I'd normally start by telling you a little about the history. There's just way too much to summarize here. Just know that the castle was once in ruin like the others in the area. We can thank George Stuart (14th Earl of Moray) for repairing it by adding a new roof in the 1880s. That makes it very worth the £10 admission fee for an inside tour of the castle. It's worth a stop even if you don't plan on taking the tour. Have you ever seen the British comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail? It's the castle that you see in the funniest part of the movie when the French soldier is taunting King Arthur. There were other movie scenes filmed in and around the castle as well. What's cool is that there's a free transcript of the audio guide on their website that tells you where all the scenes took place. It was fun just to retrace the steps of the Trojan Rabbit on the pathway in front of the entrance. So funny! It's definitely a dry & satirical form of humor that I didn't quite understand the first time I saw it, but now I do. Duone Castle was also seen in Game of Thrones (the pilot episode) and Outlander. It's just a great filming location since it's out of the way, and along the River Teith. There are walking trails that will take you to the site of where a Roman fort used to be. The village is also nearby if you want to get a bite to eat. It was a nice stop on our way to Glencoe. read more

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We were staying in the area for a few days. Didn't have much time though, got lots of plans. But still made some time to check out the famous Doune Castle. And since we are members of Historic Environment Scotland the entrance was free of charge. The carpark was full though - so we parked on the public lot behind the Co-op in town. An easy 10 minute walk away. The Castle is famous - many will know it from Game of Thrones or Outlander. But for me - and many many others - it will always be connected to Monty Python and the Holy Grail! The Audio-guide is even narrated by Terry Jones! The way the castle looks today is largely down to 'Scotland's uncrowned king'. Doune was the seat of Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland. He acquired the castle in 1361. What we see today is probably only half a castle. Whether Doune was completed, and what might have been lost, is unclear. But even what remains today is very impressive and in great shape. If you do not feel like paying the entrance, you still can enjoy the outside views and even walk around it or enjoy the grounds outside. But going in (we took turns - since we were travelling with our Bulldog) is well worth the price and time. Monty Python used the exterior for shots as well as the interior. The courtyard inside is where the wedding party was taking place with John Cleese (as Lancelot) going berserk. But there's a lot more to see inside. Besides all the big halls inside, there are lots of small corners and hideaways to be discovered. As well as a lot of history to read (or listen to). A really good visit and not to be missed for fans or history buffs! Staff was wonderful, really friendly and welcoming. Surely a highlight on this years Road Trip through the UK. Highly recommended. read more

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Doune Castle is one of the most popular attractions and it's been featured in movies. The history and architecture of the castle is really interesting and amazing how it's lasted through all the years. read more

I will fart in your general direction if you don't stop here! This castle not only has an interesting history, but a fun pop culture history! Of course, if you're a Monty Python fan, you can buy or borrow coconut shells to recreate your favorite scenes around the castle. If you're an Outlander fan, Sam Heughan will make your heart flutter since he voices the Outlander audio tour. And take a picture of yourself at Winterfell out front! The staff are so lighthearted and friendly, we couldn't help but smile the entire time we were there. So if you need some happiness in your life, stop in for a little fun. read more

Doune Castle is a must visit when you are exploring castles in Scotland. Had a really amazing experience exploring the mystical architecture. They offer audio tours as well. read more

Doune Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

We have toured lots of castles, and this is one of our favorites. Note tho that this castle is not handicapped accessible, or suitable for children under five. An audio set is included in the self tour. The audio information and storyboards are very good. You can visualize people living, working and entertaining here. We were told that this was a small castle. It was intimate, yet plenty big. Actually, parts of the shows Outlanders, Monty Python, and Game of Thrones were filmed here and a little of that is explained. We saw the medieval kitchen, dining rooms for entertaining, big fireplaces, and a wall of coats of arms. We climbed narrow, steep and winding stairs to two bedrooms and the master's room for meetings, including a place for the women to listen to church. Looking up in the room we saw evidence of a second floor. Throughout the castle several privies were evident. This was a fun tour as we looked for signs of little extra things. On the website there are fun questions for people to find the answers to as they tour. As with all of the castles there is a nice gift shop. read more

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Amazing tower! The audio tour is free with ticket and makes it more interesting. Great experience!

