Castle of Mey Tours

Castle of Mey showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle
Castle of Mey which includes a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Castle of Mey showing heritage elements, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Mey showing forests and tranquil scenes
Castle of Mey which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and chateau or palace

Walk through the gardens and browse the inviting interior rooms of the late Queen Mother’s Scottish home.

The Castle of Mey is the northernmost castle on the U.K. mainland. A favorite home of the late Queen Mother, this beautifully restored castle has been preserved to look much as it did during her regular visits here. Tour the castle, stroll through its lovely surrounding gardens and bring the kids to the interactive animal center.

Originally constructed in the 1500s, the castle fell into disuse over the centuries. The Queen Mother first saw the castle in 1952 when she was mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Immediately charmed by the abandoned castle, she purchased the property and restored the building and its gardens. As you approach the castle, notice its jutting towers and corbeled turrets, typical features of 16th-century castle architecture.

Begin in the visitor center, where you can buy your entrance ticket. Consider stopping in the castle’s award-winning tearoom to enjoy a home-made snack or light meal.

Notice the remarkably homey, domestic atmosphere of the castle’s interior. In the front hall, look for the raincoat and simple Wellington boots the Queen Mother wore when walking in thegardens. This area also features portraits of the 12th, 13th and 14th Earls of Caithness, historic owners of the castle.

Explore the castle gardens, which feature wonderful displays of pansies, marigolds and dahlias, among other flowers and plants. Climb to the top of the turret recently constructed in the Walled Garden for fantastic overhead views of the gardens. Use the telescope to check out the Old Man of Hoy, a 450-foot-high (140-meter) sea stack on the distant Orkney Islands.

Don’t miss the fun Animal Centre on the castle grounds, where adults and kids can enjoy safe, supervised contact with farm animals. Pet the farm’s resident donkey, piglets and alpine goats.

The Castle of Mey is 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of John O’Groats. It typically closes for several weeks every summer to accommodate royal visits. To get here, take the bus from the railway station in nearby Thurso. Enjoy your visit to this charming royal retreat.

Plan a trip to see Castle of Mey

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Garrison

The Garrison

4 out of 5
Price was $813, price is now $786 per person
$786
per person
Oct 31 - Nov 2
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Denver (DEN) to Inverness (INV)
8.8/10 Excellent! (862 reviews)
Great place to stay for one night, very walkable area with easy access to pubs and shops. Comfy beds.

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

Ardconnel Court Apartments

Ardconnel Court Apartments

4 out of 5
Inverness City Centre
Price was $1,796, price is now $1,697 per person
$1,697
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 8
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Inverness (INV)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Excellent location, secure in-property parking, clean apartment, lots of space

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024

Stunning Spacious Apartment on River Ness

Stunning Spacious Apartment on River Ness

3.5 out of 5
Inverness City Centre
Price was $1,801, price is now $1,760 per person
$1,760
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 8
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Inverness (INV)
9/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
Excellent apartment. Good location, easy access to train and bus stations and sooo many different restaurant's! Communication with owner was good. No issues. Property was cleaned spic and span when we arrived. The smoke detectors work, especially when you toast a little darker than the normal person!! I would recommend turning the vent fan over top of the stove on when toasting! Would use this property again without a second thought.

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

Reviews of Castle of Mey

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Did not see.

Popular places to visit

Dunnet Head Lighthouse showing cuddly or friendly animals and bird life

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

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Duncansby Head showing rocky coastline

Duncansby Head

Enjoy superb coastal walks and marvel at the views from this headland located at the most northeasterly point of mainland Britain.

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Gills Bay Ferry Port

Explore the waterfront in Wick with a trip to Gills Bay Ferry Port. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

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Mary-Ann's Cottage

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Mary-Ann's Cottage during your trip to Thurso. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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Caithness Broch Centre

You can study the exhibits at Caithness Broch Centre, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to John o' Groats. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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Best Lodging Options Near Castle of Mey

Celtic Lodges

Celtic Lodges

2 out of 5
White Bridge, Scarfskerry, Thurso, Scotland
Celtic Lodges
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You will love everything about Mey Bee.

Mey, near Thurso
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Gingerbread House

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3 out of 5
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The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
The Hawthorns, Thurso, Scotland
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Burnside Cottage

Burnside Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Gills, Wick, Scotland
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Castletown Hotel

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3 out of 5
Main Street, Castletown, Thurso, Scotland
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Northern Sands Hotel

Northern Sands Hotel

3 out of 5
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland
Northern Sands Hotel
Cosy Highland retreat with countryside and sea views.

Cosy Highland retreat with countryside and sea views.

John o' Groats
Cosy Highland retreat with countryside and sea views.
Luxury Self-Catering Traditional Family Farmhouse in John o’Groats, Caithness

Luxury Self-Catering Traditional Family Farmhouse in John o’Groats, Caithness

John O'Groats
Luxury Self-Catering Traditional Family Farmhouse in John o’Groats, Caithness
See all 281 properties in Castle of Mey
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castle of Mey

Experience the beauty of Castle of Mey with exciting outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to breathtaking coastal views. Engage in Scottish tours that showcase the rich history and culture of the region. Enjoy memorable stays in charming accommodations nearby, and don’t miss the chance to take a ferry for a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Castle of Mey has something for everyone.

Shopping

The Castle of Mey offers local shops where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Thurso town center for larger shopping options, including the Thurso Retail Park, which features various retail stores and a supermarket for all your needs.

Recreation

Thurso Golf Club, located 13 miles from Castle of Mey, offers a luxurious retreat with stunning views and pristine greens. Enjoy a round of golf in a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the beautiful Scottish landscape.

Adventure

At Castle of Mey, explore the rugged coastline with exhilarating cliff walks, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea. Engage in a thrilling wildlife tour to spot seals and seabirds. For a unique experience, try your hand at fishing in the nearby waters or enjoy a scenic bike ride through the picturesque landscape.

Nightlife

Experience the cozy ambiance at the Castle Arms Hotel for a hearty meal and a drink. For a lively night, visit the nearby Thurso Cinema for a film or enjoy local bands at the Thurso East Restaurant, where you can savor great food and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castle of Mey

When visiting Castle of Mey in Thurso, Scotland, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit every traveler. Explore the historic lighthouse, enjoy the nearby beach, or visit a local museum. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a relaxing getaway, there’s something for everyone. Don't miss the stunning gardens of Mey and the enchanting Castle of Mey, as well as convenient hotels in the area for a comfortable stay.

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse: Discover the stunning views from this historic lighthouse, perched at the northernmost point of mainland Scotland. The rich maritime history and cultural significance make it a fascinating visit, perfect for photography and exploration.
  • Dunnet Bay Beach: Enjoy the beautiful sandy shores and picturesque landscapes at Dunnet Bay Beach. This tranquil beach offers a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or taking long walks along the coast.
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage: Step back in time at this charming museum showcasing the traditional way of life in the Scottish Highlands. With its authentic displays and engaging stories, it provides a unique glimpse into local culture and history.

Best time to go to Castle of Mey

The best time to visit Castle of Mey is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle of Mey

To save money on your trip to Castle of Mey, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, and November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best prices. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and bundle your stay with flights for additional savings. Don’t forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. You can also explore free activities in the area, and utilize public transport or walk to enjoy the scenic surroundings without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle of Mey are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Castle of Mey about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by bundling your hotel stay at the Castle of Mey with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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