Doune Castle wasn’t at the top of our list when we were planning our first trip to Scotland, but there was something about it that got it prioritized once we realized how close we’d be.
It was the Monty Python connection. That’s what it was.
The castle was used as a key filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and if you’re traveling with a big fan of the movie, you should plan that stop.
I will admit Monty Python is generally NOT my thing, but it IS Brian’s thing, and for that, I was delighted. The audio tour is really good, by the way, even for cursory fans. This one is worth the stop, especially if you’re already road-tripping in Scotland.
Quick Tips for Your Doune Castle Visit
Your Flight: You’ll most likely start at Edinburgh Airport for your trip to the castle. Use Skyscanner to explore your options. Love those deals? Subscribe to Going.
Your Accommodations: You won’t find much in Doune, but Stirling is a good option for accommodations nearby. Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for your options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Your Ride: You’ll likely need a car to visit Doune. Book a rental car for your road trip ahead of time.
Top Spots: You’re here for Doune Castle, but the surrounding walking trails are nice if you want to stretch your legs. Nearby Stirling offers more attractions, like the National Wallace Monument.
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Is Doune Castle worth visiting?
Doune Castle is worth visiting if you like history and medieval architecture, but it’s a must if you’re a fan of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The audio tour is narrated by Terry Jones, a founding member of the comedy troupe and co-director of the movie.
Even if you only have a cursory interest in all things Monty Python (that’s me!), you’ll still have a fun time here…if only to see your other half in their element.
Doune Castle has a rich history.
Doune Castle has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 14th century when it was built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany.
Its strategic location near the River Teith allowed control over trade routes and nearby lands, so it played a big role in the country’s turbulent politics.
The castle remained in the hands of the Stewart family for several generations, despite sieges and various bouts of political intrigue common during those times.
Over the centuries, the castle changed hands, falling into disrepair before being restored in the 20th century by the National Trust for Scotland.
On tours here, you’ll see what remains: its gatehouse, great hall, and medieval chambers, all rooms that served defensive and domestic purposes.
Fun fact: The huge medieval kitchen you’ll see here was big enough to cook for over a hundred people at once!
We found it all to be pretty well-preserved as far as medieval castles are concerned.
It’s an easy stop on road trips in Scotland.
Doune Castle’s convenient location near Stirling and the central Highlands makes it an easy stop on itineraries that bring you out this way, which I hope they do.
If you’re starting in Edinburgh, you can get to the castle and central Scotland in about an hour’s drive. There is plenty of parking at the castle once you arrive.
Note: Trains from Edinburgh to Stirling with a connection by bus or taxi are an alternative option, but driving is much more efficient than public transport.
You don’t need a ton of time here, and you don’t need to worry about planning ahead too far, either. It doesn’t see as much tourist activity as some of the other big sights nearby, despite its pop culture connections.
It won’t be that busy.
Doune Castle is generally quieter than major Scottish destinations like Edinburgh and nearby Stirling Castle. (We can concur on Edinburgh, especially if you’re comparing it to Edinburgh Castle.)
Visitors here tend to peak in the summer months, which is when we visited, and during mid-morning to mid-afternoon, which is when we visited. It was still relatively calm, with no tour buses in sight.
Since it’s a little more off the beaten path, I can almost see you having this place all to yourself if you avoid the summertime. Even at peak times, though, this one never gets too annoying.
Let’s talk about the Monty Python connection.
That’s what gets most tourists here, even though the site has been used elsewhere in pop culture since. (I’ll get into that later.)
If you want to see how excited Brian, a big Monty Python fan, was to be here, check out the clip below:
Doune Castle was used as a main filming location for several iconic scenes in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its medieval architecture and dramatic interiors made it the perfect stand-in for “Camelot” and other fantastical locations throughout the movie.
Fans may recognize the castle’s great hall and courtyards in particular, but if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the film, you’ll hear about it all on the audio guide.
The self-guided audio tour is excellent.
Whether you’re a Monty Python superfan or here to appreciate the joy a visit may bring to your partner, the castle offers an excellent self-guided audio tour. I thought that it really brought this place to life in amusing fashion.
I already shared the narrator with you (Terry Jones), so you know that it’ll be a combo of historical insight and humor. Monty Python fans will want to listen to all of the little additions and anecdotes throughout that get into some behind-the-scenes magic.
I’ll be honest. I don’t really “get” Monty Python, and I’m OK with the judgment I’ll receive over saying that. Even so, I really liked the audio tour. You could tell Jones was connected to this place and legitimately interested in its history.
There are places around the castle to sit back and relax for a bit if you want to listen to all of the stories. You’re here to experience this place in a DIY way.
Fun fact: When filming Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the group had originally planned to use several castles across Scotland. Budget cuts meant they had to rely almost entirely on Doune Castle, shooting different angles of it to represent multiple locations.
The castle has been featured elsewhere, too.
Beyond Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle has appeared in several other popular film and television productions. Most notably, it was Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Castle Leoch in Outlander.
Note: I’ve never seen Outlander, but I was told (by my mom) that it had some of the most aggressive sex scenes she’s experienced on Netflix.
You’ll hear a little bit about Doune’s role as Castle Leoch in the audio guide, too, as well as some bonus clips about the filming process.
These appearances have made Doune a favorite destination for fans of both series, which I can appreciate as someone who isn’t all-in on Monty Python.
You can hit the nature trails if you want to linger.
The castle sits beside the scenic River Teith, so feel free to take a walk along its banks or nearby trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands and open fields.
We spent about half an hour moseying before deciding to hit the road, and it was a nice change of pace.
It’s just another example of Scotland’s easy access to nature and green spaces in a more tranquil setting than you may get in the Highlands. It can get BUSY up there!
You can get the holy grail of beer in the gift shop.
OK, so this purchase was probably foolish, but I find it hard to resist this sort of thing, especially when your other half is acting all excited about his time here.
The beer was fine, but the memories were perfection.
The gift shop is pretty good overall, by the way. I welcomed exiting through it when we were done at the castle, as all roads always lead to a gift shop.
Stirling is nearby.
In just 15 minutes, you can drive to nearby Stirling for a full day’s worth of attractions, or stop there on the way to Doune Castle.
We visited the National Wallace Monument the morning of our visit, and really enjoyed seeing the Wallace Sword and views of the Abbey Craig.
If you want to linger in Stirling or are here for all of the castles, Stirling Castle is another option, but it’ll be much busier at that one.
We had a lovely lunch in town, too, at Nooch Bar and Kitchen. It’s all plant-based, so don’t expect haggis here.
Actually, strike that. They have a vegan version, so you can have your haggis no matter your food restrictions.
Where to Stay Near Doune
Doune was a stop for us on our way up to Inverness. Another option is staying in nearby Stirling for easy access to TWO castles and the impressive National Wallace Monument.
Use the map below to explore your options in Stirling:
Doune Castle is a must-see for Monty Python fans.
If you’re like me and aren’t as enamored by that connection, you’ll still enjoy yourself. The audio guide is funny and engaging, the castle is in pretty good shape for its age, and it’s likely already on the way if you’re planning a road trip into the Highlands.
The Doune Castle one was a highlight for us, even if it was a relatively quick stop.
More castle escapes if you’re into that sort of thing:
- Explore the Best Loire Valley Castles
- Should You See Versailles on France Trips?
- How to Spend a Day at Fontainebleau
- You Need to Plan a Long Weekend in Kraków
- Visiting Gruyères for Castles and Cheese
Planning elsewhere in the UK? Check these out:
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