Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle featuring château or palace
Bothwell Castle showing a ruin, a castle and heritage elements
Bothwell Castle featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements
Bothwell Castle featuring a river or creek
Bothwell Castle which includes château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements


Witness heroic battle re-enactments or roam the halls of Glasgow’s biggest, and most striking, medieval defence building.

Get a glimpse of the United Kingdom’s medieval past in the biggest 13th-century stone castle in Scotland. Watch as performers dressed as knights and peasants reenact medieval battles, or just browse the castle’s chambers and halls. Photographers will love the striking image of the castle ruins with the River Clyde in the background. On a stormy day, this is an eerie sight that suits its history.Originally built by the aristocratic Walter of Moray, Bothwell Castle was conquered and damaged during the War of Independence with England. It lay abandoned until the 1360s, when the Earl of Douglas rebuilt it. Start by checking out the remains of the cylindrical Donjon. When first constructed, this residential tower was 98 feet (30 meters) tall and had a diameter of 66 feet (20 meters). Look for the open west side of the tower, which was taken down to block sieges from the English.Don’t miss the great hall and chapel built by Archibald the Grim, the third Earl of Douglas. Climb the 21 steps to the great hall to get an impression of remarkable 14th-century architectural achievements. To make it a day trip, bring a picnic and relax in the surrounding gardens while the children run round the ruins or play knights on horses. They will love visiting the castle during the days of special events, which include re-enactments of historical battles. Join in and try your hand at archery and watch colorful fashion parades from a bygone era. Check the Historic Scotland website for the events calendar.Situated in the town of Bothwell, the castle is a 20-minute drive from Glasgow’s city center. Free parking is available. You can also take the bus or train to Uddingston, a 15-minute walk from the castle gates.Bothwell Castle is open daily from April to October. From November to March it is open from Saturday to Wednesday only. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, so don’t come too late in the afternoon.

Plan a trip to see Bothwell Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Muthu Glasgow River Hotel
Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Crossbasket Castle Hotel & Restaurant

Tours & day trips

See all 197 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 93 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 15 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 3 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Stonefield Rooms

Stonefield Rooms

3 out of 5
225 Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow, Scotland
Stonefield Rooms
Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park M74 JCT 5 by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park M74 JCT 5 by IHG

3 out of 5
Strathclyde Country Park, Hamilton Rd. Motherwell, Glasgow, Scotland
Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park M74 JCT 5 by IHG
Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park

Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park

3 out of 5
Bothwell Road, Hamilton, Scotland
Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park
Crossbasket Castle Hotel & Restaurant

Crossbasket Castle Hotel & Restaurant

4.5 out of 5
Crossbasket Estate, Stoneymeadow Road, High Blantyre, Glasgow, Scotland
Crossbasket Castle Hotel & Restaurant
Alona Hotel

Alona Hotel

4 out of 5
Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill, Scotland
Alona Hotel
Days Inn by Wyndham Hamilton

Days Inn by Wyndham Hamilton

3 out of 5
Roadchef Motorway Service Area, M74 Northbound, Hamilton, Scotland
Days Inn by Wyndham Hamilton
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Strathclyde

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Strathclyde

3.5 out of 5
Phoenix Crescent, Bellshill, Scotland
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Strathclyde
The Bay Horse

The Bay Horse

3 out of 5
39a Bothwell Road, Hamilton, Scotland
The Bay Horse
Cosy 2 bed apartment in quiet area

Cosy 2 bed apartment in quiet area

Cambuslang, Scotland
Cosy 2 bed apartment in quiet area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bothwell Castle

While visiting Bothwell Castle, immerse yourself in local activities such as shopping, enjoying theatre performances, and catching live music events. Don't miss a round at Bothwell Castle Golf Club or explore the area through local tours to fully appreciate the rich history and scenic beauty. This blend of leisure and culture ensures a delightful experience during your visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, explore East Kilbride Shopping Centre, just 3.1km away, offering a lively atmosphere. St. Enoch Centre, 4.3km away, is perfect for family shopping. If you're up for a drive, Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, also 3.1km away, combines entertainment with great shopping.

Recreation

At Hampden Park, immerse yourself in the adrenaline of live sports events. Strathclyde Country Park offers serene walks and nature, perfect for relaxation. For a vibrant evening, Barrowland Ballroom hosts exciting music concerts, ensuring a delightful blend of entertainment and cultural experience.

Adventure

Embark on the Hillside Path, an outdoor adventure 4.3km from Bothwell Castle, perfect for nature enthusiasts. For climbing fans, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, located 5.6km away, offers thrilling sports challenges. Experience indoor skiing at Snow Factor, 6.8km from the castle, ideal for family fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Bothwell Castle offers exciting options! Enjoy a fun-filled evening at Hollywood Bowl, a vibrant arcade adventure zone just 1.9km away. For a touch of culture, catch a performance at the Hamilton Townhouse Theatre, also 1.9km away, or the Citizens Theatre, 4.3km away.

Find the best attractions near Bothwell Castle

During your visit to Bothwell Castle, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring the historic Bothwell Castle itself and the nearby Palace Bothwell Castle. For a blend of urban charm and outdoor adventures, consider visiting local parks and museums, as well as the modern college or university in the area. These attractions cater to those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor activities, making it a delightful destination for all types of travellers.

  • Glasgow Green: As Glasgow's oldest park, Glasgow Green offers a vibrant outdoor space perfect for families. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and the iconic People's Palace, which showcases the city's social history amidst beautiful greenery.
  • George Square: Located in the heart of the city, George Square is a cultural hub adorned with stunning architecture and monuments. It's an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Glasgow's rich history and vibrant atmosphere, often hosting events and festivals.
  • Merchant City: This lively neighbourhood boasts an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Stroll through its cobbled streets, soak in the city's artistic flair, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife that defines this unique area.

Best time to go to Bothwell Castle

The best time to visit Bothwell Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bothwell Castle

To save on your visit to Bothwell Castle, consider travelling in January or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance often yields the best rates, with Monday being the cheapest night to stay. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, and use their search tool to filter by budget and location. You might also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. Additionally, make use of public transport to explore the area affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bothwell Castle are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Bothwell Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bothwell Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bothwell Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save some money by combining your Bothwell Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.