Dunrobin Castle
A magnificent, turreted castle with origins in the 1300s, home to the Earls of Sutherland, boasting stunning gardens and falconry displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & coaches
Dunrobin Castle
Best Time
Beat the crowds & coaches
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent, turreted castle with origins in the 1300s, home to the Earls of Sutherland, boasting stunning gardens and falconry displays.
"This fairytale castle looks like it's straight out of a dream, with beautiful gardens and engaging falconry shows."
Book Ahead Online
:admission_tickets: Tickets can sell out, book online in advance to guarantee entry and save time.
Arrive Early
:clock1: Beat the tour buses and enjoy a more peaceful experience, especially for falconry shows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fairytale Architecture
Exterior
A stunning, turreted castle that looks like it's straight out of a fairytale, with French chateau vibes.
Formal Gardens
Grounds
Beautifully manicured gardens with intricate designs, perfect for a leisurely stroll and stunning views.
Falconry Displays
Gardens
Educational and engaging falconry shows featuring various birds of prey.
Castle Museum
Interior
An unusual and interesting museum within the castle, showcasing artifacts and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Consider the Highland Clearances
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead Online
:admission_tickets: Tickets can sell out, book online in advance to guarantee entry and save time.
Arrive Early
:clock1: Beat the tour buses and enjoy a more peaceful experience, especially for falconry shows.
Explore the Gardens
:herb: Don't miss the stunning formal gardens; they offer beautiful views and a pleasant walk.
Visit the Museum
:scroll: The castle's museum is a must-see, filled with unique artifacts and historical insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead Online
:admission_tickets: Tickets can sell out, book online in advance to guarantee entry and save time.
Arrive Early
:clock1: Beat the tour buses and enjoy a more peaceful experience, especially for falconry shows.
Explore the Gardens
:herb: Don't miss the stunning formal gardens; they offer beautiful views and a pleasant walk.
Visit the Museum
:scroll: The castle's museum is a must-see, filled with unique artifacts and historical insights.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking around the castle and grounds, so comfortable footwear is key.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dunrobin Castle for its spectacular architecture and beautiful, well-maintained gardens, often describing it as a fairytale experience. The falconry displays and the castle's museum are frequently highlighted as enjoyable and educational aspects of the visit. While generally positive, some guests noted that interior rooms were less extravagant than expected and that the falconry show's acoustics could be improved.
"A stunning castle. The gentleman at the castle passionately explained its history to us and even let us take a photo of a castle photo taken in the early1800s. If we had had the energy to go down to the garden, we could have seen the castle from the other side for an amazing view."
Hanna Jun
"This was one of the most beautiful castles that we went into. It was completely furnished and had attendance in rooms that you can ask questions. Was really a nice morning spent. On the first floor was a snack area where you can get coffee tea or to nibble on after the tour was over."
John Knowles
"Wow! Stunning castle and grounds. We were lucky to visit on a gorgeous sunny day. We booked in advance & although it was busy it was still easy to walk around at our own pace. It is vast though & a lot of steps but plenty of places to stop & sit. The museum is a must see & so unusual! Another highlight to the visit. We did sit & wait for the falconry show but as it was hot we sat in the shade under the trees. Unfortunately the guy did not have a microphone so you could not hear what he was saying & his performance was aimed more at the people sat on the benches at the top of the lawn. I think they need to review that as we weren’t the only people sat down the side in the shade & watched for a while then left. We did get to see the birds as they were on perches on the bottom of the display lawn.
All in all staff are lovely & the cafe had good choice of food & drinks at a reasonable price. Handled very well with the amount of people they were serving.
Definitely worth a visit!"
Karina Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunrobin Castle is located north of Golspie in Sutherland. It's accessible by car, with a large parking lot available. Public transport options include buses that stop near Golspie, followed by a walk or short taxi ride.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available on the left as you enter, with disabled parking closer to the entrance.
While direct public transport to the castle is limited, you can take a bus to Golspie and then walk or take a taxi. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The castle has many steps, but there are places to sit. The gardens offer beautiful views even if you can't explore them fully.
The nearest town is Golspie, located about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the castle. Brora is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dunrobin Castle website for the most current information before your visit.
Admission prices vary. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, children, and concessions.
While there isn't a universal pass for all castles, Historic Environment Scotland offers passes for their properties. Dunrobin Castle is privately owned, so it's not typically included in such passes.
Yes, Dunrobin Castle offers a self-guided tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Informative volunteers are often available to answer questions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage within the castle or ask staff about restrictions on interior photography.
The exterior of the castle, especially with its fairytale architecture, is incredibly photogenic. The formal gardens also offer beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. However, the castle is also stunning on a bright, sunny day.
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the falconry show, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the birds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers a good choice of food and drinks, including cakes and soup, at reasonable prices. +1
The cafe typically serves light meals, snacks, cakes, and beverages. Visitors have praised their cakes and soup. +1
The nearby town of Golspie offers several pubs and restaurants if you prefer to dine outside the castle grounds.
Picnic areas may be available, but it's best to check the castle's policy on outside food and drink.
A Dunrobin gin was mentioned as being available for purchase, though its quality is subjective.
🎫 🏰 Onsite Experience
You can explore the castle's interiors, visit the museum, wander through the formal gardens, and watch the falconry displays.
A typical visit can take 2-3 hours, allowing time to explore the castle, gardens, and museum, and potentially watch a falconry show.
Yes, the museum is highly recommended and described as unusual and interesting, offering unique artifacts.
Dunrobin Castle has origins dating back to the early 1300s and has been continuously inhabited by the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. It's one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses.
Yes, the castle has a connection to the Highland Clearances, a period of forced evictions. It's recommended to learn about this history prior to visiting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏰 History Buffs
The castle museum is a must-visit, housing artifacts that chronicle centuries of the family's history and their influence in the Highlands. 📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
The formal gardens provide a beautiful foreground for castle portraits, and the surrounding Highland landscape offers dramatic backdrops. Don't miss capturing the falconry displays for dynamic action shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
This long lineage means the castle is steeped in the history of the Clan Sutherland and the Northern Highlands. Visitors can explore this past through the castle's museum, which houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the family and the region. However, it's important to acknowledge the castle's connection to the controversial Highland Clearances. This period saw widespread forced evictions of tenant farmers from their ancestral lands, a history that is intertwined with the Sutherland family's influence. Understanding this aspect of the castle's past can provide a more nuanced and complete perspective on its historical significance.
For those interested in deeper historical context, researching the Sutherland family's role in Scottish history, including their political power and land management, is highly recommended before a visit. This background knowledge can significantly enhance the appreciation of Dunrobin Castle's enduring legacy.
Experiencing the Castle Grounds
A major draw for many is the falconry display. These engaging and educational shows feature a range of birds of prey, offering a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close. It's recommended to arrive a bit early for the falconry show to secure a good viewing spot, especially if you're sitting further back from the main viewing area.
When exploring the grounds, comfortable footwear is essential due to the amount of walking involved.
Photography Tips for Dunrobin Castle
The gardens themselves offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, from wide shots of the manicured lawns and flowerbeds to close-ups of intricate details. For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the sun casts a warm glow on the castle. However, even on a bright, overcast day, the castle's unique architecture stands out beautifully.
While photography is generally allowed, it's always wise to check for specific restrictions inside the castle. When planning your shots, think about incorporating elements of the surrounding landscape, such as the nearby coastline or the rolling hills of the Highlands, to add context and depth to your images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit