Worth a Journey

Read by 254k monthly readers

The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses

Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven, United Kingdom

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CASTLES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 7 2026

Top 10

Dunnottar Castle

Clifftop ruined castle on a rocky headland above the North Sea near Stonehaven. Visitors walk down a long stepped path from the car park, then climb to the gate and wander through the ruined rooms, with information panels explaining each area.

Highlights

  • Sea views from the cliffs
  • Ruined rooms and halls
  • Information panels inside

Good to know

  • Entry fee applies to the castle interior
  • Steep steps, sturdy footwear advised
  • Car park fills up early, arrive early

Also in the United Kingdom

  1. Caernarfon Castle N° 6 Caernarfon Castle Caernarfon Castle
  2. Conwy Castle N° 11 Conwy Castle Conwy Castle
  3. Stirling Castle N° 16 Stirling Castle Stirling Castle
  4. Raglan Castle N° 26 Raglan Castle Raglan Castle ruin
  5. Bamburgh Castle N° 37 Bamburgh Castle Bamburgh Castle
  6. Beaumaris Castle N° 38 Beaumaris Castle Beaumaris Castle