Doune Castle
Stirling, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Dunblane, 3.2 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA
Telephone 01786 841742
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
A well-preserved 14th-century courtyard castle built for the Duke of Albany, now known to most visitors as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. The compact exterior undersells how much there is to explore inside.
Who to know
Terry Jones · the Monty Python member who narrates part of the audio tour
Worth the trip
The audio tour, narrated in part by Terry Jones, which reviewers across the board rate among the best they've done anywhere.
Before you go
Some of the spiral staircases are narrow and steep, worth knowing if mobility is a concern - budget more time than the building's footprint suggests.
Doune Castle's reviews are unanimously enthusiastic, and the audio tour comes up in nearly every one as a genuine highlight - informative and, several reviewers add, genuinely funny. Its film and TV connections (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander) are a major draw for many visitors. One practical note recurs: the spiral staircases are steep and narrow, which one reviewer flags as unsuitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues, and the car park is noted as small relative to how popular the site is.
Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones location
“If your a castle fan is it a really cool place to stop in and see. Loads of fun information and a really great audio tour. If your a Monty Python fan its a must. The audio tour also covers loads of stuff for Monty…”- Eggy, 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
- “That said, the parking lot is quite small considering how popular the place is and how many visitors come here.” - Petr Weiss
- Guided tours
- “I’m not usually a big fan of the audio tour guide but this one is superb (and really funny).” - Karen
- Terrain & accessibility
- “However, please note that the spiral staircases are quite steep and narrow, so they might not be suitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues.” - Nina Than
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Stirling Castle is only 5.9 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Stirling Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Common questions about Doune Castle
Where is Doune Castle?
Doune Castle is in Stirling, Scotland, at Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Doune Castle?
Yes - Doune Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Doune Castle?
The audio tour, narrated in part by Terry Jones, which reviewers across the board rate among the best they've done anywhere.
Is Doune Castle a ruin or still intact?
Doune Castle is largely intact - Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones location.