I really recommend a visit if you're in the area. They provide a free audio guide with every paid ticket, and if you're fans of Outlander or Monty Python then you can hear some familiar voices tell you some behind the scenes stories :) It's cool to explore the castle, and then the surrounding forest. There's some secret paths and a beautiful stream. 10/10 read more

Doune Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

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This place has been in a number of movies so it's a good stop. Nothing much inside but a good walk outside and a few pictures. read more

Doune Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

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Nice castle where you'll most likely be stopping if you're on a tour through the western highlands of Scotland. It's only £9 to get in but even though it's good to explore, it's a bit of a let down because quite a bit of it is covered in scaffolding. Also, the lines to get in are painfully slow. I would like to see it again not engulfed in scaffolding. That kind of ruined it for me a little. read more

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Just stopped at Doune Castle. Outlander, Game of Thrones & Monty Python's Holly Grail all filmed here. This is a self guided tour with audio so you can go where you want & any order you want. It was cloudy but no rain we liked this castle best so far. Great value, very friendly & helpful staff & we did it 1 1/2 hours. They are doing so restoration to the castle or I would have given it 5 stars. read more

Doune Castle - Outside Doune castle. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

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We stopped here for just a quick 15 minute stop enroute to Fort William so I didn't go inside or take the audio tour. The 15 mins was just enough time to take a walk around the castle and check out its grounds. The view at the back overlooks a river and a beautiful wilderness with lots of wildflower in a small meadow which tapers down to the river. (Disclaimer: the above description is of when I visited in late July, so your view / experience would obviously be different, depending on when you visit). Architecturally, this castle reminded me of Blarney castle, although this one looked better preserved, but it didn't have any poison gardens like Blarney did. The main claim for fame for this castle is that its been used as the location for Winterfell (Game of Thrones), Outlander and also Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Oh, also good for the ladies loo but the lines were super long when I was there! read more

Doune Castle - On a hazy July morning, entrance to castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

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Impressively well-preserved medieval castle, but don't expect fireworks inside! This castle is part of many 1-day coach tours from Edinburgh (mine was by Timberbush Tours), so getting there shouldn't normally be a problem. The castle itself is amazingly well-preserved as far as its outer walls, towers and rooms are concerned. What you shouldn't expect is a lot of original furniture *inside* the various rooms. There isn't. Almost any. So don't come here expecting something like the state rooms of Alnwick Castle. After all, Doune is a good deal older, and it was fortress, not a palace. Everything is rather small/narrow, with high walls for defense. From the tower you'll get a great view of the surrounding woodlands/villages, and of course the green area around the castle invites forest walks. The entrance fee is modest (UKP 5.50, which seems to be standard for smaller or roofless or furniture-deprived castles/palaces), and there's a small shop. Expect to spend around 40 minutes at this attraction. Maybe an hour if you feel like walking around the woodlands. Simultaneous bus groups visiting aren't an anomaly. read more

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Doune Castle is a small but well preserved castle ruins built in the early 1400s by the Duke of Albany. It is famous for being the castle in every castle scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Amusingly, their very indepth audio tour also includes an optional Monty Python track where actual Monty Python cast narrate the tour and speak about filming there in Doune. This castle sits right beside a rushing river behind it. If you walk around to the rear of the castle, there is a wooded trail that goes along the river. My wife and I walked through this trail for almost an hour after finishing the castle tour and doing our best French Knight Monty Python impressions. Expect about 1 hour 20 minutes for the full audio tour. read more

