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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan a visit to Dunrobin Castle in 2025. Dunrobin Castle really is one of the most remarkable and impressive landmarks on the northeast coast of Scotland.
We absolutely loved visiting Dunrobin Castle with our kids, and we are super excited to share this as one of our top-pick things to do in Scotland! In this guide, we have included everything you need to know to plan your visit: prices, location, transport, what to expect, facilities, parking, and much, much more.
At the end of this article, we have also recommended a few places to stay near Dunrobin Castle. We have included booking links to help you book your stay. We highly recommend booking with Agoda or Booking.com for a convenient and transparent booking process. In this article, we use affiliate links, which enables us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please use our links to book your stay.
Sutherland is PACKED with amazing things to do. Don’t miss our ultimate guide on the BEST things to do in Sutherland
Why visit Dunrobin Castle?
Dunrobin Castle is a magnificent castle located right on the East Coast, exuding “Hogwarts meets fairy tale” vibes. There are plenty of things to do at Dunrobin Castle, whether it’s strolling around the beautifully kept gardens, exploring the museum, watching a falconry display, or taking a self-guided tour of the impressive castle. Dunrobin truly offers something for everyone.
If you are interested in Scottish culture and history, this is a unique way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and history of Scotland. The castle is adorned with preserved rooms, original authentic ornaments, artwork, and features a museum, beautiful gardens, and an on-site falconry.
Moreover, Dunrobin Castle lies along the North Coast 500 route, making it an excellent stopping place if you’re planning to visit John O’ Groats. Additionally, it’s possible to visit this castle as a day trip from Inverness.
Where is Dunrobin located?
Dunrobin Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Scotland; it is located on the east coast of Scotland 10 minutes north of Golspie. There is a one way system for cars in Dunrobin. You enter through the main entrance on the A9. There is a driveway that leads to the carpark in front of the castle. Once you have finished there is a small exit road (not back up the main drive). Just follow the signs.
How much does it cost to visit Dunrobin Castle?
Tickets include access to the Castle, Gardens, Museum and Falconry. There are two Falconry displays per day (11.30am and 2.30pm) and they are included in the ticket price. You can buy tickets at the reception desk on arrival. The prices are as follows:
- Adult £14 (17 – 59 years old)
- Senior £12 (over 60 years old)
- Child £9 (6 – 16 years old)
- Student £12 (Remember to bring student ID)
- Family ticket £42 (two adults & three children under 16)
Dunrobin Castle is open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm, last entry 4.30pm.
For more information on special events, tickets and deals check out the official Dunrobin Castle Website
Do children have to pay for Dunrobin Castle?
Children 0 – 5 years old do NOT need to pay to enter Dunrobin Castle. Children from 6 – 16 years old need to pay the Child’s ticket price of £9. Adults tickets are required from the age of 17 years old.
How long should you spend at Dunrobin Castle?
We recommend allowing a full day to enjoy and explore Dunrobin Castle. The Castle is open from 10am. It can be tricky to work out the best way to fit everything in. We recommend getting to the Falconry Display nice and early. This is a popular event and seating is available on a first come first served basis. Also, the cafe can get busy at lunch time. Getting to lunch after the morning Falconry display should help you to beat the crowds.
Here is a suggested one day itinerary for the castle:
10am Arrive and purchase tickets.
10am – 11am Explore the gardens (weather dependent)
11am Get a seat for the Falconry display (weather dependent)
11.30am Watch the Falconry Display
12.15pm Cafe for lunch
1pm Explore the Dunrobin Museum (east side of the gardens)
2pm Take a self guided tour of the castle
3.30pm Explore the gift shop and visit any areas you missed
What is the best time of year to visit Dunrobin Castle?
The best time of year to visit Dunrobin Castle is during the spring and summer months, specifically from April to September. During this period, the castle and its stunning gardens come to life with vibrant colors, lush foliage, and blooming flowers. The weather is generally milder and more pleasant, providing an enjoyable experience for exploring the outdoor areas of the castle, such as the gardens and falconry displays.
In spring, the gardens are a spectacle of beauty as the flowers start to bloom, creating a picturesque setting. The castle grounds offer a delightful backdrop for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities. Additionally, during this time, the falconry displays are likely to be in full swing, offering the chance to witness these impressive birds of prey up close.
Summer is another fantastic time to visit Dunrobin Castle as the gardens are at their peak, showcasing a diverse range of plant life and meticulously maintained landscapes. The longer daylight hours also allow you to fully explore the castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding coastal views.
What are the best ways to get to Dunrobin Castle?
There are several different ways to get to Dunrobin Castle:
1 Drive to Dunrobin
Dunrobin Castle is conveniently located on the A9, and there is a large car park on the castle grounds. The castle is approximately a one-hour drive from Inverness and just a five-minute drive from Golspie. The route to the castle is well-signed, making it easy to find. Upon arrival, you can drive down the main driveway and find a car park to the left. Alternatively, if you continue driving right up to the castle, there are additional parking spaces available in the car park at the front of the castle. Parking is free, and there is also a designated disabled car park located next to the Gardens for those with special accessibility needs.
2 Take a Bus
Traveling by public bus is another option to reach the castle. The X99 bus route runs from Inverness to Perth. If you choose this option, simply inform the bus driver that you wish to stop at the Dunrobin Castle stop, and then it’s just a short walk to the castle entrance from there.
3 Take a Train
Dunrobin Castle has its own train station, which is located on the Inverness to Perth train line, just north of Golspie. When booking your train tickets, ensure that your chosen train stops at Dunrobin Station, so you can conveniently disembark and head directly to the castle from there.
History of Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin castle has a fascinating and rich history. The early history of this fascinating landmark is a little hazy with very little evidence of the earliest structures here. However we do have some clues about the early history:
Historians believe that a fort has stood at this site since the early Medieval era. It is hard to give an exact age for Dunrobin castle. However, a significant castle appears to have stood on this site since 1235 when the Earldom of Sutherland was established. Over the years this castle has gone through various changes such as additions, extensions and changes to purpose.
In fact, you can even see some of the older castle walls when you look into the inner courtyard. This can be seen when you walk along the hallway between rooms in the castle tour. Keep an eye out for windows to your right. Dunrobin Castle has served as a home to the wealthy and aristocratic Sutherland family. As we toured Dunrobin, we were stuck by the amount of personal character and style you can see. Everything from the hunting “trophies” in the castle museum, to the selection of books in the castle library, give you unique clues and insights into this remarkable wealthy family. There is a theme of travel, a fascination with culture and history and even
Sunderland family became rich in Victorian era through marriage. The current unique architecture with spires and agestic gardens is the legacy of the famous architect, Sir Charles Barry. In 1845 he was commissioned to Model Dunrobin castle in the style of the fashionable and regal French palace of Versai. So yeah, they copied the French!
Dunrobin Castle tour – in depth guide
A few things to know before you start the tour
Now we’re going to dive in head first and explore what you can see in the castle itself. Before you take your self-guided castle tour you need to leave any bags at the reception desk. The lovely staff will look after your belongings and give you a tag so that you can be reunited with your bags at the end of the castle tour. As we say, the tour is self guided so that you can go at your own pace and read the info as you go.
The rooms are packed with authentic artwork and historical artifacts. There are cordons to direct you where to walk. We recommend supervising kids carefully. For obvious reasons, visitors are not allowed to cross the cordons – staff are located in rooms to take questions and check that you stay behind the barriers.
FOR KIDS: watch out for little action figures along the way! If kids can spot them all, they can go to reception and get a special prize at the end of the tour (a lolly pop!).
Once you have dropped your bags at the reception start by walking up the grand staircase in the centre of the castle. Follow the coridoor round the the first room…
1 The Dining Room
Greeted by a grand table, a room fit for royalty – this tour starts in style! This large room has a long banqueting table set with traditional Georgian and Victorian Silver Cutlery. The room is adorned with original artwork and has a majestic and grand ambiance. There are 22 chairs at the table, each chair embroidered with a different coat of arms of the family. Large windows are a sign of wealth and also fill the room with plenty of light – the windows look out over the ocean. This impressive room is the work of Robert Lorimer, who was commissioned by the 5th Duke of Sutherland to redesign the dining room after a fire in the early 20th century. We think he did a grand job!
2 The Music Room
Aristocratic families had their own music room. Smaller than the dining room with large windows and a balcony, you can imagine retiring to this room to enjoy some soothing entertainment. This room is graced with an impressive piano and some authentic portraits to help you picture some of the Sutherland family.
3 The Breakfast Room
The Victorian aristocrats liked to have a room for every occasion. The Breakfast room is smaller than the main dining room and yet is grand nevertheless. Again this room is adorned with portraits of several earls and family members and you can see the original table set.
