Castle of Mey
Highland, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- The King's Foundation (Castle of Mey Trust)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Thurso, 11.6 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Mey, Thurso KW14 8XH
Telephone 01847 851473
More castles in the Highlands →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
The late Queen Mother's holiday home on the far north coast, kept largely as she left it and now cared for by the King's Foundation. King Charles still visits every year - the castle closes for a stretch in late July to accommodate it - and several guides worked here during the Queen Mother's lifetime, which reviewers say gives the tour a personal warmth rare in a stately-home visit.
Who to know
Queen Mother · her holiday home, kept largely as she left it
Worth the trip
The guides themselves - several knew the Queen Mother personally and bring a first-hand warmth to the tour that reviewers repeatedly single out.
Before you go
Only the public rooms are open to visitors; if you want the private rooms too, there's a well-illustrated book on sale for under £10 covering the bedrooms and areas you won't otherwise see.
Recent reviews on file are all five-star, with visitors consistently praising the knowledgeable and warm on-site guides who bring the Queen Mother's history and her connection to the castle to life - one guide is remembered by name for having personally cared for her during her stays. The gardens, café and parking are also well regarded, and reviewers agree the entry fee is worth it, though one notes only the public rooms are open, with private rooms like the bedrooms viewable only through a guidebook.
Seasonal May-Sep; closes late July for royal visit
“A beautifully maintained castle and gardens. The guides, one in each of the three rooms you visit were friendly and helpful.”- Steve O'Halloran, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Facilities include well managed car park, cafe, shop, clean toilets.” - Heather White
- Facilities
- “Enjoyed my time here and a nice café and facilities.” - Simon Barley
Common questions about Castle of Mey
Where is Castle of Mey?
Castle of Mey is in Highland, Scotland, at Mey, Thurso KW14 8XH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Castle of Mey?
Yes - Castle of Mey is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by The King's Foundation (Castle of Mey Trust). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Castle of Mey?
The guides themselves - several knew the Queen Mother personally and bring a first-hand warmth to the tour that reviewers repeatedly single out.
Is Castle of Mey a ruin or still intact?
Castle of Mey is largely intact - Seasonal May-Sep; closes late July for royal visit.
