Dunrobin Castle

Tour Dunrobin Castle

Visitors can explore the castle on a self-guided tour with the help of detailed information boards and knowledgeable staff. Those working at the castle are always happy to answer any questions as visitors wander through the 18 incredible rooms. The tours begin in the grand public rooms and continue to the dining room, drawing room, and the spectacular library that is currently home to 10,000 books.

Dunrobin’s current design was created by Sir Charles Barry, who created the fairytale appearance that the castle is now known for. He was tasked with remodelling the castle in 1845 by the owners, who wanted the castle to sit as an example of French elegance. His work did wonders, creating what is now an incredible, elegant and unforgettable castle.

As you explore the castle, the extravagant hunting trophies and family portraits will make you feel as if you’ve truly been transported to a bygone time. Each of the rooms is filled with wonderful furniture and art that is equally as beautiful as the castle itself. And, of course, no self-respecting castle would be without some kind of ghost. On your journey around the castle, you can learn about Dunrobin’s very own ghost. The seamstress’ room is said to be haunted by the ghost of an imprisoned maiden. Trying to escape, she fell from the window to her death!

Dunrobin Castle Gardens

Once you have finished exploring the castle, there are wonderful gardens to wander around. The gardens are stunning, and just like the castle, were inspired by the French. Filled with fascinating topiary that you can view from formal walkways between beautiful flowerbeds, the gardens of Dunrobin were actually inspired and modelled on the Garden of Versaille.

Photography is not permitted inside the castle, but feel free to take plenty of pictures in the gardens. There is definitely plenty for you to take photos of!

The gardens haven’t changed much since they were created 150 years ago. But, there have been a few recent refurbishments to the planting and ornaments. There are new avenues of Tuscan laurel and Whitebeam, and wooden pyramids have been constructed as an ornamental feature.

The gardens are well sheltered, so they can support a surprising range of plants. There is a huge clump of giant rhubarb whose leaves measure eight feet. Mexican orange blossom, Californian lilies, a rare climbing hybrid tea rose, and fuchsias all thrive, despite being in the harsh climate of the Scottish Highlands. A variety of fuchsia, created by a previous gardener, can be seen in the garden, and many of the flowers in the garden can also be seen within the castle, as all of the cut flowers within the castle are from the grounds.

Falconry displays and museum

There are regular falconry displays on the Castle lawn from April to October, typically, these displays occur twice a day. During the display, the falconer will share all sorts of incredible information about the birds of prey, and each day, a few lucky spectators get to take part and hold some of the birds.

Inside, the museum will provide you with lots more fascinating history. There are some very interesting collections housed there. Ethnographic items, archaeological relics, and even information on the coal mine at Brora. The museum is host to a collection of Pictish stones, a section on geology, and gold panning at Kildonan, as well as a display of animal heads that the family hunted on safari years ago.

The castle tour, gardens, museum, and falconry display are all included in the entry price.