4 The Drawing Room
After the Breakfast room you walk through the impressive Drawing room. The artwork, furniture and design of this room are very impressive. You can also enjoy views over the gardens and coast from this side of the house. In the drawing room don’t miss the Louis XVI French Table with a Florentine Pietra Dura Top. The drawing room is adorned with some of the most impressive artwork, don’t miss the incredible 18th century tapestries in this room.
5 The Library
This was one of our favorite rooms. The library is bursting with character and charm. The walls are stacked high with shelves. There are over 10,000 books in the library, and many of the books are fine rare editions. The selection of books is a unique insight into the culture and interests of this wealthy family. There is a distinctive theme of travel and religious history in the titles that we saw. The lion skin rug may not be to everyone’s taste.
6 The Ladies Sitting Room
This is a dedicated space for the gals to hang out, embroider, drink tea and have a good chat. As we mentioned the Victorians loved to have a room for every occasion. To be fair, if you were a lady in this family, you would probably want a ladies only room too! This room is also decorated with tapestries that were commissioned especially for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1872. Just your standard royal visit, that’s all!
7 The Green and Gold Room
Curious to see a room fit for a duchess? The Green and Gold room is a very grand and luxurious French style room that was decorated for the Duchess Eileen in 1921. This room is reminiscent of a fairytale palace. We were struck by the similarity of these designs with trendy modern-vintage rooms. Nearby you can also see the first bathroom installed in the castle.
8 The Nursery and Night Nursery
It is also wonderful to see the traditional kids’ spaces in the castle. The Nursery room is beautifully set up with an array of traditional toys and games. No screens in sight. In the Day Nursery you can see a Rocking Horse, Dolls House and a teddy bears picnic. In the night nursery you can see the children’s beds and furniture. Nearby you can also see how the round staircases have been converted into round bathrooms. The nursery was of course supervised by maids and nannies. Afterall, who needs a bad night’s sleep after a day of all of this luxury!?
9 The Duke’s Study
As you come to the end of the Castle Tour, don’t rush too fast and miss the Duke’s Study. This may sound like the scene of a Cluedo murder. But don’t get too scared. The Dukes Study is a unique insight into the workspace of the Duke of Sutherland. It wasn’t all posh parties and decadent meals. The Duke of Sutherland also had plenty of responsibilities, looking after the estate, developing roads in the region and controversial political roles too.
10 The Military attire room
And finally, don’t miss the military attire room. This is the last room in the Dunrobin Castle tour. The Military Attire room displays some of the original military uniforms worn by the Sutherland’s in their military service. This is a small room but don’t rush, the displays are actually really interesting.
After touring the castle you can also see a gift shop, marking the end of the castle tour. As you would expect the gifts are quite pricey, but this shop is well stocked with unique products.
The Castle Gardens
The castle gardens are genuinely very impressive and extensive. As you approach the Gardens from the castle, you are treated to a breathtaking view over the gardens with the ocean in the background! This is an amazing spot at sunrise (especially in the winter when the sun rises late). There are a few picnic tables overlooking the gardens too – a great spot to note if you have a packed lunch.
Access to the gardens
To get to the Gardens you do need to follow a path down the hill and there are some steps. It is worth noting that there is a way to access the gardens for disabled guests. If you visit the reception, they will give you a key for the gate of the garden car park. You can then drive your car down the road to the right of the castle and along the seafront to a special garden-access carpark. This allows wheelchair users to see the Falconry shows and explore the gardens.
What to expect in the gardens
The gardens consist of several lawns with a wide range of different flower beds. Like the main castle, the gardens are beautifully kept. There are bush tunnels and water features, providing plenty of amazing positions to stand and look back at the beautiful castle.
The gardens are located between the castle and the ocean, and you can also find the Falconry within the castle gardens. Additionally, the Castle Museum is located in a building to the east of the gardens.
Depending on your level of enthusiasm, we recommend spending around 30 – 60 minutes exploring the castle gardens. It’s a great place for a breath of fresh air, a lovely stroll, and some memorable photography.
Looking for hidden gems? If you take a 500m walk into the woodlands to the west of Dunrobin Castle you can also see a local hidden gem. The Monument to Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland is hidden in these woods.
Dunrobin Castle Falconry
In brief: Two shows per day 11.30am and 2.30pm and 7 days per week. Displays are weather dependent. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Displays are FREE with the ticket. You can attend both shows.
