About Dunrobin Castle
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- Member Discounts
We are open to visitors from 1st of April
Whether you’re travelling north or south on the North Coast 500, Dunrobin Castle is the perfect place to stretch your legs, explore over 700 years of history, enjoy falconry displays and relax in the Tea Room before continuing your journey.
Dunrobin Castle is open to visitors from 1 April to 31 October.
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. It is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
Castle
Situated on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, the castle sits just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch. This Highland gem lies directly on the North Coast 500 route, making it an ideal stop when exploring the Northern Highlands.
Dunrobin Castle resembles a French château with its towering conical spires. It has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. The Castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972.
Gardens
The gardens were laid out in 1850 by architect Sir Charles Barry, who was responsible for the Victorian extension to the castle and who designed the Houses of Parliament. Inspiration came from the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and they have changed little in the 150 years since they were planted, although new plants are constantly being introduced.
Tearooms
A visit to Dunrobin’s popular Tea Room is a must! Enjoy a bowl of hearty homemade soup or tuck into a freshly prepared sandwich. There are deliciously wholesome hot meals on offer, as well as tempting homemade cakes and pastries, and local ice creams.
Falconry
There could be no more fitting a backdrop to an airborne golden eagle, than the towering façade of Dunrobin Castle. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy displays of the ancient art of falconry by a consummate expert in the field, resident falconer Andrew Bunting.
Museum
The Victorian museum was originally used as a summer house by William, Earl of Sutherland. The museum displays a variety of artefacts including the heads of numerous animals shot by the family on safari and a collection of Pictish stone symbols and cross-slabs.
Interactive Guides
Using interactive smart guides, visitors can explore Dunrobin Castle at their own pace and uncover its hidden stories through expert narration, discovering the lives, legends and heritage of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. The guides offer a deeper insight into the Castle, its history and the people who shaped it.
Alongside the adult guide, younger visitors can enjoy their own interactive adventure, following animated characters Rumble the Wolf, Lady Whiskerfluff the Cat and Much the Goat as they journey through the Castle. Packed with colourful content, engaging activities and exciting discoveries, the children’s guide brings the history of Dunrobin Castle to life in a fun and memorable way.
Adult guides are £3.50, children’s guides are £2.50, and families (2 adults and 2 children) can enjoy a discounted family price of £10. The smart guides are available in English, French, German and Italian.
Good to know before you go.
Dunrobin Castle sits just off the A9 on the North Coast 500 route, making it easily accessible for those exploring the Highlands. Dunrobin Castle offers free, ample parking, making it an easy and convenient stop for visitors. There’s also a Coffee Wagon in the car park throughout the season, perfect for those looking for a quick refreshment or a break on their NC500 journey.
Visitors are able to book their ticket ahead and save time on arrival via the Dunrobin Castle website.
Please note that due to the historic nature of the castle, there is no disabled access. However, if you get in touch prior to arrival, transport down to the gardens can be arranged for those who are unable to make the walk on foot.
Dogs are not permitted (except guide dogs) in the castle or the gardens due to the falconry, as the safety of our guests and birds is our top priority.
NC500 Member Discount Available:
Special discount for NC500 Members – ask at reception (subject to availability)
Proof of Membership required (please show your Welcome Email or Gold Membership Club 500 ID Card).
