🏰 Castle
Castle of Mey
📍 Caithness
⏱ 2 hours
🎟️ Adults £14.50, children £8
🚐 Motorhome friendly
The Castle of Mey is one of the most personal and touching royal residences in Scotland — the beloved summer home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002. The Queen Mother discovered the neglected 16th-century castle while in the depths of grief following King George VI's death and spent two years restoring it as a private retreat. Today the castle is preserved almost exactly as she left it, with her personal belongings, books and furnishings creating an intimate portrait of a remarkable woman. The walled garden is outstanding, sheltered from the fierce north coast winds by high stone walls, and the views north across the Pentland Firth to Orkney from the castle grounds are magnificent.
On the A836 between Thurso and John o' Groats, 6 miles east of Thurso. Well signed.