One of the most popular attractions at Dunrobin Castle is the impressive falconry. The falconry is located on the east side of the gardens, and it’s possible to visit at any time during the day. The best part is that the falconry is included in the price of your ticket for the castle. The falconry runs two interactive displays per day, each involving a different bird.
During these displays, you’ll witness captivating demonstrations of hunting, and in some instances, the birds swoop very low over the audience, providing an exhilarating and thrilling close-up experience with these magnificent birds of prey. The falconry displays are well explained and packed with fascinating facts and information about the history, biology, and use of birds of prey. At the end of the falconry display, there’s also an opportunity to take close-up photos with the birds.
As the falconry displays are very popular, we highly recommend arriving around 30 minutes before the display starts if you hope to get a good seat. It’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
The Falconry has the following birds of prey:
- Peregrine falcon (one of the fastest birds in the world!)
- Gyr falcon
- Prairi falcon and peregrine hybrid
- Lanner falcon
- Harris Hawk
- Bengal Eagle Owl
You can visit the Falconry at any time of the day and see all of the birds on display. Supervise children carefully in the area. There is a safety fence to keep you a safe distance from the birds.
The Dunrobin Museum
In brief: The Museum is discreetly located to the East side of the gardens. You have to walk through a gate and follow the stairs up to the Museum House. It is included with the ticket price and open from 11am – 4pm daily.
The museum comes with a trigger warning. If you are squeamish or don’t like hunting trophies then give the museum a miss.
The Dunrobin Museum is a small historical house built on the castle grounds that contains a wide collection of hunting trophies. There are many stuffed animals and animal heads displayed in the museum. As you step in, it is actually quite overwhelming – stuffed animal heads peer down from every wall. Eerie. Creepy. Fascinating. Overwhelming. Devastating. Enraging. It is hard not to feel something when you step into this bizarre graveyard.
If this is likely to cause offense to you or your family members, we highly recommend skipping the museum. However, if you are interested in exploring this unique and unusual part of the castle, we do recommend a visit. The museum is also packed with photographs and artifacts collected by the aristocratic family that once resided here.
Notably, the museum includes some Pictish stone carvings, thought to be around 1,500 years old, found close to the castle. Additionally, there is a rather remarkable chair made from whale bones, adding to the intriguing exhibits.
As we mentioned before, the museum isn’t for everyone, but if you are curious about these historical displays, it is worth a visit to delve into this aspect of the castle’s history.
Dunrobin Castle Cafe
Now, for our favorite part of the castle – the cafe. The cafe is located in the main castle building, close to the reception area. It’s worth being aware that the cafe tends to get very busy from around 12 midday until 2:00 p.m., so plan accordingly to avoid potential crowds.
The cafe offers a range of options, including sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, hot drinks, and hot food. However, do note that the hot food menu is relatively limited, depending on what they have prepared for the day. Typically, it includes items like baked potatoes and hot dishes such as pasta bakes or lasagna.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the food in the cafe is relatively expensive, which is expected for an attraction of this nature. You can anticipate paying around £3 – £10 for most meals in the cafe. Despite the cost, the convenience and the chance to dine in the castle’s ambiance often make it worthwhile for visitors.
There are two rooms with tables and chairs for seating in the cafe. There are also baby chairs available. The Cafe offers complimentary drinking water and glasses. There are toilets near the cafe with baby changing facilities available.
What are the facilities like at Dunrobin Castle?
The facilities at Dunrobin Castle are very good. In the main entrance area, close to the reception, you can find toilets equipped with baby changing facilities. On-site, there is a cafe serving a variety of cold and hot drinks, along with both cold and hot food options.
There are also picnic benches overlooking the picturesque gardens – you’re welcome to bring your own picnic (this is recommended if you’re on a budget, because the cafe is quite expensive).
Dunrobin Castle has a gift shop offering a range of gifts and souvenirs. The gift shop also includes toys and games suitable for children.
Guests are not allowed to bring bags into the main Castle area. However, the reception desk can hold onto the bags securely behind the desk, providing a tag for identification. As for parking, there is plenty of free parking available at the castle. A car park can be found to the left of the main driveway as you enter the castle, and another car park is conveniently located right at the front of the Castle. You are welcome to use both car parks depending on availability and space. There are no parking tickets required.
Is Dunrobin Castle family friendly?
