Castle of Mey

Castle of Mey showing heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Castle of Mey showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Mey featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Mey
Castle of Mey showing château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Walk through the gardens and browse the inviting interior rooms of the late Queen Mother’s Scottish home.

The Castle of Mey is the northernmost castle on the U.K. mainland. A favourite home of the late Queen Mother, this beautifully restored castle has been preserved to look much as it did during her regular visits here. Tour the castle, stroll through its lovely surrounding gardens and bring the kids to the interactive animal centre.

Originally constructed in the 1500s, the castle fell into disuse over the centuries. The Queen Mother first saw the castle in 1952 when she was mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Immediately charmed by the abandoned castle, she purchased the property and restored the building and its gardens. As you approach the castle, notice its jutting towers and corbeled turrets, typical features of 16th-century castle architecture.

Begin in the visitor centre, where you can buy your entrance ticket. Consider stopping in the castle’s award-winning tearoom to enjoy a home-made snack or light meal.

Notice the remarkably homey, domestic atmosphere of the castle’s interior. In the front hall, look for the raincoat and simple Wellington boots the Queen Mother wore when walking in the gardens. This area also features portraits of the 12th, 13th and 14th Earls of Caithness, historic owners of the castle.

Explore the castle gardens, which feature wonderful displays of pansies, marigolds and dahlias, among other flowers and plants. Climb to the top of the turret recently constructed in the Walled Garden for fantastic overhead views of the gardens. Use the telescope to check out the Old Man of Hoy, a 450-foot-high (140-metre) sea stack on the distant Orkney Islands.

Don’t miss the fun Animal Centre on the castle grounds, where adults and kids can enjoy safe, supervised contact with farm animals. Pet the farm’s resident donkey, piglets and alpine goats.

The Castle of Mey is 7 miles (11 kilometres) west of John O’Groats. It typically closes for several weeks every summer to accommodate royal visits. To get here, take the bus from the railway station in nearby Thurso. Enjoy your visit to this charming royal retreat.

Plan a trip to see Castle of Mey

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ness Walk

Ness Walk

5 out of 5
Ballifeary
Price was ₹62,271, price is now ₹62,271 per person
₹62,271
per person
3 Nov - 6 Nov
found 7 hours ago
Return flight included
Manchester (MAN) to Inverness (INV)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (510 reviews)
A fabulous hotel. The room was very comfortable. The staff were amazing and the hotel and property was beautiful. A nice walk into the city centre along the river.

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Reviews of Castle of Mey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not open. Make sure of opening times.

Popular places to visit

Dunnet Head Lighthouse which includes cuddly or friendly animals and bird life

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Enjoy the impressive views from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse on the edge of a headland jutting into the Pentland Firth.

Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Duncansby Head featuring rocky coastline

Duncansby Head

Enjoy superb coastal walks and marvel at the views from this headland located at the most northeasterly point of mainland Britain.

Duncansby Head

Gills Bay Ferry Port

Explore the waterfront in Wick with a trip to Gills Bay Ferry Port. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Gills Bay Ferry Port

Dunnet Bay Distillery

You can take time to visit Dunnet Bay Distillery during your travels to Dunnet. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Dunnet Bay Distillery

Mary-Ann's Cottage

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Mary-Ann's Cottage during your trip to Thurso. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Mary-Ann's Cottage

Caithness Broch Centre

You can study the exhibits at Caithness Broch Centre, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to John o' Groats. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Caithness Broch Centre

Top Hotel Deals

Celtic Lodges

Celtic Lodges

2 out of 5
White Bridge, Scarfskerry, Thurso, Scotland
Celtic Lodges
Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House

3 out of 5
Gingerbread House Mey, Thurso, Scotland
Gingerbread House
The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
The Hawthorns, Thurso, Scotland
The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast
Burnside Cottage

Burnside Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Gills, Wick, Scotland
Burnside Cottage
Northern Sands Hotel

Northern Sands Hotel

3 out of 5
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland
Northern Sands Hotel
Castletown Hotel

Castletown Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Street, Castletown, Thurso, Scotland
Castletown Hotel
Greenland House B&B

Greenland House B&B

4 out of 5
Greenland House B&B, Main Street, Castletown, Scotland
Greenland House B&B
Pentland

Pentland

3 out of 5
Princes Street, Thurso, Scotland
Pentland
Duart At The Sea

Duart At The Sea

3 out of 5
Duart Auckengill, Wick, Scotland
Duart At The Sea
See all 286 properties in Castle of Mey
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castle of Mey

Near the Castle of Mey, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic ferry rides and delightful beach walks. The area is also a haven for bird watching enthusiasts, offering a chance to observe diverse wildlife in stunning natural surroundings. Whether you're exploring the castle's rich history or indulging in the beauty of the landscape, there's something for everyone to appreciate.

Shopping

In Castle of Mey, enjoy quaint local shops offering unique Scottish gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Thurso's Caithness Collection, about 22.5km away, featuring a charming array of crafts, local produce, and gifts perfect for remembering your trip.

Recreation

At Thurso Golf Club, located 20.9km from Castle of Mey, experience the luxury of a private country club amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy leisurely rounds of golf, followed by relaxation in elegant surroundings, making it an ideal retreat for wellness and recreation.

Adventure

The Castle of Mey offers a unique blend of history and adventure. Explore the stunning gardens, partake in guided tours, or take a scenic walk along the nearby coastline, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and perhaps spot local wildlife. The tranquil surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for your explorations.

Nightlife

In Castle of Mey, the nightlife is quaint yet charming, with cosy pubs like the Castle Arms serving local ales and hearty fare. The nearby Thurso offers a livelier scene, featuring bars like The Pentland, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with friendly locals.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castle of Mey

Castle of Mey offers a delightful mix of historic attractions and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the impressive lighthouse, relax on the nearby beach, and delve into local history at the museum. This charming area caters to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and scenic coastal views, ensuring a memorable visit for all.

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse: Perched on the northernmost point of mainland Britain, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the North Sea and rugged cliffs. Explore its rich maritime history and enjoy the cultural vibes that surround this iconic structure.
  • Dunnet Bay Beach: A stunning stretch of golden sand, Dunnet Bay Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Experience the tranquil beach vibes while walking along the shore or enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • John O' Groats Signpost: A famous landmark, the John O' Groats Signpost marks the end of the North Coast 500 route. Capture memorable photos and immerse yourself in the cultural significance of this historic site, celebrating the journey to the far north.

Best time to go to Castle of Mey

The best time to visit Castle of Mey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Castle of Mey falls in July and August. August has moderately high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Castle of Mey falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle of Mey

To save money on your trip to Castle of Mey, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best deals, especially on Tuesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and look for eco-certified hotels. Don’t forget to check for last-minute deals and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Explore the area on foot to keep transport costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle of Mey are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Castle of Mey about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle of Mey is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Castle of Mey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.