Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Castle · Highland ·

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Castle · Highland ·

Oldest inhabited Scottish castle, gardens, boat tours to seals

Information

MacLeod Estate, Dunvegan House, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WF, United Kingdom Get directions

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

The Isle of Skye: Breathtaking Views and MICHELIN-Star Seafood

"Dramatically perched on a clifftop, this is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle, elegantly furnished and home to Clan MacLeod for eight centuries; allow time for the delightful gardens and, weather permitting, a visit to the nearby colony of seals." - Sarah Neal

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/isle-of-skye-scotland-michelin-star

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

@travelleisure

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7 Destinations in the U.K. Where Locals Love to Travel

"I would include Dunvegan Castle among Skye’s must-see historic sites and as part of the island’s rich heritage." - Jamie Carter Jamie Carter Jamie Carter is an experienced science, technology, and travel journalist and the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com. An avid stargazer, Jamie writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy, and space exploration. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/united-kingdom-destinations-where-locals-love-to-go-6752430

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland , Dunvegan has served as the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for more than 800 years. Restored between 1840 and 1850, the castle features a unified exterior complete with defensive battlements running the length of the roofline, but actually comprises five separate buildings, each with its own story to tell. Tour the interior to see several beautiful paintings and important heirlooms, like the sacred Fairy Flag and Sir Rory Mor’s ceremonial drinking horn, then head outdoors to explore the castle’s surroundings, from formal gardens to wild woodlands. From here, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to visit the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, or head out for a two-hour fishing expedition to catch pollock, mackerel, and coalfish."

The Essential Guide to the Hebrides

Photo by Mike Daines / Shutterstock

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Isle of Skye Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲▲ Interesting, tourable residence of MacLeod clan, with lush gardens." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/isle-of-skye

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Ian C.

Google

All the staff we encountered were friendly and polite. The castle itself is great - a few surprises on the way round. The exhibits are interesting and varied. I was with my father who needs a wheelchair for walking long distances. The staff at the payment counter and at the entrance to the castle were courteous and thoughtful. The website is also open and honest about its accessibility. An excellent visit.

Ann-Marie T.

Google

Friendly welcoming staff. Beautifully kept castle and garden grounds. Garden feature of waterful is beautifully landscaped. The Walled garden with vegetable patch glasshouse with exotic plants was pretty. They have boat tours to see the seals dependent on weather. The Food at the cafe was really tasty. Husband had brie and bacon panini and I had a very nice quiche.

Silke K

Google

I was there on a bit of a rainy day, do I have not seen much of the gardens. What I saw was nice and well kept. The castle tour itself is small, but nice and everything is lovingly arranged. The absolute highlight was the seal tour! When I saw the size of the boats, I second guessed my decision, but it turned out amazing! We where lucky that a lot of seals where out and we got really close, while respectfully keeping our distance. The seals did not seem to bother. The staff throughout was really friendly and helpful. The combo ticket garden & castle might be a bit expensive with 17£ (the seal tour is extra) but I still enjoyed it very much

Chris M.

Google

A nice castle and grounds. Lovely waterfalls, flowers and scenery. The castle itself was nice but I've been to better. All the staff were friendly and provided some extra information when asked. Also saw a couple of seals not far from the castle walls. A short video at the end of the tour also gives some history to the castle, told by the current owner. Not suitable for those using wheelchairs as a lot of the paths in the gardens were either quite narrow or very bumpy. Inside the castle, it being from the middle ages, had a lot of stairs and no lift (pretty sure this would be mentioned on the official website). There is, of course, a gift shop, in fact two, one inside the castle and one outside along with a cafe. Prices are as expected in these kinds of places.

Pete B.

Google

We visited mid week and found there was plenty of parking. The entry fee was on a par with other such like places. The castle itself is not the most splendid we have visited, Crathes and Bamburgh are more spectacular, but there is plenty to see. The inside of the castle was fairly busy, and walking round was like follow your leader. The gardens are very well kept, and there is a seal boat trip which we didn't take. All in all it was well worth the visit

Amie D.

