Doune Castle

Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, built as a powerful courtyard castle with an imposing gatehouse-tower. Its remarkably intact state has made it a favourite with film and television productions – it is the castle in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, served as Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones, and appears as Castle Leoch in Outlander.

History

Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland, built Doune Castle in the late 14th century. The castle was designed as a display of power, with a massive gatehouse-tower that combined great hall, private chambers and defences in a single structure. It later served as a royal hunting lodge and a dower house for Scottish queens. The castle is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Visiting Doune Castle

Open year-round. The Monty Python–themed audio guide (voiced by Terry Jones) is legendary and one of the most entertaining in Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland. Doune is about 8 miles from Stirling and 45 minutes from Edinburgh or Glasgow, making it an easy day trip.

Highlights

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail filming location
• Outlander's Castle Leoch
• Game of Thrones Winterfell pilot location
• Terry Jones audio guide – the most entertaining in Scotland

Private tours including Doune Castle

We can include Doune Castle in a private tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Doune Castle?

Open year-round. The Monty Python–themed audio guide (voiced by Terry Jones) is legendary and one of the most entertaining in Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland. Doune is about 8 miles from Stirling and 45 minutes from Edinburgh or Glasgow, making it an easy day trip.

When was Doune Castle built?

Doune Castle dates from Late 14th century. It is classified as a medieval courtyard castle and is located in Doune, near Stirling.

How do I get to Doune Castle?

Doune Castle is in Doune, near Stirling, Stirlingshire. We offer private tours that include Doune Castle with door-to-door transport in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.