Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven, United Kingdom

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength.

Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar declined after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public.

The ruins of the castle are spread over 1.4 hectares, surrounded by steep cliffs that drop to the North Sea, 50 metres below. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace.

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Address

Unnamed Road, Stonehaven, United Kingdom
See all sites in Stonehaven

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

www.visitscotland.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Chapel of St. Mary and St. Nathalan (3,5 km)
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King's College (25 km)
Crathes Castle (19,5 km)
St Machar's Cathedral (25,6 km)
Arbroath Abbey (48,7 km)
New Slains Castle (56,7 km)
Fyvie Castle (56,6 km)
Drum Castle (18,7 km)
Fraser Castle (32,7 km)
Brechin Cathedral (37 km)

User Reviews

robbinthebold (12 months ago)
Its a steep walk down, but worse coming back up, but really worth the effort. It's great to wonder about inside and you get great views of the sea and cliffs. A must see if in the north east of Scotland!
Bonnie Shauni (12 months ago)
Absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend leaving your car in Stonehaven and walking from the Harbour. Breath taking views all the way. I happily spent nearly 2 hours in the castle and could have even spent longer. Best castle I've been too so far!
Varissa Mae Yabit (13 months ago)
Beautiful castle! Been here twice already and it's still wonderful! It's nice to admire it from far and listen to the waves and the wind. Entrance fee is £7 and it's worth to go in. There's a lot to see and you spend quite a long time in there. Lots of nice places to take photos inside.
Rob Kempton (13 months ago)
The BEST Castle in Scotland!! There's no where else I've seen that's as dramatic and beautiful as this place. The cliff side is stunning and the ruins are amazingly intact. The amount of history is powerful as you stand within its walls. I go back repeatedly. :)
John Whyte (13 months ago)
The castle is a true treasure of Scotland, the UK and, in fact, the world. One of the most dramatic landscapes I have ever seen combined with the history and beauty of the castle. Simply outstanding.
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