The Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the blog about the magnificent Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire – a world-famous tourist attraction and historical site. Here, we will discuss the interesting facts and information about the castle, a travel guide, and some of the best things to do when you visit. We will also explore the history of this castle and why it is so special. So, come with us and take a journey through time to explore this beautiful and mysterious place! You’re sure to learn something interesting and exciting about this remarkable castle.

Interesting Facts About The Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

, Scotland

1. The Dunnottar Castle is believed to be witch-free, a claim often made about historic sites. The castle has been called the “Gibraltar of the North” due to its seemingly-impregnable defenses.

2. The castle was the site of a siege and rescue in 1651, when the Scottish Covenanters held off the English Royalist forces until a relief force arrived. This dramatic siege has become known as the ‘Rescue of the Scottish Honours’.

3. The history of the castle is shrouded in mystery and legend. Apparently it was first constructed in the 11th century, though some references date back to the 7th century.

4. The castle was used as a royal fortress for the ruling family, the royal family also used the castle to store the Scottish Honours, which includes the Scottish Crown and the Stone of Destiny.

5. The castle was owned by the Keith family for over 150 years before being taken over by the Marquis of Argyll in 1685.

6. The castle is an easily recognizable landmark due to its pale stone walls, which can be seen for miles. Its appearance also gives it a gothic quality.

7. The castle has been used in many films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Bruce and Highlander.

8. The last people to occupy the castle were the Waifs of the Sea, a sect of itinerant priests who lived within the walls of the castle.

9. The castle was allegedly haunted by an invisible beast called the Black Cat.

10. Dunnottar Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland due to its cliffside location and spectacular views.

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History & Information About The Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle is a medieval fortress located in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is strategically located atop a promontory overlooking the North Sea on the east coast of Scotland. The castle dates back to at least the 13th century and it was the fortress of the Earls Marischal, the most powerful family in the northeast of Scotland in that era.

The castle has had a turbulent history. It was besieged by William Wallace in 1297, burned by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, witnessed the execution of George, 5th Earl Marischal in 1679, and was raided frequently by the Jacobites. In 1685, the Scottish crown jewels were moved there for safe-keeping.

The first stone fortress was built in the 1500s, on the remains of an earlier fortification. The most recent stone work was in 1685, when the walls enclosing the castle were completed. The huge gatehouse was added in the 1720s. In 1933, the castle was donated to the people of Scotland and is now preserved by Historic Scotland. It remains an impressive and popular tourist attraction today.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Welcome to Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire! This beautiful castle is located right near the town of Stonehaven and serves as a popular tourist destination and a beautiful backdrop for countless pieces of art. From ancient mythology to modern marvels, the stunning architecture, the gorgeous surroundings, and the rich history make this castle a must-see for travelers heading to the Aberdeenshire area of Scotland. Here’s your essential guide for visiting the area.

Getting Around:

Stonehaven is accessible by car, bus, or train. There are several rail companies that run daily services to the town so it is easy to reach from anywhere in Scotland. If you are planning on taking a car, you’ll need to follow the A90/A92 road and turn left off the A90 ahead of Stonehaven. Then you’ll need to follow the B996 as it turns into the A975 and take the B9791, which will bring you right into the town of Stonehaven.

From there, you can head north to the Dunnottar Castle. This stunning castle is perched atop a rocky outcrop near the harbor and is easily accessible by either the Promenade path or along the North Esk River road. Be aware that parking is limited and you may have to wait for someone to leave before you can enter.

Things to Do:

Once you are at the Dunnottar Castle, there are lots of great things to do. You can explore the grounds and get up close and personal with the ruins of this once formidable fortress. You can also take in the views from the turrets and walk along the pathways and courtyards of the castle. There is a small museum located right on the premises and it has an incredible collection of artifacts related to the castle as well as some of the local history of Stonehaven.

For a little more adventure, you can take a boat tour from the harbor. This lets you get a better view of the Dunnottar Castle and even spot some of the local wildlife. There is also a nearby path that runs around the harbor and takes you around the cliffs. Finally, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs in Stonehaven that you can stop at and enjoy a meal or a beer.

So don’t miss out on the great sights and experiences that await you at the Dunnottar Castle. With a good plan and plenty of free time, you can explore the wonders of this ancient setting and take in the stunning views of the Aberdeenshire environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Q. What is Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle?
A. Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located on the northeast coast of Scotland, near the town of Stonehaven. It is one of the most dramatic and picturesque historic sites in Scotland, and has been a popular tourist attraction since the 18th century.

Q. Who built Dunnottar Castle?
A. Dunnottar Castle was built by William the Lion in the late 12th century. The castle underwent several periods of expansion and remodeling over the centuries, until it was abandoned in the late 17th century. It was later restored in the 19th century.

Q. What is the history of Dunnottar Castle?
A. Dunnottar Castle was the site of several significant historical events, including William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, the imprisonment of Charles I in 1650, and the storage of the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) in the 17th century.

Q. How do I get to Dunnottar Castle?
A. Dunnottar Castle is located just a few minutes drive south of Stonehaven. It can also be accessed by car or bus from Aberdeen, approximately 20 miles away.

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