Doune Castle, built in the 14th century, consists of two strong towers linked by a lower range. Doune Castle tours can be booked on 07305-294773 or contact us online .
Doune Castle is unique in that it actually has four claims to movie fame –
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- Game of Thrones
- Outlander
- the Outlaw King ( Netflix)
Doune Castle was widely used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as the castle of Guy de Lombard .
Take the audio tour of the castle narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
The two towers form two sides of a courtyard, the other sides enclosed by a high curtain wall. Other ranges were planned to surround the whole courtyard, but were apparently never built. The curtain wall has open rounds at the corners, and corbelled-out semi-circular bartizans midway between the rounds. This was once a lordly residence and remains an impressive old stronghold, probably on the site of an older castle.
The lord’s tower in Doune Castle has vaulted cellars, in the basement, and a fine vaulted hall on the first floor, reached by an external stone stair from the courtyard. The hall has a magnificent double fireplace and a minstrels’ gallery as well as a carved oak screen. A stair, in the thickness of the walls, climbs to the storeys above, which contain many chambers, including the great chamber or upper hall on the second floor, which has been a magnificent room.
Doune Castle was kept as a royal hunting lodge, prison, and dower house for the widows of James III, James IV and James V. It was occasionally used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and was held by forces loyal to her until 1570. This is another castle where a ghostly apparition of Mary has been reported.
Originally dating to the 13th Century, Doune Castle near Stirling plays Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in Outlander TV series .
It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank Randall visit the castle on a day trip.
Once a Royal residence, Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the late 14th Century.
Doune has appeared several times on screen and was widely used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It also represented the castle Winterfell in Game of Thrones.
Doune Castle tours cost £180 for up to 4 people .
Phone 07305-294773 for bookings or contact us online .