Castles · Central Scotland
Rothesay Castle
In or near Ascog.
Rothesay Castle — castle in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1.5 h–3 h
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
Getting there & planning your visit
To visit Rothesay Castle, you can use the postcode PA20 9AS for sat-nav directions. Entry is paid, and please note that wheelchair accessibility is limited.
About
Rothesay Castle is a castle in the United Kingdom — fortified architecture from the medieval, Tudor, or Victorian-revival period. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Managed by House of Stuart. Wikidata describes it as: "castle in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK". Coordinates: 55.8365°, -5.0550°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Rothesay Castle is a ruined castle in Rothesay, the principal town on the Isle of Bute, in western Scotland. Located at NS086646, the castle has been described as "one of the most remarkable in Scotland", for its long history dating back to the beginning of the 13th century, and its unusual circular plan. The castle comprises a huge curtain wall, strengthened by four round towers, together with a 16th-century forework, the whole surrounded by a broad moat. Built by the Stewart family, it survived Norse attacks to become a royal residence. Though falling into ruin after the 17th century, the castle was repaired by the Marquess of Bute before passing into state care in the 20th century.
From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.
From Historic Environment Scotland
Get a taste of the history of Rothesay Castle and find out what to see during a visit, including the moat and Scotland’s only circular curtain wall. Contact us today for more information.
Read more on the official property page.
From the Wikipedia article
Rothesay Castle is a ruined castle in Rothesay, the principal town on the Isle of Bute, in western Scotland. Located at NS086646, the castle has been described as "one of the most remarkable in Scotland", for its long history dating back to the beginning of the 13th century, and its unusual circular plan. The castle comprises a huge curtain wall, strengthened by four round towers, together with a 16th-century forework, the whole surrounded by a broad moat. Built by the Stewart family, it survived Norse attacks to become a royal residence. Though falling into ruin after the 17th century, the castle was repaired by the Marquess of Bute before passing into state care in the 20th century. A paddle steamer named after the castle was constructed in 1816.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
Background
Description
The castle was built either by Alan fitz Walter, Steward of Scotland (died 1204), or by his succeeding son Walter (died 1246). During Alan's tenure, the family added the Isle of Bute to their lordship. A wooden castle was constructed first, but the stone circular curtain wall was in place by the 1230s, when the castle was attacked and taken by the Norwegian-backed fleet of Óspakr-Hákon, King of the Isles (died 1230). According to Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar, Óspakr's forces fought for three days to take the castle, breaking down part of the eastern wall by hewing the stone with their axes. This saga is the earliest recorded account of an assault on a Scottish castle. In 1263, Rothesay was…
Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Coordinates
- 55.8365, -5.0550
- District
- Argyll and Bute
- Postcode
- PA20 9AS
- Parliamentary constituency
- Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
- Official site
- www.historicenvironment.scot
Sources
- wikidata: Q866902 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Rothesay Castle (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: Rothesay Castle 20100926 view from NNE.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Other places nearby
Rothesay
Castles · 0.0 km
Bute Museum
Museums · 0.1 km
Town Hall and Sheriff Court, Castle Street, Rothesay, Bute
Historic houses · 0.1 km
Isle of Bute
Islands · 0.1 km
Bute FM
Islands · 0.1 km
Former United Free Church, Rothesay, Bute
Historic churches · 0.1 km
Trinity Church, Castle Street, Rothesay, Bute
Historic churches · 0.2 km
War Memorial, Esplanade Gardens, Victoria Street
Memorials & monuments · 0.2 km
St Paul's Church, Rothesay
Historic churches · 0.2 km
St Andrews R.C. Church Hall, Bridgend Street, Rothesay, Bute
Historic churches · 0.2 km
Winter Gardens, Rothesay
Theatres · 0.2 km
Winter Garden Cinema
Cinemas · 0.2 km
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Rothesay Castle?
- Rothesay Castle is in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (postcode PA20 9AS).
- What is Rothesay Castle?
- Rothesay Castle — castle in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.
- How do I get to Rothesay Castle?
- Drivers can use postcode PA20 9AS.
- Who runs Rothesay Castle?
- Rothesay Castle is operated by House of Stuart.
- Is Rothesay Castle a listed building?
- Rothesay Castle is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- Does Rothesay Castle charge admission?
- Rothesay Castle typically charges admission. Check the official site for current ticket prices and opening hours.
- How do I get to Rothesay Castle?
- Drivers can navigate to postcode PA20 9AS. It sits within the Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber parliamentary constituency.