Dunrobin Castle Review: History & Visitor Guide

I was looking forward to visiting Dunrobin Castle before the NC500 trip and it did not disappoint. It’s one of the prettiest castle gardens I’ve visited (see my photos of Hever Castle in Kent). The view from the top was spectacular, whilst walking around the gardens was so peaceful, exactly what we needed after a 1 hour and 30 minute drive. The exterior of the castle looks like it was taken straight from a fairy tale too.

We saw a falconry display which was fun and I recommend seeing. I also recommend visiting the museum which has an incredible room full of taxidermy which you’ll either in be awe of or scared from the number on display (see my photos below). The interior of the castle is decadent and grand – it’s well worth perusing. Overall, visiting Dunrobin Castle was one of my highlights of my NC500 trip and definitely think it’s worth visiting.

If you’re visiting Isle of Skye, I also recommend visiting Eilean Donan Castle too which I think is one of the most picturesque castles in the UK.

My Photos of Dunrobin Castle

These photos are free to use, all I ask is you link back to this page as credit.

History of Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is the ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, located near Golspie in the Scottish Highlands. Its origins date back to the 13th century, with the earliest surviving structure — a medieval keep — built in the late 1300s. The name “Dunrobin” likely derives from Robert, 6th Earl of Sutherland, who died in 1427.

The castle evolved from a defensive stronghold into a grand residence, surviving clan feuds, Jacobite uprisings, and wartime service. In 1745, it was stormed by Jacobite forces loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie. In the 19th century, the 2nd Duke of Sutherland commissioned Sir Charles Barry (architect of the Palace of Westminster) to remodel the castle in Scottish Baronial style, adding turrets, spires, and formal gardens inspired by Versailles.

Dunrobin served as a naval hospital during WWI and a boarding school from 1965–1972. It opened to the public in 1973, and today remains one of Scotland’s most romantic and continuously inhabited castles.

10 Interesting Facts About Dunrobin Castle

The castle contains 189 rooms, making it the largest in the Northern Highlands.
Its gardens span over 1,000 acres, laid out in formal French style by Sir Charles Barry.
The castle’s private railway station, opened in 1870, still operates seasonally.
Queen Victoria visited in 1872 and praised its blend of Scottish and French architecture.
The castle was used as a naval hospital in WWI and suffered fire damage in 1915.
Dunrobin Castle was a filming location for The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes and Outlander.
The museum, housed in an 18th-century summerhouse, contains Pictish stones and Egyptian relics.
The castle’s falconry displays feature hawks, owls, and eagles in twice-daily shows.
The private chapel includes stained glass and carved woodwork from the 19th century.
The castle is still owned by the Sutherland family, with the current Earl residing nearby.

Things to See and Do at Dunrobin Castle

Tour the Castle Interiors
Explore the drawing room, library, dining room, and bedrooms — all richly furnished with portraits, tapestries, and antiques.
Visit the Museum
Browse archaeological finds, taxidermy, and ethnographic items collected by the Sutherland family.
Stroll the Formal Gardens
Admire symmetrical parterres, fountains, and exotic plants with views over the North Sea.
Watch the Falconry Display
Enjoy twice-daily demonstrations (11:30 am & 2:30 pm) of birds of prey in flight.
Climb the Grand Staircase
Marvel at Barry’s architectural flourishes and the castle’s fairytale-like turrets.
Explore the Gift Shop
Find Scottish crafts, woollens, and souvenirs in the courtyard shop.
Relax in the Tearoom
Sample homemade soup, sandwiches, cakes, and local ice cream with garden views.
Walk the Woodland Trails
Take a gentle stroll through surrounding parkland and coastal paths.
Visit the Private Chapel
Admire stained glass and carved woodwork in this peaceful 19th-century sanctuary.
Photograph the Castle from the Terrace
Capture iconic views of the gardens and sea — especially stunning in morning light.

Practical Information for Visiting Dunrobin Castle

Location: Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland KW10 6SF
Opening Times (2025):
- 1 April – 31 October
- April & October: Daily, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)
- May–September: Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
Entry Fees:
- Adults (17+): £15.50
- Seniors/Students: £13.50
- Children (6–16): £9.00
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £45.00
- Under 6s: Free
Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
(Allow extra time for falconry displays or garden walks)
Tickets:
- Available online or at the gate
- Dunrobin Castle – Official Site
Parking:
- Free on-site for 200 cars and 10 coaches
Accessibility:
- Limited access in castle interiors; gardens accessible by request
- Contact ahead for mobility support
Dogs:
- Assistance dogs only inside; welcome on leads in gardens
Food & Drink:
- Tearoom open daily; picnic areas available
Toilets:
- Accessible and baby-changing facilities on site
Transport:
- Train: Dunrobin Castle Station (5-min walk; seasonal service)
- Bus: Stagecoach routes X98, X99, and 63 stop nearby
- Car: A9 north of Golspie; follow signs from main road
Nearby: Carn Liath Broch, Big Burn Walk, Golspie Beach, Brora Heritage Centre