Dunvegan

Travel Guide

Dunvegan Castle featuring interior views, a house and heritage elements
Dunvegan featuring heritage elements
Dunvegan
Dunvegan Castle which includes tranquil scenes, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Dunvegan Castle featuring a garden
This tiny town on the shore of Loch Dunvegan is best known for its famous eponymous castle, the seat of the chiefs of a prominent Highland clan.

Dunvegan is a small town with only about a dozen shops, restaurants and accommodations. Come to admire the views out over the loch and to explore the well-known Dunvegan CastleOpens in a new window, the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod.

Find the castle on a rocky outcrop, just north of the village itself. One of the most popular sights on the island, this iconic fortress has a captivating history with many important figures from Scottish history, from Sir Walter Scott to Flora MacDonald, having visited here. Pass through the various castle rooms, surveying the displays of family portraits, artifacts and swords.

Don’t leave without strolling through the castle gardens. The paths weave through woodland, in to formal gardens and to small cascading waterfalls. Between late March and late September, boat trips out to Loch Dunvegan depart from the pier near the castle. Take a seal-spotting or fishing trip.

From the castle, it’s just a 10-minute drive north to the picturesque Claigan Coral Beach. The stretch is actually made of maerl, a kind of fossilized, sun-bleached algae. Amble along the shoreline and admire views out over the gold sands of Camas Ban beach.

Back in town, visit the Giant MacAskill Museum. Set in an old croft house, the museum is devoted to the life of Angus MacAskill, a 19th-century Scottish-born “giant” who reached a height of 7 feet, 9 inches (2 meters, 36 centimeters).

Also worth browsing is the Colbost Croft Museum, which shows how crofters on Skye would have lived. Inhale the scent of burning peat and wander around the well-preserved crofter’s cottage. Drive around the Colbost area and look for local gift shops selling Celtic-style silver jewelry produced on the island. If you are looking for gifts or souvenirs, the family-run Croft Studio in Dunvegan sells original paintings, cards and prints inspired by the local landscapes.

Dunvegan is in the northwest corner of Skye. Buses bound for Dunvegan leave from PortreeOpens in a new window. Driving from Portree will take about 30 minutes.

Where to stay in Dunvegan

Roskhill

Though Roskhill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dunvegan Castle and Harlosh Skerry.

Roskhill
Minnies Rooms
Minnies Rooms
3.5 out of 5
Ceol na mara, Dunvegan, Scotland
The price is P6,810 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
P6,810
P8,172 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Dunvegan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Dunvegan Castle and Macleod's Tables are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"Lovely stay (1 night). Warm and cosy. Room and bathroom was clean and we'll equipped. Continental breakfast was served on a tea trolley to be enjoyed at the breakfast table within your room. Gorgeous views. Friendly welcome. Nice and quiet. Good WiFi. Free parking. Would recommend."

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Minnies Rooms
Hame Hotel
Hame Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Dunvegan, Dunvegan, Scotland
The price is P13,513 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
P13,513
P16,215 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Dunvegan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
"Quaint Hotel, really delicious breakfast, cozy and quiet"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Hame Hotel
Atholl House Skye
Atholl House Skye
3 out of 5
Dunvegan, Dunvegan, Scotland
The price is P7,680 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
P7,680
P9,216 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Dunvegan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"It was the best place we stayed in the UK! The staff went above and beyond to make us comfortable snd help us plan our day of adventure. Their knowledge and advice helped make our time meaniningful. And, the food there is excellent. I would highly recommend Atholl House."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2025

Atholl House Skye
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.
Dunvegan Camping Pods
Dunvegan Camping Pods
2 out of 5
Kilmuir, Dunvegan, Dunvegan, Scotland
Stay at this campground in Dunvegan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Dunvegan Castle and Macleod's Tables are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
"The host was very friendly and informative. Let me know ahead of time which pod I would be in and how to access it. The area outside was relaxing with the sound of a stream going by. Easy to get to. The restaurant across the street has good food and the staff are very friendly."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Dunvegan Camping Pods
Kinloch Ainort Apartments
Kinloch Ainort Apartments
4.5 out of 5
Kinloch Ainort, Sconser, Sconser, Scotland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Sconser. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Am Basteir and Raasay Ferry are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"I had a lovely stay! Comfortable, clean apartment with a beautiful view on Loch Ainort, would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2024

Kinloch Ainort Apartments
Ascribs View
Ascribs View
3 out of 5
4 Cuil Road, Uig, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Uig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Uig Pottery and The Fairy Glen are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Immaculate & Magical
"Our stay was beyond incredible. Ascrib's View had everything we could need and want. It was seemingly recently renovated, exceptionally clean, and perfectly beautiful. The view was unmatched, and the location was great for going in any direction. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2024

Ascribs View
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.

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