Dunvegan Castle Tours

Dunvegan Castle which includes a castle, a festival and tranquil scenes
Dunvegan Castle which includes tranquil scenes, general coastal views and heritage architecture
Dunvegan Castle which includes heritage architecture, general coastal views and heritage elements
Dunvegan Castle which includes general coastal views and a bay or harbor
Dunvegan Castle which includes heritage architecture, a castle and general coastal views

Set on a basalt outcrop overlooking Loch Dunvegan, this historic fortress has been home to the chiefs of a prominent Highland clan for eight centuries.

Dunvegan Castle is one of the most iconic attractions on the island. Its image can be seen on postcards and promotional materials for Skye. Discover oil paintings and precious heirlooms and take boat trips out on to the loch.

Most of the current structure is the result of a 19th-century restoration. The family residence of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod, this fortress is said to be one of the oldest castles in Scotland to be continuously occupied by the same family. In 1933, the then chief of the clan opened up his home to the public.

Explore the castle interior and examine many of the fascinating items on show. Survey a collection of portraits and oil paintings, including the famous Fairy Flag. This delicate silk banner dates from between the 4th and 7th centuries and was said to provide power to the MacLeod clan when unfurled during battles.

Marvel at the dazzling silverware and swords belonging to the clan and inspect rare historical objects, including a waistcoat and a lock of hair, both thought to belong to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Also of note is the Dunvegan Cup, a drinking bowl that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Wander around the formal gardens, where a range of pretty flowering plants sprout around ponds and streams. Boat trips also depart from the pier down by the lakeshore. Enjoy a romantic private cruise with a loved one or fish for pollock, mackerel or coalfish during a fishing excursion. Seal-spotting excursions also take place on the loch, allowing participants to observe the resident seal colony close up.

Dunvegan Castle is located in northwest Skye, about 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Dunvegan village. The Castle and Gardens are open daily from 1st April to 15th October 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm), and an admission fee is required to enter. From 16th October to 31st March – open for Groups by appointment on weekdays only. The Castle and Gardens are closed Christmas and New Year.

Boat trips are weather dependent, but usually run between late March and late September.

Plan a trip to see Dunvegan Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

Crown Court Hotel & Bar.

3 out of 5
Crown
Price was $2,085, price is now $984 per person
$984
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Inverness (INV)
8.2/10 Very Good! (222 reviews)
Room was clean. It was very cold and couldn’t get heaters to work. Finally found someone who reset the breaker. Room seemed very quickly put together and cheap. Bathroom had a strange smell like construction/chemical smell?? We did enjoy the location.

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport

4 out of 5
Price was $2,125, price is now $1,017 per person
$1,017
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Inverness (INV)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (946 reviews)
The service at the restaurant the first night was horrible I sat pretty much ignored for an hour while people who came after me were served eaten and had left before I had to ask when I could order Horrible I don’t like to complain and I know they were busy BUT they are in the service industry a simple can I get you some water They did offer a complimentdrink but it was a little too late

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality

3 out of 5
Inverness City Centre
Price was $2,122, price is now $1,024 per person
$1,024
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Inverness (INV)
7.6/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Excellent stay - our only major concern was that they have you write your CC details including CVV and Exp on a paper form when checking in.They kept this in a pile by the computer at an unmanned front desk after 10 PM This is a major security issue so we unfortunately had to scramble some numbers on the CC to ensure safety. Otherwise the hotel was great and highly recommend. Great location.

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Reviews of Dunvegan Castle

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
18
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You can't visit the isle of Skye without visiting Dunvegan Castle.  It's a spectacular trip through time through the art, furniture, and displays that feature items that go back to Bonnie Prince Charlie.

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Best Lodging Options Near Dunvegan Castle

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See all 458 properties in Dunvegan Castle
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 Dunvegan Castle

During your visit to Dunvegan Castle, you can enjoy various activities such as golf and fishing trips. Make sure to explore the castle's stunning gardens and learn about its rich history. Keep an eye out for special events that may be taking place during your stay, ensuring a memorable experience at this iconic Scottish landmark.

Shopping

The Skye Silver Gift Shop, located 2 miles from Dunvegan Castle, offers beautiful jewelry and unique gifts. The Shilasdair Shop, 6 miles away, features handcrafted textiles and local art. If you're up for a drive, Uig Pottery, 12 miles from the castle, showcases stunning ceramics and crafts.

Recreation

At Skeabost Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic views, perfect for relaxation. A.C.E Target Sports Skye offers thrilling archery and target experiences to engage your competitive spirit. For a tranquil escape, explore the Quiraing Walk Trail, embracing nature's beauty and fostering wellness.

Adventure

Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, offers guided tours showcasing its rich history and stunning gardens. Explore the stunning grounds, take a boat trip to see the local seal colony, or enjoy traditional Scottish music performances in the castle's charming atmosphere.

Nightlife

While Dunvegan Castle itself may not have a bustling nightlife, nearby venues like the Old School Restaurant offer cozy dining experiences with live music, and local pubs provide a warm atmosphere for enjoying a pint and mingling with locals. The charm of the Scottish night adds to the experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Dunvegan Castle

When visiting Dunvegan Castle in Scotland, don’t miss the nearby beach, historic lighthouse, and stunning highland scenery. These attractions offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. Explore the castle itself and read reviews to enhance your experience. You'll find various points of interest within a short distance that cater to nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, making your trip to Dunvegan unforgettable.

  • Claigan Coral Beach: Experience the stunning beauty of Claigan Coral Beach, located 4 miles from Dunvegan Castle. This serene beach offers soft sands and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Enjoy the picturesque views and the unique coral-like formations that give the beach its name.
  • Neist Point Lighthouse: Located 8 miles away, Neist Point Lighthouse is a historic landmark that provides a glimpse into Scotland's maritime heritage. The lighthouse sits atop dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the chance to witness spectacular sunsets.
  • Macleod's Tables: A mere 3 miles from Dunvegan Castle, Macleod's Tables is a prominent hill featuring flat-topped peaks. Hike to the top for panoramic views of the Isle of Skye, surrounded by lush landscapes, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best time to go to Dunvegan Castle

The best time to visit Dunvegan Castle 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 and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October50.4°F (10.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunvegan Castle

To save money on your trip to Dunvegan Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Wednesday is typically the cheapest day to stay, while Sunday is the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel with flights for additional savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and benefits for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dunvegan Castle 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 Dunvegan Castle 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 Dunvegan Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dunvegan Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel preferences, including your budget and desired location. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest price to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Dunvegan Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through 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.