REOPENING 30TH JUNE 2021. Part-ruined moated castle in use until 1660 set in the centre of town. Managed by Historic Scotland.
Rothesay Castle was built in the early 1200s and along with Bute has changed hands many times since then - passing from Scots to Norwegian to English rule and back to Scots again but left ruined by the retreating Cromewellian troops in the late 1650s. In the 1800s the Marquess of Bute began a restoration program and over the next hundred years the moat was re-excavated, the gatehouse rebuilt and much of the masonry replaced or restored. The red stone that you see in the walls today clearly delineates the restored sections from the ruins.
Since 1961 the castle has been managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Rothesay Castle is partially wheelchair accessible. Before visiting you may wish to contact them for clarification if this is a concern.
Colin pictures are © Stephen Doak and used under licence
You can buy prints and other Colin merchandise from Picture Bute
... or for less than the price of a coffee you can become a Colin Patron
Rothesay Castle does not have a car park, however there is usually plenty of free on-street parking in the vicinity. Alternatively, you may park in Guildford Square nearby where a pay-and-display service is in operation.
Rothesay Castle is within a short walking distance of the main town centre bus station at Guildford Square.
Show in StreetViewA great experience
Lovely helpful staff. We explored the castle and found it very interesting with lots to see and learn. The underground pit prison is worth climbing down into and you can access the majority of the castle.
Kids love it
The castle is perfect for kids because they can sit on or climb on pretty much everything, plus they can access the dungeon. The historical interpretations are very accessible.
Single 1.6m leaning stone on agricultural land
Operation Starfish WWII decoy bunker
Independently run natural and historical museum of Bute
Tranquil and inspiring studio for the teaching of art classes for adults
Single 2m high standing stone close to old tramway route
Bird hide overlooking large sandy bay and adjacent farmland
Ruined castle overlooking Kilchattan Bay
Ruins of a chambered Neolithic cairn
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch with extensive reed beds
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch, woodlands and farm land
Psychological Astrologer, I Ching and Reiki practitioner
Extensive ruins of a 12th century Romanesque church with far reaching views
At-risk gothic church in partial ruin
Ruins of a middle ages chapel
Puppeteers workshop and classroom space
The information presented here is collected from the public domain or has been provided by previous customers, users of or visitors to Rothesay Castle. It is presented in good faith but is not warranted to be complete or free from errors. E&OE.
