Bothwell Castle
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Blantyre, 0.9 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Ave, Uddingston, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8BL
Telephone 0131 651 6758
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Widely regarded as Scotland's finest 13th-century castle ruin, set above a bend in the River Clyde with a huge circular donjon still dominating the site. Some masonry is currently shored up for conservation, but the scale of what remains is still considerable.
Worth the trip
The circular donjon tower - the feature reviewers return to again and again.
Before you go
There's a free car park a short walk from the site and entry is £4.50; walk the perimeter path along the Clyde as part of the visit rather than sticking to the castle interior alone.
Every review of Bothwell Castle mentions ongoing repair work restricting access to parts of the ruin, with several areas fenced off due to crumbling masonry. Despite this, reviewers consistently enjoy the grounds, the riverside setting above the Clyde, and the impressive circular tower, describing it as peaceful and photogenic even with restrictions in place. One reviewer felt the £4.50 entry fee wasn't worth it given how much was inaccessible and wished this had been made clear before paying, so it's worth checking the current state of repairs before visiting if seeing the full interior matters to you.
Finest 13th-century castle ruin in Scotland
“Historic Scotland maintained Ruin. Currently under some maintenance due to crumbling masonry in certain areas. 4.50 entry, to inspect the ruins. Lovely setting and nearby River Walk to take in the country scenery.”- Gary Shek, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Turned up to a small carpark but it was free and just a short walk to the castle.” - Glenn Young
- Facilities
- “Beautiful grounds, lovely for a picnic.” - Karen
Common questions about Bothwell Castle
Where is Bothwell Castle?
Bothwell Castle is in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, at Castle Ave, Uddingston, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8BL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Bothwell Castle?
Yes - Bothwell Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Bothwell Castle?
The circular donjon tower - the feature reviewers return to again and again.
Is Bothwell Castle a ruin or still intact?
Bothwell Castle is a ruin - Finest 13th-century castle ruin in Scotland.
