Slains Castle

Stunning views. Free carpark. Pleasant walk up to the castle itself. Great photo opportunity.

There is a brisk ten minute walk from the smallish parking area to the castle. There is no interpretation anywhere on site, no brown signs directing you to this place, and not even a sign telling you the name of the castle - maybe it's in private hands and the owners don't want to encourage visitors, but are obliged to allow access? The building looks as if it's had a variety of slapdash repairs or even been concreted over in parts - it looks more like a film set than a real place, but there are parts that have very old brickwork/fireplaces in amongst the many little rooms now open to the elements. The location of this large ruined castle, however, is atmospheric and stunning, overlooking dramatic cliffs and coastline.

The car park is easy to get too the only problem is you can't get a wheel chair onto path to get to castle a bit disappointing. A long walk to castle but the path is very even. The castle itself is starting to get a bit overgrown in places but it is a great castle to go to. A bit dangerous in places if you have young ones with you. The views are amazing. Well worth a visit whilst it is still there and not in the sea.

Free car park and 20mins flat walk to castle for unbelievable views of coastline. Castle is large ruins but well worth the visit. No toilets, no wheelchair access. Better to visit on dry summers day to get best experience.

Probably one of my favorite castle ruins that I've visited. Short walk from the parking area. No crowds. Free. Beautiful views. Multiple architecture styles. No cordoned off areas. Would definitely recommend and would go back if I ever find myself in the area again (unlikely but nice to dream). Check out the underground crypt (if you dare), the spiral staircase, and the old bridge to the castle.

Amazing views! It's worth a trip, the car park is not far away from the castle and it's free. The ruins offer opportunity for nice photos and there are few paths along the coastline. Be careful, don't go too near the cliffs.

Easy parking and a short walk to the site. Was busier than I expected but not too busy. Very little of the site is cordoned off which means you can really explore these ruins

I have been wanting to visit these ruins, ever since I read the book The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. The ruins are gorgeous and we’re also an inspiration, at least, in part, for Bram, Stoker‘s book, Dracula. Stoker used to come to Cruden Bay every year for inspiration and to write.It is a bit of a hike to get from the car park to the ruins, as it is a little over a half mile, but it’s an easy walk. The castle is built right on the water and is immense. It’s well worth a stop to see it. And best of all, it’s free!

Lovely ruin to visit and explore carefully. A short accessable walk from the village. Commanding views of the coastline. Don't follow the Google maps route to walk there. Head to Cruden car park and follow the path from there. It's all flat going that way round and shorter than the way suggested on Google.

About a mile walk (in one direction) down a long gravel drive but the views are breathtaking and well worth it. It would be a great place to take a picnic just to sit and enjoy the coastline. The castle is in ruins so mind your step and wear good walking shoes. It’s best to go early like I did (before noon); the longer I was there more people started to show up. It’s a very safe place to park the car but spots are limited. It’s very peaceful to sit and watch the seagulls and the water hitting the rocks. Note: it is on a cliff edge so mind your steps if you walk down towards the coast. Parking and the castle visit is free.