In our opinion, Dunrobin Castle is an amazing activity for families. However, there are a few recommendations to consider if you’re planning to visit with a baby. We suggest using a sling instead of a pram or pushchair during the castle tour. The tour involves several staircases that are not suitable for prams, and some rooms in the castle can be crowded, making it difficult to maneuver with a pram. Additionally, reaching the gardens involves a downhill path and some steps, which would be tricky with a pram. Using a sling offers greater flexibility and ease of movement.
If you are visiting Dunrobin Castle with toddlers or young children, we also recommend using a sling for the same reasons mentioned earlier. It’s essential to supervise young children carefully, particularly during the falconry display and when exploring the rooms in the castle. The beautifully decorated rooms might attract young children to cross barriers, so vigilant supervision is crucial. Moreover, the museum’s hunting trophies may not be suitable for younger children. The falconry display is an excellent activity for children, but careful supervision is necessary as it can be quite exciting and interactive.
In our opinion, Dunrobin Castle is ideal for families with slightly older children. Older children are easier to supervise and are more likely to connect with the culture, heritage, and history of Dunrobin Castle. They will also be more engaged with the Falconry display in a meaningful way, making the overall experience more enjoyable for everyone.
TOP TIP: Prams can be left at the reception desk. If you plan to take a pram to the gardens we recommend having a helper to carry it down the steps.
Is Dunrobin Castle accessible?
Overall, we are very impressed with Dunrobin Castle as an activity; however, accessibility is not one of its strengths. Nevertheless, in our opinion, the staff is doing what they can to accommodate disabled guests. To help you plan your visit, we can provide an idea of what to expect regarding accessibility.
Unfortunately, there is no disabled access to the main Castle due to the presence of staircases. However, disabled access is available for the Gardens and falconry. Here’s how to access the disabled car park and gardens:
- Drive down the main drive to the front of the castle and inform the reception that you would like to use the disabled car park. They should provide you with a gate key for the disabled car park.
- Follow the road to the right of the castle, heading down the hill. Continue following the road along the ocean side of the gardens until you reach the disabled car park.
- From the disabled car park, you can easily access the gardens and falconry and enjoy the various displays. Additionally, there is a disabled toilet conveniently located in the Gardens, close to the Falconry.
Though the main Castle might not be accessible for disabled guests, the Gardens and falconry offer an opportunity to experience some of Dunrobin Castle’s highlights. We hope this information helps you plan your visit accordingly.
What are the best places to stay near Dunrobin Castle
1 Golspie Inn
£80 – £100
Beautiful Inn situated in the lovely village of Golspie. Well furnished and beautiful spacious rooms. Great value for money.
2 Sutherland Inn Brora
£80 – £130
Simple, clean and comfortable guest house in Brora. Great value for money and only around 10 minutes from Dunrobin Castle.
3 Royal Marine Hotel (pictured above)
£90 – £160
Very luxurious traditional style hotel located in Brora village around 10 minutes from Dunrobin Castle. Amazing food and we love the style of the common rooms. You can find the Royal Marine Hotel on booking.com.
4 Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch
£90 – £170
Large luxurious rooms, lovely restaurant and bar and wonderful views. A great option around 15 – 20 minute drive from Dunrobin Castle. You can reserve the Royal Golf Hotel on booking.com.
5 North Coast 500 Pods on Brora
£100 – £170
Super stylish glamping pods located on the hill overlook Brora. The pods are beautiful and well designed. There is even a steam room on site. Book the North Coast 500 Pods on booking.com.
6 Dornoch Station
£100 – £200
Stylish vintage-retro luxurious hotel located in Dornoch village. Around 15 – 20 minutes drive from Dunrobin. Find the Dornoch Station on booking.com.
What else is there to do near Dunrobin Castle?
Here are a few things to do near Dunrobin Castle:
- Visit the Big Burn – a lovely valley with trails, a pretty river and impressive waterfalls. Located very close to Dunrobin Castle
- Watch seals along the coast: especially along the south coast of Loch Fleet
- Visit Golspie beach: The main pier is a lovely spot to paddle and enjoy lovely ocean views
- Grab some fish and chips: Golspie has a lovely fish and chip shop. If you order a “fish supper” this includes both fish and chips.
- Climb Ben Bhraggie: The walk up Ben Bhraggie may only be around 1 mile but it is steep. The top is exposed and windy. Wear good shoes and clothes for the weather. From the peak you can see the impressive “Manny”, a statue of the First Duke of Sutherland.
- Head north to John O’Groats: If you have time you can drive north to visit John O’Groats.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Golspie
