| Location | Doune, Stirling, Scotland (Google Maps) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | Historic Environment Scotland |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Weddings, Corporate Events) |
Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved castles of Scotland with 100ft striking walls. Doune Castle’s Winterfell appearance in Game of Thrones made people curious about its exteriors and interiors. This castle has also been a part of other movies and shows, like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander. It makes a perfect setting for historic fantasy. Now, the castle is a Category A listed building, the highest level of protection for a building.
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Doune Castle History
The castle has stood in the Doune village since the 13th century. However, during the Scottish Wars of Independence, it got damaged. In 1361, Robert Stewart, son of King Robert II and Earl of Menteith was granted the castle’s land. He rebuilt the castle until his death. The castle was considered one of the strongest single-period constructions then.
In 1425, the castle was passed to the crown when Robert Stewart’s son was executed. The Royals used it as a hunting lodge and dower house. In the late 16th century, the castle was passed to the Earls of Moray. The castle was used in the military action in Glencairn’s rising and the Three Kingdoms wars during the early 17th century and in Jacobite rising during the late 17th century and 18th century. Due to the high contribution to wars and military actions, the castle got ruined by 1800. In the 19th century, George Stuart, 14th Earl of Moray, stepped forward and restored its interiors and roofs.
In the 20th century, the castle was passed into state care. Since then, it has been maintained by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public.
Doune Castle Architecture
The castle we see today was rebuilt using coursed rubble and dressed quoins in the 14th century as a military stronghold after getting damaged during the Scottish Wars of Independence. It includes one of the best-preserved halls in Scotland and is open to the public. Inside Doune Castle, you will find the 29m high gatehouse with Lord’s hall, a musician’s gallery, and other rooms connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. If you want to learn more about Scottish history and its architectural preferences, you must check out Doune castle interior.
Must-Explore Parts of Doune Castle
- Lords Hall: Lords Hall at the castle is splendid with carved oak interiors. It is one of the most impressive parts of the castle, with an unusual double fireplace and minstrel’s gallery. You will also notice a murder hole in this hall that was used for dropping heavy objects on the attackers in the past.
- Battlements: Battlements are located on the top of the castle. It is another most attractive part of the castle that offers a beautiful view of River Teith, Menteith Hills, and Ben Lomond.
- Courtyard: The courtyard of the castle tells a lot about its history. It includes the architecture from the past and unfolds everyday life of the castle, violent battles, and who lived there.
You can choose the Special Outlander Audio tour to explore the castle. It will make your castle visit more enjoyable.
Travel Information about Doune Castle
The easiest way to reach Doune Castle is via car. The castle offers free parking. However, you can also take the bus.
You can also travel to the castle by getting a train ticket to Stirling and switch to a bus service number I or 59 to the castle. This journey will take about 2 hours. It’s only a 15 minutes distance via M9 from Stirling to the castle. You can also head towards Stirling via M80 or M9 to travel from Glasgow to Doune Castle. This journey will take around 45 minutes.
Doune Castle’s opening hours depend on the seasons
- Off Season: 1st October to 31st castle is 10 am to 4 pm
- Peak Season: 1st April to 30th September is 9:30 am to 5:30 am
Note: Doune Castle gates are opened 24/7. If you want to get here for photographs and don’t want to take an inside tour, you can visit the castle premises during closed timings.
Doune Castle Tickets
Tickets for the castle can be purchased online. The prices differ for children and adults. Also, the castle offers concessions to 65+ and unemployed people. You can also select family tickets and save a lot.
Doune Castle Facts
- The castle’s Game of Thrones appearance as the set for Winterfell in the first season made it one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions.
- Doune Castle was also featured in many scenes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a British Comedy film in 1974.
- This castle is a popular modern-day wedding venue. Many couples had the Doune Castle weddings in its Grand Hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Doune Castle?
Doune Castle is located in the Village Doune, in the Stirling district of Scotland. It is situated on the wooded bend where Ardoch Burn meets River Teith.
When was Doune Castle built?
According to recent research, Doune castle was built in the 13th century, but it got damaged during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Later, it was rebuilt in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