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Doune Castle was just the best. I'm an Outlander fan and my husband is a Monty Python fan, so we were thrilled to visit here on our Rabbie's tour. The castle is VERY old (though as an American, it doesn't take much to make me think something is old), and it was so nice to be able to explore the castle so freely--barely anything was held back from us. The audioguides were fabulous, and I learned a lot about the history of the castle, as well as about the Outlander experience there. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Outlander audio chapters were narrated by none other that our dear Jamie Fraser (a.k.a. Sam Heughan). That was a lovely surprise, as I am such a fan. After we finished touring the grounds, we went to the gift shop, which is small but packs quite a lot of items for sale. It's especially catered to Outlander and Monty Python fans, so it's a good place to get a souvenir for those shows. You must visit Doune Castle!! P.S. If you have enough time, venture to the back of the castle to see the paths leading to water. It's quite beautiful and serene. read more

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Sometime in 1975... Guard: Who goes there? King Arthur: It is I, Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, from the castle of Camelot. King of the Britons, defeater of the Saxons, Sovereign of all England! Guard: Pull the other one! King Arthur: I am, and this is my trusty servant Patsy. We have ridden the length and breadth of the land in search of knights who will join me in my court at Camelot. I must speak with your lord and master. Guard: What? Ridden on a horse? King Arthur: Yes! Guard: You're using coconuts! King Arthur: What? Guard: You've got two empty halves of coconut and you're bangin' 'em together. King Arthur: So? We have ridden since the snows of winter covered this land, through the kingdom of Mercia, through... Guard: Where'd you get the coconuts? King Arthur: We found them. Guard: Found them? In Mercia?! The coconut's tropical! King Arthur: What do you mean? Guard: Well, this is a temperate zone. King Arthur: The swallow may fly south with the sun or the house martin or the plover may seek warmer climes in winter, yet these are not strangers to our land? Guard: Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate? King Arthur: Not at all. They could be carried. 1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: What? A swallow carrying a coconut? King Arthur: It could grip it by the husk! Guard: It's not a question of where he grips it! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A five ounce bird could not carry a one pound coconut. King Arthur: Well, it doesn't matter. Will you go and tell your master that Arthur from the Court of Camelot is here? Guard: Listen. In order to maintain air-speed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right? £5.50 was well worth it see the castle used in Monty Python's Holy Grail, Outlander' s Castle Leoch, and Game of Thrones' Winterfell. read more

Castle Leoch for you Outlander fans! Do yourself a favor and pick up the audio guide. I was swooning over Sam Heughan's voice narrating part of the castle. I died. read more

Monty Python! I was told we were going to the William Wallace monument. I could see it from Stirling Castle. When I was told we would have to park at the bottom and then walk up, I think I made a face. That face was the tipping point in for our Bride-Guide to decide that we weren't going to go there. Instead we decided to come here. It's free with your Explorer Pass. They have a tiny shop where you scan your pass and pick up your audio guide. Press all the extra buttons when they tell you... while the history of the castle is good, the Monty Python bits are better. My husband spent most of his time not listening to the audio guide and taking photos. You can take photos all over the place here. We stood in the fireplaces, sat in the great room, and took in the views from the roof top. When we were leaving, a big orange bus pulled up. It was the "The Hairy Coo" tour bus. I heard about them from a friend, but made no motions to find out anything more about them because I was traveling by way of my friend's family van. This would be a good way to get here if you don't have the option of a private chauffeur. read more

Its a nice castle, plenty of history but for the cost not really value its only the price of a fish supper to get in, but the fish supper will last you longer, yeah its featured in monty python but other than that i am Doune talking about it read more

I was there in March, so no lines. Very cool for the Monty python fans like me. Great to explore for a half hour and then the surrounding forest for a few. Sadly I did not find the cow catapult :). I scored a sweet print for £9 in the gift shop though. read more

Simply amazing. The staff was kind and friendly. The audio tour was fun with it's Monty Python twist, and the castle left me wanting more. This place is a treasure and I'm glad I got a chance to see it. Definately worth every pound! read more

Doune Castle - Doune Castle from the end of the car park. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Doune, STG

