Rothesay Castle
Rothesay Castle
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Situated on the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age. Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Norwegian fleets, Rothesay’s immense circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland. In 1230 it survived a three-day siege by King Haakon IV of Norway which precipitated the castle’s fortification with four round towers. It became a royal residence soon after and was later occupied by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence and served as a base for Cromwell’s troops in the late 17th century. The grandiose great hall was restored by a Marquess of Bute in 1900 which now contains informative interpretive display which illuminate the history of the castle and its inhabitants.
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- K&T WatsonAyr, United Kingdom188 contributionsLovely placeStayed at Rothesay overnight and decided to stay on to visit the castle, very glad we did, so much so we joined historic Scotland to be able to see more great places. Guide at reception was very friendly and knowledgeable and the experience was really good, lots of Easter activities for the kids we saw. If you go don't miss the prison pit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- Drum_DaveyGlasgow, United Kingdom256 contributionsNice Castle To VisitI spent the day on the Isle of Bute and decided to visit this castle. It was worth visiting and learning more about its history including its association with Norway centuries ago as well as with the Stuart dynasty. As much of the castle is in ruins, it is probably worth a visit for around half an hour. You can climb to the top and see much of the town as well as lots of seagulls.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 20 May 2024
- Karen BFEdmonton, Canada685 contributionsA surprising find on your Explore Scotland pass… make the stop!Tidy little castle with loads of history, a surprising stop as you pass through Rothesay. This was part of a ferry tour day we had planned with several connections on short ferry transfers through the western isles of Scotland. This is a fun day trip, but bear in mind ferry schedules or you may get stuck on Arran Island overnight!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 June 2024
- margaret rSummerville, South Carolina25 contributionsPleasant castle to visit in heart of Rothersey.Smallish castle but very nice to see. I did it with English Heritage pass which gave me half price, £3. Seagulls have young birds in there presently and are protective but they did not attack, were just noisy and circled castle. Some scaffolding up around parts of the castle.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 30 June 2024
- Fiona MCumbernauld, United Kingdom4 contributionsFascinating, I love anything historical!I love anything to do with history so had to visit the castle on my annual trip to Rothesay. I had visited when I was a wee girl way back in the 70s on family holidays but I understand it's been closed for a number of years for renovation. It's fascinating wandering around the grounds and also seeing inside the Great Hall. David who was manning the gift shop and selling tickets was just lovely, so helpful and enthusiastic.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 August 2024
- Ben G4 contributionsGreat visit for familyGreat castle to visit. Looks small but there is a lot to it, including being able to go into the prison pit underneath and up to the top of the ramparts and get an idea of the view that occupants would have had. Some parts being restored but plenty to see and walk around, should take 1-2hrs to look around all of it in detail. Friendly staff on hand and colouring activities for the kids to do in the great hall too.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
346 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
136
Average
50
Poor
7
Terrible
1
Drum_Davey
Glasgow, UK256 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I spent the day on the Isle of Bute and decided to visit this castle.
It was worth visiting and learning more about its history including its association with Norway centuries ago as well as with the Stuart dynasty.
As much of the castle is in ruins, it is probably worth a visit for around half an hour. You can climb to the top and see much of the town as well as lots of seagulls.
It was worth visiting and learning more about its history including its association with Norway centuries ago as well as with the Stuart dynasty.
As much of the castle is in ruins, it is probably worth a visit for around half an hour. You can climb to the top and see much of the town as well as lots of seagulls.
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona M
Cumbernauld, UK4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
I love anything to do with history so had to visit the castle on my annual trip to Rothesay. I had visited when I was a wee girl way back in the 70s on family holidays but I understand it's been closed for a number of years for renovation. It's fascinating wandering around the grounds and also seeing inside the Great Hall. David who was manning the gift shop and selling tickets was just lovely, so helpful and enthusiastic.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K&T Watson
Ayr, UK188 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Stayed at Rothesay overnight and decided to stay on to visit the castle, very glad we did, so much so we joined historic Scotland to be able to see more great places. Guide at reception was very friendly and knowledgeable and the experience was really good, lots of Easter activities for the kids we saw. If you go don't miss the prison pit.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margaret r
Summerville, SC25 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Smallish castle but very nice to see. I did it with English Heritage pass which gave me half price, £3. Seagulls have young birds in there presently and are protective but they did not attack, were just noisy and circled castle. Some scaffolding up around parts of the castle.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen BF
Edmonton, Canada685 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Tidy little castle with loads of history, a surprising stop as you pass through Rothesay. This was part of a ferry tour day we had planned with several connections on short ferry transfers through the western isles of Scotland. This is a fun day trip, but bear in mind ferry schedules or you may get stuck on Arran Island overnight!
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben G
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Great castle to visit. Looks small but there is a lot to it, including being able to go into the prison pit underneath and up to the top of the ramparts and get an idea of the view that occupants would have had. Some parts being restored but plenty to see and walk around, should take 1-2hrs to look around all of it in detail. Friendly staff on hand and colouring activities for the kids to do in the great hall too.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hillary S
Wigan, UK265 contributions
Oct 2021
Disappointed to find this castle closed. It is in the middle of the town of Rothesay so exterior views of it are easily seen from outside the railings so not too bad that it was closed. However, no photo opportunities with all the scaffolding up. Shame! it really is a special castle.
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GCD2311
Cheshire, UK931 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Isle of Bute 🏴 Scotland 🏴 is the place of my birth, hometown on the west coast and our family members 🏴 It’s always a great pleasure to make the annual trip north to Rothesay to pay our respects to the folks. The castle in the center of Rothesay stands proud and has seen many changes throughout history on this beautiful island. I have walked around and passed this castle more times than I care to mention. Probably the most memorable time is watching the mass pipe and drums walking to the pier after the Highland games. Simply stunning. It’s such a colorful sight. So! Haste ye back after a short weekend break with the Mrs 🇨🇳 Respect Gordon 🇬🇧 Sissi 🇨🇳.. See you again soon
Written 5 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcella B
32 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The views alone are terrific and the site has good descriptions which helps on self guided tour. I do wish more sites offered downloads for visits, these are pretty standard elsewhere. Also the gulls were nesting on the top parts of the castle, pretty big settlement and noisy so approach with caution.
Written 2 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heathy50
Paisley, United Kingdom13 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Great family experience. I didn't realise how much these was to see as I thought it was just a ruin. The dining room has been restored, you can go down to the 'pit prison' and climb the walls. There are also boards detailing the history and a video room that also gives history. Great fun.
Written 13 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a hairdryer in th rooms?
Written 23 October 2015
My room was rather drafty and the roof leaked but the en suite shower room was really refreshing, if a bit on the cold side. I can confirm there were hair dryers available by request from the laird.
Written 26 May 2016
SLM382
Kooskia, Idaho
Because we got too old to travel to Scotland I just have numerous questions about Rothesay Castle, at any time were there any McCurdy's connected to this castle?
Written 15 February 2015
Hi. I also have interest in McKirdys and their associated spelling variants on Bute. However when I toured Rothesay Castle there was no mention of McKirdys in the displays. Best wishes. Jacqueline Hunter.
Written 16 February 2015
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