Cadzow Castle

Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton
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Cadzow Castle is a late-medieval stronghold hidden among ancient trees and dramatically positioned above a deep gorge.

A view of wintry woodland over the railings of a stone bridge. The ruins of a castle wall are just about visible amongst the trees.

The castle was built by the powerful Hamilton family, once one of the greatest noble houses in Scotland. Their chief seat, Hamilton Castle, lay in the valley below. A rare example of a ‘"hidden" castle, Cadzow was intended as a place of last resort.

There aren’t many historical references to the site but architectural features like its ‘dumb-bell’ and ‘wide-mouthed’ gun loops suggest it was constricted between 1475 and 1550.

The Hamiltons’ allegiance to Mary Queen of Scots brought about their downfall. Hamilton Castle was demolished in 1579, and Cadzow became a romantic ruin.

The castle still retains its "hidden" qualities, nestled within the woodland and countryside of Chatelherault Country Park. Nature trails connect the ruin with other park highlights, including Dukes Bridge and a grand 18th century hunting lodge.

A river running through a steep. verdant gorge. The ruins of a castle are hidden in the greenery.
The castle ruins hidden in trees above the Avon Gorge.
Sunshine on a pond within a country park. There are many ferns, reeds and other green plants.
The castle is a historic feature of Chatelherault Country Park.
A wide off-road path running through sunny woodland.
Over 10 miles of nature trails run through the park.

Visiting Cadzow Castle

The castle is in the grounds of Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton. Only its exterior can be viewed. Information about visiting the park can be found on the Chatelherault Country Park website.

View Cadzow Castle on Google Maps

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Address

Chatelherault Country Park
Hamilton
ML3 7UE

National Grid reference:

NS 735 537

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