Slains Castle
A dramatic 16th-century castle ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, rumored to inspire Dracula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Slains Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic 16th-century castle ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, rumored to inspire Dracula.
"The best ruined castle I've visited in Scotland, offering pure magic and breathtaking views."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be uneven. Bring good walking shoes for exploring the ruins and coastal paths.
🌬️ Dress for the Wind
It's very windy on the cliffs! Layers are your friend, and a windproof jacket is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cliff-Top Ruins
Overlooking the North Sea
Majestic, sprawling ruins perched dramatically on a cliff, offering breathtaking sea views.
Dracula Inspiration
Castle grounds
Feel the gothic atmosphere that allegedly inspired Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.
Coastal Path Walk
From Bullers of Buchan
A scenic walk along the coast with stunning views leading to the castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements & Safety First
Free Entry & Minimal Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be uneven. Bring good walking shoes for exploring the ruins and coastal paths.
🌬️ Dress for the Wind
It's very windy on the cliffs! Layers are your friend, and a windproof jacket is a must.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a small car park near the castle, making access convenient for drivers.
📸 Photographer's Dream
The dramatic scenery and ruins offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be uneven. Bring good walking shoes for exploring the ruins and coastal paths.
🌬️ Dress for the Wind
It's very windy on the cliffs! Layers are your friend, and a windproof jacket is a must.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a small car park near the castle, making access convenient for drivers.
📸 Photographer's Dream
The dramatic scenery and ruins offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
Enjoy the freedom to roam the castle ruins at your own pace, with no entry fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Slains Castle, calling it a 'must-see' and the 'best ruined castle' in Scotland. The dramatic cliff-top location, historical atmosphere, and free entry are major highlights. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, allowing for a peaceful exploration. Some note the need for caution due to exposed cliff edges and limited signage.
"What a cracking find! This ruined castle is a fantastic place to explore with care. It's massive, many rooms, windows, doorways to pop in and out of, it's fascinating and beguiling. It's a shortish walk, ten minutes or so from the car park over some rough ground and small inclines. It's not a challenging walk but it's not all smooth. It's totally worth it though because this is a gem of a place. Beautiful views of the coast all around it, it's intriguing to see the parts of the castle that were original and the parts that were added in the 19th C.
It's a wonder that such a beautiful castle fell into ruin so quickly, it was extensively refurbished in 1836/7 but I guess that within a few years electricity, gas and flushing toilets had left it redundant. So what you're left with is a ruin that's in remarkably good condition and looks like a bit of tlc and a few quid spent on it could bring it back to a livable state!"
David Todd
"Best ruined castle I've visited in Scotland. And free to roam by yourself using common sense. Kept the kids away from the cliff tops and a close eye on them.
Car parking was ample. Wee walk to reach the grounds. Absolutely the best part of our holiday, for me and the kids!"
Richie Macdonald
"Ask me which was the best place I have seen in all Scotland and I will probably answer "Slains Castle". The visit here was just pure magic.
I don't know why but this was NOT in the list of best castles in Scotland. I don't know if it is the "best" one but I am sure it is a must see.
Because of the previous aspect, there are VERY FEW (if any) tourists. You have this magnificent place possibly all for yourself. The ruins are majestic, glorious and... big! It is free! You can reach it by car but also, and this is crazy, by BUS from Aberdeen!
The seagulls, the waves, the cliffs, ...everything here helps making it an unbelievable place.
My Scotland heart lies here."
Emiliano Venturini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Slains Castle from Aberdeen via the A92/A90, which takes about half an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Aberdeen, making it accessible without a car.
Yes, there is a small car park available outside the castle grounds, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy walking to Slains Castle, often as part of the coastal path from Bullers of Buchan, offering spectacular scenery along the way.
Driving offers the most direct access, but taking a bus from Aberdeen is also a viable and scenic option. Walking from nearby attractions like Bullers of Buchan is highly recommended for the views.
Yes, it is possible to reach Slains Castle by bus from Aberdeen, offering an alternative to driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Slains Castle is completely free to enter and explore! You can wander through the ruins without any admission fee.
No, tickets are not required. Slains Castle is open for visitors to explore freely, making it a spontaneous and accessible destination.
As it's a ruin, there are no official opening hours. You can visit Slains Castle at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
No, there is no entry fee. You can explore the magnificent ruins of Slains Castle for free.
Yes, families can visit. However, it's crucial to keep a close eye on children and stay away from cliff edges due to the exposed location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the vast ruins, imagine its history, and soak in the dramatic cliff-top views. It's a photographer's paradise and a great spot for a scenic walk.
While free to roam, caution is advised. Stay away from cliff edges, don't climb on structures, and be aware of the wind. There's limited signage for warnings.
Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots as the terrain can be uneven. Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket due to the exposed coastal location.
Typically, Slains Castle is not very crowded, especially on weekdays, allowing for a more peaceful and personal experience of the ruins.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, while weekday mornings tend to be less crowded for a more serene visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliff edges offer dramatic perspectives of the castle against the sea. The interior ruins, especially with the sky visible through broken walls, are also very photogenic.
Yes, it's considered a photographer's dream due to its dramatic cliff-top setting, atmospheric ruins, and stunning coastal views.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful light for capturing the castle and its surroundings. Sunrise can also be spectacular.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and be mindful of wildlife (seabirds) and other visitors before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and castle ruins. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, safety is paramount. Keep a very close eye on children, especially near the cliff edges, as there's limited signage and the winds can be strong. 📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dracula Connection
+1 The castle's gothic architecture, its isolated and windswept location overlooking the North Sea, and the sheer scale of the ruins evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding, making it easy to see how it could have fueled the imagination for a tale of vampires and ancient castles.While the novel 'Dracula' is set in Romania, the atmospheric setting of Slains Castle undoubtedly contributed to Stoker's creative process. Visitors often report feeling a palpable sense of history and a touch of the eerie when exploring the grounds, imagining the author drawing inspiration from the howling winds and the crashing waves below.
It's a unique aspect that adds another layer of intrigue to an already impressive historical site. It's important to note that this is an inspiration, not a direct setting. However, the legend persists and draws many visitors eager to connect with the gothic allure of the castle and its supposed link to one of literature's most iconic characters.
Exploring the Ruins Safely
It's also recommended not to climb on the castle structures themselves. The ruins are old, and their stability can be compromised.
Wearing appropriate footwear is essential, as the terrain within the castle grounds and on the surrounding paths can be uneven and potentially slippery, especially after rain. The castle is free to enter and roam, which adds to its charm, but this also means there are no wardens or extensive safety measures in place. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and that of their companions.
The Coastal Walk to Slains Castle
The journey along the coastal path is often described as breathtaking, with the sea air and the sound of the waves creating a truly immersive experience.
Remember to wear suitable footwear for this walk, as the coastal paths can be uneven and exposed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit