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

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Best Lodging Options Near Castle of Mey

You will love everything about Mey Bee.

You will love everything about Mey Bee.

Mey, near Thurso
You will love everything about Mey Bee.
Celtic Lodges

Celtic Lodges

2 out of 5
White Bridge, Scarfskerry, Thurso, Scotland
Celtic Lodges
The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
The Hawthorns, Thurso, Scotland
The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast
Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House

3 out of 5
Gingerbread House Mey, Thurso, Scotland
Gingerbread House
Burnside Cottage

Burnside Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Gills, Wick, Scotland
Burnside Cottage
Castletown Hotel

Castletown Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Street, Castletown, Thurso, Scotland
Castletown Hotel
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.
Greenland House B&B

Greenland House B&B

4 out of 5
Greenland House B&B, Main Street, Castletown, Scotland
Greenland House B&B
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

When visiting Castle of Mey, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic ferry rides and engaging private tours of the historic castle. Don't miss out on the unique experience of candle making, where you can create your own souvenirs. Additionally, check the events section for local happenings that may coincide with your visit, offering a taste of the area's culture and community.

Recreation

At Thurso Golf Club, located 13 miles from Castle of Mey, enjoy a luxurious golfing experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This private club offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a day of exploration in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Find the best attractions near Castle of Mey

If you're visiting Castle of Mey in Thurso, Scotland, you'll discover a wealth of attractions, including the historic Castle of Mey itself, picturesque beaches, and engaging museums. These points of interest cater to culture enthusiasts and families seeking a memorable beach experience. Don't miss the chance to explore the charming architecture of this Scottish castle and take stunning photos in front of its impressive facade.

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse: Located 6 miles from Castle of Mey, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the North Sea. Its rich maritime history and cultural significance make it a must-visit, providing a unique glimpse into Scotland's seafaring past.
  • Dunnet Bay Beach: Also 6 miles away, Dunnet Bay Beach boasts stunning sandy shores and rolling dunes, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day by the sea. The beach vibes here invite visitors to unwind while enjoying the natural beauty of this tranquil coastal area.
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage: Situated 5 miles from the castle, this charming museum showcases traditional Highland life. The cultural vibes are palpable as you explore the restored cottage, offering insights into local history and heritage through engaging exhibits.

Best time to go to Castle of Mey

The best time to visit Castle of Mey is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 visit to Castle of Mey, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and earn you rewards for future bookings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Castle of Mey is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Expedia's search tool lets you set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Castle of Mey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.