This is where they filmed the Monty Python and scenes with Winterfell for Game of Thrones! So cool, right?! But that's not the best part. The best part is the VIEW from the top of the castle. It was the best view I'd ever seen in my life. Nothing but stretches of green grass, sheep, hairy coo, rolling hills, sparkling river, and dramatic stand alone trees in the distance. It was like something straight out of a fairy tale. I will always remember the view here because it put such a smile on my face and that feeling of awe. Be careful of the climb though. Steps are steep and small! People were not very big back then and this castle is of course, old. So get a careful grip and watch were you're going lest you want to pull a Bran. Like most castles, they charge a fee for you to go in and explore. Well worth it though in my opinion! You won't get a better view. Plus if you want to learn some wonderful history, there's also an audio tour. Listen and you'll learn quite a lot of interesting facts about castle life back then! read more

I loved it. The history, the cinematic history... I'm not a big Monty Python fan but this made me one! Also from Game of Thrones and Outlander. It is BEAUTIFULLY maintained. Wow. So great. I know this is funny but one of my favorite parts was the "toilet." I always wondered how that worked and not only was it in great conditioned (well maintained) the historical audio was very informative. Highly recommend it. read more

Doune Castle is a Large Square Keep with surrounded by woodland and farms, located at outskirts of Doune, near Dunblane. Most people will recognise it as the castle which housed the French Garrison in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and was unsuccessfully besieged, due to the catapulting of cows, chickens etc. Has Monty Python re-enactments every year with kids costume competitions and readings from the script. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/doune/dounecastle/ (Free entry with a Historic Scotland Pass) read more

Doune Castle is situated in Doune (supprisingly) near Stirling. Lovely castle, well preserved and sympatheticly reovated. The castle is built in a square with a courtyard in the middle. Famous for it's appearance in Monty Phython and the Holy Grail. When we went to visit the chap asked us if we were Phython fans, when we replied in the affermitive he promptly produced two halves of coconuts and started hitting them together. We found this amusing. The castle is set in lovely grounds and it is well worth taking in a walk of them as part of your visit. read more

What's nice is that it's quite old and kept in fairly good shape. You can really get a sense of what it was like to live in the castle and the audio guide was excellent accompaniment. It would have been nice to still have some people around to ask questions but other than that, you really get to explore around the castle. It's no wonder all those movies and shows would choose Doune as their background: it's what every kid grows up thinking a castle should look like. It's in your imagination before you even get there. The history of its kings and lords is also quite interesting. I want more! And the best part is that you can fully experience this castle between 1-2 hours and you're satisfied. It's nice knowing if you plan a packed day that some events won't take too much time. Very satisfied! read more

I agree - one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. When I was last there they hadn't filed The Holy Grail, but I wouldn't think the cstle has changed much! read more

Definitely one of my favourite castles in Scotland. I was there as a child and then I didn't know about Monty Python and any Holy Grails :-)

Great little tour and the audio guide is free with every tour. Interesting history both old and recent. Want to go back and watch minty python now read more

I really like this castle. NTFS have really put time and effort into producing a great experience. Love the Monty Python audio guide!

I think the other reviews will be helpful, I was gaga to stand where the French soldiers taunted King Arthur, let alone to see the room where the virgins were dancing. The view from the top? Stunning. Stunning. We don't do Buckingham type castles, but prefer the ruins. This was a must see, period. read more

If you're a fan of the movie "Monty Python's Holy Grail" you have to go here if at all possible. All the castle scenes, except for the Castle Arrgh (Stalker) down the road, were filmed here. Be sure to study the film scenes before you go though as none of the sites are marked. read more

The castle is fabulous. Don't forget to take a walk further down beside the River Teith (great salmon fishing river, you can get a permit and fish it further north in Callander). We have seen kingfishers and otters here. read more

Somewhere that others eem to have forgotten. People pass this on the way to Callander which has nothing in it really apart from water and lots n lots of tourists. A real gem read more

This castle was amazing!! All the people who worked there were very nice and friendly to us. The castle was kept just as it was found and was purposely not renovated which I think was very cool. You could really see how the castle was when the people who lived there where there without being distracted by lights and re constructions. You could really see the true castle which was very interesting. They allowed you to go up and around and in every crevice of the castle and see how the people lived. I really recommend if you are looking for the true bare to the bone feel of a castle. Go and you won't regret it. read more