List of castles in South Lanarkshire Facts for Kids

Welcome to the exciting world of castles in South Lanarkshire! This area in Scotland is home to many historic castles, from grand ruins to hidden towers. These old buildings tell us stories about knights, kings, and everyday life long ago. Some are still standing proudly, while others are just a few stones left, reminding us of their past. Let's explore some of these fascinating places!

Famous Castles to Explore
Other Interesting Castles
Castles That Are Gone
Images for kids
See also

Famous Castles to Explore

South Lanarkshire has several castles that are great to visit and learn about.

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle's Great Hall and South East Tower.

Bothwell Castle is a huge and impressive ruin from the 13th century. It's one of Scotland's largest and most important medieval castles. Imagine knights and lords walking through its grand halls! Today, Historic Scotland looks after it, so you can visit and explore its ancient walls. It's located near Bothwell.

Cadzow Castle

Cadzow Castle seen from the Duke's Bridge.

Hidden within Chatelherault Country Park, Cadzow Castle was built between 1500 and 1550. Even though it's a ruin now, parts of it were rebuilt in the 1700s to look like an old, romantic ruin, which is called a "folly." It's also cared for by Historic Scotland.

Craignethan Castle

Craignethan Castle.

Craignethan Castle is another fantastic ruin from the early 1500s. It's known for its strong defenses and unique design. You can find it near Crossford. Like Bothwell and Cadzow, Historic Scotland helps preserve this amazing piece of history.

Douglas Castle

The remaining tower of Douglas Castle.

Near Douglas, you'll find the ruins of Douglas Castle. This castle is also known as "Castle Dangerous." Only one tower from the 17th-century castle remains today, but it still stands as a reminder of its long history.

Strathaven Castle

Strathaven Castle.

Strathaven Castle is a tower house from the 14th century. It's a ruin now, but you can still visit it and walk around its grounds for free. It's located right in the town of Strathaven.

Other Interesting Castles

Many other castles in South Lanarkshire have fascinating stories, even if not much of them remains today.

Gilbertfield Castle

Gilbertfield Castle.

Gilbertfield Castle is a tower house built in 1607. It's a private ruin near Cambuslang, but its tall walls still stand, showing what a strong home it once was.

Tower of Hallbar

The restored Tower of Hallbar.

The Tower of Hallbar is a 16th-century tower house that has been beautifully restored. It's no longer a ruin; instead, it's used as holiday accommodation! Imagine staying in a real castle. It's located near Braidwood.

Lanark Castle

Lanark Castle might not have any remains left today, but it played a very important part in Scottish history. In 978, a king named Kenneth II held a special meeting there. Later, it was where the famous Scottish hero William Wallace first fought against the English, starting his fight for Scottish freedom! It was located in Lanark.

Lee Castle

A drawing of Lee Place in 1830.

Lee Castle is a historic house near Lanark. Parts of this building actually date back to the 13th century! Today, it's still lived in as a private home.

Mains Castle

Mains Castle in East Kilbride.

Mains Castle is a 15th-century tower house located in East Kilbride. Like Lee Castle, it's still occupied as a private residence today, showing how these historic buildings can still be part of modern life.

Castles That Are Gone

Many castles in South Lanarkshire have disappeared over time, but their names still tell us where they once stood.

Biggar Castle was a "motte and bailey" castle, an early type of castle built on a mound of earth. It's now a ruin near Biggar.
Boghouse Castle near Crawfordjohn and Calderwood Castle near East Kilbride (demolished in 1955) have no remains left.
Carstairs Castle from the 12th century also has no remains.
Crawford Castle near Crawford is a ruin, sometimes called Lindsay Tower.
Drumsagard Castle near Cambuslang is also a ruin.
Farme Castle in Rutherglen was a 15th-century keep and courtyard castle, but it was demolished in the 1960s.
Kilbride Castle near East Kilbride was a 12th-century keep and courtyard castle, now a ruin.
Lamington Tower near Lamington was a 16th-century tower house, now a ruin.
Roberton Castle near Roberton was a 12th-century motte and bailey castle, now a ruin.
Rutherglen Castle near Rutherglen was destroyed in 1569 and has no remains.
Tarbrax Castle near Tarbrax also has no remains.