Hotels near Dunnottar Castle

THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Dunnottar Castle

Hotels near Dunnottar Castle

Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Read more
Stonehaven AB39 2TL Scotland
Read Reviews of Dunnottar Castle

Popular


Awards
Travellers’ Choice Awards winners (including the “Best of the Best” title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.


Property types


Amenities


Distance from

25+ km

Traveller rating


Hotel class


Style

Searching hundreds of travel sites to find you the best price
Sort by:
  • Best Value
    Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
  • Traveller Ranked
    Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
  • Distance from Dunnottar Castle
    See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary, learn more.
  1. 4.0 of 5 stars
    Highest-rated 4-star hotel within 21 km of Dunnottar Castle
    Based on availability on Tripadvisor for 6 April - 7 April
  2. Enter dates to see prices
    Souter Head Road Cove Bay, Aberdeen AB12 3LF Scotland
    19.3 km from Dunnottar Castle
Showing results 1-30 of 94
See what travellers are saying
  • KM
    36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were part of a small size group. The castle and views around it are beautiful. There’s not much to do within the castle itself and when we were there it was raining and the grounds were boggy so we didn’t stay long. There’s a small cafe but nothing else. It was worth the visit for the view.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 October 2024
  • erebust
    88 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We ended up there quite by accident on the way to Aberdeen. Absolutely worth it, the place is amazing. A castle on a promontory like this is truly rare, it must have been the strong wind, the sound of the sea crashing on the rocks but we were catapulted into another time...... truly beautiful.
    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, fantastic to hear that you discovered us in the passing and enjoyed your visit to the Castle, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 17 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 June 2024
  • Brendan M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting Dunnottar Castle was my highlight of our recent trip to Scotland. The presentation of the ruins is well done, allowing visitors into most of the rooms and structures. The informative plaques are a wealth of information, as is the small museum and are posted in such a way as to not detract from the visual experience. The views from the castle windows to the sea are inspiring and the whole place makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time. Thank you to all who maintain this wonderful place.
    Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice and thorough review. I'm glad the Castle made such an impression during your trip to Scotland and that you appreciated the information provided, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 16 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 May 2024
  • Hannah L
    Oregon39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Literally so amazing. The views were stunning and for a small price, our whole family got to see the ruins of this amazing castle located on a sort of cliff next to the ocean. We arrived a little early around 9am and found parking pretty quickly, however when we left we saw people parking outside of the main parking area as the car park itself is very limited in spaces. They have a coffee truck next to the car park with reasonable prices and a trail leading to the castle where you may purchase tickets. The climb down isn’t too bad, the climb up could be hard for some and definitely couldn’t be done by someone with mobility issues. Overall a great experience.
    Hi Hannah, thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely and informative review, glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Castle, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 8 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 July 2024
  • Angie C
    Sarasota, Florida9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As a game of thrones fan this was an exciting trip to see this castle. We drove over an hour from Ballater to see it. It did not disappoint. The price was reasonable for entry and we spent about 2 hours touring the castle ruins. The stairs are steep but manageable.
    Hi Angie, thanks for taking the time to leave a review and for travelling so far to visit, glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to the Castle, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 11 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 July 2024
  • Dany Robidoux
    Terrebonne, Canada47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the bus from Aberdeen to Stonehaven. About 30 minutes. We then walk a few minutes to the path that leads to the fortress. Many steps...the landscape is breathtaking. Lots of rooms to visit and lots of spaces to take photos. We could have spent the day there. It rained and fell again, so there were many slugs everywhere, crushed or not.... absolutely to be done again.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 March 2025
  • PaulaScot
    Isle of Skye, United Kingdom323 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Been wanting to visit this castle for years, finally made it over to the east coast. Didn't disappoint. Hard on the knees and puff getting there and back but worth it for stroll around the grounds. Lots of old ruins to wander through. Had a nice chat with a very friendly member of staff. Told us they have to carry all the booklets and stuff they need at the castle by themselves, then have to carry all the rubbish etc away again at the end of the day. I think they must all be very fit.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 October 2024
  • Lucrezia
    Turin, Italy6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Castle perched and beautiful, the road from Stonehaven is scenic and easy to walk. They were kind at the ticket office and the visit to the castle is worth the effort of climbing all the steps that lead to the entrance. Each room has explanatory signs and a convenient map is provided to explore each space of the castle
    Hi Lucrezia, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Castle, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 13 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 May 2024
  • Douglas M
    Nashville, Tennessee19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A castle high on a rocky promontory jutting into the sea—what could be more romantic. Employees Susan and Stacy provided information horticultural, historical, topographical and artistic: they deserve raises. Really, a most enjoyable day out. I took the bus from Stonehaven and walked back on the coastal path, high on cliffs. The views were so magnificent that I wish I’d walked both coming and going. 2 miles or so each way.
    Hi Douglas, thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review and for acknowledging 2 of our great staff members. Fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your visit and the walk back to town, Martin, Castle Custodian
    Written 24 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 July 2024
  • claudio d
    Viterbo, Italy45,437 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On the east coast of Scotland, on a peninsula in the shape of a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea, stand the ruins of this 14th century castle (or rather fortified citadel). The remains are suggestive but much more the scenic location: the promontory, which looks almost like an island, stands on a stretch of rugged coast, beaten by the waves and wind of the North Sea; the intense green of the grass creates a magnificent contrast with the reddish color of the corrugated rock. Add the gloomy day (and there was not even a bit of fine rain), with the wind whipping the grass of the meadows, and really here I found the Scotland of my imagination. I think it is the most beautiful place I have seen in my short (only 8 days) Scottish trip.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Hotels Near Dunnottar Castle information

Hotels Near Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

There are 43 Hotels close to Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven

Hotels Near Dunnottar Castle Reviews

There are 4,167 reviews on Tripadvisor for Hotels nearby

Hotels Near Dunnottar Castle Photos

There are 2,068 photos on Tripadvisor for Hotels nearby

Nearest accommodation

1.58 km
Frequently Asked Questions about hotels near Dunnottar Castle

Some of the best hotels near Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven are:
The Ship Inn - Traveller rating: 4.3/5
Bogenraith House - Traveller rating: 4.9/5

Housekeeping services are available at the following hotels near Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven:
The Ship Inn - Traveller rating: 4.3/5
Bogenraith House - Traveller rating: 4.9/5

All Stonehaven HotelsStonehaven Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Stonehaven
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars