Top 5 Castles Near Glasgow

1. Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle is located in Uddingston just a 25 minute drive from our Easirent pick up point in Glasgow city centre and it’s the largest and finest 13th century stone castle in Scotland. The castle was a point of contention during the Scottish Wars of Independence due to its construction and its key location. Overlooking the beautiful River Clyde, Bothwell Castle is home to a 13th century prison tower, a 14th century great hall and a chapel. Entry prices range from £2.70 to £4.50 per person and there is plenty of parking available nearby for your Easirent hire car.

2. Newark Castle

Hop in your Easirent hire car and head to Newark Castle, which is just a 25 mile drive from our Glasgow city centre branch. Perfectly preserved, Newark Castle is still mostly intact, with the oldest part of the castle being built in the 15th century. The castle was built by George Maxwell around 1478 and was expanded upon by his descendant Patrick Maxwell in the 16th century. Neark Castle is open from 1 April to 30 September each year – make sure you visit, just to enjoy the stunning views of the Firth of Clyde alone, from the top of the castle tower.

3. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park

Less than a 20 mile drive from our Easirent branch in Glasgow city centre, is the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park – take the whole family along for a day filled with fun. Jam-packed with plenty of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, the castle and visitor centre is located on the banks of the beautiful Castle Semple Loch. Park up your hire car in the free onsite parking and take a stroll along one of the many nature trails and woodland walks.

4. Craignethan Castle

Reaching Craignethan Castle by road couldn’t be easier in your Easirent hire car. The castle is located less than 40 minutes away from our Glasgow city centre branch in the beautiful and rugged Lanarkshire. Perched proudly, overlooking the River Nethan, Craignethan Castle was built by Sir James Hamilton in the 16th century and has an outer and an inner courtyard, a main tower and a tower house. Visitors to the castle can enjoy a scenic walk along one of the nearby nature trails before relaxing with a coffee in the tea rooms.

5. Barr Castle

Barr Castle is situated a short 30 minute drive from our Easirent pick up point in Glasgow city centre and today it is little more than a ruin. Once a grand, four storey tower house with chambers on the upper floors and a grand entrance hall, Barr Castle is a solitary ruin on the landscape as little remains of its original form. Built by the Glen family in the 15th century, the castle was passed down to the Hamilton family, who eventually abandoned it in the 1800s where unfortunately it fell into disrepair.