Dunrobin Castle Tours and Activities

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

Popular places to visit


Top Dunrobin Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Golspie Inn

Golspie Inn

3.5 out of 5
Old Bank Road, Golspie, Scotland
Golspie Inn
Royal Marine Hotel

Royal Marine Hotel

4 out of 5
Golf Road, Brora, Scotland
Royal Marine Hotel
Sutherland Inn

Sutherland Inn

3 out of 5
Fountain Square, Brora, Scotland
Sutherland Inn
North Coast 500 Pods

North Coast 500 Pods

3.5 out of 5
32 Alt Craggie, West Clyne, Brora, Scotland
North Coast 500 Pods
Dornoch Station

Dornoch Station

5 out of 5
Grange Road, Dornoch, Scotland
Dornoch Station
Royal Golf Hotel

Royal Golf Hotel

4 out of 5
The First Tee, Grange Road, Dornoch, Scotland
Royal Golf Hotel
Links House at Royal Dornoch

Links House at Royal Dornoch

5 out of 5
Golf Road, Dornoch, Scotland
Links House at Royal Dornoch
Woodlands Bed & Breakfast

Woodlands Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
Stafford Road, Dornoch, Scotland
Woodlands Bed & Breakfast
Evelix Pods

Evelix Pods

3 out of 5
Evelix, Dornoch, Scotland
Evelix Pods
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

At Dunrobin Castle, visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including guided castle tours that explore its rich history and stunning architecture. Don't miss the impressive falconry displays, showcasing majestic birds of prey in flight. For golf enthusiasts, there are excellent courses nearby, offering a perfect blend of leisure and scenery. A visit to Dunrobin Castle promises a memorable experience filled with culture and natural beauty.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit the Iolaire store, located 43.5km away from Dunrobin Castle. If you're up for a drive, explore local markets and boutiques in nearby towns, offering a range of gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Recreation

Royal Dornoch Golf Club, located 12.9km from Dunrobin Castle, offers a stunning course with outdoor vibes for golf enthusiasts. Golspie Golf Club is even closer at 3.2km, providing a scenic playing experience. For a touch of luxury, Tarbat Golf Course, 17.7km away, delivers an exclusive golfing atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore the Big Burn Walk, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Dunrobin Castle, perfect for outdoor adventurers. For longer treks, the Moray Coast Trail and Dava Way, situated 28 and 46.7km away respectively, offer stunning landscapes and a true taste of Scottish wilderness.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Dunrobin Castle's surroundings by visiting The Eagle Hotel for a cozy pub atmosphere and a fine selection of Scottish ales. For a unique twist, check out the nearby Golspie Inn for live music and a vibrant local vibe, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland is a must-visit, offering stunning views and rich history. The castle grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the impressive castle rooms showcase its grandeur. Nearby, you can enjoy the beach and golf courses, catering to those seeking outdoor experiences. Don't miss the striking facade of Dunrobin Castle, which adds to the charm of this cultural gem in the Scottish Highlands.

  • Skibo Castle: Nestled 16.1km from Dunrobin Castle, Skibo Castle offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. This golf course and country club boasts a friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
  • Sutherland Monument: Located merely 3.2km away, the Sutherland Monument stands as a testament to local culture. This impressive monument is a must-visit for those interested in the rich history and heritage of the area.
  • Carn Liath: Just 1.6km from Dunrobin Castle, Carn Liath is an archaeological site that invites you to delve into Scotland's past. Experience the cultural significance of this ancient site and its fascinating history.

Best time to go to Dunrobin Castle

The best time to visit Dunrobin Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dunrobin Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dunrobin Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save on your visit to Dunrobin Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance can help secure the best rates, especially on Tuesdays, which are cheaper than Fridays. Use Expedia to refine your accommodation search based on budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to check last-minute deals for spontaneous plans!

  • 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: Book your hotel around Dunrobin Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Dunrobin Castle accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.