A Visit to Merida's Home – Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
During our recent visit to Scotland our hosts, Louise and Graeme from Newton Farm gave us lots of fabulous suggestions of places to visit and one that stood out immediately was Dunnottar Castle.
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland near Stonehaven, about an hour from where we were staying and is the inspiration behind Merida’s DunBroch family castle from the film Brave.
The castle is hidden from the road and is a short walk along an uneven path from the car park but as soon as it comes into view you know you are visiting somewhere special.
If you are travelling with babies or young children, be aware that there are 180 steps to tackle so you will need a baby carrier rather than a buggy, or in our case, Daddy’s shoulders.
This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was once the home of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland and is steeped in history.
Of course the kids weren’t really interested in the history part, they just wanted to explore and who could blame them.
Dunnottar Castle is famous for being where a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
They have recently restored the Drawing Room to commemorate the Battle of the Honours which took place in 1650, which gave a real insight to what the castle may have looked like.
William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have also graced the Castle with their presence throughout history.
Although the castle is ruined in places, there is still plenty to see and lots of rooms to explore with stunning views over the rocky coastline.
Due to its position on a rocky outcrop it is worth noting that the castle can close because of high winds. When we arrived the castle was closed, but thankfully the weather conditions improved enough for us to be able to visit, although the wind does howl around the castle and is quite spooky, especially in the Keep where we had to shelter from a brief rainstorm.
Tickets cost £17 for a family of 4 and Sebby was free as he is under 5.
If you are in the area I highly recommend a visit to Dunnottar Castle, the views are spectacular.
lauren porter
This looks fab! The views are amazing. I remember as a kid absolutely loving old castles and climbing on the ruins 🙂 Would definitely visit if I was in the area x
Louise Edwards
I love a good castle and this one on a clifftop looks awesome. You had beautiful weather but I bet it was chilly – all adding to the atmosphere of the experience though!
Talya
Wow what an absolutely breathtaking spot for a castle – that view! That looks like an incredible spot to visit.
Jen
I love castles, particularly those with a deep history. Loving the look of this gem. Will have to add it to my “to do” list.
Sophie
The castle looks incredible! What a view ????
Joanna
I love visiting places liks this such stunning views your photos are really beautiful
Sabina Green
Oh wow this looks amazing, I LOVE visiting Castles. This reminds me of Tintagel which was a great day out for us. I think I am going to have to add this one to my list 🙂
Kara
Despite visiting Cornwall many times we have still not done Tintagel…….we also seem to visit in winter LOL
Shirley
Wow lovely photographs, i love to visit historic monuments. Castle is looking so amazing and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Cass Bailey
This loks like somewhere we would love as we love exploring places like this – the kids play hide and seek 😉
Liz Burton
What an absolute gem! It looks like a stunning place to visit – those views!! in your photo it looks exactly like the place they filmed in The Crown – I wonder if it was?
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs
We love taking a look around castles. This looks like a stunning place, with such gorgeous views.
You’ve taken some beautiful captures 🙂 x
Jen Walshaw
What a stunning place to visit. Pretty in the sunshine, but I can imagine it being quite haunting in the mists
Kristi Cathey
I love visiting ancient castles. They are very gorgeous and I have a feeling like I’m in the ancient time when standing in the hall. Must take note of this. Your pictures are amazing!!!
Baby Isabella
Woweee! What a castle, looks like something out of Game of Thrones! Reminds us of Dunluce Castle in N.Ireland x
Ali Chapman
I love visiting castles, so many stories to be told there. And £17 isn’t too bad for a family ticket is it?
Sonia Cave
Wow that is amazing! Imagine living there with all those views! #countrykidsfun
Coombe Mill - Fiona Cambouropoulos
Now this looks well worth the drive and the climb. I bet it was amazing back in its day and still looks pretty cool now. I can understand it being shut on a windy day, it sounds like you were very lucky with your visit. The views are quite spectacular, what a place to build a home.
Thank you for sharing on #CountryKids
Lauren Moseley
I do love a castle and this one looks awesome. Love the views and history. What an amazing place to explore! #CountryKids
Helena
Brave is a great film and I do think this castle is quite spectacular. #CountryKids
Danielle
Wow lovely pictures I stay in Scotland and have never been here my little boy loves castles so maybe one day when he’s able to walk up it himself xxx
Kate Williams
That looks brilliant – love how you can climb all round it!
Cheryl | TimeToCraft
What a beautiful location. Looks a fun place to visit. You framed the view of the sea through the raggedly walls perfectly. #CountryKids
Cliona
Oh my God, that looks absolutely spectacular! Just the sort of place I love to visit and exploring Scotland more is definitely on my bucket list. We visited Glasgow a couple of years ago and it was fabulous but I’d like to visit the more remote areas too, it looks so stunning.
Fashion and Style Police
Wow this is so beautiful to look out. I would love to see this place in real life.
becky @lakessinglemum
One of my favourite castles in the world!
Anna
I absolutely love castle, and this looks breathtaking would love to visit one day. x
Jonny (Daisy the bus)
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing. The location, the ambience, even the weather!! Old ruins in wonderful locations like this are – in my experience – much more interesting for kids than heavily-restored castles or elegant palaces. Our four would love to explore every nook and cranny of this place. #ThePlacesWeWillGoLinky (p.s. “Thieves’ Hole”, surely? 😉 )
Sonia
Wow! It just looks amazing Kara! Those views!!!! I want to go now x Thanks for linking up to #ThePlaceWeWillGoLinky xx –
Coral -Way Too Much Luggage
We love it at Dunnottar , It is not very far from us and we love a walk at Stonehaven and then a visit to Dunnottar. It is such a spectacular setting. There is a little land train that leaves from Stonehaven square that runs around the town and also takes you up to Dunnottar.
Ninjakillercat
What a breathtaking location , it’s somewhere I’d live to go to.
You’re making me want to go to Scotland again .
Deb Sharratt
Looks like you had a fab time. We are heading to Scotland soon and looking forward to seeing lots of great castles 🙂
Kel
Wow, this looks like a wonderful place to visit! I do love a good castle, and I’d very muchlike to visit Merida’s home!
Sarah Christie
Wow some of those views are just breathtaking, I love Brave so would love to visit, I am slowly falling in love with Scotland x
Natasha Haley
I have only recently heard of this castle and I cannot wait to go!