So began The Queen Mother’s love affair with The Castle & Gardens of Mey, situated on the A836 about six miles west of John O’Groats. The Queen Mother restored it and created the beautiful gardens that can be seen today. For almost half a century The Queen Mother spent many happy summers at Mey.

The Castle & Gardens of Mey is open seasonally from May to September, offering guided tours, beautiful grounds, and a warm welcome. With luxury accommodation at The Granary Lodge and a reputation for five-star service, it’s the perfect destination for history lovers and those seeking a truly Scottish experience.

Why Visit?

For those fascinated by Scottish heritage and royal history, the Castle of Mey is a must-see. Nestled on the dramatic Caithness coastline, the castle offers an intimate glimpse into the life of The Queen Mother, surrounded by stunning gardens and sweeping views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. It’s a destination that combines history, nature, and hospitality for an unforgettable day out.

Highlights

• Castle Tour: Explore the main rooms and private spaces of the castle, preserved to reflect The Queen Mother’s personal style and life in Caithness.
• Walled Garden: Stroll through the two-acre walled garden, a tranquil haven of flowers and produce, lovingly restored by Her Majesty.
• Animal Centre: Meet rare breeds and the famous Alice the donkey, a favourite with visitors of all ages.
• Visitor Centre: Enjoy homemade snacks in the tearoom and browse the gift shop featuring local crafts and exclusive items inspired by The Queen Mother.
• Royal Connections: Learn about the castle’s transformation from Barrogill Castle to The Castle of Mey and its role as a cherished royal residence.

Good to know

• Assessibility: Accessibility to the castle and on the inside is limited due to the age of the building. The Visitor centre, which includes the shop, tearoom, and toilets is accessible. Please telephone in advance for any more information and help.
• Free Parking
• Facilities: Toilets are inside the visitor centre
• Admission: Admission prices vary depending on age, there are student tickets and family tickets available as well. There are two types of tickets; one for Castle, grounds, and gardens, and one for ground and gardens only. Visit https://www.castleofmey.org.uk/visitor-info/admission-prices for more information.

Please note that the Castle of Mey is a cashless site; contactless and card payments only. Tickets are available to buy on arrival.