Travel bucket list idea:
Castle of Mey
Mey, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 12 March, 2024
Originally built for George, the 4th Earl of Caithness, this graceful turreted 16th-century castle was the traditional seat of the Earls of Caithness. Looking out towards the Orkney islands on the wild north coast – it’s the most northerly castle in Britain.
It was purchased by the late Queen Mother in 1952. She summered here for fifty years, restoring the castle to its former glory, and creating a beautiful walled rose garden, before bequeathing it to the Castle of Mey Trust upon her death. Listening to the personal anecdotes from her old staff as you wander around brings the place to life.
Today, Prince Charles works closely with the trust to continue the castle’s preservation. He’s an annual visitor, renting the castle for two weeks in summer.
Logistics
Price from: £3
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The castle is situated on the north coast of Caithness, a 2.5-hour drive north of Inverness, on the far northern tip of Britain.
Tickets should be booked in advance on the website. The Castle Tearoom serves snacks, scones and more hearty meals, including the likes of poached salmon and Aberdeen Angus roast beef.
When to do it
The castle is open from June to September, Wednesday to Sunday, apart from a ten-day period in late July/early August when Prince Charles usually stays.
