Dunvegan Castle & Gardens — Attraction in Skye

Don’t worry, the only reason for the three stars 🌟 was because it was closed …. however we were there off ‘off’ season, so the majority of places were closed on Skye. We’ve been before and given it the five ⭐️ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐’s …. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is an absolute must to visit when you’re on Skye, it’s a place that truly captures the heart and your imagination! Every visit we've made to this historic seat of the Clan MacLeod has been nothing short of magical, offering a deep dive into Scottish history and breathtaking natural beauty. While on one occasion, to our slight disappointment, the castle itself was closed during our last visit, and to be fair, … we were there ‘out of season’ but it hardly dampened our spirits. The vibrant flora and meticulously maintained grounds are a testament to the dedication of the team there.

Once inside the castle, the history truly comes alive. A definite highlight, and something that always fills us with awe, is seeing the legendary Fairy Flag on display. Its story is captivating, and to witness such a profound piece of Highland heritage up close is an truly unforgettable experience. The entire castle is steeped in fascinating tales, and each room offers a glimpse into centuries of clan life. And let's talk about the gift shop! It's simply outstanding. Far from your typical tourist trap, it's a treasure trove of unique and high-quality Scottish crafts, clan-related items, and beautiful souvenirs. We always find ourselves lingering, discovering perfect gifts and mementos for friends and to remember our visit by. Finally, a special mention must be made for the castle's visitor toilets – they are, without fail, absolutely immaculate. This small detail speaks volumes about the overall care and attention to detail that Dunvegan Castle & Gardens provides for its visitors. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is more than just a historical site; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a truly enchanting day out, this incredible destination comes with our highest recommendation. You simply must visit! P.S. … the new cafeteria was being constructed the last time we were, so that’s an extra we’ll try out next time.

( and no, there aren’t any pictures of the closed...

A must-see on your trip to Scotland. A great piece of Scottish history with a deep, rich and interesting history of the Scottish clans. We hadn't planned to go there, but on our sailing trip we managed to do so on the way to Carbost / Talisker Distillery. Our ship was anchored here for another night, so we made it and visited Dunvegan Castle. There was no need to book our tickets in advance as we could buy them at the visitor centre.

The experience (£12 or £14 per person) The setting, the castle, the gardens and the views, both inside and out, are beautiful. From the shores of the loch and all floors of the castle you can see the natural beauty of Loch Dunvegan! The workers who look after the whole complex and all the staff were very helpful and gave tips, anecdotes and information about the history and life in the castle. Note that it is not a museum. The castle has limited space inside, so you're basically just visiting a few rooms full of artefacts from ancient Scotland.

Shops There is a small cafe and small shop with souvenirs. In the cafe, MacLeod Tables Cafe, you can buy a hot drink, sandwiches, soda drinks, and chips (prices, as you can expect, are a little bit higher than usual). Just remember - hot food isn't served until 12:00. Also in a souvenir shop, you can even buy a replica of Rory Mor Horn (see Wikipedia for a more, fantastic piece of history!).

Gardens (£12 or £2 per person with a combined castle + gardens ticket) Additionally, we also liked castle gardens with lovely circular flower compositions in the centre. There are many flowers, plants (plants are named), trees, and even waterfalls and fountains.

Seal tour attraction (£10 per person) Sadly we haven't had time for a seal tour. Yet we heard it was closed due to the weather. It's another attraction nearby that your can experience.

Time needed Overall the whole trip took approximately 90 minutes for us. Yer other visitors want to spend more time and extend the...

Visited this impressive castle and its gardens in October, just before they closed for the winter, and spent a really enjoyable afternoon here. I was here on a coach trip, and we were all made very welcome. The self guided tour of the castle covered two floors, passing through rooms dating from different periods of its history, from a medieval kitchen and dungeon to elegant 18th and 19th century state rooms filled with fine furniture and ancestral portraits. There were interpretation boards in each room, and helpful guides who were more than happy to share their knowledge with us. We were allowed to take photos, but no flash. Found the collection of historic heirlooms, which included Jacobite memorabilia and remnants of the legendary Fairy Flag, fascinating both to look at and read about. Despite heavy rain and some of the paths being muddy and waterlogged, the gardens were wonderful to explore. I especially loved the water garden with its little bridges and narrow paths meandering among gorgeous flowering shrubs and autumn foliage, across fast-flowing streams and alongside waterfalls. There's a giant monkey puzzle tree, an intriguing pebble sculpture that rotates, a children's play area, and boat trips out to a seal colony. Dogs are welcome in the gardens too, providing they're on a lead. There's a café in the car park which I didn't get time to visit, and the toilets and a gift shop are there too. Far too much here to see and do in one short visit! Would love to return to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens when they reopen...