The Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland, is a restored royal residence on the far north coast, around six miles west of John o' Groats. Set above the Pentland Firth, it combines a 16th-century castle, walled garden, and visitor facilities in one compact stop.
The castle is best known for its link to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who restored it and used it as a summer home. Inside, visitors find rooms arranged with a lived-in feel rather than formal palace display, while the gardens and coastal setting add space to walk around. It suits visitors interested in royal history, house interiors, and a quieter visit with clear practical limits on time and access.
Originally built in the 16th century by the Earls of Caithness, the castle was known as Barrogill Castle for centuries. By the mid-20th century, however, it had fallen into serious disrepair. When Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visited in 1952, she was grieving the death of King George VI. Struck by the building's isolated charm-and hearing it was due to be abandoned-she purchased it and began a major restoration.
Her restoration work balanced comfort with heritage, respecting the castle's traditional form while making it a livable home. She furnished it with warmth and personal touches, creating an atmosphere that still reflects her personality and affection for Caithness. The castle became her regular summer residence until her passing in 2002.
Today, the Castle of Mey is managed by the Castle & Gardens of Mey Trust, preserving both the historic structure and its deep connection to the Queen Mother. It stands not only as a royal residence but also as a cultural landmark deeply rooted in the life of the local community.
Things to See and Do in the Castle of Mey
Visitors can explore many of the rooms used by the Queen Mother, including her sitting room, bedrooms, and personal spaces. These interiors are famously warm, inviting, and intimate-decorated in soft colours, floral patterns, and personal memorabilia. Far from the grandeur of major royal palaces, the Castle of Mey feels like a cherished family home.
Outside, the walled garden is a highlight. Protected from coastal winds, it bursts with seasonal flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. The wider grounds offer peaceful walks and spectacular sea views, especially on days when the Orkney Islands are visible across the water.
The animal centre, open in summer, is popular with families, offering encounters with local breeds and small animals. Guided tours and special events throughout the year bring additional layers of royal history and local heritage to life.
How to Get There
The Castle of Mey is located about 6 miles west of John o' Groats and is best accessed by car along the A836 coastal road. Travelers arriving by train can reach Wick Station and continue to the castle by taxi or local bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Those flying regionally can use Wick John O'Groats Airport, offering convenient access to northern Caithness. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Caithness on Booking.com.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Castle of Mey
Best time to visit the Castle of Mey: Summer months when the gardens are in full bloom.
Entrance fee in Euros: Typically between 15-20 EUR equivalent; varies by season.
Opening hours: Generally open from May to September; closed in winter.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours for house, gardens, and grounds.
Accessibility: Many areas accessible, though some upper rooms require stairs.
Facilities: Gift shop, café, restrooms, and seasonal animal centre.
Photography tip: Capture the castle from the garden with the Pentland Firth behind it.
Guided tours: Available and highly recommended for royal history enthusiasts.
Nearby food options: Tearoom at the castle and restaurants in nearby John o' Groats and Dunnet.
Where to Stay close to the Castle of Mey
Wick and John o' Groats provide the closest accommodation options. A comfortable base is Mackays Hotel, known for its welcoming atmosphere. For a more coastal setting near the castle, Seaview Hotel offers easy access to northern attractions. Travelers seeking a dramatic retreat can choose Ackergill Tower Hotel, set along a stunning stretch of shoreline.
Is the Castle of Mey Worth Visiting?
Yes-the Castle of Mey is absolutely worth visiting. Its royal history, warm interiors, beautiful gardens, and sweeping sea views make it one of the most memorable attractions in Caithness. The Queen Mother's personal connection to the site adds a uniquely touching dimension to any visit.
The Castle & Gardens of Mey is a restored 16th-century fortress with extensive walled gardens, a farm animal area and an on-site tearoom and shop; visitors describe the interior as homely and filled with personal effects associated with the late Queen Mother, with knowledgeable, friendly guides who make the visit heartwarming, and note well-kept gardens that thrive despite the harsh climate, clean animal enclosures, good visitor facilities including parking and toilets, and a museum shop offering an illustrated book about private rooms.
Susie Jean Sharkey
5 months ago
"Beautiful castle and walled garden. The castle felt very homely and had so many personal effects of the late Queen Mother. The walled garden is abeautiful delight. There’s also a cafe on site and shop. Well worth a visit..."
