Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA
Telephone 01786 841742
Website www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
A well-preserved 14th-century courtyard castle built for the Duke of Albany, now known to most visitors as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. The compact exterior undersells how much there is to explore inside.
Worth the trip
The audio tour, narrated in part by Terry Jones, which reviewers across the board rate among the best they've done anywhere.
Before you go
Some of the spiral staircases are narrow and steep, worth knowing if mobility is a concern - budget more time than the building's footprint suggests.
Doune Castle's reviews are unanimously enthusiastic, and the audio tour comes up in nearly every one as a genuine highlight - informative and, several reviewers add, genuinely funny. Its film and TV connections (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander) are a major draw for many visitors. One practical note recurs: the spiral staircases are steep and narrow, which one reviewer flags as unsuitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues, and the car park is noted as small relative to how popular the site is.
Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones location
“If your a castle fan is it a really cool place to stop in and see. Loads of fun information and a really great audio tour. If your a Monty Python fan its a must. The audio tour also covers loads of stuff for Monty…”— Eggy, visitor review
Further reading
CubicFun - Neuschwanstein Castle 3D Puzzle (121pc)
Architectural 3D puzzle model, stocked by UK and US retailers.
Find it on AmazonUGears - Hogwarts Castle mechanical wooden model (340pc)
Currently-sold mechanical wooden 3D model kit, 340 parts.
Find it on Amazon
