Rothesay Castle will be closed on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 May, and from Thursday 6 June to Monday 10 June (reopening on Tuesday 11 June) Last entry is at 4.30pm. Cross the drawbridge over the moat and climb the 'bloody stair' to the circular ramparts, or descend into a forbidding pit prison. This powerful stronghold, built in the 1200s, was twice besieged and captured by the Norse, who battered down the eastern wall with their axes. a Short film tells this remarkable story. The castle has also been a royal base. Robert III died here and James IV used it to launch campaigns against the Lords of the Isles.
A really fascinating round castle with a moat. As usual with Historic Scotland properties, great interpretive signage. Don't miss the staircase behind the chapel to the ramparts for some excellent views. Historic Scotland guide was exceedingly helpful and friendly.
Nice little castle, lots of info about it. Very interesting, could have more stuff for kids like a trail or something around castle, or find this in the castle ect.. was only in their for about 45 mins.
As soon as you step foot ashore in Rothesay you may wonder where first - thr answer is just across the road. A modest sized ruins, the moat and lawns surrounding the castle are immaculate, inside the most interesting furthest reaches appear to be off limits and faced off. In the new section above the main entrance there is a hall with some tapestries, a few model of the castle and short film on a loop giving you a little of the history of the castle. As you step in you can (if you wish) climb down some metal rings through a snug gap into a low vaulted cellar that was used as a prison (famously one inmate was jailed for a year in the dark so they can't even see their feet. It felt cold oppressive and very scary. In all you would only need 45 mins to an hour in here. It was a nice place to take the weight off and enjoy the sun (we got lucky the week we were up here). Prices are about fair - after all you are contributing to the upkeep of the castle and preservation of a historic monument. There is a small gift shop in thr cabin at the entrance where you purchase tickets.
Great wee castle with plenty of history and water filled moat. There are also great views to be had of the surrounding area from the higher levels.
Interesting castle with impressive moat. Good interpretation boards and views from the walls out to sea and over the town (including Serpentine Road). Extremely helpful and friendly guide (David) who not only gave us info on the castle but, when asked, directed us the the best coffee in town
Unfortunately, we arrived at dinnertime, 12noon- 1 pm, so it was shut. We did get some nice photos from around the fence.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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A really fascinating round castle with a moat. As usual with Historic Scotland properties, great interpretive signage. Don't miss the staircase behind the chapel to the ramparts for some excellent views. Historic Scotland guide was exceedingly helpful and friendly.
Nice little castle, lots of info about it. Very interesting, could have more stuff for kids like a trail or something around castle, or find this in the castle ect.. was only in their for about 45 mins.
As soon as you step foot ashore in Rothesay you may wonder where first - thr answer is just across the road. A modest sized ruins, the moat and lawns surrounding the castle are immaculate, inside the most interesting furthest reaches appear to be off limits and faced off. In the new section above the main entrance there is a hall with some tapestries, a few model of the castle and short film on a loop giving you a little of the history of the castle. As you step in you can (if you wish) climb down some metal rings through a snug gap into a low vaulted cellar that was used as a prison (famously one inmate was jailed for a year in the dark so they can't even see their feet. It felt cold oppressive and very scary. In all you would only need 45 mins to an hour in here. It was a nice place to take the weight off and enjoy the sun (we got lucky the week we were up here). Prices are about fair - after all you are contributing to the upkeep of the castle and preservation of a historic monument. There is a small gift shop in thr cabin at the entrance where you purchase tickets.
Great wee castle with plenty of history and water filled moat. There are also great views to be had of the surrounding area from the higher levels.
Interesting castle with impressive moat. Good interpretation boards and views from the walls out to sea and over the town (including Serpentine Road). Extremely helpful and friendly guide (David) who not only gave us info on the castle but, when asked, directed us the the best coffee in town
Unfortunately, we arrived at dinnertime, 12noon- 1 pm, so it was shut. We did get some nice photos from around the fence.
