At almost 160ft high, the castle was strategically placed to reduce risk of attack from any enemies. There were only two ways to access the castle – via the incredibly well defended main gate, set in a cleft where those who attempted to intrude were easily attacked from all sides – or by a very rocky creak leading through a cave on the north side, which led to a well defended postern gate.
For over 1000 years Dunnottar Castle has played an important part in Scottish history, occasionally as Scotland’s last bastion, and was home to some of the Scotland's greatest historical figures: Constantine mac Aed, Sigurd the Mighty, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Marquis of Montrose.
April (Good Sunday) to end of October: 9am - 6pm.
November to April (Good Sunday): 10am - 5pm / Sunset
Castle opening is weather dependant, so please call first.
Adults: £5
Children: (under 16) £1