Dunrobin Castle Tours and Activities

Dunrobin Castle featuring château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Dunrobin Castle showing heritage elements, a fountain and heritage architecture
Dunrobin Castle featuring interior views
Dunrobin Castle featuring heritage architecture, a park and heritage elements
Dunrobin Castle which includes bird life


Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

Experience a slice of the lavish lifestyle of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, one of Scotland’s ancient earldoms, at Dunrobin Castle. Browse original artifacts as you wander amid the castle’s banquet halls, living quarters and reception rooms. Relax in the castle’s perfectly groomed terraced garden, visit a museum and enjoy birds-of-prey shows. Dunrobin Castle dates back to around 1235 and stands on a clifftop overlooking Dornoch Firth in northern Scotland.

Start your visit by appreciating the castle’s fairytale-like structure. With turrets, towers and spires, it bears similarities to a French chateau. Step through the regal main entrance and climb a trophy-decorated staircase before discovering an interior that boasts 189 rooms. You can visit some 20 of these rooms on a self-guided tour.

See how the earls and dukes dined in the wood-paneled Dining Room and admire a grand piano and portrait gallery in the Music Room. Marvel at the collection of 10,000 books in the Library and browse the Sutherland family’s robes in the Seamstress’ Room. Find displays of armor, regalia and weapons in the Military Room and look for the secret doorways in the Duke’s Study.

Stroll around the formal garden, designed in 1850 by the Victorian architect Sir Charles Barry. The fountains, ponds and symmetrical hedge layouts are said to be influenced by the gardens of Versailles, France. Within the garden is a falconry, where you can watch a trained falconer conducting daily aerobatic shows with birds of prey such as hawks, falcons and owls.

Further your knowledge of the castle’s previous residents at the Castle Museum, set inside the old summer house. See taxidermy displays of hunted animals, ancient Pictish symbol stones and artifacts related to the 1869 gold rush in Scotland’s Strath Kildonan valley.

The castle is a 5-minute walk from Dunrobin Castle train station, which has rail links to InvernessOpens in a new window. The closest towns with accommodations are Brora and GolspieOpens in a new window. If you drive to the castle, use the large free car park at the entrance.

Dunrobin Castle is open daily between March and October and there’s an admission fee. More information is available on the castle’s official website.

Plan a trip to see Dunrobin Castle

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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 Dunrobin Castle

When visiting Dunrobin Castle, immerse yourself in a variety of activities that highlight the area's charm. Enjoy a guided castle tour to delve into its rich history, take a leisurely stroll in Dornoch, or join a Scottish tour for a deeper cultural experience. Nature walks are also popular, allowing you to appreciate the stunning landscapes surrounding the castle. Don't forget to explore nearby golf options for a relaxing day outdoors.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Iolaire, a charming store located 43.5km away from Dunrobin Castle. If you're up for a drive, you'll discover unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of Scotland, perfect for sharing memories of your visit.

Recreation

Royal Dornoch Golf Club offers stunning views and challenging fairways, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking an outdoor experience just 12.9km from Dunrobin Castle. Nairn Golf Club, located 43.5km away, provides a similarly vibrant atmosphere, while Tarbat Golf Course, 17.7km distant, offers a luxurious and private golfing retreat.

Adventure

Embark on the Big Burn Walk, a scenic hiking trail 1.6km from Dunrobin Castle, where adventure awaits amid stunning landscapes. For a longer trek, explore the Moray Coast Trail and Dava Way, both 46.7km away, offering breathtaking views and invigorating outdoor experiences.

Find the best attractions near Dunrobin Castle

When visiting Dunrobin Castle, you'll find a delightful mix of culture, stunning scenery, and beach activities. Explore the castle complex, learn more about its history, and enjoy the nearby Royal Dornoch golf course. Don't miss the beautiful coastline and interesting monuments in the area, including the nearby village of Brora, which also offers a glimpse into the local heritage. This charming destination promises an enriching experience for all types of travellers.

  • Skibo Castle: Nestled 16.1km from Dunrobin Castle, Skibo Castle offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. This golf course country club features friendly staff, making it a welcoming retreat for all visitors. Whether you're playing a round of golf or enjoying the serene ambiance, this spot is perfect for unwinding.
  • Dornoch Beach: Located 12.9km away, Dornoch Beach is a stunning expanse of golden sand with a relaxed beach vibe. Ideal for a leisurely stroll or a sunny day by the sea, it’s a great spot to soak up the beauty of Scotland’s coastline.
  • Sutherland Monument: Just 3.2km from Dunrobin Castle, this monument is a cultural gem that offers insight into local history. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation of the region's heritage.

Best time to go to Dunrobin Castle

Visitor numbers around Dunrobin Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Dunrobin Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunrobin Castle

When visiting Dunrobin Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Sutherland Monument and Big Burn Walk. For budget-friendly accommodation, January to February and November offer the lowest prices, while booking about a month in advance usually yields savings. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays, which tend to be cheaper. Utilize Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into one package can help maximize savings for a wonderful stay around Dunrobin Castle.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dunrobin Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Dunrobin 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 Dunrobin Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dunrobin Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Dunrobin Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.