Bothwell Castle
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Photo: Pradeep, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Alan O'Dowd, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Alan O'Dowd, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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)
- Note
- Finest 13th-century castle ruin in Scotland
Pinpoint
Castle Ave, Uddingston, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8BL
Telephone 0131 651 6758
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Monday : Closed Tuesday : 9.30am to 5pm Wednesday : 9.30am to 5pm Thursday : 9.30am to 5pm Friday : 9.30am to 5pm Saturday : 9.30am to 5pm Sunday : Closed |
| 1 October - 31 March | Monday : 10am to 4pm Tuesday : 10am to 4pm Wednesday : 10am to 4pm Thursday : Closed Friday : Closed Saturday : 10am to 4pm Sunday : 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing, Last entry on 24 December is 1pm
- Closed
- 25 December to 2 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
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.
At a glance
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.
What visitors say
Bothwell Castle reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 886 Google reviews
Nearly 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.
“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
Within reach of Glasgow (7 miles), Edinburgh (37 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Walks at Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Castle is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“Beautiful walk along the river to the town of Uddingston and the train station.”- Karen, visitor review
Also worth knowing: you can arrive by train (Blantyre is 0.9 miles off).
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
History
David Olifard / Walter de Moravia · 13th century
The Murrays began construction of this grand castle in the 13th century to guard a strategic River Clyde crossing. Its iconic circular donjon was severely damaged in wars, and the castle changed hands repeatedly between English and Scottish forces during the Wars of Independence. The Douglases rebuilt it in the 14th century, but it was abandoned by the 18th century.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.
Are there walks at Bothwell Castle?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “Beautiful walk along the river to the town of Uddingston and the train station.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
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.
