes changed significantly and it fell into disrepair. It was later restored and opened to the public.
Architecture of Dunnottar Castle
The ruins cover around 1.4 hectares and include a 14th-century tower house alongside a 16th-century palace block. The site is a scheduled ancient monument.
Worth knowing
William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots are both recorded as having visited Dunnottar. The castle's role in hiding the Honours of Scotland from Cromwell's forces remains its most celebrated episode.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Dunnottar Castle
Nearest station: Stonehaven Rail Station (1.8 miles)
Admission
Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card)
Places to visit near Dunnottar Castle
Drum Castle
View Drum Castle on heritage mapCrathes Castle
View Crathes Castle on heritage mapCullerlie stone circle
View Cullerlie stone circle on heritage mapSt Machars Cathedral Transepts
View St Machars Cathedral Transepts on heritage mapDyce Symbol Stones
View Dyce Symbol Stones on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 20 miles of Dunnottar Castle there are 7 historic properties, including 3 archaeological sites and 2 castles, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Dunnottar Castle.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
Scotland's crown jewels were smuggled out and hidden here while Cromwell's army laid siege below.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Visit duration
- 90 minutes to 2 hours
More stories like this, every week
Get Hidden Britain, our free weekly letter from Rob and Ali. Remarkable historic places, the stories behind them, and ideas for your next day out.
Read the latest letter first →