Craignethan Castle
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Grounds only
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Carluke, 2.8 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Blackwood, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 9PL
Telephone 01555 860364
The last castle built in Scotland before the Union of the Crowns, set above the Nethan Gorge with spiral staircases and cellars that reviewers clearly enjoyed exploring in full. It's currently closed for conservation work, with access limited to the grounds only.
Worth the trip
When open, the under-croft passages and gorge views; for now, the walk to the gorge itself remains worthwhile.
Before you go
Check current access before travelling - it's under conservation with grounds-only access, a step down from the full interior visits most reviews describe.
Recent reviews of Craignethan Castle are all five-star, with the free guided tours and welcoming, knowledgeable staff coming up repeatedly as a highlight. Reviewers also enjoy the setting above the Nethan Gorge, the unusual tunnel feature (described as unique among UK castles), and the accessible paths with benches for those who can't manage all the steps. It's noted as dog and child friendly, with no complaints appearing in the available reviews.
Currently closed for conservation work
“Brilliant castle with lots to see. Good views all around and interesting tunnel unique to any castles we've seen in UK. Recommended.”- Michael Jefferson, 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
- “From the car park, you go downhill to castle.” - Isabel Murdoch
- Terrain & accessibility
- “This is reached via irregular sized steps down and then up.” - Isabel Murdoch
- Facilities
- “There is very clean toilets.” - Isabel Murdoch
Common questions about Craignethan Castle
Where is Craignethan Castle?
Craignethan Castle is in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, at Blackwood, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 9PL.
Can you go inside Craignethan Castle?
At Craignethan Castle the grounds are open to visit but the castle interior generally isn't, under Historic Environment Scotland. Check the official site for current access before you travel.
Is Craignethan Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Craignethan Castle - one reviewer noted: “…eautiful, a hidden gem. Great place to take the children and dogs allowed to as long as they are on the lead. We will defini…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Craignethan Castle?
When open, the under-croft passages and gorge views; for now, the walk to the gorge itself remains worthwhile.
Is Craignethan Castle a ruin or still intact?
Craignethan Castle is a ruin - Currently closed for conservation work.
