At a glance
Our experience
Castle of Mey, Caithness
There are some historic buildings that feel grand and imposing, and then there are places that feel much more personal. Castle of Mey is definitely one of those places.
Sitting on the northern coast of Caithness, Castle of Mey has a beautiful setting overlooking the Pentland Firth. The castle itself has a fascinating history, but its connection with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is what makes the visit particularly interesting.
The Castle
The castle dates back centuries, but it was brought back to life after being purchased by the Queen Mother in 1952. She took on the restoration of the property and used it as her summer home, and that personal connection can still be felt when exploring the building.
Inside, the castle feels much more like a home than some of the grander castles around Scotland. The rooms contain furniture, artwork and personal belongings, giving you an insight into how the property was actually lived in rather than simply presenting it as a historic building.
The Gardens
Outside, the gardens are another highlight. The walled garden is beautifully maintained and provides a lovely contrast to the rugged northern landscape surrounding the castle.
The Animal Park
There is also an animal park, which adds something completely different to the visit. You can see a variety of animals including chickens, geese, pigs and goats, making this a particularly nice addition if you're visiting with children.
It gives the visit a more relaxed and family-friendly feel and is a lovely change of pace after exploring the castle and gardens.
The Coastal Setting
The coastal setting is also a big part of what makes Castle of Mey special. Looking out across the surrounding countryside towards the sea, you really get a sense of just how far north you are. It is peaceful, scenic and a world away from the busier parts of Scotland.
Visitor Facilities
There are also visitor facilities on site, including a café and shop, making it easy to stop for something to eat or drink and take your time exploring the grounds.
What I Liked Most
What I liked about Castle of Mey is that it isn't simply about seeing an impressive castle. There is a real sense of personality and history here, particularly because of the Queen Mother's connection with the property.
The gardens and animal park also add more to the experience than you might expect from a traditional castle visit.
The combination of the castle, gardens, animals and spectacular northern setting makes it a really enjoyable place to visit, and it's somewhere you can take your time rather than rushing through.
Would I Visit Again?
Absolutely.
Wildly Wandering rating: 5/5 ⭐
If you're exploring the far north of Scotland, Castle of Mey is definitely somewhere I'd recommend visiting. It's a fascinating piece of Scottish history in a beautiful coastal setting, with plenty to see beyond the castle itself.
