Dunnottar Castle

 

 

Dunnottar Castle is simply stunning and my favourite castle to visit and a photographers & history lover’s dream! Located 25-30 mins from Harestone.

Perched on top of a 160-foot rock and surrounded on 3 sides by the sea it offers THE most dramatic of locations. It was a fortress to one of the most powerful families in Scotland – Earls Marischal.

The Castle has played host to some of the nation’s greatest historical figures including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots and is famous for its role in saving the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) from Oliver Cromwell’s army in the 1650s.

There is a delightful food truck with picnic tables selling a selection of Scottish dishes & coffees. From here you can explore the cliffs and around the castle for free or you can buy a ticket and enter castle ruins themselves (definitely worth it).

Why not combine your castle visit with a walk around the hidden gem of Dunnottar woods or a walk around the beautiful village of Stonehaven or try the amazing seafood at The Creel Inn in Catterline (the baked crab is amazing). Or all of them!

 

Dunnottar Castle History

The rock and the castle have been witness to Scotland’s rich and tragic past that holds many secrets.

  • The rock which the castle stands on was forced to the surface of the earth during the Silurian period
  • There is evidence of Picts living on the sea stack of Dunnicair, just north of where the castle is situated today. The name dun is Pictish for fort.
  • Saint Ninian established a place of workshopon the site where the castle now stands and converts the Picts of Dunnottar to Christianity
  • 1297- William Wallace attacks the English garrissonat Dunnottar, taking back Scottish control
  • 1392- Sir William Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland, builds the first stone castle at Dunnottar, now known as The Keep
  • 1562 – Mary Queen of Scots visits the Castle for the first time. Returning two years later and spending two nights there in September 1564

 

Dunnottar Castle Distance from Harestone Moss

25-30 mins

Entry Price

Adult – £9.50

Concession (age 65+) – £8.50

Child (age 5 – 15) – £4.50

Family (2 adults + 2 children) – £23.50

Guide book – £5

Visit Website

https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/


Stay with Us & Experience these Adventures

treehouse accommodation harestonemoss

Do you want to be the first guests to stay in our boutique outdoor retreat ?

  • Luxury Treehouses
  • Converted Silo’s
  • Grass Roofed Cabins
  • Unique Underground Burrow Houses
  • All with hot tubs / outdoor baths & much more

Don’t miss out, download our adventure awaits guide and you will be entered

for a chance to win a FREE nights stay  in luxury !! 

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please check the required field.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.