"Castle Mey is just a short drive six miles west from John O'Groats or about 15 miles east of Thurso, a great place to spend a morning or afternoon.It is the most northerly inhabited castle on mainland Britain, today it is a home to King Charles The castle was built in 1566 and purchased by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952. There is ample car parking in front of the castle and an excellent Visitors Centre. Apart from the castle, there is a fascinating walled garden to see, an animal centre to visit. The Queen Mother bought the Castle of Mey in Northern Scotland shortly after the death of her husband in 1952 and it is rumoured that she only paid less than £100 for it. On the tour you will get the real reason and price. The tour is limited to only a few visitors at a time and you will have to wait your turn. The tour guide is excellent and had a vast knowledge of the castles history and the time the Queen Mum was there. The section of the castle you visit is very mauc still as the Queen Mother left it. The coat she wore and walking sticks to wander around the gardens are still in the entrance hall, as are the dogs water bowls. In one room there is even an old carpet that has seem better days, but has been kept. Each room is filled with artifacts and memories of the Queen Mother and a fitting touch to her memory. There are even old members of staff who worked for her in many of the rooms. It is worth stopping and chatting to these members of staff who in a friendly way will all have some personal story of about their time with her. These are the real tributes to her. The Castle of Mey was the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996, when Her Majesty generously gifted it with an endowment to the Trust. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, with stunning vistas overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands beyond. The castle was built between 1566 and 1572. As you approach, its turreted aspect is very striking against the backdrop of the Pentland Firth. The jutting towers and corbelled turrets are typical of that period of the 16th century, particularly the chequered character of the corbelling of the smaller turrets. The parapet of the large turret is supported on winged cherub heads as corbels. There are numerous gun slits throughout the ground floor, several in the angles of the tower and more at first-floor level. The round arched entrance to the courtyard, on the north aspect is unaltered. Following our excellent tour of the castle it was off to wander around the park and gardens. The walled garden and parkland to the west and the east are protected by the Great Wall of Mey - 12 feet high - which gives very necessary protection from the severe wind gales and salt spray. The two-acre walled garden is testament to The Queen Mother’s love of gardening. You can explore the varied planting and the different ‘rooms’ of the garden from flower beds to shrubs, roses and ornamental trees to areas of vegetables and herbs, many of which still provide the Castle with fruit and vegetables today. Such an impressive and successful garden in such a northerly location is no mean feat, and the result is both impressive and enchanting. We were also amazed to find plants you would normally associated with warmer climes flourishing here. There are also alcoves and seating along the walls and in one corner a tower, associated with her daughters Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margret. This is now a great vantage point for viewing the whole impressive garden layout below you. It is a tranquil walk and an area for some quite reflection in a beautiful setting. From the walled garden it is a short walk through the woods to the exceptional Animal Centre is based in the East Woods. Here there is lots to and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere gives the opportunity to see animals well cared for in a happy environment, and provide an enjoyable and educational visit. Alice, the donkey, is a great favourite and enjoys a chat with visitors. In the paddock, you will find unusual breed of sheep and the poultry section has numerous colourful and eye-catching examples of bantams, ducks and geese. The regal Buff Orpingtons, a breed kept by the Queen Mother, take pride of place. Inside the Animal Centre there are small animals such as rabbits. Daisy, the wooden cow, is used by both adults and children to try their hand at milking. There is an incubator on display and a brooder with newly hatched cute chicks, ducklings or goslings. We had a really enjoyable morning not just from learning more about the castle and a bit of the more private life of the Queen Mum, but the relaxing walking through the gardens and woodland. Then seeing the children enjoying at the Animal Centre, Castle Mey has something for everyone. It was then off back to the visitor centre, and the gift shop where there are a wide range of attractive gifts, including china and glassware, books and postcards. There are also shop chutneys made from fresh produce picked from the castle garden. They also have an impressive range of scarves and throws made in the Queen Mother Check. The colours and design are inspired by a favourite and much worn outfit belonging to Her Majesty which is now displayed in the castle library. We were now quite peckish and it was time for a well earned coffee and a bite to eat. The tearoom serves delicious home made snacks and cakes. There is a good menu of locally sourced products to chose from. We had a delicious toasted sandwich and a great scone to finish off. If you are visiting this part of Scotland this is a must, even if you are not a royal fan, the castle, gardens and views of Orkney and the Pentland Forth are well worth the visit. Since December 2025 TripAdvisor has not been adding my contributions so I'm now doing it myself. This Review takes it to 12635. Thank you for reading...."
"The castle and gardens are well worth the admission fee. Staff are friendly and very informative. Only the public rooms are open, however, there is abeautifully produced book for a little under £10 which is well illustrated about the private rooms such as the bedrooms. The walled gardens are amazing given the extreme climate and the animal area (geese, ducks, hens, sheep, pigs) are well cared for and very clean. Facilities include well managed car park, cafe, shop, clean toilets...."
"The Castle of Mey stands well above ny other Castle we visited on the North Coast of Scotland. This Castle felt inviting the moment we set eyes uponit. The gardens were beautifully set out and still had flowering roses etc. not to mention veg. Immediately we entered the front door to this wonderful, light and colourful little Castle we were met by staff who clearly cherished their work, They knew the history of the building and the contents therein. Their warming attitude towards everyone permated the atmosphere. The little tales they told of the Queen Mother and His Majesty the King were delightful and last but not least everybody who entered the castle were invited to sit down on the sofas in any room. An essence of happiness and most certainly value for money..."
"Interesting Castle and contents previously owed and loved by the late Queen Mother. King Charles still visit's the castle and enjoys time there.Plenty of parking space and motorhomes welcome. Enjoyed my time here and a nice café and facilities. Well worth a look while on the North Coast of Scotland..👍..."
"Excellent visit today! Staff extremely friendly and informative a joy to visit this place. Had lunch which was beautiful Excellent food and staff! Weare going to call tomorrow just for another visit to the cafe before we carry on with our NC500..."
