Rothesay Castle

Cross the drawbridge over the moat and climb the "bloody stair" to the circular ramparts, or descend into a forbidding pit prison. This droughty stronghold, built in the 1200s, was twice besieged and captured by the Norse, who battered down the eastern wall with their axes. A short film tells this remarkable story. The castle has also been a royal base, Robert III died here and James IV used it to launch campaigns against the Lords of the Isles. 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily except Thur and Fri, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Closed for lunch 12 noon to 1pm.