Dunvegan Castle Tours and Activities

Dunvegan Castle which includes tranquil scenes, a festival and heritage architecture
Dunvegan Castle featuring general coastal views, heritage architecture and tranquil scenes
Dunvegan Castle featuring general coastal views, heritage architecture and château or palace
Dunvegan Castle showing a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Dunvegan Castle featuring a castle, heritage elements and general coastal views

Set on a basalt outcrop overlooking Loch Dunvegan, this historic fortress has been home to the chiefs of a prominent Highland clan for eight centuries.

Dunvegan Castle is one of the most iconic attractions on the island. Its image can be seen on postcards and promotional materials for Skye. Discover oil paintings and precious heirlooms and take boat trips out on to the loch.

Most of the current structure is the result of a 19th-century restoration. The family residence of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod, this fortress is said to be one of the oldest castles in Scotland to be continuously occupied by the same family. In 1933, the then chief of the clan opened up his home to the public.

Explore the castle interior and examine many of the fascinating items on show. Survey a collection of portraits and oil paintings, including the famous Fairy Flag. This delicate silk banner dates from between the 4th and 7th centuries and was said to provide power to the MacLeod clan when unfurled during battles.

Marvel at the dazzling silverware and swords belonging to the clan and inspect rare historical objects, including a waistcoat and a lock of hair, both thought to belong to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Also of note is the Dunvegan Cup, a drinking bowl that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Wander around the formal gardens, where a range of pretty flowering plants sprout around ponds and streams. Boat trips also depart from the pier down by the lakeshore. Enjoy a romantic private cruise with a loved one or fish for pollock, mackerel or coalfish during a fishing excursion. Seal-spotting excursions also take place on the loch, allowing participants to observe the resident seal colony close up.

Dunvegan Castle is located in northwest Skye, about 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Dunvegan village. The Castle and Gardens are open daily from 1st April to 15th October 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm), and an admission fee is required to enter. From 16th October to 31st March – open for Groups by appointment on weekdays only. The Castle and Gardens are closed Christmas and New Year.

Boat trips are weather dependent, but usually run between late March and late September.

Plan a trip to see Dunvegan Castle

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Highland Apartments By Mansley

Highland Apartments By Mansley

4 out of 5
Inverness City Centre
per person
Oct 4 - Oct 10
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Inverness (INV)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (493 reviews)
The family had a great time

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

Links House at Royal Dornoch

Links House at Royal Dornoch

5 out of 5
per person
Oct 10 - Oct 14
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Inverness (INV)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Beautiful Hotel. Kyle, Isla and team very welcoming. Easy walking distance to the beach and town centre. Perfect for heading into the highlands for fishing etc. Drawing room and library nice to relax in and the menu and food was first class. Look forward to visiting again.

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

The Whispering Pine Lodge

The Whispering Pine Lodge

4 out of 5
per person
Oct 10 - Oct 14
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Inverness (INV)
9/10 Wonderful! (128 reviews)
We understood there would be AC in the rooms, but it was extemely warm. Very uncomfortable, unable to sleep

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

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Best Lodging Options Near Dunvegan Castle

Minnies Rooms

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3.5 out of 5
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The Tables Guest House

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Atholl House Skye

Atholl House Skye

3 out of 5
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Skye Lodge

Skye Lodge

3 out of 5
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Dunvegan Camping Pods

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2 out of 5
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The Tide B&B

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Cozy Seaside Retreat in Colbost Isle of Skye

Cozy Seaside Retreat in Colbost Isle of Skye

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Hame Hotel

Hame Hotel

3.5 out of 5
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Dunshee

Dunshee

3 out of 5
Dunshee, Roskhill, Dunvegan, Scotland
Dunshee
See all 474 properties in Dunvegan Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dunvegan Castle

While visiting Dunvegan Castle in Scotland, you can enjoy activities like bird watching and exploring the enchanting Fairy Pools nearby. For those who love golf, there are also excellent courses available in the area. This historic site offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, perfect for a memorable vacation experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Dunvegan Castle, visit Skye Silver Gift Shop, just 3.2km away, or The Shilasdair Shop, located 9.7km from the castle. If you're up for a drive, check out Isle of Skye Oysters, which is 22.5km away.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Skeabost Golf Course, surrounded by beautiful landscapes just 16.1km from Dunvegan Castle. For a unique experience, try your hand at A.C.E Target Sports Skye, located 20.9km away. Finally, unwind on the Quiraing Walk Trail, 27.4km away, offering stunning scenery and relaxation.

Find the best attractions near Dunvegan Castle

While visiting Dunvegan Castle in Scotland, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery by exploring nearby beaches, historic lighthouses, and hills. Don't miss the enchanting Dunvegan Castle Gardens and the tranquil Loch Dunvegan. Whether you're interested in a holiday at the castle or simply enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enhance your experience in this picturesque area.

  • Claigan Coral Beach: This stunning beach, located 6.4km from Dunvegan Castle, offers a unique blend of white coral sands and turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
  • Neist Point Lighthouse: Situated 12.9km from the castle, this historic lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and is steeped in rich maritime history, making it a great spot for photography and exploration.
  • Talisker Beach: Located 19.3km away, Talisker Beach boasts dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop that invites beachcombing and birdwatching in a tranquil coastal setting.

Best time to go to Dunvegan Castle

The best time to visit Dunvegan Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October50.4°F (10.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunvegan Castle

To save money on your visit to Dunvegan Castle, travel during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Wednesdays for the best rates. Explore nearby free attractions like Claigan Coral Beach and the Skye Silver Gift Shop. Consider package deals that combine flights, activities, and hotel stays for additional savings. Always check for online booking discounts, free cancellation, and flexible options to ensure the best deal possible.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dunvegan Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Dunvegan Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dunvegan Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dunvegan Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Dunvegan Castle hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.