Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Golspie: Hours, Address, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Dunrobin Castle is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. The earliest part of the building dates from around 1275 and has a number of later extensions. Your tour begins at the main staircase, which leads to the state rooms on the first floor. These include the Dining Room, set with the family silver, and our Library which has over 10,000 books. You then make your way to the smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle. The Tearoom and Gift Shop can be found on the ground floor. Access to the Gardens is from the Entrance Hall. Our Victorian Museum and Falconry displays can be found in the garden. Falconry displays 11.30am and 2pm daily during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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6 within 5 kms
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4.5
1,889 reviews
Excellent
1,312
Very good
453
Average
81
Poor
27
Terrible
17
399BarbaraA399
Rochester, UK33 contributions
May 2022
My third visit to the Castle but, for another in my party, it was their first visit.
It seemed more commercialised than during my last visit (several coach parties), but this is probably a sign of the times. This, together with the fact it was raining, meant the Castle was uncomfortably busy during the our visit.
That said, however, the Castle is very interesting and worth visiting. A must-see if you are in the area.
We didn't go into the gardens because of the weather but I know, from earlier visits, that they are lovely.
The gift shop was well stocked with goods relative to the area.
It seemed more commercialised than during my last visit (several coach parties), but this is probably a sign of the times. This, together with the fact it was raining, meant the Castle was uncomfortably busy during the our visit.
That said, however, the Castle is very interesting and worth visiting. A must-see if you are in the area.
We didn't go into the gardens because of the weather but I know, from earlier visits, that they are lovely.
The gift shop was well stocked with goods relative to the area.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
patandbryan
York, UK29 contributions
Jun 2022
Dunrobin was a very special place. The furnishings are slightly shabby and I would guess mostly original not at all Disneyfied! The staff in each room were very friendly and knowledgeable and it took us a while to tour the house. Excellent value for money. The falconry display was well presented and the food in the cafe was very good. All in all I would thoroughly recommend a visit.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Forest54
New Forest115 contributions
May 2022
The Castle was interesting, and on a slightly rainy May day it was lovely to have a roaring log fire in the entrance hall. If you are a member of Historic Houses you can get in for free. The grounds are also beautiful, but the highlight of the visit was seeing one of the twice daily falconry displays. The falconer was passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and gave an excellent talk and display.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ronnie c
Kirkcaldy, UK448 contributions
Jul 2022
castle is stunning lots to see inside and outside in gardens, castle is right next to wate r,plus you get some very nice phots inside and outside looking down to gardens,
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark530
Wolverhampton, UK50 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Very interesting walk inside the castle and gardens, my wife particularly enjoyed the falconry display which I must admit was worth the admission price on its own. Had a spot of lunch in the cafe too which was really nice
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KorkyManchesterUK
Lymm, UK118 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Simply stunning! We stayed in the grounds here on the first night of our motorhome trip around the NC500. Not sure if we were supposed to be here but nobody bothered us and we were no bother to anyone ourselves! We were the only people there and it was so peaceful.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pinot Press
202 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Every bit a big, beautiful castle with sumptuous rooms, gorgeous gardens and awesome Andy and his heroic hunting birds !!!
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John L
Kent, UK8 contributions
Jun 2022
Firstly, we were really impressed by the Falconry display, that was brilliant.
However, we were not so impressed by the lack of signing within the castle itself.
I can quute understand backpacks being discouraged, but if that had been made clearer in the carpark, we could have left it in the car rather than being told in a less than friendly tone at the paydesk. Also, upon reaching the first floor we were asked for our tickets in a rather brusque manner. The tour was self guided which is fair enough but there were not enough room guides to give further information where we would have liked some.
If it hadn't been for the falconry display we would have only awarded two stars.
However, we were not so impressed by the lack of signing within the castle itself.
I can quute understand backpacks being discouraged, but if that had been made clearer in the carpark, we could have left it in the car rather than being told in a less than friendly tone at the paydesk. Also, upon reaching the first floor we were asked for our tickets in a rather brusque manner. The tour was self guided which is fair enough but there were not enough room guides to give further information where we would have liked some.
If it hadn't been for the falconry display we would have only awarded two stars.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John C
Sheffield, UK243 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We've visited many castles & stately homes in Britain, & Dunrobin is definitely one of the finest. The building is magnificent, with a majestic setting, & there was plenty to see inside. The tea room containing the vintage fire engine was admirable, & the falconry display with Andy & his birds was enlightening. Given that they charged only £11.50 each for seniors, I thought that this represented great value for money
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jimbill
Houston, TX29 contributions
May 2022
We had an excellent visit here. Got there just as they were having a falconry exhibition in the gardens. We stayed up top and toured the castle. Had the whole place to ourselves!
The castle itself is beautiful and large. I could see getting lost in it. Docents were friendly and knowledgeable.
