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.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

James Ross (38 days ago)
A really enjoyable day trip. I would highly recommend walking from Stonehaven Harbour where you can go past the war memorial along the coastal walk to Dunnottar Castle. The castle itself is really enjoyable to walk around with some areas incredibly well kept.

Antoine Noel (44 days ago)
Very nice walk to the castle and around it. You have to get a ticket to get in. The inside is surprisingly big and spacious and very interesting to roam around to understand how things were done. The ground are well maintained and with good signage.

Joe Reay (48 days ago)
Stunning location, and really interesting historic site. It’s the kind of place where it helps if you have an interest in history and will take the time to really imagine yourself in the place as it once was (much of it is now a ruin), but it is well worth visiting - the views alone are worth the price of admission!

Jenny - 英國0度不下雪 (56 days ago)
The castle is beautiful with surrounding views. The price wasn’t cheap but I think it’s worth it if you’re interested in history, ancient buildings and have a couple of hours to spend. If not, you can simply walk around the castle, which is already very nice. Wound strongly recommend taking the coastline path from/to Stonehaven if you’re not in a hurry. You’ll see the castle in different angles.

Subbaraman N V (4 months ago)
This is straight out of fairytales. The sky, the sea, the castle ruins, one of a kind. I would love to go again someday!

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