Doune Castle

Overview

Pre-booking of tickets is recommended as this is now a popular tourist destination due to the "Outlander" connection.

Check the Doune Castle website for updates

Doune Castle is one of the most complete Medieval castles that you will find in Scotland. It is a labyrinth of rooms connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. The castle is great fun for kids who can play “Hide and Seek” in its many corners.

We think this is one of the best castles to visit as there are so many rooms to explore and it is full of surprises. On the downside, there aren't many information boards about the building so you need to listen to the handheld Audio guide (included free in the admission price) if you are interested in the castle's history.

Film enthusiasts will possibly know of Doune Castle or recognise it as it was used for several scenes in the film "Monty Python & the Holy Grail". More recently, Doune Castle has appeared in the "Outlander" TV series where it is featured as the imaginary "Castle Leoch" from Diana Gabaldon's novels. As a result of "Outlander", the castle is a lot busier than it ever used to be so don't expect to find it as quiet as it was when we took these pictures.

The car park at the castle is quite small and you'll probably find no free spaces, so be prepared to park in the village centre where there is a free public car park signposted near the church tower that stands on Main Street. From here, it is a 10 minute / 600 metre walk to the castle.

If you want to get into the spirit of the castle and its Monty Python connections, you can buy plastic swords in the castle shop and then chase each other around the place whilst putting on "Zeee funny French accent".

Good value for money and the village of Doune is a pretty place to visit too.

Save money on visiting this attraction by buying an Explorer Pass