Overview

Survey a fortress linked to high stewards turned royal dynasty. A circular sandstone wall encloses this mighty castle, famous for its long and close association with the Stewart kings of Scotland.

What to see and do

See Scotland’s only circular curtain wall – the four projecting towers were added after the Norse siege of 1263
Step inside the great hall in the gatehouse, restored in 1900, to see displays about the castle and its royal owners
Walk around the moat to view the stone curtain wall in all its glory – and the resident ducks
Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle.

A look at the pit prison at Rothesay Castle.

A general view of the circular curtain wall and moat at Rothesay Castle.

An interior view of the great hall at Rothesay Castle.

An aerial view of Rothesay Castle, showing its circular plan.

A view of the moat and tower at Rothesay Castle.

Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 4.30pm (closes 5pm).

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily except Thur & Fri, 10am to last entry at 3.30pm (closes 4pm).

Closed for lunch 12 noon to 1pm (last entry at 11.30am).

View full opening hours