Google

We spent all day here! It was great! We started off with the seals boat tour - saw 9 in total plus a seagull chick. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Then had a picnic in the gardens which were so peaceful, beautiful and well maintained. Then we finished in the castle. The rooms are fabulous. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. All in all, worth the £17.50 for the castle and gardens and the £13.50 for the seals! Not good for mobility though.

SFO

Google

A great day out, lovely to go inside the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. Some wonderful art and artifacts on display. Wouldn't fancy a spell in the dungeon. A nice welcome from one of the guides. The views from the castle were amazing. We spent a couple of hours wandering around the beautiful gardens, so well laid out, a beautiful waterfall, and the giant 2.7 tonne pebble you can spin around. The trees 🌳 and plants were spectacular. We had a delicious late lunch in the café, good toilet facilities in the car park. Large car park, busy because it was a hot sunny day. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Phoebe L.

Google

Wonderful place to explore. The gardens are beautiful. There’s a lovely trail and play area through the woods. The castle itself is great to explore and regularly has events on through the season. The new cafe in the car park is great and can be accessed without paying entry to the castle and grounds.

Jacqueline S.

Yelp

Historic, beautiful, well organized castle with many docents. An amazing place full of history, walks and a massive gorgeous garden!! The Dunvegan castle and gardens is the Oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. There is a cafe nearby, a short video on the castle, docent guides at the door and in several rooms... and everything has a short description to add meaning. In the warmer weather- April to September there are Seal tours. If you just can't bear to leave there are 5 holiday cottages for rent! That must cost a pretty penny ( or pound)! More info at www.dunvegancastle.com

Patrick D.

Yelp

Duvegan Castle and Gardens Dunvegan Castle (Caisteal Dhùn Bheagain) is located 1 mile (1.6 km) to the north of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland. It is the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod, The castle was first built in the 13th century and developed piecemeal over the centuries. In the 19th century the whole castle was remodelled in a mock-medieval style. The castle is built on an elevated rock overlooking an inlet on the eastern shore of Loch Dunvega The gardens are truly mesmerizing and enjoyable to walk through for its well kept and lush presentation.

Jessica L.

Yelp

Loved visiting the castle and seeing the history of the family that lived there. Fun to see the fairy flag and get the different stories associated with it. The Gardens are beautiful I wish we would've been able to take the boat tour as well. Plan to spend 3-4 hours here with doing the boat tour.

Alexander H.

Yelp

The visit to this castle was really a surprise. In a good way. We bought the "Gardens Only" ticket for 12£ each. Our Bulldog was welcome on the grounds as well. What seems like a smaller area from outside is actually a pretty big-sized area. The castle itself is very beautiful. Great location by the water. Be sure to get some views from down at the water. It's a historically important castle. It's the seat of the famous MacLeod Clan.Building started somewhen in the 1200s. And it's the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years! And it's one the greatest Hebridean castles. In the 19th century the whole castle was remodelled in a mock-medieval style. What we found equally impressive were the gardens. Especially the Round Garden and the Water Garden. So much green, so many plants and flowers. Small creeks and waterfalls. It's beautiful. Sometimes we felt like being in the jungle. It's just an amazing place to have a walk. Very well worth the entrance fee. We really took our time here to check out all the (to us) rare and unkown plants. Lots of informative signs around the gardens, explaning the flowers and trees. A really fantastic visit. A great castle and breathtaking gardens. A real highlight on the Isle of Skye!

Jeff H.

Yelp

This was a highlight of our day! A very interesting walk through the castle with photos and artifacts. I learned that there was no return after being thrown in the dungeon! People were thrown down in a hole on top of those who went before them, if their remains weren't washed out by the sea. The kitchen was close by so they cut a slit in the wall so those in the dungeon could smell the cooking while they starved to death. The gardens were beautiful! A lovely walk on a beautiful day. Well worth the ticket price.

Chun P.

