Bothwell Castle
BEST FOR
Ages 7-15
ENTRY
from £2.50
WHERE
Glasgow
What it’s like
Red sandstone ruin on the Clyde with towers, grounds and woodland walks, though the main tower and great hall are shut for conservation.
This one's proper ruin territory rather than a polished heritage centre, and that's a big part of the appeal for kids who like clambering about somewhere that actually looks its age. There's still a good chunk of the castle open to explore along with the grounds, and the site backs onto semi-natural woodland that's meant to be full of flowers in spring, with access to the Clyde Walkway if you fancy stretching the visit into a proper walk.
Worth knowing before you set off: the main tower, south-east tower and great hall are currently closed while conservation work goes on, so you're not getting the full castle experience right now. They've dropped the ticket price to reflect that, which is a fair way to handle it, and at £2.50 a child it's not going to break the bank either way. Adults are £4.50, concessions £3.50, and up to two carers get in free per transaction if you need them.
It suits the older end of primary school and up rather than toddlers, the site's own age range starts at 7, and the donjon's uneven spiral staircase (fifty steps, narrow, rope handrail on one side only) isn't a place for little legs or buggies anyway. The rest is more manageable, with a level tarmac car park and accessible bays close to the entrance, though the car park itself is around 160 metres from the castle so it's a short walk in either way. Dogs are welcome outside if you're bringing one along.
Give it a couple of hours if you're doing the grounds and the woodland walk properly. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and they shut for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30pm, which catches people out if you turn up right on the dot. It's closed Mondays and Sundays, and shut over Christmas and New Year until 5 January.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 7 to 15, the spiral staircase rules out younger ones
- Last entry
- 30 minutes before closing
- Parking
- Small car park around 160 metres from castle entrance
- Wheelchairs
- Up to 2 carers free per transaction
- Dogs
- Welcome in outdoor areas
- Getting there by bus or train
- 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive south from Uddingston Station, via Main Street and Castle Avenue
- Nearest adapted toilet is at the nearby Tesco, not on site
- Closed Mondays, Sundays, and 25 December to 5 January
- Up to two accompanying carers get in free per transaction
- Uddingston Station is a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive away
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£4.50 for adults, £3.50 concession, £2.50 for kids aged 7 to 15. The price has been reduced while conservation work is ongoing.
Is it suitable for young children?
The site's own age range is 7 to 15, and the donjon staircase is steep and narrow with fifty steps, so it's not really a toddler visit.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's no booking link for general entry, just turn up in opening hours. If you need the accessible drop-off at the entrance, that's pre-booked separately on 0131 651 6758.
What's actually open at the moment?
The main tower, south-east tower and great hall are closed for conservation work. You can still explore much of the rest of the castle and the grounds.
Is there parking?
Yes, a small car park around 160 metres from the entrance, level tarmac with accessible bays. There's coach parking too but it's first come first served.
What time should we arrive?
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and the castle shuts for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, so time your visit around that.
Can dogs come?
Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The car park, ticket office and shop are step free, and a paved pathway runs along two sides with a 1:13 gradient. The donjon itself is only reachable via an uneven spiral staircase, so that part isn't accessible.
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