Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress perched dramatically on a rocky headland 50 metres above the North Sea near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The castle played a key role in Scottish history - the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here during the English Civil War, and Sir William Keith held the castle against the English army for eight months in 1297. The castle was used as a location in Mel Gibson's Hamlet and the animated film Brave. The walk down to the castle is itself dramatic.
Dunnottar Castle occupies a detached sea stack of Old Red Sandstone rising 50 metres above the North Sea at Strathlethan Bay, 3 kilometres south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The promontory is accessible only via a steep path descending to the cliff base and then rising through a natural gateway cut into the rock. This dramatic approach — the castle invisible until the final ascent — is itself part of the experience. The first fortification on the site dates to early Christian times; a church dedicated to St Ninian stood here before the medieval castle was established in the 14th century by the Keith family, who became Earls Marischal of Scotland. The castle's most celebrated episode occurred during the English Civil War, when the Honours of Scotland (the Crown Jewels) were smuggled out of the besieged castle in 1652 and hidden in Kinneff Church eight kilometres away, preventing Cromwell's forces from seizing them. The ruins are extensive — covering nearly the entire promontory — and include the Watchtower, the Quadrangle with residential ranges, Benholm's Lodging (a four-storey tower house), the Whig's Vault where 167 Covenanters were imprisoned in 1685, and domestic buildings including a forge and bakehouse. The North Sea views from the ramparts are spectacular, and seabirds nest on the surrounding cliffs.
Highlights
- Clifftop castle ruins
- Whig's Vault
- Benholm's Lodging
- Coastal views
- Historic well
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steep path down to and up from the castle. The cliff walk from Stonehaven is a beautiful approach.
When to visit
Stormy weather from October to March creates the most dramatic atmosphere, with waves breaking against the sea stack and low cloud adding to the castle's isolation. Morning visits in summer allow photography in softer light before the midday sun is harsh. The castle is least crowded on weekday mornings and during the winter months.
Accessibility
Dunnottar Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations due to the steep, uneven path to and from the promontory. The castle itself involves further uneven terrain and steps throughout. The view of the castle from the clifftop car park is available to those unable to descend.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Dunnottar Castle?
The castle is accessible by a 25-minute cliff walk from Stonehaven town centre or a short drive to the car park at the top of the access path. Stonehaven is 30 minutes by train from Aberdeen.
Is Dunnottar Castle suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the dramatic approach and the extensive ruins. The steep path to and from the castle requires sure footing; very young children and those in pushchairs cannot access the castle.
What is the Whig's Vault at Dunnottar Castle?
The Whig's Vault is a sea-cave converted into a prison where 167 Covenanting prisoners were held in brutal conditions in the summer of 1685. Many died of disease or injury, making it one of the most sobering sites in Scottish history.