Stonehaven Dunnottar Castle Hotels

Top reasons to visit Dunnottar Castle

• Historic Fortress: Explore the medieval Dunnottar Castle, steeped in history and offering stunning coastal views.
• Scenic Trails: Enjoy picturesque walks along scenic trails and the captivating waterfront surrounding the castle.
• Charming Beaches: Relax on nearby beaches and indulge in activities like building sandcastles.
• Botanical Gardens: Visit beautiful botanical gardens and urban parks in the vicinity for a peaceful retreat.
• Accommodations: Discover a range of hotels, from beachside retreats to pet-friendly lodgings, perfect for your stay.

Find great hotels near Dunnottar Castle

Discover a range of hotel accommodations near Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Scotland. Whether you seek pet-friendly lodgings, beachside retreats, or options for business travel, there's something to suit every traveller's needs. Explore top-rated hotels and read reviews to find the perfect base for your Scottish adventure, with easy access to the stunning castle and local attractions.

• The Aberdeen Altens Hotel: Nestled 19km from Dunnottar Castle, this 4-star hotel offers a contemporary and eco-friendly lodging experience for business and leisure travellers alike. Rated 8.6 out of 10 by guests, The Aberdeen Altens prides itself on its eco-certification, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious visitors. The hotel features modern amenities such as spacious rooms, a fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating stay.
• Ardoe House Hotel & Spa: Located 18km from Dunnottar Castle, this charming 3.5-star hotel combines historical elegance with modern conveniences, achieving a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Ideal for those seeking adventure, Ardoe House Hotel & Spa offers various recreational activities nearby, including hiking, skiing, and fishing. The property is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and providing essential amenities. Guests can unwind at the hotel's spa and enjoy delectable dining options, adding to a memorable getaway.
• Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel: Situated 19km from Dunnottar Castle, this 4-star hotel boasts a rich history and a picturesque setting, appealing to pet owners with its welcoming policies. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, exquisite dining, and charming grounds to explore. The hotel’s pet-friendly approach, including provisions for dogs, ensures that your furry companions can enjoy a holiday too, making it a delightful option for pet owners.

Where to stay near Dunnottar Castle

Exploring the area around Dunnottar Castle offers a delightful mix of experiences, from the breathtaking coastal scenery to the charm of nearby stone buildings. The friendly atmosphere and historical significance create a romantic setting perfect for families or couples. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, relax on nearby beaches, and soak in the superb location that captures the essence of Scotland's rich heritage. Discover the allure of this enchanting region and make unforgettable memories.

• Stonehaven: Nestled along the stunning Aberdeenshire coastline, Stonehaven is a charming town that serves as the gateway to Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff. With a rich maritime history, this coastal town offers visitors a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. From exploring its picturesque harbour to enjoying coastal walks, Stonehaven is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. The town boasts popular activities such as golfing and visits to the local historic sites, making it an ideal base for your Scottish adventure.
• Newtonhill: Located about 10km from Dunnottar Castle, Newtonhill is a quaint village that combines rural charm with a sense of community. Known for its scenic surroundings, this village offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to adventure enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Visitors can explore nearby historic landmarks and enjoy the serenity of the countryside. With a peak in visitor numbers during the summer months, Newtonhill provides a peaceful retreat while still being close to the vibrant attractions of Stonehaven.
• Auchenblae: Auchenblae, situated around 16km from Dunnottar Castle, is a picturesque village that captures the essence of rural Scotland. Known for its romantic ambiance and cultural offerings, Auchenblae is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in history and heritage. The local museum and historic sites provide insight into the region's past, while the tranquil setting invites leisurely strolls and exploration. With its peak season in spring and summer, Auchenblae promises a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle, making it a charming addition to your itinerary.

Things to do in Dunnottar Castle

Shopping

While Dunnottar Castle offers stunning views, for shopping, head to Stonehaven’s local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Aberdeen’s Union Square for a wider selection of stores, including high-street brands and local boutiques.

Recreation

At Dunnottar Castle, immerse yourself in the serene surroundings while enjoying guided meditation sessions on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Nearby, local wellness centres offer rejuvenating yoga classes and holistic treatments, allowing you to relax and recharge amidst the stunning coastal landscape.

Adventure

At Dunnottar Castle, explore the dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views while hiking along the coastal paths. Engage in guided tours to learn about the castle's rich history and legends, or capture stunning photographs of the imposing structure against the rugged Scottish landscape.

Nightlife

While Dunnottar Castle itself is a historical site rather than a nightlife hub, nearby Stonehaven offers charming pubs like The Marine Hotel and The Ship Inn, where you can enjoy local ales and a warm atmosphere after exploring the castle's stunning cliffs at sunset.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunnottar Castle

To save money on your trip to Dunnottar Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March or December to January, and aim for a Friday stay, as it's the least expensive day. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, and arrange the price filter from lowest to highest for the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can lead to significant savings. Explore free activities around the castle and utilise local public transport for affordable travel options.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dunnottar Castle are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dunnottar Castle is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Dunnottar Castle is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Dunnottar Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Dunnottar Castle

When visiting Dunnottar Castle, tourists can explore a variety of attractions, including the medieval fortress itself, beautiful botanical gardens, and nearby urban parks. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and outdoor adventures. Additionally, visitors can discover other nearby castles and tourist attractions, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Scotland.

• Duthie Park Winter Gardens: Nestled 21km from Dunnottar Castle, this enchanting botanical garden offers a serene escape with its tropical plants and vibrant floral displays. Ideal for families and couples alike, visitors can stroll through lush greenery or relax in the tranquil atmosphere.
• Crathes Castle and Gardens: Located 19km away, this stunning castle showcases exquisite architecture and beautifully maintained gardens. Rich in history and culture, Crathes Castle is perfect for those seeking a romantic backdrop or a glimpse into Scotland’s heritage.
• Hazlehead Park: Just 21km from Dunnottar Castle, Hazlehead Park is a lively urban park that combines family-friendly activities with serene outdoor spaces. Enjoy walking trails, play areas, and picturesque gardens, making it an inviting spot for local residents and visitors alike.

Best time to go to Dunnottar Castle

The best time to visit Dunnottar Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dunnottar Castle falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Dunnottar Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
September	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Dunnottar Castle

Flying to Dunnottar Castle is convenient with several nearby airports. EDInburgh Airport (EDI) is situated 132km away, with excellent hotels like Crescent House and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both 11km from the airport. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), only 29km from the castle, offers luxurious stays at Marcliffe and Trump® International Scotland, both within 13km. Lastly, INVerness Airport (INV) is 130km away, featuring hotels such as Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 13km from the airport. Each location provides various transportation services for easy access to Dunnottar Castle.