About Dunnottar Castle
Perched dramatically on craggy clifftops above the North Sea, these evocative medieval ruins near Stonehaven offer spectacular coastal views and a captivating glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past.
What's nearby
- Old Dunnottar Water Reservoir 350m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
I would not really class this as a hike, it’s more of a woodland walk. However it really is worth a visit. It is a very beautiful setting, and I could imagine you could easily spend a few hours wandering around the various paths. There are historic treasures to view within the trail, such as Lady Kennedy’s bath and the shell hut. When we visited it was a warm dry day, if it had been raining then I think a change of shoes would be a good idea and extra caution would be needed as there are some muddy steeper sections that might not be suitable for some. I’d certainly recommend a visit to Dunnottar woods, maybe not as stunning as The castle, but it’s free and relatively quiet.
· via Google
Dunnottar Woods is a peaceful and picturesque spot near Stonehaven, offering serene walking trails through lush forests. The area is perfect for a relaxing stroll, with beautiful scenery, wildlife, and well-maintained paths. It's an ideal escape for nature lovers seeking tranquility and fresh air.
· via Google
We were on holiday and wanted to walk these woods which were beautiful! BUT- the parking lot wants money, which is not a problem. The problem is there isn’t a meter just a pay buy app or phone a number both of which didn’t work if you have a phone number outside of the UK. We ended up parking on the street because our luck would get us the 50 pound penalty for not paying. It was frustrating to say the least.
· via Google
I've lived here over twenty years but rarely venture round the woods for the last 19 (some paths aren't crutch-friendly)🧑🦯 very scenic woods, clearly very popular too. Just a shame all dog walkers don't keep their dogs leashed though, as I have animal-loving friends who are terrified when medium-to-large unaccompanied dogs approaching them.
· via Google
People say this castle offers stunning views of the coastline, sea, and surrounding cliffs, and is a beautiful place to explore. They highlight the well-preserved ruins, the scenic coastal walk, and the opportunity to see dolphins. They also like the informative plaques and the friendly staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Stonehaven, AB39 2TL Get directions
- Category
- Castles & Palaces
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (265 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Stonehaven