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Dunrobin Castle and Golspie


From April to October the train makes a special stop on request at the picturesque Dunrobin Castle station.


This is the only remaining private railway station in Britain, dating from 1874. The building was the private waiting room for the Duke of Sutherland.


When travelling from Inverness, Golspie is the stop before Dunrobin Castle. 


Golspie is an attractive seaside village with its own station three minutes by train from Dunrobin Castle. Alternatively it is a pleasant walk from the castle of around 20 minutes to the start of the village or 40 minutes to the station (the village itself is around a mile in length).

DUNROBIN CASTLE


Dunrobin Castle is known as the fairytale castle and is a popular attraction - advanced booking is recommended. It is the largest private residence in the north of Scotland and is set in its own woodland overlooking the sea. It has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since 1401. 


Most of the interior of the castle is open to the public. Outside, the formal gardens are amazing in summer and are also the location for falconry displays. 


Also in the gardens is the castle museum. With displays of natural history and archaeology, including 1500 year old Pictish stones, it is a nationally important private collection.


Be aware the museum has a large collection of taxidermy so may not be to everyone's taste - it wasn't our favourite part. If possible choose a warm day for your visit as it is cold inside the castle.


There is also a tearoom and a shop. To fully explore the castle and the grounds would take a whole day.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle gardens

The formal gardens with falconry display

Dunrobin Castle train station

Dunrobin Castle private train station

Golspie

Attractive house in Golspie

Golspie is a quaint village

Field of sheep in Golspie

Golspie residents

Where to visit


GOLSPIE BEACH


This is a nice long sandy beach. See tide times.

BEN BHRAGGIE


Golspie is the starting point for the popular walk up Ben Bhraggie, situated behind the village. The circular walk starts from Fountain Road in Golspie. From the summit there are views along the Sutherland coast and across the Moray Firth.


It takes around two and a half hours to complete from the station and is just over nine kilometres in length, or you can extend for a longer circuit.


The summit is 415 metres above sea level. The statue on top is to the 1st Duke of Sutherland who was notorious during the Highland Clearances.

HIGHLAND WHISKY CHOCOLATES


This company is based at Golspie Industrial Estate where they make whisky, gin, baileys and fruit chocolates which are gluten free, as well as a vegan range. Visitors are welcome and receive a free chocolate!

SUTHERLAND SWIMMING POOL


This facility has a swimming pool as well as sauna and steam room.

Golspie Accommodation and Places to eat

Walking distances to accommodation given from the train station

Golspie Inn (1.08 miles/1.73 km)

An attractive former coaching inn dating from 1808.

Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 3.8 on TripAdvisor  


Glenshee Guest House (0.1 miles/0.16 km)

Reviews: 5.0 on Google, 5.0 on TripAdvisor 


Invicta House B&B (0.27 miles/0.43 km)

Reviews: 4.4 on Google, 4.6 on TripAdvisor

Page last updated 7 September 2025