Castle of Mey combines the history of a 16th-century castle with a guided interior tour and a walk around the grounds. When planning your visit, you can choose between a focus on cultural history and a visit to the gardens and landscape. The tours offer insights into Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's life in Caithness; outdoors, the two-acre Walled Garden and views across the Pentland Firth take centre stage.
Castle of Mey: architectural history and historical connections
Castle of Mey was built by George, the 4th Earl of Caithness, for his second son, William Sinclair. Its history is closely connected with one family: the Castle was associated with the Earls of Caithness for four centuries. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother bought Castle of Mey and restored the castle, gardens and parkland. This long association is joined by her own connection to the Castle. Both contribute to the outstanding historical significance of Castle of Mey.
Tours take visitors through the Castle and connect the interior visit with the biography of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in Caithness. This brings a personal focus to the history, alongside the period in which the house was built. Visitors primarily interested in these historical themes can make the tour the focus of their visit; a walk around the grounds, by contrast, draws attention to the gardens and outdoor setting.
Walled gardens and views
There are two walled gardens next to the Castle. Visitors can walk around the grounds, including the two-acre Walled Garden. Vegetables, herbs, soft fruits and flowers are grown in the garden areas. Both the walled enclosures and their planting are therefore part of the garden visit. The plants mentioned include both crops and flowers, so the gardens are about more than simply looking at the garden walls.
The landscape can also be appreciated from the Castle: the building is about 500 yards from the shore of the Pentland Firth. From there, views extend west towards Dunnet Head, the northernmost point in Scotland, and across the Firth to the Orkney Islands. The westward view and the one across the water therefore look towards different destinations. Alongside a visit to the gardens, the coastal landscape provides a separate focus from the history inside.
Walks, routes and arrival
For walking enthusiasts, Castle of Mey is on the North Highland Way, which runs from John o Groats to Durness. In addition, a 0.54-kilometre extension to the existing Castle Of Mey Coast core path is listed in the adopted Highland Core Paths Plan. These are two distinct route connections to consider when planning a walk. Check the route and local conditions before setting out.
Another option for visitors is the Animal Centre in the East Woods. It is a destination for children and adults, and adds a different theme to the cultural history tour and garden walk. If you are travelling with children, you can take it into account when choosing what to do, without limiting your visit to the Castle or gardens.
There is a car park in front of the Castle and Gardens of Mey visitor centre. Accessible parking spaces are near the entrance; additional spaces are available for coaches, motorhomes and motorcycles. This information can help with your arrival, while your interests will determine the focus of your visit: an interior tour for history and biography, a walk for gardens and views, or a visit to the Animal Centre as another activity.
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