About this place
Unique circular moated castle on the Isle of Bute, one of the most unusual castle designs in Scotland.
Rothesay Castle's distinctive circular design, ringed by a water-filled moat, makes it one of the most unusual castle layouts in Scotland, and it withstood repeated sieges over the centuries, including attacks by Norse forces in the 13th century. Visitors can climb the battlements for views over the town and harbour, and enough of the original structure survives to give a strong sense of the castle's medieval scale. Reaching Bute requires a short ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay, adding a bit of an adventure to the day for children even before arriving at the castle itself. There's an admission charge, and the uneven stonework and stairs make much of the site unsuitable for buggies.
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55.8365, -5.0551