The grounds are also quite beautiful.
The castle itself is beautiful and large. I could see getting lost in it. Docents were friendly and knowledgeable.
The grounds are also quite beautiful.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alorisella
Perth, Australia30 contributions
Hi all,
I am visiting Scotland in March and unfortunately it appears Dunrobin Castle is not open during this period.Does anyone know if we will be able to view the exterior of the castle from outside the grounds?
Thanks in advance.
A R H
Sedona, AZ820 contributions
The car park by Home Farm and Gift Shop should be accessible, if so you should be able to get into the garden area and see the house. However, its going to be try and see as the main access might not be open. If you are travelling close by it would be worth a try, but I would not make a big detour just in case!
Bonjour,
En hiver est-il possible d'aller quand même le voir depuis l'extérieur ou l'accès depuis la route principale est fermé ?
Scothighlands
Scottish Highlands, UK524 contributions
There is no gate on the front of the castle grounds. As far as I can see from the road, you have full access to the drive way and woodland. I also believe you can proceed down the right hand road beside the castle and walk along the seashore. I have posted a couple of drives to Dunrobin Castle on the scothighlands website if you’d like to see how the access is and have an idea of the view from the coast.
Markybug73
Perth, UK101 contributions
Are dogs allowed in the gardens and grounds ?
Do you pay to just visit the gardens ?
Thanks.
NicRay68
Nottingham, UK58 contributions
I think you can walk the grounds for free but not sure about dogs
Karen746
Glenrothes, Scotland, United Kingdom5 contributions
Are dogs allowed inside the castle?
Scothighlands
Scottish Highlands, UK524 contributions
No but you can take them through the woodland by the castle and also around the coastline. I've posted a clip of the view from the coast on the Scothighlands website but can't share the link here unfortunately.
Joseph@malta
Glenrothes, UK90 contributions
we can to pay only for the garden entrance and for the falconry show only?
Travel_Teddybears
Glasgow, UK1,305 contributions
Hi there
No I think you have to buy an all in one ticket, but the castle is beautiful as well.
It is a good day out.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
Joseph@malta
Glenrothes, UK90 contributions
WE are planning to visit this castle and gardens next May, would 90minutes be enough to have a quick look and watch the falconry too? as we have a tight schedule
DSC-NOVA
Fairfax, VA2,747 contributions
Personal opinion, but I think you would be pushing it with only 90 minutes (assuming that means from the time you pull into the parking lot until the time you pull back out) if you want to enjoy your visit.
Yes, you can make it through the building, especially if you are not really into the historic aspects that abound, and you can make it through the gardens; the crunch might be the falconry exhibit. You will have to be very careful in your timing, since the bird displays happen at set periods during the day. You may have to leave before the end to keep on schedule.
One thing to consider is how expensive it is to get into Dunrobin. We had the luxury of being able to rearrange our day to expand the time at Dunrobin so we knew had a snack there and walked through the house and gardens and down to the falcons for a preliminary walk prior to the display--in short, we spent a couple hours and felt it was worth the price of admission.
hey was looking to visit this castle in November, however there website doesn't specify if it opens during November/ December so does anyone know ????
MIke D
Kingswinford, UK64 contributions
I think that it is closed from November to March.
hi. we will be visiting on Sat 13th oct. Will the falconry display be on?
Fogdog39
Arbroath, UK55 contributions
Yes it should be.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
- Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 16:30
- We recommend booking Dunrobin Castle and Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 Dunrobin Castle and Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dunrobin Castle and Gardens:
- Dunrobin Castle and Glenmorangie Distillery 8 Seater Bus Tour from Inverness (From £75.36)
- Legendary Dunrobin Castle Tour (From £115.55)
- Tour 1 - Dunrobin Fairytale Castle, Millionaire's View, Dornoch village & shops (From £118.57)
- John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle & the Far North from Inverness (From £52.25)
- 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness (From £395.48)
- Hotels near Dunrobin Castle and Gardens:
- (1.21 km) Golspie Inn
- (12.30 km) Links House at Royal Dornoch
- (11.34 km) Heartseed House B&B
- (2.08 km) Granite Villa Guest House
- (13.49 km) 4 bedroom Cottage with Heated Pool in Dornoch
- Restaurants near Dunrobin Castle and Gardens:
- (1.92 km) Poppy's Coffee Shop
- (2.03 km) Coffee Bothy
- (2.13 km) The Trawler
- (6.36 km) Sid's spice
- (12.24 km) Milk & Honey
- Attractions near Dunrobin Castle and Gardens:
- (0.71 km) Carn Liath Broch
- (1.89 km) Big Burn Walk
- (6.47 km) Clynelish Distillery
- (6.66 km) Brora Beach
- (12.42 km) Dornoch Beach