Yelp

Despite this attraction being the very last on my Isle of Skye to do list, we were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this castle. Its a smaller and less extravagant castle, but it has lot of charm and interesting history. Not to be missed if you have any Macleod blood in your veins. We did skip the gardens though, the midges(Scottish mosquitoes) were especially fierce and hungry. Wear bug repellent! £11 is a bit excessive compared to other castles, but I suppose its not cheap maintaining and repairing a castle.

Macaela B.

Yelp

My family and I visited Dunvegan castle last week. My son uses a walker as his main form of transportation. Before buying our tickets we asked the woman selling them if he was able to go in. She informed us that there were two flights of stairs but the rest was flat. My husband and I said we could carry him and walker up stairs and then continue our tour. When we reached the castle the woman taking our tickets told us that we could not bring my sons walker in the castle for the tour because 'it was too narrow'. My sons walker isn't even as wide and some adults. She then told us we would have to carry him if that was ok. My son is 65lbs and 4'7". I left with my son super upset and emailed the Dunvegan castle. No response. Their website says they will accommodate special needs with the exception of an electric wheelchair on the second floor. How my family was treated is illegal and their staff (or at least one) are ill informed and mistreat people with disabilities. I do not recommend this castle in any way. Disability or not.

Jakub B.

Yelp

A wonderful castle where you get to learn about the Clan MacLeod. It was not too busy in the late September season when we visited, and we really really enjoyed walking the gardens. Most castles are a bit stuffy and restrictive (no photos, don't touch this, don't touch that etc;). The gardens are where you get to explore, smell, touch and really enjoy the beauty of these castles. Kudos to all the people that upkeep the gardens, truly wonderful work.

Adrienne G.

Yelp

If you're looking for Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod, you're storming the wrong castle This impressive castle is the official "home" of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod & there is a ton of rich history associated Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years.... lots of Clan battles have fought here but the castle never faltered ... and it was a MacLeod who helped Bonnie Prince Charles escape Cumberland's army Renovations are currently being done on the castle facade but we were still allowed access to the interior - lots of Jacobite relics & other historical items to behold Including the famous Fairy Flag - dated between the 4th and 7th centuries A.D., this flag was magical for when the MacLeod's were in great danger, they were to wave the flag and they would be delivered Walk up an impressive staircase to see portraits of the family & ancestors - rooms are richly furnished & staff around the castle will help people look in old books through family trees to help trace roots Beautiful walled / gated gardens to the side - this is a must-not-miss! The motto of Clan MacLeod is "Hold Fast" - not "There can be only one" ... so they may have filmed Highlander here - but the only Immortals you'll find are the ghosts of history past

Arnold C.

Yelp

Castle is not very impressive. Small actually, when compared to other castles. The history of the castle relates to the MacCleod clans. I toured the whole castle in about 30 minutes tops. One bright spot is the garden. There are also the seal tours (I skipped that but thought it would be interesting). The guides were very helpful, friendly and some are even attractive. In retrospect, this place is not as striking as others, even though many tour companies show this tour spot. There are other places to visit, such as the Uig, Ewing's castle (spelling?), The Kilt rock, Old man of Storr, Quiraing...- these places are far more majestic and beautiful in my opinion.

Doris S.

Yelp

My son and I loved it all: -the castle with great info about the McCleoud clan -the gardens - so beautiful -the seal tour! Just wow! We are glad we came here! The staff is superfriendly also. Don't miss this castle if you are visiting Skye! You can take a local bus from Portstree to get here!

Katie W.

Yelp

While the castle itself is not all that spectacular or interesting compared to others, this is worth the trip because of the gardens and the seal boat tours. In late July, the grounds rivaled those of many botanical gardens with a gorgeous variety of flowers. The seal boat tour was 1/2 hour, reasonably priced (7.50 for an adult ticket when we went) and got us very close to some of the seals in the nearby colony, in addition to some excellent bird watching opportunities. This stop was a worthwhile addition to our west loop drive in Skye.