# Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > 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. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/attractions/dunnottar-castle (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Hiking Area 🐾 Dogs Welcome # Dunnottar Castle Dunottar [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7272630115679924763&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Maciej Graczykowski](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/106712360349993803004) **In short:** Dunnottar Castle is a hiking area in Stonehaven, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 265 Google reviews, with dogs welcome. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## 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 [James Montgomerie](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110147635732667787836/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Akhy Rani das](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100956059842134701864/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Kosziescha Dorothea](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111158036221850303396/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Russ Douglas](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117268531098380316333/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x48841dccba3e4305:0x57f4ae58b40d9895!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=56.9506568%2C-2.2260669) **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 [More attractions in Stonehaven](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/attractions) ★ 4.6 (265 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01569 762173](tel:01569762173) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Stonehaven **Postcode** AB39 2TL **Plus Code** 9C8VXQ2F+7H [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x48841dccba3e4305:0x57f4ae58b40d9895!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x48841dccba3e4305:0x57f4ae58b40d9895!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x48841dccba3e4305:0x57f4ae58b40d9895!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Stonehaven Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DStonehaven%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Dunnottar Castle? Dunnottar Castle is open Mon–Sun 24 hours (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Dunnottar Castle any good? Dunnottar Castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 265 Google reviews. ### Is Dunnottar Castle dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed at Dunnottar Castle. ### Is Dunnottar Castle good for children? Yes, Dunnottar Castle is listed as good for children. ### Is Dunnottar Castle indoors or outdoors? Dunnottar Castle is mainly outdoors. ### What ages is Dunnottar Castle suitable for? Dunnottar Castle is best for ages 4+. ### Is Dunnottar Castle wheelchair accessible? Dunnottar Castle has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. ### Is there parking at Dunnottar Castle? Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Dunnottar Castle? Call Dunnottar Castle on +44 1569 766320. ## More near Dunnottar Castle ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Shorehead Guest House ★ 4.8 · 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/hotels/shorehead-guest-house) - [The Belvedere Hotel ★ 4.4 · 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/hotels/the-belvedere-hotel) - [The Marine Hotel ★ 4.5 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/hotels/the-marine-hotel) - [Station Hotel Stonehaven ★ 4.4 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/hotels/station-hotel-stonehaven) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Dunnottar Woods House ★ 4.6 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/aberdeenshire/cottages/dunnottar-woods-house-syk963209) - [Cowie Mill Apartment 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/aberdeenshire/cottages/cowie-mill-apartment-uk46814) - [Sauchenshaw Cottage 6.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/aberdeenshire/cottages/sauchenshaw-cottage-uk35512) - [The Bothy 6.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/aberdeenshire/cottages/the-bothy-syk1085012) ### Campsites nearby - [Stonehaven - Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park ★ 4.6 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/camping/stonehaven-queen-elizabeth-caravan-park) - [Upper Crawton Park Certificated Site ★ 4.8 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/camping/upper-crawton-park-certificated-site) - [Cloak Caravan Park ★ 4.7 · 3.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/camping/cloak-caravan-park) - [Inverbervie Caravan Park ★ 4.5 · 7.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/inverbervie/camping/inverbervie-caravan-park) ### Things to do nearby - [Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum ★ 4.7 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/attractions/stonehaven-tolbooth-museum) - [Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool ★ 4.5 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/attractions/stonehaven-open-air-swimming-pool) - [Halymyres Stables ★ 4.6 · 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehaven/attractions/halymyres-stables) - [Inverbervie Beach ★ 4.5 · 7.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/inverbervie/attractions/inverbervie-beach)