Doune Castle

Five miles west of the town of Dunblane, Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Scotland. The setting for the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle offers fans of the comedy an audio guide narrated by Monty Python member Terry Jones. The castle has also been used for filming in Game of Thrones and Outlander.
With its 100-foot-high gatehouse walls, Doune Castle is a rather austere, high-walled kind of a place that was originally built for the First Duke of Albany over seven centuries ago. As you wander, imagine the past guests who walked its echoing stairwells, like Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie — he used to imprison government troops here.

Practical Info

Sitting 16 km northwest of Stirling off the A84, Doune Castle is run by Historic Scotland. It’s open daily from April to September from 9:30am to 5:30pm.  In October, it’s open daily until 4pm, and between November and March, its hours are 9:30am to 4pm. Entry costs £5.50.