About
Dunnottar Castle stands on a dramatic rocky headland rising 160 feet above the crashing North Sea near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, making it one of Scotland's most spectacular and instantly recognisable fortresses. Accessible by a steep cliff path and a narrow rocky bridge, the ruined castle complex covers nearly three acres and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aberdeenshire coastline and open ocean.
The site has been occupied since at least the Early Medieval period, with a Pictish fort preceding the later Scottish stronghold. The castle rose to national prominence in 1297 when William Wallace — later celebrated as a hero of Scottish independence — stormed Dunnottar and captured the English garrison garrisoned here by Edward I of England. This pivotal moment in the Wars of Scottish Independence cemented the castle's legendary status.
Dunnottar's most famous hour came during the 1650s when the Honours of Scotland — the Scottish Crown Jewels comprising the crown, sceptre and sword of state — were smuggled here for safekeeping from Oliver Cromwell's invading Parliamentarian army. When Cromwell's forces besieged the castle in 1651–52, the regalia were secretly lowered down the cliff face and carried away hidden in a basket of flax by the wife of the minister of nearby Kinneff Church. The jewels were buried under the church floorboards for nearly a decade until the Restoration of the Scottish monarchy, an act of extraordinary daring that saved Scotland's most sacred royal symbols.
Mary Queen of Scots visited Dunnottar in 1562 during her royal progress through the north-east of Scotland, adding yet another chapter to the castle's rich royal connections. In 1685, during the Covenanting persecutions, 167 men and women were imprisoned in the castle's Whig's Vault under terrible conditions.
Today the castle is owned by Dunecht Estates and open to visitors for most of the year. The substantial ruins include a 14th-century keep, a chapel, stables, barracks, and a range of domestic buildings that together paint a vivid picture of castle life across the centuries. The stunning coastal setting has made Dunnottar one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks and is widely believed to have inspired the fortress in Pixar's animated film Brave (2012). The steep walk to and around the castle requires reasonable fitness, but the rewards — both historical and scenic — are truly unforgettable.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip — the path down to the castle and the castle interior involve steep, uneven and sometimes wet surfaces.
- The cliff path and castle ruins are entirely exposed to the elements; bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer as North Sea winds can be cold.
- Arrive early (before 10am) to enjoy the castle with fewer visitors and to catch the best morning light on the cliffs for photography.
- The castle is not wheelchair accessible — visitors with mobility difficulties can still enjoy views of the castle from the clifftop car park area.
- Allow at least 90 minutes for a comfortable visit including the walk down, exploration of the ruins and return to the car park.
- Kinneff Old Church, where the Honours of Scotland were hidden, is a short drive south and makes a rewarding companion visit to complete the story of the Crown Jewels.
- Dogs are welcome on leads — the coastal walk is popular with dog owners.
- The castle looks extraordinary in stormy weather, but exercise extra care on the path and wet rock surfaces; check forecasts before visiting in winter.
Highlights
The Honours of Scotland — Scotland's Crown Jewels
Dunnottar's most celebrated chapter is its role in saving Scotland's Crown Jewels — the Honours of Scotland — from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in 1651–52. The crown, sceptre and sword of state were smuggled into the castle as Cromwell besieged it. When capture seemed inevitable, they were secretly lowered down the cliff face and spirited away, hidden in a basket of flax by the wife of the Kinneff Church minister.
The jewels were buried beneath the church floor for nearly a decade, preserved for the Scottish nation in one of history's most daring acts of loyalty.
Dramatic Clifftop Setting Above the North Sea
Rising 160 feet above the crashing North Sea on a near-vertical rocky promontory, Dunnottar Castle commands one of the most spectacular natural positions of any fortress in Europe. The castle is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of rock, with sheer cliffs plunging to the sea on three sides.
The walk down the coastal path offers constantly changing views of the ruined towers silhouetted against the sky and ocean, making Dunnottar one of Scotland's most photographed and painted landmarks.
The setting is especially dramatic in stormy weather or at sunset.
William Wallace and the Wars of Scottish Independence
In 1297, during the First War of Scottish Independence, the great patriot William Wallace led a surprise assault on Dunnottar and captured the English garrison that Edward I had installed here. According to some accounts, Wallace locked the English soldiers in the castle's church and set it ablaze — a brutal act of war that reflected the ferocity of the conflict.
This victory at Dunnottar was part of Wallace's wider campaign to drive English forces from Scottish soil, and the castle's role in that struggle is celebrated to this day as a defining moment of Scottish resistance.
Mary Queen of Scots and Royal Connections
Mary Queen of Scots visited Dunnottar Castle in August 1562 as part of her royal progress through north-east Scotland, staying with the powerful Keith family, Earls Marischal, who were the castle's principal owners. Mary's visit underlines Dunnottar's status as one of the most important noble residences in the kingdom.
The Keiths rebuilt and expanded the castle extensively over the centuries, creating the substantial range of buildings — including great hall, chapel, and residential quarters — whose ruins visitors explore today.
The family's influence extended across Scotland, and Dunnottar was their principal seat of power.
Collections
Explore the diverse collections housed in this museum.
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.